Planning a road trip from Canberra to Sydney? The NSW South Coast offers the perfect blend of city culture, stunning beaches, rugged coastlines, and hidden gems. From the peaceful town of Buckenderra, through the vibrant capital, to the beautiful Far South Coast, this journey is packed with unforgettable experiences.

I’ve included our interactive map below for you to help you follow the route and plan your stops along the way!

Buckenderra: A Peaceful Start

Our adventure began in Buckenderra, a quiet town perfect for a slow start. It’s ideal if you want to relax before hitting the road, and Jindabyne is only a 45-minute drive away, making it an optional detour for mountain scenery and alpine adventures.

Exploring Canberra: Culture, Bikes, and Museums

Next, we spent four days in Canberra, staying at Canberra Park. The city completely surprised us — it’s incredibly lush, full of greenery, and bike-friendly, with plenty to see and do.

We started at Parliament House, where bikes can be parked underground for free. From there, we cycled around Lake Burley Griffin, enjoying the lush green scenery and stopping for a picnic by the water. Afterwards, we visited the National Museum of Australia, which exceeded our expectations with interactive exhibits and fascinating stories about Australian culture and history.

Another highlight was the Australian War Memorial. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore all the galleries — it’s free to enter, and the exhibitions are incredibly moving. Afterward, we cycled along Anzac Parade back to Parliament House, stopping at the top outside to admire the massive Australian flag.

For breathtaking views of the city, Mount Ainslie Lookout is a must. Watching the sunset from here offers panoramic views over Lake Burley Griffin and the city’s iconic landmarks — a truly unforgettable experience.

For shopping and international flavours, the Canberra Centre is worth a visit. The lower level features a mini “Japan World” with neon lights, delicious food, and quirky bars, perfect for an evening stop.

Batemans Bay: Stunning Beaches and Coastal Views

Leaving the city behind, we headed to the coastline about 2 hours, arriving at Batemans Bay. The far south coast is breathtaking, with turquoise waters, golden beaches, and a laid-back vibe.

We stayed at Pleasurelea Tourist Park in Sunshine Bay, a perfect base to explore. Highlights included Drift Café for a relaxed breakfast and the shops in Batemans Bay Centre. Observation Point Lookout offered incredible panoramic views across the islands, and of course, the beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun.

Durras: Rugged Coastline and Nature Adventures

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.

Lakesea Tourist Park via G’Day Parks, South Durras, NSW

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.

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 of our 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.

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.

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.

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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Canberra to Sydney Road Trip: Discover the NSW South Coast