Sydney is a beautiful city with plenty of scenic drives to explore. Whether you’re a local resident chasing sunsets and memories or a visitor from another country, state, city etc. taking a drive through Sydney’s stunning landscapes is a fantastic way to spend a day. However, of course, before you hit the road, do not forget to ensure that your car is ready and tuned to avoid any problems down the track. In our article, we ask our car care technicians (over 30 of us, to vote on their top 5 scenic drives in Sydney). Sit tight and stay tuned as we highlight the top 5 scenic drives in Sydney, along with some tips for keeping your car clean and protected for the journey.
Top 5 Scenic Drives in Sydney
The Grand Pacific Drive
The Grand Pacific Drive stretches across a 140-kilometre coastal route that begins from the Royal National Park to the Shoalhaven region. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque seaside towns, stunning beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Some highlights of this memorable drive include the Sea Cliff Bridge, Bald Hill Lookout, and the Kiama Blowhole, enough to keep the family entertained. Because you are driving close to the coastal line, our experts recommend to keep your car clean and protected during the drive. Here you can participate in some extreme activities such as hang gliding by Stanwell Tops, which is of course guided, but well worth the exhilirating experience. This means washing your car regularly and whilst applying a quality wax or sealant to protect the paint against bird droppings, rain, tree sap, dirt and salt (from salt water).
The Northern Beaches Drive
The Northern Beaches Drive is a much shorter drive than the Grand Pacific Drive, coming at a fraction of the distance. A 30-kilometre mesmerising route that takes you through some of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches in the world, including Manly, Freshwater, and Curl Curl to name a few. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming seaside towns, scenic headlands, and beautiful parks. Depending on the time of year, do remember to pack with you some swimwear for a quick refreshing dip during the warmer seasons of Spring and Summer. Always do slip, slop and slap on some sunscreen so you can enjoy a sunburn-free experience. Let this sunny drive remind you the importance of car window tints for additional protection against harmful UV sun rays.
The Hawkesbury River Drive
The Hawkesbury River Drive is a 120-kilometre route, similar length to the Grand Pacific Drive, that takes you through the renowned and beautiful Hawkesbury River region, northwest of Sydney. As you pass through, be sure to stop by and breeze through stretches of charming towns, historic sites, and stunning natural scenery away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. Some highlights of the drive include the Wisemans Ferry, the Convict Trail, and the Marramarra National Park. To protect your car’s exterior from insects, bird droppings, and other contaminants, consider using a reputable bug and tar remover. The last thing you need for your car is etched on bug guts and bird droppings. In our experience, time and time again, do we come across cars scattered in bird droppings that have etched through the paint. Although it may appear harmless, they are extremely acidic and will eat through if left unattended.
The Blue Mountains Drive
The Blue Mountains Drive is a 100-kilometre route that takes you through the stunning Blue Mountains region, west of Sydney. Here you will be able to discover unique town architecture that will take you back in time, scenic lookouts to explore breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains, flora and fauna, and beautiful forests.
Some highlights of the drive include the Three Sisters, the Scenic World, and the Jenolan Caves.
It is named for the blue mist cover that often envelopes the mountains, caused by the scattering of light by fine particles of eucalyptus oil in the air. Abundant in the Eucalyptus trees, this will happen frequently and so do not miss your chance to explore this. The Blue Mountains are home to a number of national parks and conservation areas, as well as scenic lookouts, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The region is prominently famous for its rich Aboriginal history and cultural significance. Visitors to the Blue Mountains can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking and rock climbing to wine tasting and art gallery hopping.
Be sure to pack enough water and food for regular breaks. If you are looking to hike, plan ahead and equip yourself accordingly as the trek can be difficult for some due to the elevation. Remember to protect and check your car tyres from wear and tear, ensuring that the pressure is optimal and wheels are aligned.
The Royal National Park Drive
The Royal National Park Drive in Sydney is a popular scenic drive due to its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of activities and attractions. The drive is located in the Royal National Park, which is the oldest national park in Australia and covers an area of over 15,000 hectares.
When coasting through the Royal National Park Drive, expect to see a vast variety of breathtaking landscapes, from rugged coastal cliffs and relaxing sandy beaches to lush rainforests and tranquil waterways. The drive offers numerous scenic lookouts and photo opportunities, as well as access to a range of hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. A perfect weekend away with so many activities for the family, pets and little ones.
Some of the popular activities available in the Royal National Park include hiking, swimming, surfing, fishing, and birdwatching. The park is home to a diverse range of unique wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can also take part in guided tours and activities, such as kayaking, abseiling, and rock climbing for those looking for more extreme thrills and a appetite for adrenaline.
One of the most popular attractions along the Royal National Park Drive is the Figure Eight Pools, a series of natural tidal pools located on the coast. The pools are accessible only during low tide, and visitors are advised to check the tide times and weather conditions before heading out. You will see this as a popular choice across Instagram, but caution must be taken as there have been occurrences of visitors slipping and causing injury.
Other popular attractions along the drive include the Wattamolla Beach, a picturesque lagoon with crystal-clear waters and a waterfall; the Bundeena Drive, a scenic coastal road that offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands; and the Audley Weir, a historic stone bridge that spans the Hacking River.
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