If a road trip around New South Wales (NSW) is on your radar then you will be wanting to know some of the best cities and towns to visit. Aside from Sydney, there are plenty of places with interesting history and a lot of charm just waiting to be visited. So start your engines, we are heading off road tripping around NSW to find out why you need to visit these mentioned must visit towns and cities.
Table of Contents
How to Get Around NSW
The best way to get around NSW is in your own vehicle. You can reach many of the places in this list by public transport (bus and or train) but you won’t have the flexibility that you do with a vehicle. If you don’t have a vehicle get a quote to rent one at DiscoverCars. And don’t forget to undertake a few car checks before taking off.
Must Visit NSW Towns and Cities
There are many cities and towns to visit in NSW. Whether you are on your big lap of Oz, doing a road trip or wanting a weekend staycation, here is a selection of suggested towns and cities in alphabetical order.
location of just a few of the towns in NSW to visit
Albury (and Wodonga)
Albury and Wodonga are twin cities separated geographically by the Murray River and by a state border. Albury is on the New South Wales side of the Murray River and Wodonga on the Victorian side. But they are usually said in the one breath – Albury Wodonga. You could say Albury and Wodonga are about a 5-6 hour drive south-west of Sydney and a 4-5 hour drive north of Melbourne.
Albury (and Wodonga) for a long time would be the half way mark on the long journey up or down the Hume Highway from Sydney to Melbourne. But the quest to reduce driving time has seen the Hume Highway upgraded with many towns being by-passed. If you come off the highway at Albury you will be pleasantly surprised. For Albury (and Wodonga) have plenty to see and do. One of the best ways to discover Albury is to drive the Albury Wodonga Loop. A road trip linking some of the best things to see and do in Albury and Wodonga.
Starting at Noreuil Park, you could spend time in the park walking along the Murray River. Then head to the Monument Hill War Memorial to get magnificent views over the town of Albury and down Dean Street, the main street of Albury to the Albury Train Station. Albury train station is a gorgeous old heritage listed building built from 1880 to 1881. Definitely walk through to the platform and discover one of the longest train platforms in Australia at 455-metre-long (1,493 ft).
Next stop on the Albury Wodonga loop is Lake Hume and the Hume Dam. Hume Dam, formerly the Hume Weir, is a major dam across the Murray River. It was built in the years after World War 1. When finished in 1936 it was one of the biggest dams in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world.
On leaving Lake Hume and the Hume Dam next stop could be the Bonegilla Migrant Experience. This is a post war immigration centre that housed over 300,000 migrants. Then get more great view over the area at Huon Hill Lookout. It is then a short drive back to Albury at which time you can tick Albury off your must visit NSW towns and cities list while road tripping around NSW.
Hume Dam & longest NSW station at Albury Train Station
Bathurst
When I think of Bathurst, I always think of the Bathurst 1000, an endurance car race for V8s held every October long weekend on Mount Panorama in Bathurst. And this is the reason many visit Bathurst. Yep, to drive the track, which is a regular road when racing isn’t on. It is very interesting and fun to drive the track and see the finish line. In fact, driving around the track once isn’t usually enough and you can find yourself driving it a few times for the thrill. Once driven, a visit to the Australian Motor Racing Museum at Murray’s Corner on the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit is on the cards.
There are other things to do in Bathurst after visiting Mount Panorama. See 2000 rare fossils, a full-size T-rex dinosaur and marvel at the crystal display on a visit to the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. Visit the home of former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley & his wife, Elizabeth. Love trains? See the miniature trains on a visit to the Bathurst Rail Museum. Love art? Check out the latest exhibitions at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. Put your walking shoes on and walk around Bathurst town and check out the old buildings. And one of my favourite things to do in Bathurst. Enjoy some of the local food, wine or beer at Wags and Whiskey or Reckless Brewing. And have an ice cream at Annies Ice-Cream Parlour – a Bathurst institution.
Bathurst Museum located on Murray’s Corner of the Mount Panorama Circuit
Broken Hill
Broken Hill should be added to your road tripping around NSW list. Founded in 1883, Broken Hill is a frontier mining town in the far west of New South Wales, in the Australian outback. And is Australia’s first heritage-listed city. Mining aside, it is probably best known for where Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and the Mad Max movies were filmed. So you probably know what the geography will look like. And you aren’t far wrong as there are plenty of open roads stretching for miles through rugged flat red dirt terrain.
