Best motorcycle roads in New South Wales
New South Wales carries the best-scored motorcycle roads on the east coast. These seven rides consistently top the motorcycle RQS rankings and sit within weekend reach of either Sydney or Newcastle.
List is ordered by current RQS (motorcycle profile). Conditions change - check the live page for each road before you go, and read recent community condition reports if you haven't ridden it before.
Short, sharp and underrated. Climbs the escarpment south-west of Wollongong in a dense knot of switchbacks. Best ridden early morning before tourist traffic builds for Kangaroo Valley. The drop to Jamberoo itself is technical enough to punish the unprepared.
- 02
Kangaroo Valley RoadNSW
The natural pair to Jamberoo Mountain. A flowing run through the valley with enough pace-changing corners to keep you honest. Links Moss Vale to Nowra via the escarpment and works in both directions.
- 03
Old Pacific HighwayNSW
The best-scored section of the Old Pacific, the benchmark Sydney ride for three decades. Mostly sealed with excellent sight lines. Weekend policing is heavy - ride the speed limit and enjoy the geometry.
- 04
Waterfall WayNSW
The Dorrigo escarpment climb. Thirty kilometres from Bellingen to Dorrigo rising through rainforest. Best ridden in the dry - surface drops sharply after rain and the hairpins have no runoff.
- 05
Putty RoadNSW
The 165 km connector between Windsor and Singleton. Long enough to make a day of it, with multiple character changes across the length. Cafe at Grey Gum is mandatory.
- 06
Oxley HighwayNSW
170 km of near-continuous corners climbing from Wauchope to Walcha. The benchmark touring road for the Mid North Coast. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
- 07
Bells Line of RoadNSW
The quiet alternative to the Great Western Highway for crossing the Blue Mountains. Longer, slower, more character. Pairs well with the Darling Causeway return loop.
Frequently asked questions
Which NSW road is best for a first-time rider?+
Kangaroo Valley Road is the gentlest entry on this list - flowing corners, few surprises, good sight lines. Save Jamberoo Mountain and the Dorrigo hairpins for when you have more hours in the saddle.
When should I avoid these roads?+
Weekend afternoons on the Old Pacific and Macquarie Pass are heavily policed. Wet weather downgrades Waterfall Way and Jamberoo Mountain sharply. Winter mornings can bring black ice on Oxley and Bells Line.