The best scenic drives around Sydney

Like any city, Sydney has its fair share of rush hour traffic and let's face it, driving bumper to bumper through any city, even one as beautiful as Sydney can get tiresome very quickly. So if you fancy some open road where you can actually roll down the windows, try one of our favourite scenic drives around Sydney.

Grand Pacific Drive

If you love the sea, then the Grand Pacific Drive is one of the best coastal drives to do just outside the city. It starts about 45 minutes south of Sydney, but it's well worth the effort. Hop on the road and enjoy as many hours of breathtaking coastal scenery as you like as the highway passes through Wollongong, Kiama, and Jervis Bay. There are scores of places to stop along the way to drink in the views (and some coffee) as the road runs past plenty of seaside towns. Most opt to drive as far as Wollongong, grab a bite to eat, and then head back to the city. But we reckon it's worth heading just a little bit further to Cleveland Point Lighthouse just for the photo ops.

Kangaroo Valley

Another drive that's to the south of the city, this is a road trip that many like to spend a whole weekend enjoying as there are lots of things to see and do in Kangaroo Valley besides driving. It's a two-hour drive from Sydney so you can do it in a day, but expect to spend a lot of time behind the wheel. The drive starts in Nowra and takes you through lush rainforest, past waterfalls, over Cambewarra Mountain and finishes in Goulburn. Bring a packed lunch and stop off at one of the many picnic areas or spend the night camping at Gambells Rest.

Greater Blue Mountains Drive

You didn't think we'd forget the Blue Mountains, did you? It's only two hours to one of the most visited and scenic areas in NSW and it's a must on any Australian driver's bucket list. Now, this drive is a good one but be warned; you'll be making plenty of stops as you simply can't head for the Blue Mountains without dropping into the Jenolan Caves or stopping to check out The Three Sisters. The Greater Blue Mountains Drive has a total of 18 other trips that you can take off the main route to check out the incredible sights and vistas so like we said, expect to stop a lot!

Bells Line of Road

Okay so you might think we're cheating a bit here by having two Blue Mountains drives on the list, but seriously, the scenery is out of this world. Bells Line of Road is definitely the most scenic route to the mountains which is why it deserves a mention of its own. It takes you from Richmond to Lithgow, takes about an hour to drive and offers spectacular views and a few spots where you can buy some fresh apples if the season is right. What more could you ask for?

The Legendary Pacific Coast Drive

And last but certainly by no means least we have the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive from Sydney to Brisbane. Now we're not for one second suggesting that you just hop in the car and make for Brisbane (although it does sound like fun), but the drive from Sydney to Central Coast takes in The Entrance which is a great spot for a short drive out of the city. This drive will take about an hour and takes in some pretty scenic spots and plenty of beaches where you can stop off for a swim. If you're feeling really adventurous, then keep going, and you might make it as far as Port Macquarie.

There are plenty of other shorter drives that take you through some epic countryside and picturesque coastal regions, but for pure driving enjoyment, these five drives are our favourites. Such amazing roads and spectacular views prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that there's much more to Sydney than the Harbour and Opera House. So if you're not from the city, next time you're Sydney bound, do yourself a favour and get out of the city on one of these amazing scenic drives.

Are you a Sydneysider in need of a car to enjoy the stunning countryside just outside the city? Give us a call on 1300 STRATTON (787 288), and one of our consultants will be happy to help you secure the finance for your new or used car.