Don’t let a drop in temperature or petrol prices stop your epic road trip.
Road tripping is a quintessentially Aussie activity. Wide open roads, vista changing from coastline to red dirt outback, sing-along jams and more snacks than were necessary. Heck, even niggling with your siblings in the backseat is a core memory for a lot of families. And with so many cosy and dramatic winter destinations from Sydney, there’s no need to stop as the weather turns cold. Now, more and more Aussies are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) to combat rising petrol prices. The problem? While EV charging stations are increasing in quantity and quality, fully committing to longer winter EV road trips can still feel daunting.
Winter views in the Blue Mountains are misty and moody. (Credit: Destination NSW)
The solution? Road trips that can be completed on a single EV charge, and they’re just as good in winter.
Most modern EVs have an average driving range of 400 to 600 kilometres on a single charge. While smaller models or older EVs may offer around 250–300 kilometres. This makes road trip options from main cities delightfully varied. Here are a few of our top picks.
200kms and under
Spot whales in Jervis Bay over winter. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Road trippers from Sydney can keep it short and incredibly scenic. A drive to the Blue Mountains is about 100 kilometres, and it’s a destination that really nails the cosy winter vibes. As the mist settles over the area’s quaint suburbs, skip the longer hikes for cosy fireplaces, tasty treats and moody lookouts.
Or, opt for long walks along the white sand beaches of Jervis Bay, about 200 kilometres away. From mid-May to November, there’s a good chance of spotting whales, and dolphins play year-round.
Lean into the country charm and fresh produce of Berry in the Southern Highlands, about 160 kilometres from Sydney. A stop (or several) at the famous Berry Donut Van is a must while you’re there.
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Under 600kms
Drive to Mudgee on onve EV charge. (Credit: Destination NSW)
There’s no wrong time to make a wine trip, and Mudgee (260 kilometres drive) is one of the best in NSW. Drive there in a day and make the most of picturesque wineries, home-grown produce and an overall restful escape.
Come winter, a 500-kilometre road trip to the Snowy Mountains will see you hitting the slopes, particularly around Thredbo and Jindabyne. Or, stick to the alpine escape aspect and enjoy the alpine views from inside, hot chocolate in hand.
Get cosy in Merimbula. (Credit: Destination NSW)
A coastal road trip in winter just hits different, and the striking Sapphire Coast (450-500 kilometres from Sydney) is one of the best places to soak it in. Keep an eye out for southern right whales in the peak of their migration season, wander quiet beaches and treat yourself to fresh local produce, seafood and mulled wine beside a fireplace. Main stops will include Tathra, Merimbula and Eden.
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Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
