Best driving roads near Sydney, NSW
Sydney drivers are spoiled for range. The Old Pacific Highway, Galston Gorge, Putty Road, Macquarie Pass and the Royal National Park all sit within a weekend drive of the CBD.
- 01
Bumble Hill Road
NSWTertiary3 km76.2 km away8 grey spots9.4RQS - 02
Saint Albans Road
NSWSecondary20 km67.3 km away53 grey spots9.2RQS - 03
Taralga Road
VICSecondary2 km145.5 km away4 grey spots9.1RQS - 04
Charcoal Road
NSWUnclassified2 km50.3 km away11 grey spots9.1RQS - 05
Jubarrah Lane
NSWUnclassified1 km121.3 km away2 grey spots9.1RQS - 06
Coppertail Place
NSWUnclassified1 km38.5 km away2 grey spots9.0RQS - 07
General San Martin Drive
NSWUnclassified12 km30.4 km away35 grey spots9.0RQS - 08
Cheesmans Road
NSWUnclassified1 km50.4 km away3 grey spots9.0RQS - 09
Burrill Street
NSWSecondary1 km134.2 km away4 grey spots8.9RQS - 10
Lady Wakehurst Drive
NSWSecondary13 km34.2 km away40 grey spots8.9RQS - 11
Richmond Vale Road
NSWTertiary5 km120.3 km away13 grey spots8.8RQS - 12
Mount Broughton Road
NSWTertiary3 km106.5 km away7 grey spots8.8RQS - 13
Wattamolla Road
NSWSecondary13 km104 km away42 grey spots8.8RQS - 14
Rydal Road
NSWTertiary5 km119.6 km away15 grey spots8.8RQS - 15
Paynes Crossing Road
NSWSecondary16 km116.1 km away47 grey spots8.8RQS - 16
Tourist Road
NSWSecondary7 km110.1 km away62 grey spots8.8RQS - 17
Great North Road
NSWSecondary23 km99.4 km away169 grey spots8.8RQS - 18
Waratah Road
NSWTertiary2 km59.7 km away57 grey spots8.7RQS - 19
Frankum Drive
NSWUnclassified1 km56.4 km away2 grey spots8.7RQS - 20
Torbane Road
NSWUnclassified3 km141.7 km away7 grey spots8.7RQS
The Blue Mountains run west from the city with the Bells Line of Road and Darling Causeway carving through sandstone country. South of Sydney, Macquarie Pass and Jamberoo Mountain Road drop sharply to the Illawarra. Heading north, Putty Road and the Old Pacific Highway have been the benchmark Sydney rider routes for decades.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best driving roads near Sydney?+
Contour's top three scored roads near Sydney are Bumble Hill Road (NSW, RQS 9.4/10, 76.2 km away); Saint Albans Road (NSW, RQS 9.2/10, 67.3 km away); Taralga Road (VIC, RQS 9.1/10, 145.5 km away). All are within a two-hour touring drive of the city.
How far should I drive from Sydney to find a great road?+
The nearest excellent-rated road (RQS 8+) is Bumble Hill Road, about 76.2 km from Sydney. Plenty of good options sit closer if you don't want the full drive.
Are there good motorcycle roads near Sydney?+
Yes. Bumble Hill Road scores 9.4/10 for motorcycles and sits 76.2 km from Sydney. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.
What's the best sealed road near Sydney?+
Bumble Hill Road is fully sealed and scores 9.4/10 for driving quality. It's 76.2 km from Sydney.
Are there any dangerous sections on roads near Sydney?+
Contour has identified grey spots on 20 roads within range of Sydney - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. Bumble Hill Road has 8. Take extra care in wet conditions.
When is the best time to drive near Sydney?+
Fog on the Old Pacific after autumn nights; wet roads in the Blue Mountains between June and September call for extra care.
Scores are based on road geometry, surface quality, traffic density, and crash history. Always drive to conditions and follow local road rules.