The Perfect Canberra to Sydney Road Trip via the NSW South Coast
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Sea Cliff Bridge, Coalcliff, NSW
Planning a road trip from Canberra to Sydney? As a South Coast local, I've spent years exploring this stretch of coastline and still find new places to visit every time I hit the road! From secluded beaches and coastal walks to small towns and local favourites, this itinerary includes some of the spots I always recommend to friends and family visiting the region!
To make planning easy, we've included our FREE interactive map below featuring all our favourite stops, viewpoints, photo locations, and places to stay. Feel free to save the spots that interest you and use it to plan your own Canberra to Sydney road trip along the NSW South Coast.
Road Trip Overview
Route: Canberra → Batemans Bay → Pebbly Beach → Jervis Bay → Berry → Kiama → Wollongong → Sydney
Distance: Approx. 500km
Duration: We recommend allowing 7 - 14 days to fully enjoy the route.
Best time to go: September – April is ideal for beach weather and swimming, although this road trip can be enjoyed year-round.
We're currently travelling Australia full-time in a 2025 Jayco Destiny Mercedes Sprinter, and this route is perfect for motorhomes, caravans, and road trippers alike. If you're interested in seeing more of our setup and what it's like living on the road, check out our full van tour over on YouTube!
canberra: Exploring Australia's Capital City
As the starting point of this road trip, Canberra completely surprised us! Known for its museums and political landmarks, it's also incredibly green, bike-friendly, and packed with things to do. I recommend 3 - 4 days here if you have the time for a longer trip.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Canberra Park
Canberra Park is a fantastic base for exploring the city, with spacious sites, great facilities, and easy access to Canberra's major attractions. It's also conveniently located for cycling, and hopping on the tram.
Best Things to Do
• Parliament House and Old Parliament House – One of Canberra's most iconic landmarks and well worth exploring. *Hot TipIf you're cycling, bikes can be parked underground for free! Highly recommend the Entry is free.
• Cycle Around Lake Burley Griffin – Canberra is one of Australia's most bike-friendly cities, and cycling around the lake is one of the best ways to see it. Expect beautiful scenery, picnic spots, and plenty of waterfront views!
• National Museum of Australia – A standout attraction with interactive exhibits and fascinating stories about Australia's history, culture, and people. A favourite of ours! Entry is free.
• Australian War Memorial – One of the most moving experiences in Canberra. Entry is free, and the galleries are incredibly well done. It's a place to learn about Australia's military history and pay your respects to the servicemen and women who have served and sacrificed for the country. Allow plenty of time to explore.
• Anzac Parade – A beautiful avenue lined with memorials connecting Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial.
• Mount Ainslie Lookout – The best viewpoint in Canberra, offering panoramic views over Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House, and the city skyline. Sunset here is a must.
• Canberra Centre – Great for shopping, dining, and exploring. The lower level has a unique Japanese-inspired precinct with neon lights, restaurants, and bars, we ate here multiple nights!
Food & Dining
Canberra has an impressive food scene, with everything from waterfront cafés around Lake Burley Griffin to international restaurants and hidden bars throughout the city. We particularly enjoyed grabbing food around Canberra Centre after a day of exploring, with plenty of options ranging from casual dining to unique Japanese-inspired eateries.
2. Batemans Bay: Stunning Beaches and Coastal Views
Located around 150km from Canberra (approximately a 2-hour drive), Batemans Bay is where this road trip swaps city streets for stunning coastline. As you leave Canberra behind and descend through the Clyde Mountain region, the scenery transforms into lush bushland, turquoise waters, and golden beaches.
The Far South Coast is one of our favourite parts of New South Wales, known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and endless opportunities to get outdoors.
Where to stay: Pleasurelea Tourist Park, Sunshine Bay
Pleasurelea Tourist Park is perfectly positioned right on the coastline at Sunshine Bay and makes an excellent base for exploring the Batemans Bay region. With beachfront access and spacious sites, it's easy to settle in and enjoy a slower pace.
