A Silly, Scenic Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’ve ever wanted a road trip that’s equal parts coastal beauty and giant, slightly ridiculous sculptures, then buckle up — the NSW coast is basically Australia’s unofficial theme park of oversized objects. From prawns to bananas to things you didn’t even know could be made big, this drive is the perfect mix of “wow, that’s stunning” and “why… but also yes.”
Whether you’re a casual traveller, a weekend wanderer, or someone who just loves pulling over for weird photo ops, this trip is for you.
There’s something magic about rolling up the east coast with no real schedule, a half‑decent playlist, and the promise of bakery stops in every town. This stretch — from Lakes Entrance up to Moruya — is peak Casual Roadie territory. Think beaches, boardwalks, wildlife, and the kind of small‑town charm that makes you want to stay “just one more night.”
Let’s dive into the highlights on the first couple of days…
🌊 Lakes Entrance — Where the Road Trip Mood Really Kicks In
Lakes Entrance is one of those places that instantly puts you in holiday mode.
You roll in, see the water, breathe out, and suddenly everything feels easier.
Roadie Highlights:
- Ninety Mile Beach — long, wild, and perfect for a barefoot wander.
- The Entrance Walk — pelicans, fishing boats, and that salty breeze.
- Wyanga Park Winery — because road trips deserve wine tastings (after the driving, of course).
- Fresh seafood straight from the co‑ops — you can’t go wrong.
On my way out of Lakes Entrance, I somehow managed to stumble across a pair of hitchhikers — classic road‑trip energy. Only problem? I had one spare seat. After a quick chat, they decided to split up, and I ended up giving one of them a lift all the way to Eden, NSW.
Honestly, it was kind of nice having someone to chat to for a couple of hours. Road trips can get a bit “me, myself, and the playlist I’ve already heard three times,” so the company was a bonus. And yes — I made it out alive and happily continued on my solo travels, still very much in one piece.
A little adventure within the adventure.
🏖️ Moruya — Laid‑Back Coastal Bliss
Further up the coast, Moruya is the definition of cruisy. It’s got beaches, rivers, markets, and that relaxed vibe that makes you want to ditch your itinerary entirely.
Roadie Highlights:
Shelly Beach — calm, clean, and great for a swim.
Moruya Markets (Saturdays) — local produce, handmade goodies, and the best people‑watching.
Moruya Heads Lookout — dolphins if you’re lucky, epic views either way.
The River — perfect for kayaking or just chilling by the water.
It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying.
🚦 A Quick Word on Road Safety (Because We Care About You)
Road trips are fun — but they’re also long, and sometimes the roads get a bit wild.
A few friendly reminders from your fellow Casual Roadie:
- Take breaks — every couple of hours, stretch the legs, grab a snack, reset.
- Watch for wildlife — dawn and dusk are peak kangaroo o’clock.
- Don’t push through fatigue — no adventure is worth driving tired.
- Keep your phone charged — for maps, tunes, and those “look at this view!” photos.
🧍♂️ And About Hitchhikers…
You’ll spot them occasionally along the coast — backpacks, cardboard signs, hopeful thumbs.
While picking up hitchhikers is a personal choice, it’s important to stay safe.
- Trust your instincts.
- If something feels off, keep driving.
- If you do stop, stay aware and keep valuables secure.
- There’s no pressure — you’re not a rideshare service.
Helping someone out can be lovely, but your safety comes first.