Some of the best things to see and do in Broken Hill include discovering its mining history at the Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum. The city itself has lots of historic buildings and a visit to the The Palace Hotel should be on the cards. There is a thriving art scene in Broken Hill with numerous galleries including The Pro Hart Gallery. Pro Hart, an Australian artist known as the father of the Australian Outback painting movement. In nearby Silverton you can visit the disused 19th-century Daydream Mine and also pop into the Silverton Hotel. And Mad Max fans will want to visit the Mad Max 2 Museum. Located at 9 Stirling Street, Silverton, it is Australia’s first and only museum dedicated to the Mad Max 2 movie and features a large collection of props, vehicles and memorabilia. A visit to the Living Desert Sculptures in The Living Desert State Park, will provide a great natural walking experience in its 2400 hectares of protected outback scenery. You will be glad to added Broken Hill to your list of must visit NSW cities to visit as you will experience the great Australian outback.
Best time to visit Broken Hill. Broken Hill can experience extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter. Best times are Spring and Autumn when temperatures are nice.
Mad Max Museum, outside Broken Hill
Canberra, ACT
Canberra is actually in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) but the ACT is located within the state of NSW so if road tripping around NSW, you might as well include a visit to Canberra. Canberra being the capital of Australia is home to a lot of ‘national’ things. And these things are the places you will visit while holidaying in Canberra. The National War Memorial. Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre. National Dinosaur Museum. National Museum of Australia. And National Library to name a few ‘nationals’.
No visit to Canberra should be had without visiting Australia’s Parliament House – both new and old. A walk around Australia’s Parliament House will provide a greater understanding of how Australia is governed. After all this learning, get great views of Canberra from Mount Ainslie Lookout. Then perhaps take a walk around Lake Burley Griffin before visiting some of Canberra’s great wineries.
Mount Ainslie Lookout looking to Parliament House
Eden
Eden, on the far south coast, or the Sapphire Coast of NSW is the last town before you leave NSW or the first town on arriving from Victoria on the Pacific Highway. And definitely worth a visit for its mix of natural beauty and historical attractions. Built on the whale trade one of the best things to see and do in Eden is to visit the Killer Whale Museum. Learn the history of whaling in the area and discover the tale of ‘Old Ben’ whose skeleton is in the museum. Maybe even spot some humpback whales as they migrate up and down the coast. Eden is a great spot to see whales on the ‘Humpback Highway‘.
After discovering about whales take a walk through town and visit boutique stores dotted with cafes. Just outside Eden is the Ben Boyd National Park or Beowa National Park which is officially its name implemented in 2022. This is to acknowledge the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area. And the name is very apt with Beowa meaning orca or killer whale in the Thaua language.
As well as plenty of hikes you could undertake in the park you can also enjoy some beautiful beaches. Including Aslings Beach located on the northern shores of Twofold Bay. The beach offers both surf and swimming in the rock pool, which is a local’s family-favourite. So if visiting Eden with kids this is a great place to spend some time. There are also dog-friendly beaches in Eden if travelling with your furry friend.
Definitely add Eden to your NSW road trip, particularly if you road tripping along the NSW east coast.
Old Ben in the Killer Whale Museum, Eden
Evans Head
Favourite NSW town of Shannon @ The Savvy Tourist
Tucked away on a stretch of stunning coastline in northern New South Wales, Evans Head is a laid-back coastal gem perfect for those chasing endless stretches of white sandy beaches, sunshine, surfing and fishing.
This small coastal town is a favourite with surfers and fisherman alike, thanks to its consistent beach breaks and easy river access. It’s also not uncommon to spot pods of dolphins playing in the surf, adding a touch of magic to your morning swim or surf.
Evans Head is ideal if you’re after a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Byron Bay. Located about one hour south of Byron and just under 40 minutes from Ballina. It offers the perfect weekend escape without the crowds.
The Evans River is perfect for fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, and the beaches and headland popular for both swimming and surfing, providing many different surf breaks.
For those who love to explore, there are some lovely coastal walks leading to scenic headlands and lookout points. Make sure to visit the Evans Head Headland and Chinamans Beach for even more secluded beaches.
During winter be sure to keep your eyes peeled for whales during migration season.
Dining options are low-key but satisfying, including cafes, the fish and chip shop, a bakery, and the local Bowlo (Evans Head Bowling Club). This serves as a central hub for meals and live entertainment on weekends.
Whether you’re chasing waves, or simply looking to unwind by the coast, Evans Head is a true hidden treasure.
enjoy the surf at Evans Head
Holbrook
Holbrook is a small country town along the Hume Highway. It is a great place to stop and rest if you are making the long drive between Melbourne and Sydney. The biggest attraction is the submarine. Yep, you read right, the submarine.
Holbrook was originally known as Germanton. But thanks to World War I Germanton town leaders decided Germanton was no longer an appropriate town name. It was at this time a Lt Norman Holbrook’s name hit world headlines. He led a daring underwater raid with a British submarine into the Dardanelles to torpedo and sink the Turkish battleship ‘Mesudiye’. Back at Germanton, it was suggested that Holbrook would be a good name for the town. So in 1915 Germanton was renamed Holbrook.
During the subsequent years after the war, Lt Holbrook made a number of visits to the town. And a link was developed between the town and the RAN Submarine Squadron. This led to the Navy gifting Holbrook the fin of the decommissioned HMAS Otway. Instead, several thousand dollars were raised to purchase the whole HMAS Otway submarine. And in 1997 the submarine was introduced into the Submarine Memorial Park.
The biggest drawcard to Holbrook is the submarine and it is pretty cool to see. The submarine sits proudly in Submarine Park with plenty of parking for cars, RVs and caravans. There is a great park with plenty of room to stretch your legs and for kids to run around. There are tables and chairs so you can have something to eat or walk up to the Submarine Cafe for a bit to eat. And of course, you can climb onto the submarine and walk from the front to the back of it, which is a fun thing to do in Holbrook on any visit. And a great place to visit when road tripping around NSW.
Holbrook is more than a submarine. If you walk through town you will see many old buildings. In them you will find places such as the Woolpack Inn Museum and the National Museum of Australian Pottery. One of my favourites is the award winning Holbrook Bakery. Their pies are some of the best I’ve tasted.
Holbrook submarine
Jindabyne
Favourite town of Jan @ Leisurely Drives
Jindabyne is a picturesque town located about 2 hours drive from Canberra and about 3 and half hours drive from Sydney. It is located on the shores of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountain region in the Koscuizko National Park.
Lake Jindabyne is a machine-made reservoir and along with Jindabyne Dam, it serves to generate hydropower and for irrigation and water supply. The lake is the perfect place to enjoy awesome sunsets and long walks. The lake is also a fun place for canoeing, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing activities.
Jindabyne is also used as a good base for snow related activities because it is close to ski resorts in Thredbo and Perisher. Mount Koscuizko, located in the Snowy Mountains, is the highest mountain in Australia. During Winter and even during some Springtime, this place is busy with Koscuiszko Express scenic chairlift rides offering panoramic views of the place.
Perisher valley offers opportunities for long walks and hikes. Perisher to Blue Cow link trail (about 10 kms) gives you fantastic views of Blue Cow Mountain, the Brindabella Range and Schlinks Pass. Two other popular walks are Porcupine walk and Illawong walk. Thredbo village, with a stream running through it, is quite popular for its vibrant atmosphere with cafes, bars and shops.
Jindabyne offers unique experiences for the first time Australia visitor and can easily be accessed as a short weekend trip from Canberra.
Lake Jindabyne
Katoomba
Must see city of Chelsea from Adventures of Chels.
A must see city to visit in Australia’s NSW, is without a doubt Katoomba. With its easy access by road and proximity to the best hikes and view points, Katoomba is a great base for visiting Australia’s Blue Mountains.
A great way to get a full overview of the Blue Mountains is to spend a day at Scenic World. Don’t be deceived by the name of this place, (which may sound touristy). It’s absolutely worth a visit! Opt to experience all three forms of transportation offered at Scenic World which include a railway, cableway, and skyway. Each “ride” offers incredible views of the Blue Mountains and surrounding area. At the bottom of the railway and cableway are about 1.5 miles (2.4k) of boardwalk paths which allow you to explore the rainforest below by foot.
