With Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport opening a new chapter for travel to NSW, an exciting road trip is inviting visitors to do more than simply land in Sydney. Hire a car, head south and discover a side of Australia worth finding.
Developed through the LG8 Visitor Economy Collaboration, the new self-drive itinerary connects eight local government areas – Campbelltown, Camden, Wollondilly, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee in one experience-packed journey through the heart of regional NSW.
Travel creators Salt and Charcoal are bringing the itinerary to life, sharing their journey and showcasing the places, people and experiences that make this part of NSW such a compelling road trip destination.
From hot-air ballooning over Camden and exploring country markets to chasing waterfalls, discovering regional food and wine, kayaking on the Kangaroo River, experiencing Aboriginal culture and unwinding along the South Coast, the itinerary reveals the extraordinary diversity waiting just beyond Western Sydney.
With Western Sydney as the gateway, it is a journey of country charm, spectacular natural landscapes, passionate local operators, memorable food experiences and some of the state’s most beautiful coastlines.
“Everyone knows Sydney, and many travellers know the Grand Pacific Drive, but there is so much more to discover when you venture a little further,” said Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Tania Brown.
“This itinerary connects experiences that are incredible in their own right into one big adventure. You can go from country towns and mountain escarpments to waterfalls, rainforest and the coast, meeting passionate locals and discovering places you might never have thought to visit.
“With Western Sydney International Airport opening up new opportunities for travel, we want visitors to see regional NSW as part of their Sydney holiday, not somewhere they might get to another time. Our message is simple: hire a car, head south and give yourself time to discover what makes this region so special.”
A road trip made for the way people travel
Designed to showcase the breadth of the eight LGAs, the itinerary brings together adventure, nature, wellness, food and drink, culture and accommodation in a connected journey that encourages visitors to slow down, stay longer and explore beyond familiar destinations.
The itinerary highlights the role of local businesses in creating memorable visitor experiences, from boutique accommodation and farm experiences to restaurants, cultural operators, wellness retreats and outdoor adventures.
For interstate and international travellers, it offers a compelling way to experience more of NSW in one trip. For Sydneysiders and Canberrans, it is an invitation to rediscover a region that continues to attract visitors seeking nature, food, adventure and a change of pace.
The itinerary complements the broader Grand Pacific Drive experience, connecting the coast with the Southern Highlands’ villages, food and wine experiences and natural landscapes, and giving visitors more reasons to explore inland, extend their stay and discover the region at their own pace.
The collaboration is an example of eight LGAs working together to create a stronger, more connected visitor offer, making it easier for travellers to discover multiple destinations and for local businesses to benefit from visitation across the region.
The road trip is ready to explore, and Salt and Charcoal’s content offers a first-hand look at the experiences waiting along the way.
Whether planning a long weekend, a week-long escape or a more extensive NSW adventure, visitors can use the itinerary as inspiration to plan their own journey.
The itinerary complements the broader Grand Pacific Drive experience, connecting the coast with the Southern Highlands’ villages, food and wine experiences and natural landscapes, and giving visitors more reasons to explore inland, extend their stay and discover the region at their own pace.
The collaboration is an example of eight LGAs working together to create a stronger, more connected visitor offer, making it easier for travellers to discover multiple destinations and for local businesses to benefit from visitation across the region.
The road trip is ready to explore, and Salt and Charcoal’s content offers a first-hand look at the experiences waiting along the way.
Whether planning a long weekend, a week-long escape or a more extensive NSW adventure, visitors can use the itinerary as inspiration to plan their own journey.