Best Things to Do
• Observation Point Lookout – One of the best viewpoints in the area, offering panoramic views over Batemans Bay, the coastline, and surrounding islands.
• Explore Batemans Bay Town Centre – Wander through local shops, browse the marina precinct, and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
• Beach Hopping – Spend time exploring the many beaches around Batemans Bay, perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water.
• Sunshine Bay Coastal Walks – Enjoy scenic coastal walks right from your campsite with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and ocean views.
Food & Dining
A visit to Drift Café is a must for breakfast or coffee, with a great atmosphere and delicious food. Batemans Bay also has plenty of cafés, restaurants, and local shops to explore, making it an easy place to spend a few days enjoying the coast.
3. Durras: Rugged Coastline and Nature Adventures
Lakesea Tourist Park via G’Day Parks, South Durras, NSW
Our next stop was Durras, a small town within Murramarang National Park. We stayed at Lakesea Tourist Park, right on the beach and steps from the lake - it was a PERFECT! I recommend grass spot number 1, as its a private spot surrounded by bushes and private beach access.
Durras is great for kayaking, cycling around town, and exploring the national park. We did the Wasp Head Walk, which offers dramatic coastal views, and spent time on Durras Beach, perfect for a peaceful swim. About 20 minutes away, Pebbly Beach stole our hearts — kangaroos grazing on the sand with aqua-blue waters made it a highlight of our trip. Camping here is said to be incredible for an overnight adventure.
4. Ulladulla: Lakes, Sunrises & Coastal Dining
Ulladulla was our next stop, and it offered a great mix of relaxed holiday vibes and outdoor activities. We stayed at Discovery Parks Ulladulla, which was an excellent base for exploring the area. The park itself has plenty to keep you entertained, including putt putt, bird feeding, and equipment hire for the lake, making it ideal for a laid-back stay.
One of our favourite experiences was kayaking on Burrill Lake, where the calm waters and surrounding bushland made for a peaceful paddle. For early risers, Dolphin Point is a must - it’s an incredible spot to watch the sunrise over the ocean, with sweeping coastal views.
We also cycled from Ulladulla to Mollymook Beach. It’s a beautiful ride, but be prepared… it’s definitely hilly, so take your time or opt for an e-bike if you have one!
For a special night out, we recommend Bannisters Pavilion. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Ulladulla, so grabbing a cab is the easiest option. The views, food, and atmosphere make it well worth the trip. For more casual eating spots, check out the 5 star rated Lagom Bakery for pastries and coffee, and stop by the local fish and chip shop.
5. Shoalhaven Heads & Jervis Bay: White Sands & Coastal Charm
Next, we explored Shoalhaven Heads and nearby Jervis Bay, home to some of the whitest sand and clearest water in Australia. We stayed at what soon became one ofour favourite spots, Mountain View Resort, Shoalhaven Heads which was a peaceful retreat surrounded by palm trees and equipped with excellent facilities.
A visit to Booderee National Park is an absolute must and easily one of the highlights of the NSW South Coast. Located within Jervis Bay, Booderee is a protected national park managed by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, offering a pristine mix of beaches, coastal bushland, and rich cultural heritage. There is a $20 entry fee per vehicle, but it’s well worth it for access to some of the most beautiful beaches in NSW in my opinion!
Murrays Beach is one of the park’s standouts, with calm, sheltered waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The water here is incredibly clear, we saw Dolphins and Wobbegong sharks and the surrounding bushland makes it feel peaceful and untouched. Hyams Beach, located outside the National Park is famous for having some of the whitest sand in the world, and another must-see — the contrast between the bright sand and turquoise water is simply stunning and perfect for photos.
For a more secluded experience, Honeymoon Bay is a hidden gem tucked away within the park. It’s a quieter spot, great for snorkelling, relaxing on the sand, or enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature.
