Pacific Coast Highway is on the most travelled roads in Australia connecting two most important destinations Sydney and Brisbane. What lies on the way is definitely some of the best locations to explore in Austalia with pristine beaches, small coastal towns, estuaries, water inlets and lakes. If you have 5 days to yourself, here is a great itinerary to travel between Sydney and Gold Coast on Pacific Coast Highway. 

Entrance NSW is one of my all-time favourite destinations on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Easily accessible from Sydney by one hour drive, The Entrance makes an ideal day trip location from Sydney. The central coast of NSW is popular for the coastal town, beautiful beaches, and laid-back lifestyle that suits visitors planning an extended stay in the region. A wide range of accommodations ranging from holiday homes and serviced apartments are easily available online in all price ranges. 

Central Coast NSW offers a beautiful option for a day trip from Sydney. The beautiful coastline is marked by a number of small coastal towns with a very relaxed feel and a different vibe from hustle and bustle of Sydney. Many Sydneysiders escape to the Central Coast for holidays or weekend breaks. Most of the popular locations are located within 3 hour's drive from Sydney which makes it very manageable if you are travelling with kids. 

The Blue Mountains Australia is one of my all-time favourite locations for a day trip from Sydney. Sydney is blessed with a beautiful rolling coastline with breath-taking beaches as well as national forests in the north and west of the city. The Blue Mountains National Park is a well-developed area and home to a number of beautiful towns, historical locations and 400 million years old rock formation and caves.

Nelson Bay and Port Stephen are great destinations for a relaxed as well as adventurous holiday if you are travelling with kids. Port Stephens Australia has the longest sand dunes in Australia and 10-mile beach. With a unique landscape comprising water inlets and a long stretch of sand dunes, Port Stephens and Nelson Bay are great places to explore for a day trip or a weekend break. 

A one or two day trip is ideal to explore southern highlands in NSW. From Sydney drive on M5 towards Canberra. M5 merges into Hume Highway. Exit for Mittagong from Hume Highway. Mittagong is a beautiful town with a couple of nice cafes and restaurants in the main shopping areas. This place gets quite crowded over the weekends as it attracts visitors from nearby areas.

Planning on driving from Sydney to Forster NSW? Forster & Tuncurry are twin coastal towns located at a distance of 320 km from Sydney. The ideal coastal location is located at the estuary of the Wallamba River and three freshwater lakes in NSW, Forster is a popular location for fishing and water sports. Lined with beautiful sandy beaches, Forster provides an ideal atmosphere for a relaxed family holiday. The hinterland is home to wineries and provides ample opportunities for camping and bush-walking. 

Muar is located south of Melaka, approximately 180km from Kuala Lumpur city. A relatively little know destination, Muar is a great location for a weekend break and is very easily accessible from Melaka (26 km )  as well as Kuala Lumpur (180 km) 

Planning a day excursion from Sydney? Southern Highlands offers a perfect option for a day trip from Sydney if you want to enjoy beautiful rustic landscapes, cool temperatures, a relaxed lifestyle, and plenty of historical architecture. In recent years plenty of affluent Sydneysider families have bought properties in these laid back towns because of open spaces, bigger landholding, and amazing quality of life at a driving distance from the city of Sydney.

Planning a road trip from Sydney to Armidale New South Wales? The driving distance from Sydney to Armidale is 585 km (6.5 hours) which makes it ideal for a day trip or a weekend excursion to this beautiful part of New South Wales. There are two alternative ways of travelling between Sydney and Armidale.

Sydney to Bathurst is an ideal drive for a day trip or a weekend break. The scenic drive from Sydney takes you through the rolling landscapes of the Blue Mountains along the Great Western Highway. Several small towns along the way provide nice stopovers for a coffee break or lunch. 

Located 200 km south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is a captivating coastal gem known for its pristine white sands and crystal blue waters. This picturesque destination attracts a multitude of tourists not only from Sydney but also from other cities in NSW. Whether you're on a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne via Princess Highway or simply seeking a relaxing weekend getaway or a family holiday, Jervis Bay offers easy access, beachside campgrounds, and endless opportunities for fun in the sun. Explore the Shoalhaven region's charming beaches, tranquil water inlets, serene lakes, and lush tropical rainforests for a truly unforgettable experience.

Sydney City has some of the most beautiful landscapes ranging from pristine beaches, national forests and beautiful mountain ranges within driving distance of the city. If you are planning a day trip from Sydney, Lithgow is a great destination for a day trip from Sydney. 

Wombeyan Caves are unique cave formations located 70 km from Mittagong in Southern Highlands. The caves form a series of Sub-terranean channels offering amazing underground exploration for cave lovers. The caves are very well maintained and can be explored with a group tour organized by Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve Office managed by NSW Parks.