A road trip is special when you make it about the journey and not the destination. A drive to, and through, the Shoalhaven will take you through picturesque national parks and natural landscapes. From Sydney, the Shoalhaven can be reached in 160kms, winding along the southern portion of the pristine east coast. A 200km trip from Canberra takes drivers through remote country towns showcasing Australia’s rich heritage. And the 850km journey northwards from Melbourne guides you through the lovely seaside hamlets of the Sapphire Coast. Sample local wines and produce along the way or buy something for someone special at our many towns and villages. Pack your bags and hit the road!

Royal National Park and Sea Cliff Bridge

Sydney road trippers, slow things down, skip the highway and take the scenic route along the coast. Drive through the lush Royal National Park and come out onto epic Sea Cliff Bridge. The views of the Tasman are just majestic as you wind your way along the coastline. Stop off near Kiama Blowhole before continuing along the coastal road through Gerringong, arriving at the seaside enclave Shoalhaven Heads. A great lunch spot is the lush Bangalay Dining, so make a pit stop and refuel. Beautiful Seven Mile Beach is literally at the restaurant’s doorstep, so why not take a dip before continuing along the drive?

Main Road 92, the quickest route from Canberra to the Coast!

Did you know that Jervis Bay isn’t actually part of NSW? In 1915, the Australian government wanted a national port, and Jervis Bay Peninsula was the closest ocean to Canberra. Canberrans can reach Jervis Bay in a 2.5hour road trip through country towns, offering a slice of historic Australiana. As you reach the Shoalhaven, you’ll enter through Morton National Park and its breathtaking escarpments. This drive is a spectacular welcome to our unspoilt region! Check out the detailed map and blog about road tripping along Main Road 92.

Coast to the Highlands: Scenic Drive via Kangaroo Valley

Leading from Nowra to Goulburn, through the beautiful Kangaroo Valley, this drive will entice nature lovers to embark on mini-adventures. Make it a family day out or camp near hiking hotspot Bundanoon at Gambells Rest Campground. Journey over Cambewarra Mountain to Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park, a magnificent sight after heavy rain. Be sure to stop at lookouts along the way for spectacular elevated views over the deep gorges and wilderness. Find out more about this drive here.

Tourist Drive 4 – Bay And Basin

Leave the highway for a loop along the stunning southern section of the White Sands Coast of Jervis Bay and Basin. You’ll be hard pressed to pick a favourite spot thanks to the diversity of ways to eat, play and stay. Adventures on the water are the hero here, but you’ll discover a blossoming produce and market scene, great golf courses and short coastal walks. This route takes you through Jervis Bay National Park, Booderee National Park, Huskisson, Vincentia, Sanctuary Point and St Georges Basin. Map and more info here!

Melbourne Coastal Drive Through The Sapphire Coast

Melbournians, you lucky devils! This route will guide you through the pristine Sapphire Coast and its charming seaside villages of Eden, Pambula and Bermagui. Stop for lunch and sample some fresh oysters or indulge in a delicious pie, perfect additions to a good, old Australian road trip! Before reaching these towns, make sure to stretch your legs at Ben Boyd National Park. You can embark upon the famous multi-day Light to Light Hike by car instead, completing the journey in sections over a day and setting up camp underneath the sparkling stars. We can’t think of a better way to take a rest before continuing along the drive the next morning.