With a car there’s some great hikes and viewpoints that are worth visiting to go deeper into the Blue Mountains. These include Darwin’s Walk, Wentworth Falls Lookout, Evans Lookout, and Govetts Leap lookout.
*When visiting the area consider bringing some snacks and water along, as food options are a little limited.*
Enjoy your time visiting Katoomba and the beautiful Blue Mountains!
Three Sisters, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Kiama
Favourite must NSW town of Shandos @ Travelnuity
The town of Kiama is a popular tourist destination on the NSW South Coast. Located just two hours south of Sydney, it’s close enough for a day trip or perfect for a weekend away by the seaside.
Kiama is most famous for its Blowhole. The largest blowhole in the world, you’re in for a treat if you visit when seas are high and water and spray regularly launches high into the air above it. Just make sure you stay well behind the fence, both for your own safety and to stay dry.
Kiama is also home to many other attractions. Just to north of the Blowhole are the calmer waters of Kiama Harbour, also home to the Kiama Seaside Markets held on every Sunday. There are beautiful beaches to the north and south, including Kiama Surf Beach, Jones Beach and Werri Beach at Gerringong.
If you’re feeling energetic, follow the 20km-long Kiama Coast Walk along the coastline. Or head inland to the lush green countryside around Jamberoo, enjoy a rainforest walk at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre or walk high above the trees at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. Accommodation options range from caravan parks and cabins to luxury holiday homes suitable for families.
Packing in so much to see, from the beaches to the rainforest, and easily accessible from Sydney, it’s no wonder Kiama is an ideal destination to visit for first time visitors to NSW.
The calm waters of Kiama Harbour
Newcastle
Best city in NSW to visit of Melinda @ Mel on the Go
Newcastle is a harbour city with a notorious past and a bright future a short two hours north of Sydney. With beautiful beaches and a bustling nightlife, this coastal town has big city attractions.
Newcastle is home to some of the best beaches on the New South Wales coast. With surfing beaches and multiple swimming spots, Newcastle is a great place to cool off. It’s also home to the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere, the Merewether BathsNewcastle’s iconic Merewether Ocean pools
For history buffs, Newcastle has Fort Scratchley, atop the entrance to the Hunter River. Here is the only Australian fort to fire on an enemy ship in wartime when it fired at a Japanese sub in WWII. The Fort offers tours, 600 meters of tunnels, a museum, and a firing of the cannons every day at 1PM.
New South Wales’ second biggest city has the relaxed vibe of a big town with a city culture. Stop at one of many art galleries, or enjoy a stroll while admiring the colorful murals decorating the buildings throughout town.
After exploring, relax at one of Newcastle’s many craft breweries and beer bars. Affectionately called “Newy,” the city has recently been anointed Brewcastle. A beer trail highlights venues offering games, live music, and of course, fresh brews.
So now you want to go to Newcastle. Getting there is easy. Trains and buses run from Sydney, and flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and more everyday.
Sydney
great views of Sydney Harbour from the Zoo
Tamworth
Tamworth is a city and administrative centre of the north-eastern region of New South Wales, Australia and is known as Australia’s country music capital.
And you can’t visit Tamworth without a visit to the 12 metre high Golden Guitar. The guitar sits proudly at the Tamworth Visitors Centre. Here you can grab a bite to eat and check out some of the music-related and not so music related souvenirs on offer. You will also find two museums here: ‘The Gallery of Stars’ Wax Museum and the ‘National Guitar Museum’. If you love guitars you will enjoy seeing the autographed guitars from Australian and International country music icons. Guitars from Smoky Dawson, Brian May (Queen) and Paul Stanley (KISS) to name a few.
Don’t forget to have a walk around Tamworth town. The streets are wide and some of the buildings old and interesting. For a magnificent view over Tamworth and beyond follow White Street all the way to the Oxley Scenic Lookout.
Tamworth swells with visitors during January when Tamworth hosts the country music awards with the golden guitar the main prize. Buskers of all ages busk on the streets and you can boot scoot with the best of them. It is a very exciting time to visit Tamworth and if you plan to be there during your NSW road tripping at that time, book early.
Golden guitar
Finally, Which NSW Town or City will you be visiting?
This post only touches on the number of cities and towns in NSW you can visit. But it is a start! Which NSW towns and cities have you been to?
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