If you’re feeling major FOMO from all your mates’ Europe plans—same. But here’s a little secret: you don’t need to fly 24 hours to tap into that same dreamy holiday energy.
New South Wales is packed with stunning destinations that have the same luxe feel of a Euro sojourn, just a few hours' drive out of Sydney/Eora. Think vineyard-laced hills, quaint coastal towns and snowy chalets plucked straight from a postcard, ready for road tripping in your hire car.
In partnership with Europcar, we’re bringing the best of Europe closer to home with a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, France, Austria and beyond. Because exploring your own backyard in a fresh whip can be just as fun as adventuring abroad.
Southern Highlands
Distance from Sydney: 1 hour 29 minutes | 134km
Slipping out of Sydney’s hectic pace is easy when the magical Southern Highlands are so close. Just a two-hour drive from the CBD, this iconic region’s manicured gardens, gorgeous estates, sprawling vineyards and cottage-core bakeries give off major French countryside vibes.
For Provençal charm, after a day on the road check into at one of these dreamy stays in the Southern Highlands (Osborn House in Bundanoon is one of our favourites), linger over a long lunch at Briars, wander Bendooley Estate—a winery straight out of the Loire Valley, and stock up on baguettes and buttery pastries at Sonoma Bakery in Bowral.
Snowy Mountains
Distance from Sydney: 5 hours 27 minutes | 492km
Sure, the Austrian Alps are hard to beat—but for a similar snow-dusted escape minus the jet lag, the Snowy Mountains deliver. You’ll find on-par ski runs, cosy chalets and that same après-ski scene, all within a short drive.
Park the car at a boutique Euro-style lodge like The Stables or this award-winning mountain cabin, carve up the slopes at Thredbo or Perisher just down the road, and wrap up the day with fondue at Candlelight Lodge, an Après Club party at Alpine Bar or a hearty pub feed at Banjo Paterson Inn in Jindabyne. In the off-peak season, swap skis for hiking boots and summit Mount Kosciuszko or wander the wildflower trails at Charlotte’s Pass.
South Coast
Distance from Sydney: 2 hours 57 minutes | 199km
If the Amalfi Coast had a southern twin within driving distance, it’d be NSW’s South Coast. It comes close to Italy’s vertical drama with rugged sea cliffs, winding roads and coastal towns that could easily pass for a quieter stretch of the Mediterranean.
The 140-kilometre Grand Pacific Drive is a major look-alike for the Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana—the intimidating cliffside road that connects Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento. Starting your roadtrip in the Royal National Park, it twists through lush rainforests, sweeps over the picturesque Sea Cliff Bridge and rolls past cliff-hugging towns from Wollongong to Ulladulla and beyond.
For a slice of la dolce vita, dine at Wollongong’s little Italian laneway bistro, Restaurant Santino or seafood fine diner Rick Stein at Bannisters in Mollymook, pile back in the car to check out Kiama’s iconic blowhole and Seven Mile Beach on the way, and post up at one of these top-tier Jervis Bay Airbnbs.
Hawkesbury
Distance from Sydney: 1 hour 40 minutes | 89km
Channelling Umbria with its rolling hills and family-run wineries, you could easily mistake the magnificent Hawkesbury for the Italian countryside. Lake Trasimeno is swapped for the incredible Hawkesbury River, which offers plenty of water activities such as swimming, kayaking, boating and oyster farm tours. Hop in the car and spend a day zipping between a wander through the vines of Jubilee Vineyard Estate, picking apples at Bilpin Botanic Orchard and shacking up at one of these Hawkesbury River cottages.
Orange & Mudgee
Distance from Sydney: 3 hours 40 minutes | 258km
A Tuscan daydream feels surprisingly close when you take a drive through the golden-hued hills of Orange and Mudgee. These stunning NSW wine regions are dotted with cool-climate vineyards and farm-to-table restaurants that transport you straight to central Italy—or Bordeaux in France, depending on the grape variety.
You’ll want to park up at one of these Airbnbs in Mudgee or accommodations in Orange, like the luxury villas at Basalt, and make your way through the area’s best wineries—some of our top picks are Stockman’s Ridge, De Salis Wines and Heifer Station. Dine at The Zin House on the organic and biodynamic Lowe Wines estate for seasonal, local food, or Tonic in Millthorpe for a modern five-course take on French principles.
Ready to hit the road? Head to Europcar to book your car hire.
Editor's note: This article was produced in partnership with Europcar. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image: Supplied.