The ultimate Sydney to Dubbo road trip guide

Getting behind the wheel is a pleasure when your journey covers landscapes as diverse as they are picturesque.

Driving Sydney to Dubbo? You’re in luck; it’s not so much a ‘Point A to Point B’ road trip as it is a 528-kilometre feast for the senses, all vibrant gold canola fields, misty mountain villages and more than a few wildflower-adored wineries.

There’s nothing to say you couldn’t make the journey in a little over five hours, but to do so would be to cheat yourself. Our advice? Break it up into a multi-day adventure and turn it into the ultimate regional New South Wales road trip for the ages. Here’s how:

Day one: Sydney to Blue Mountains

On paper, it’s only a 90-minute drive west of Sydney’s CBD, but in reality your car serves as the chariot which takes you into a world of charming villages teeming with antiques and secondhand bookstores, toasty cafes with crackling fires and more than a few scenic bush walks.

Hit the road early so you can make the most of the villages dotted on either wise of the Great Western Highway and pay close attention to Glenbrook, where excellent coffee can be found at Kickaboom or 2773 ; Lawson, where the pastries at Black Cockatoo Bakery are a must and Blackheath, home to the gargantuan Victory Theatre Antique Centre.

a couple walking along the Grand Canyon Walking Track, Blackheath in the Blue Mountains — Tackle the scenic rainforest walk along the Grand Canyon Track. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’ll need your hiking shoes to tackle one of two, seven-kilometre walks that begin at Govetts Leap Lookout , or the spectacular Grand Canyon Track which winds around waterfalls and lush rainforest alive with all manner of native plants.

Rest and recovery can only take place at cherry blossom-lined Leura, where a vibrant mix of boutiques and eateries line ‘The Mall’. Make a beeline for Bygone Beautys Treasure Teaport Museum , stock up on handmade chocolates at Josophans , and – provided you have enough time – book in for a guided walk with a local at Mountains Tales .

the exterior of Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains — This quaint accommodation is perfect for nature lovers. (Image: Destination NSW)

Would a trip to the Blue Mountains be complete without a visit to the Three Sisters? Of course not, and happily, the new Katoomba Falls Reserve Night-Lit Walk is now open and there’s no better way to embrace the end of the day than by observing the iconic landmark lit up under an ink-black sky.

The place to eat: Blackheat’s Ateş , an Ottoman-inspired restaurant and wine bar with a focus on share plates created with the help of a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven.

The place to stay: Lilianfels is a characterful accommodation that boasts heritage allure and is perfectly situated a short walk from some of the most iconic sites.

Day two: Blue Mountains to Bathurst

Start your day with a buffet-style breakfast in the light-filled The Orangery at Lilianfels.

Although a stop at Jenolan Caves (a little over an hour away) is always recommended when you’re in this part of the world,  it remains closed due to heavy 2024 flooding. The good news? Those who make the hour-long journey west to the adventure playground that is Oberon are handsomely rewarded with a wealth of State Forests, Lake Oberon and scenic cool climate gardens.

the scenic River Cave system at Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains — Head underground the Jenolan Caves to see stunning limestones and pale-blue water basins. (Image: Destination NSW)

Got a thing for sapphires? Make the Oberon Visitor Centre your first port of call where you can pick up a fossicking kit and pick up maps for spots where you can spend a couple of quiet hours in shallow waterways fossicking for gems. Depending on the time of year your visit, you also have the option of signing up for a truffle tour with the likes of RedGround and Oberon Black .

No trip to Oberon is complete without a stroll around Mayfield Garden , one of the world’s largest privately owned cool climate gardens – best described as ‘a riot of colour demanded to be seen immediately’. It’s 65 hectare presence can be a lot to get through, but once you’ve had your fill of the gardens’ lake, box hedge maze, water garden and chapel – and assuming you’ve opted against having a picnic set up for you – take the 30-minute drive to Rockley, a perfectly preserved 19-century country village. Although home to a multitude of heritage buildings and pretty parklands, you’re here for a table at Matt Moran’s The Rockley Pub where the parmesan-crusted chicken schnitzel is on high rotation (and deservedly so).

scenic views across Mayfield Garden, Oberon — The verdant, manicured Mayfield Garden is perfectly laid out in the NSW Central Tablelands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Drive a further 30 minutes north and treat yourself to a night at Oakhill Estate , glasshouse cabins perched high above Bathurst where you can unwind in front of the outdoor firepit, enjoy a platter (or two) and sleep under the stars.

The place to eat: Cobblestone Lane has long been the place to be for those craving fine dining in an elegant heritage building.

The place to stay: Not into glass cabins? It’s hard to go past 232 at Boonderoo , an architecturally designed home which uses the thermal mass of the earth to achieve ultra low energy consumption. 

Day three: Bathurst to Dubbo

To start the day with a breakfast burger or pancakes topped with berries? No matter which way you swing, you won’t be able to deny you have the best table in the house at The Hub . Stretch the legs as you take a walk around Bathurst, the town where gold was first discovered in 1823 and where historic buildings such as the grand Bathurst Courthouse remain a sight to behold.

a Dinosaur display at the Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum, Bathurst. — See some of the rarest dinosaur fossils at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. (Image: Destination NSW)

It would, of course, be criminal if you didn’t visit the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and Abercrombie House , a Scottish baronial mansion from the 1870s before taking a hot lap (or two) of the famous Mount Panorama Circuit .

Motor enthusiasts will consider a visit to the National Motor Racing Museum the ultimate diesel-covered cherry on top.

a car display at The National Motor Racing Museum, Bathurst — The National Motor Racing Museum features some 50 cars and racing memorabilia. (Image: Destination NSW)

The bustling country town of Orange, a Mecca of award-winning restaurants, bountiful produce and cool climate wineries is only a leisurely 45-minute drive away, but making regular stops is all part of the experience.

Surrounded by some 60 vineyards, make a beeline for the likes of Philip Shaw , Ross Hill and Swinging Bridge and don’t miss grabbing a table at Swinging Bridge which offers an in-depth tasting of their wines paired with a five-course degustation. Road trippers will need to remember to use the spitoon, however.

alfresco dining at Ross Hill Wines, Orange — The expanded cellar door at Ross Hill Wines offers an idyllic spot for tastings. (Image: Destination NSW)

Orange is home to a wealth of quirky boutiques – many of them located on Sale, Summer and Byng Streets. Once you’ve browsed the racks and stands of The White Place , JUMBLED and Mary & Tex Curious Emporium , and embraced Orange’s vibrant cafe culture with a pit-stop at Byng Street Local Store or Good Eddy , lock in a bush tucker tour slot with Indigenous Cultural Adventures , run by the charismatic Gerald Power.

The place to eat: Don’t miss a meal at The Union Bank where a whole barramundi is served with prawns and toum in an elegant setting.

The place to stay: It’s hard not to be dazzled by the romantic glamping options at Nashville Lane , where you can enjoy quality produce (and fine wine, of course) by the fire.

Leave Orange early for your 90-minute drive to Dubbo. As you can imagine, there’s a lot to discover!

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .