We love Sydney. It’s got the harbour, the beaches, and the bars. But let’s be real: it’s also loud, expensive, and crowded.
Sometimes, for the sake of your sanity, you just need to get out.
The good news is that New South Wales has some of the best road trip country in the world, and most of it is just a few hours from the CBD. Whether you want mountains, wine, or white sand, it’s all within reach.
Here are our top 3 picks for escaping the grind this weekend.
The Blue Mountains (The Classic Reset)
It’s the obvious choice for a reason. Just 90 minutes west of the city, the air is cleaner, the temperature is cooler, and the vibe is completely different.
The Drive: Skip the tourist trap of Echo Point. Drive a little further to Blackheath or majestic Govetts Leap. The roads up here are winding and fun to drive; perfect for a solid SUV that handles corners well.
Pro Tip: If you’re flying in for a quick visit, don’t waste time navigating city traffic. Grab a car hire from Sydney Airport and head straight to the M4 motorway. You’ll be in the mountains before your mates in the city have even found a parking spot at Bondi.
The Hunter Valley (For the Foodies)
If your idea of relaxation involves a cheese platter and a glass of Semillon, head north. The Hunter is Australia’s oldest wine region, and it feels like a different country.
The Drive: It’s about a two-hour cruise up the M1. It’s an easy highway drive, so you don’t need a rugged off-roader—a comfortable sedan or a premium hatch is perfect for cruising between cellar doors.
Note: If you’re the designated driver, you’re the MVP. We’ve got spacious cars so you can at least drive in comfort while your passengers nap on the way home.
Jervis Bay (The Beach Escape)
The city beaches are great, but they are packed. If you want white sand that squeaks when you walk on it, you need to go south.
The Drive: This is one of the best drives in the state. Take the Grand Pacific Drive and go over the Sea Cliff Bridge—it’s that famous winding road that hugs the ocean cliffside. It adds a bit of time to the trip, but the view is unbeatable.
Once you arrive at Hyams Beach, you’ll realise why you made the effort.
The Logistics
Public transport in regional NSW is spotty at best. To really explore these spots, you need your own wheels.
If you don’t own a car (or yours isn’t up to a highway trip), we can sort you out. We have reliable, clean vehicles ready to go. Check our latest rates for car rental in Sydney and book your escape vehicle today.
