8 Hidden Gems of New South Wales to Visit in Spring

We’ve made it through winter! The temps might still be a little chilly, but spring is definitely starting to bloom across New South Wales.

For road trippers itching to leave winter behind, it’s a pretty great time to be out there. The countryside is greening up, flowers are starting to pop, whale season is in full swing and the coast hasn’t hit peak summer mode yet. Better still, you can enjoy plenty of these places before the summer crowds arrive.

Here are 8 of our picks for under-the-radar spring escapades to explore in NSW!

Drive distances below are approximate from the Cruisin’ Sydney branch in Caringbah, NSW and can vary depending on your route and road conditions.

Cowra

Image: A slow wander through the gardens, Destination NSW

This vibrant regional town is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. Set on the Lachlan River, the countryside around this Central West town comes alive with brilliant fields of golden canola. For a guided experience by land or air, check out the Visit Cowra website for more information.

Don’t miss out on the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival held at the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, the largest Japanese garden in the southern hemisphere. Expect sights and sounds (most importantly, flavours!) of Japan with cultural workshops, Japanese food and family-friendly entertainment at this unforgettable spring event.

Where to stay: Cowra Van Park, 2a Lachlan Street, Cowra NSW 2794

🚐 Cruisin’ Sydney -> Cowra = ~350km

Bundanoon

Image: Blossom-lined streets at Bundanoon, Destination NSW

Bundanoon is one of those Southern Highlands towns that really suits spring. In this quaint Scottish-esque village, the streets are leafy, gardens start coming back to life and there’s plenty of bushland close by if you’d rather spend the day outdoors. The Bundanoon Garden Ramble is the perfect opportunity to wander through small and large gardens to grab inspiration for your own backyard.

Morton National Park is right on the doorstep, with wildflowers blooming and wildlife strolling across walking tracks, as well as lookouts and waterfalls including Fairy Bower Falls. You can easily spend the morning in the national park, then head back into town for lunch and a wander around the village. If you’re planning a few days in the Highlands, Bundanoon also pairs nicely with Berrima.

Where to stay: Moss Vale Holiday Park, 43/53 Willow Drive, Moss Vale NSW 2577

🚐 Cruisin’ Sydney -> Bundanoon = ~150km

Berrima

Image: Vines for days at Bendooley Estate, Destination NSW

Also located in the Southern Highlands along with Bundanoon, Berrima is a historic town with Georgian heritage, making it the perfect spot for a slow-paced spring weekend to breathe in the fresh air.

The village is small enough to explore on foot, and the Berrima River Walk is an easy way to stretch your legs before lunch. Bendooley Estate is also nearby if you fancy making an afternoon of it with a meal. Go for a browse through the Berkelouw Book Barn or make a visit (or two) to the many cellar doors in the area. Put both Berrima and Bundanoon on your road trip plan rather than choosing between the two. They’re only around 25km apart, so it’s an easy little Southern Highlands road trip.

Where to stay: Berrima River Reserve Camping Area, Oxley Street, Berrima NSW 2577 (No powered sites)

🚐 Cruisin’ Sydney -> Berrima = ~130km

Narooma

Image: Wave back to some whales in Narooma, Destination NSW

Make your way to Narooma for a coastal spring getaway! Here, you’ll get clear blue water, the freshest seafood, coastal walks and the chance to see humpback whales making their way south along the NSW coast.

Whale-watching cruises, underwater safaris and kayaking tours operate from Narooma, with some trips heading towards Barunguba Montague Island, where you may spot some fur seals and more Aussie wildlife. Back on land, take a walk around Wagonga Inlet and Australia Rock before finding somewhere for lunch. If oysters are your thing, you’re definitely in the right place.

Where to stay: BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park, 41 Princes Hwy, Narooma NSW 2546

🚐 Cruisin’ Sydney -> Narooma = ~330km

Central Tilba & Tilba Tilba

Image: Learn the region’s Indigenous and European heritage with expert-led tours, Grainger Films

Just south of Narooma, Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba feel completely different from the beach towns nearby. These little heritage villages are National Trust-classified and set among green dairy country with Mount Gulaga rising behind them. Central Tilba is the main place to stop, with old timber shopfronts, local produce and small shops running along the main street.

