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Feeling burned out from cramming for exams and late-night assignments? That’s your sign to take a step back and recharge!
And what better way to do that than a good ol’ Aussie road trip with your friends? Just imagine: windows down, playlists blaring, and your best mates riding shotgun.
Luckily, Sydney is surrounded by bucketloads of destinations that are perfect for broke uni students who still want big-time adventures.
Whether you’ve got a weekend to spare or just a solid day off, we’ve rounded up 10 top-notch Sydney road trips that won’t leave your wallet crying.
So pack your snacks, fuel up, and let’s hit the bitumen!
Source: Wikipedia
Drive time: ~1.5 hours south of Sydney
Address: Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Clifton NSW 2515
Get ready for one of the most Instagrammable drives in New South Wales!
The Sea Cliff Bridge on the Grand Pacific Drive is an iconic stretch of road with epic ocean views and whale-spotting opportunities.
Plus, you can make pit stops at Coalcliff Beach for a quick dip, grab fish and chips in Kiama, and catch the blowhole in action.
In fact, the whole south coast is dotted with beautiful beaches and hidden rock pools—perfect for lazy, sun-soaked days!
Budget tip: Pack a picnic and stop at Bald Hill Lookout for a free lunch with panoramic views.
Source: nationalparks.nsw
Drive time: ~4 hours south
Address: Murramarang Road, South Durras NSW 2536
Want to see kangaroos on the sand, swim in turquoise water, and explore some of the best rock pools around? Murramarang National Park ticks all the boxes!
Take the Depot Beach trail to experience the lush rainforest or snorkelling near Batemans Bay to spot marine life galore. And if you’re into hiking, the Durras Mountain trail gives epic ocean and forest views.
With budget-friendly campsites and BBQ spots available, it’s the ideal trip for students who want max adventure, minimum spend.
Entry: $8 per vehicle per day.
Source: visitnsw
Drive time: ~8 hours north
Address: Byron Bay, NSW 2481
Sure, it’s a trek, but Byron Bay is the NSW road trip rite of passage. And this boho beach town truly lives up to its hype!
Sunrise hikes to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, surf breaks, barefoot cafés, and that chilled-out vibe make it totally worth it.
If you’ve got extra days, continue north to the Gold Coast for a splash of nightlife, theme parks, and classic surf culture.
It’s a rather long trip, so we recommend making several stops along the coast, such as Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads or Maclean to break up the journey.
Pro tip: Split petrol costs with friends and camp nearby to keep it budget-friendly.
Source: visitnsw
Drive time: ~2 hours west
Address: Blue Mountains National Park, NSW 2780
An absolute classic for a dose of fresh air, dramatic cliffs, ancient forests, and epic hikes!
Whether you’re snapping a photo at the Three Sisters, trekking the Grand Canyon Walk, or chasing the waterfalls in Wentworth Falls, this is a trip to remember.
Bonus? It’s free… unless you join a tour.
And don’t miss the Scenic Railway if you’re feeling touristy, or the street art and cafés in Katoomba for a cheap and cheerful vibe.
Budget tip: Use your Opal card to get cheap train fares if you don’t have a car.
Source: nationalparks.nsw
Drive time: ~5.5 hours southwest
Address: Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne NSW 2627
Is it winter season yet? Perfect time to rally your mates and head to the Snowy Mountains for some alpine adventures.
Whether you’re skiing or simply tossing snowballs with your friends, Kosciuszko National Park is magical year-round.
And in warmer months, climb up Australia’s highest peak—Mount Kosciuszko—for top bragging rights.
Or, just enjoy the chilly change of scenery to take the stress off your mind.
Entry: $17 per vehicle per day in peak season, so try to carpool if possible!
Source: nationalparks.nsw
Drive time: ~1 hour south
Address: Farnell Ave, Royal National Park NSW 2232
Just an hour’s drive from Sydney, the oldest national park in Australia is practically in Sydney’s backyard.
Start your day with a walk to Wattamolla Falls, and detour to the Figure Eight Pools—but be careful! Only go when the tides are low and the swell is calm.
If you’re up for a challenge, tackle the Coast Track, a 26 km trail that stretches from Bundeena to Otford. Even just doing a few kilometres gives you stunning sea views and cliffside photo ops.
