Top 5 Road Trips From Sydney With Kids 

Australia is a perfect place to explore on a road trip, as it boasts some of the world’s most stunning and unique landscapes. If you’re in Sydney and want to explore New South Wales on road trips, this blog is for you. 

Here, we bring you 5 of the best road trips from Sydney to take with your kids. With the immense natural beauty, stunning landscapes and exciting attractions near Sydney, you and your kids will have plenty of fun and adventure along the way. 

graphic image text top 5 road trips from Sydney with kids

Top 5 Road Trips From Sydney With Your Kids 

From stunning beaches to breathtaking mountain ranges, there are plenty of amazing sights and activities that will keep your kids entertained along the way.

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Family crossing the bridge to Thredbo ski resort in the Snowy Mountains in winter. Phoo credit: Destination NSW

1. Sydney to Kosciuszko

Taking a road trip from Sydney to Kosciuszko with kids can be a thrilling and scenic journey. The drive takes around 6 hours and provides stunning views of the Snowy Mountains and the surrounding landscape. 

To make the trip more enjoyable for the kids, you can stop at interesting locations such as:

Bowral – see our guide here

Canberra, which has so many fun things to do with kids.

Cooma – the gateway to the Snowy Mountains

Don’t forget to pack necessary items such as warm clothing, sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. With proper planning, a road trip from Sydney to Kosciuszko with kids can be a memorable adventure for the whole family.

Lake Crackenback Resort Spa
Lake Crackenback Resort is a terrific family-friendly Snowy Mountains Rresort, read our Lake Crackenback Resort review here.
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Stop in at Port Stephens on your road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay.
Photo credit: Destination NSW

2. Sydney to Byron Bay

If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip from Sydney, why not follow the Pacific Coast northwards and check out some of the most picturesque towns?  This is a long road trip, taking at least 8 hours so why not stop over in one of the towns on the way so you can split the journey into two?

Start at Port Stephens – a seaside town known for its dolphin-watching opportunities, as well as having the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Take some time to explore Myall Lake National Park, and if you’re lucky enough to catch a sunset, don’t miss the chance to photograph Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. 

You might like to spend a night or two at Forster- our guide is here.

Continue on your journey and take some time to explore the attractions at Sea Acres National Park in Port Macquarie, or spend a day having fun with the family at the Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour.

Jervis Bay map Currarong
Beautiful Jervis Bay, an ideal holiday hotspot for families.

3. Sydney to Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay is a glittering blue treasure on the New South Wales South Coast, boasting stunningly picturesque coastlines. Planning a road trip from Sydney to this beautiful destination is an ideal way to enjoy the picturesque South Coast. 

Taking around 2 and a half hours, the drive will be full of amazing sights and experiences. Along the way you’ll pass by stunning beaches, lush national parks and magnificent rainforest.

To make the trip more enjoyable for the kids, plan stops at interesting places such as the Kiama Blowhole, the Minnamurra Rainforest, or in the beautiful village of Berry with its fantastic playground.

25 Things To Do Jervis Bay
Click image to read more about fun things to do with kids at Jervis Bay.
Mereweather Beach
Morning exercise at Merewether Beach, Newcastle. Photo credit: Destination NSW

4. Sydney to Newcastle

Taking a road trip from Sydney to Newcastle with kids can be a fun and exciting adventure. The drive takes around 2+ hours and offers scenic views along the way. 

It is advisable to plan breaks and stopovers at interesting places such as the historic town of Gosford, the beautiful beaches of the Central Coast, or even just a park for the kids to stretch their legs. 

Check out our Newcastle family guide for all the info you need to plan your family visit to Newcastle.

mist over brokenback range
The stunning Hunter Valley never disappoints

5. Sydney to the Hunter Valley

A road trip from Sydney to Hunter Valley with kids can be an enjoyable and educational experience. The journey takes around 2+ hours non-stop and provides an opportunity to see the scenic countryside along the way. 

We recommend you stop at various points of attraction to make the best out of your trip, for example, the lovely beaches of the Central Coast. You can also follow our road trip guide going inland via Bucketty and Wollombi here.

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Country scenes in Wollombi

Five Tips About Taking a Road Trip With Your Kids

Taking a road trip with your kids can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the journey. Here are five tips about taking a road trip with your kids that will help make the adventure as stress-free as possible.  

1.  Plan Ahead

When taking a road trip with your kids, it is important to plan ahead as much as possible. This means making sure you have a route mapped out and that you know where all of the rest stops and gas stations will be. 

It is also a good idea to pack snacks and drinks for the drive, as well as any toys or games that will keep your kids entertained.

2.  Take Breaks

It is important to take breaks when driving with young children, as they can get antsy and cranky if they are cooped up for too long. 

If possible, plan your route so that you can stop at playgrounds or parks along the way, or make sure to stop every few hours so that your kids can run around and stretch their legs.

3.  Be Prepared for Disasters

No matter how well you plan, there is always a chance that something could go wrong on a road trip. Make sure you are prepared for any eventuality by packing a first-aid kit, bringing along a spare tire, and having a plan for what to do if you get lost. 

4.  Keep Your Cool

It is important to keep your cool when taking a road trip with your kids, as getting angry or frustrated will only make the situation worse. If things start to go wrong, take a deep breath and remember that the most important thing is to get to your destination safely.

5.  Have Fun!

Above all else, remember that taking a road trip with your kids should be fun! So relax, enjoy the ride, and make some great memories along the way.

Enjoy These Road Trips From Sydney With Your Kids!

In conclusion, road trips from Sydney with kids can be a fantastic way to bond with your family and create lasting memories. The five destinations mentioned in this blog provide a range of options for families looking to escape the city and explore new, exciting places. 

With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable road trip for the whole family. So, pack your bags and hit the road with your kids for an adventure you’ll never forget. 

You might also enjoy our articles about:

Sydney to Canberra Road Trip

Road Trip To Dubbo via Orange

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1 Comment

  1. says: BabyTrain

    I really enjoyed reading your article about the top 5 road trips from Sydney with kids! It’s always important to prioritize safety when traveling with children, and I appreciated the mention of booster car seats. As a parent, I know how crucial it is to have the right car seat for my child’s age and weight. I also liked the practical tips for packing and preparing for a road trip. Thank you for sharing your insights and recommendations!
    Thanks
    Baby Train
    https://www.babytrain.com.au/c/carsafety/boosters4-8yrs-19

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