Beyond the beaches, Booderee National Park also offers coastal walking tracks, scenic lookouts, and abundant wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and native birds often spotted throughout the park. If you have extra time, the Booderee Botanic Gardens are worth a visit, showcasing native plant species and peaceful rainforest walks.
We also spent time in Berry, which quickly became one of our favourite stops on the trip. The boutique shopping and food scene here is incredible. Milkwood Bakery is a must for breakfast or lunch, and the iconic Berry Donut Van absolutely lives up to the hype.
From Berry, we took a 30-minute drive to Kangaroo Valley, a beautiful countryside detour well worth the time. Don’t miss Hampden Bridge, Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge, and the impressive Kangaroo Valley mural, which adds a splash of colour to the village.
6. Kiama & Wollongong: Coastal Views & Scenic Drives
As we headed north along the coast, our first stop was Kiama, a coastal town known for its Blowhole and Little Blowhole. The natural water jets are impressive, and the rocky coastline makes for striking views.
To explore the area, we hired e-bikes from Kiama Cycles, which made it easy to cover more of the coastline without getting tired. Riding along the Kiama Coastal Track, we passed beaches, headlands, and lookout points, taking in the sweeping ocean views.
Kiama also has several beautiful beaches. Surf Beach is good for a walk or a swim, while Jones Beach is quieter and more sheltered. The Kiama Lighthouse, overlooking the harbour, is worth a visit for its historic charm and the surrounding walking paths.
In town, there are cafés, bakeries, and boutique shops — perfect for a quick break before continuing along the South Coast. Just a short drive south, Gerringong offers a quieter alternative with peaceful beaches and a handful of local cafés.
Continuing north, Wollongong made for a perfect coastal stop before reaching Sydney. Framed by dramatic escarpments on one side and the ocean on the other, it’s ideal for a walk along the beach, a swim in one of the ocean pools, or a stroll around Wollongong Harbour.
One of the highlights along this stretch is the Grand Pacific Drive, one of Australia’s most scenic coastal roads. Driving across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge is a must — especially at sunrise or sunset, with sweeping views over the ocean below. There are several lookouts along the way where you can stop for photos and take in the coastline.
Both Kiama and Wollongong capture the perfect mix of South Coast charm, dramatic scenery, and coastal adventure — making this stretch of the road trip a real highlight before heading into Sydney.
8. Sydney City: Iconic Landmarks
TThe final stop on our Canberra to Sydney road trip was, of course, Sydney City. After days of quiet beaches and coastal towns, arriving in the city felt exciting and energising — a perfect contrast to the slower pace of the South Coast.
We were staying at Lance Cove Discovery Parks, which offered a convenient and comfortable base just outside the city, with great facilities and easy access to Sydney’s main attractions.
No visit to Sydney is complete without seeing the icons. Walking around Circular Quay, with views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, is always special, whether it’s your first time or your tenth. From here, you can explore The Rocks, wander along the waterfront, or grab a coffee with harbour views.
For some of the best city scenery, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a must. The trail takes you past cliffs, beaches, and rock pools, offering incredible ocean views the entire way. It’s a great way to experience Sydney’s beach culture while still being close to the city.
If you’re looking to slow things down, Barangaroo Reserve and the Royal Botanic Garden offer peaceful green spaces right in the heart of the city — perfect for a walk, picnic, or sunset views over the harbour.
Make it stand out
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Sydney is the ideal place to end this road trip, combining world-class beaches, iconic landmarks, and vibrant city life, a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey through the NSW South Coast.
From alpine landscapes and quiet coastal towns to iconic beaches and Sydney’s vibrant harbour, this Canberra to Sydney road trip highlights the incredible diversity of New South Wales. The NSW South Coast is made for slow travel — rewarding those who take the scenic route, explore hidden gems, and soak up the journey just as much as the destination. If you’re looking for a road trip that blends nature, culture, and coastline, this route is hard to beat.
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