Overall, it’s the ultimate day trip for students who want big nature rewards with minimal travel time!
Budget tip: Use public transport (train to Cronulla, ferry to Bundeena) if you don’t have a car—it’s scenic and affordable.
Source: Wikipedia
Drive time: ~3 hours south
Address: Jervis Bay Rd, Jervis Bay Territory ACT 2540
Home to some of NSW’s whitest sands, Booderee combines crystal-clear waters, lush bushwalks, and Aboriginal heritage.
Murrays Beach and Green Patch Beach are two must-visit, calm, sheltered bays perfect for swimming or spotting colourful fish and marine life.
For a quiet moment, check out the Botanic Gardens—one of the few Aboriginal-run botanical gardens in the world—where you can learn about native plants and traditional uses.
If you’re an amateur hiker, there are several easy walks to try here, like the Cape St George Lighthouse Walk, which offers spectacular views over the rugged coast.
Budget tip: Camp under the stars and cook your meals—it’s cheaper and way more fun.
Source: nationalparks.nsw
Drive time: ~1.5 hours north
Address: Maitland Bay Track, Bouddi NSW 2251
Tucked away on the Central Coast, Bouddi National Park is a slice of coastal heaven away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney.
The star of the park is the Bouddi Coastal Walk—an 8 km one-way trail (16 km return) that winds along cliffs, through forests, and past some of the most secluded and stunning beaches in NSW.
Here are some must-visit spots along the way:
Camping: Around $34 per night at designated campgrounds (split with a few mates and it’s a bargain).
Source: visitnsw
Drive time: ~2.5 hours north
Address: Pokolbin NSW 2320
Think one of Australia’s best wine regions is just for wine snobs or luxury getaways? Think again.
While premium wine tastings can cost upwards of $20, many boutique cellar doors offer tastings for under $10, or even free with a bottle purchase.
Plus, you can do other budget-friendly things, including visiting the Hunter Valley Gardens (great for photo ops!) or renting a bike to explore the area at your own pace.
If you’re keen on staying the night, split an Airbnb or check out local hostels and campgrounds! Mid-week stays are often cheaper and less crowded.
Pro Tip: Visit during off-peak times or look out for special student deals. And carpool to save on petrol!
Source: Wikipedia
Drive time: ~2.5 hours south
Address: Bowral, NSW 2576
Rolling green hills, historic villages, antique shops, and way too many cute cafés to count—the Southern Highlands has it all.
Stop by the region’s biggest town, Bowral, for second-hand bookshops, bakeries, and vintage finds. Or, head to the neighbouring town, Moss Vale, for an edgier vibe with street art and microbreweries!
Love local food? The Highlands are all about farmers’ markets, paddock-to-plate cafés, and roadside stalls where you can stock up on seasonal fruit, jams, or baked goodies.
It’s the perfect location for when you want to “switch off” and wander.
Pro tip: Many towns host free events, markets, or weekend festivals. So, keep an eye out for open gardens or food fairs.
You don’t need a massive budget to have a great road trip. Just be smart with your planning and gear up with these tips:
You’ve got your wheels, your crew, and your uni life in full swing—why not make the most of it?
So, chuck your gear in the boot, cue the playlist, and let the good times roll. And who knows—maybe one day, your road trips will take you all the way up to the Great Barrier Reef.
And remember—every epic road trip deserves an equally epic base to return to!
Uni life should be full of discovery, late-night snacks, spontaneous adventures, and new mates—not worry and stress.
With Y Suites on Gibbons, Y Suites on Margaret, and Y Suites on Regent, you’re perfectly placed to hit the road when wanderlust calls—and to enjoy the best of Sydney student life when you’re back.
And whether you’re back from chasing waterfalls, coastal walks, or chilling in the Highlands, we have the perfect place to recharge, reset, and plan your next adventure.
What’s more? Our all-inclusive rent covers:
✅ Premium, fully furnished student rooms and shared apartments, inclusive of Wi-Fi and utilities
✅ Full access to various common areas for socialising, studying, exercising, and relaxing
✅ A thriving student community where you can connect with like-minded peers from different universities
✅ Excellent security measures to ensure your personal safety
✅ Hassle-free customer service from our friendly, well-trained staff
So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience how student life should be!
Book an on-site tour with us!
reservations@ysuites.co
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