Tilba is also home to the Tilba Festival, one of Eurobodalla’s most cherished community celebrations showcasing the region’s Indigenous heritage and colonial history. It doesn’t take long to explore this picturesque town, which is part of the appeal. Have a wander, grab something to eat at the famous Tilba Dairy, and take the scenic roads through the surrounding countryside.

If you’re planning to visit the area, we recommend combining it with Narooma rather than making a separate trip of it.

Where to stay: BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park, 41 Princes Hwy, Narooma NSW 2546

🚐 Cruisin’ Sydney -> Central Tilba = ~350km

Murrumbateman

Image: Vines for days at Murrumbateman, Destination NSW

If you’re keen for a wine weekend but don’t feel like joining the crowds at Hunter Valley, give Murrumbateman a go. Sitting just outside Canberra, this cool-climate wine hub in the Yass Valley has cellar doors spread through rolling countryside and of course, a strong reputation for its award-winning wines. It’s particularly known for shiraz and riesling, but there’s enough variety around to easily fill a weekend, even for those who aren’t into wine. For a more family-friendly stop, the Blackwattle Alpaca Farm is a perfect outing to pet some fluffy alpacas and learn about fibre processing.

Spring is a lovely time to visit while everything is green, and the weather is comfortable enough for a long lunch outdoors to take in the crisp country air. You’ll also be just in time for the Murrumbateman Moving Feast, a celebration of food, wine & local makers. Just make sure someone has volunteered for designated-driver duties before you start working your way through the 20 cellar doors in the area!

Where to stay: Alivio Tourist Park Canberra, 20 Kunzea Street, O’Connor ACT 2602

🚐 Cruisin’ Sydney -> Murrumbateman = ~280km

Young, The Hilltops

Image: You’ll find more than just stone fruits at Young, Destination NSW

Known as Australia’s Cherry Capital, Young is another Central West favourite that changes quite a bit as spring goes on. Gold was discovered in the area in 1860, and in 1889, Young became the first Australian town to provide a public electricity supply to residents.

Early in the season, you’ll find fields of golden canola flowering around the Hilltops region. In November, attention turns to cherries as orchards around Young begin opening for the season, like the Ballinaclash Fruit and Wine pick-your-own orchard. There are also wineries, farm gates and plenty of activities for the young and old, so don’t just drive here for cherries and head straight home. Give yourself a couple of days and explore more of the Hilltops while you’re here.

Where to stay: Young Tourist Park, 17 Edward Street, Young NSW 2594

🚐 Cruisin’ Sydney -> Young = ~370km

Crescent Head

Image: Catch a wave minus the Bondi crowds, Destination NSW

Crescent Head is a great place for a spring road trip grand finale, especially if you’re ready for a few days by the salty coast before summer arrives. This town on the Macleay Valley coast is famous for its long right-hand surf break at the 14km long Killick Beach, but you definitely don’t need to surf to enjoy this little coastal town. Enjoy the beaches for a cheeky dip, bushwalks at the Hat Head National Park and plenty of places to pull up and watch the ocean.

Spring is also a nice time to visit before the summer crowds arrive. Grab a coffee, spend the day near the waters and don’t worry too much about having an itinerary.

Where to stay: Crescent Head Holiday Park, Reserve Rd, Crescent Head NSW 2440

🚐 Cruisin’ Sydney -> Crescent Head = ~460km

Start Planning Your Road Trip!

May the sun always be shining, the flowers in full bloom, and the allergies stay away this spring. Hire a self-contained motorhome from Cruisin’ Motorhomes and turn your luxurious spring getaway into the ultimate road trip.

Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!

✨ Need inspiration? Check out our detailed itineraries and our blog articles for our latest motorhome tips!

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