Five towns to stop by on NSW's Illawarra Highway
Whether you've got a destination in mind or just want to explore regions where you've only ever passed though, there has never been a better time to explore regional Australia.Getting in the car and heading off on a weekend away or a day trip to small and medium-sized towns down the highway can be a fulfilling experience with hidden gems and great local hospitality. Here are a few highlights down NSW's Illawarra Highway.
Illawarra Highway fast facts
From: The Hume Highway at Sutton Forest at its western end to Albion Park on the NSW south coast.
Named after: The Illawarra region that the highway traverses. The name probably derives from the local Aboriginal “allowrie” meaning “high place by the sea” – a perfect description of the hills and mountains the road meanders over on its way to the coast.
Route number: A48
Length: 62km
Best bit: There is plenty of scenery including vineyards and pleasant rolling hills but the sinuous hairpins and steep gradients of the Macquarie Pass are very memorable.
Sights and stops on the Illawarra Highway
Sutton Forest
Anyone on their way to Sydney from Melbourne or Canberra looking for respite from the seemingly endless Hume Freeway could consider exiting at the Illawarra Highway for an alternative route. The intersection is more or less at Sutton Forest, essentially the gateway to NSW’s Southern Highlands. Keen gardeners will want to stop almost immediately at Red Cow Farm with its beautifully coloured formal flower beds, potager and leafy walkways and the nearby historic Sutton Forest Inn has an eclectic country menu and plenty of spaces indoors and out to enjoy it.
Moss Vale
The highway winds through much larger Moss Vale with its specialty shops, historic buildings and surrounding wineries, or you could take time out to visit the tranquil Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve with its walking tracks around wetlands, and abundant birdlife.
Burrawang
Burrawang is well worth the slight detour off the main road mainly for its heritage vibe. There are quaint older buildings such as the Burrawang General Store which is now a cafe and restaurant with an innovative menu, or the charming Burrawang Village Hotel makes a refreshing stop and has a surprisingly shady garden out back.
Robertson
The highway curves through rolling green hills towards the town of Robertson which among other things, is famous for growing potatoes (and even has a big spud in the main street) and you might also pick a bag at the general store. Robertson is otherwise a foodie’s Nirvana with the gem-like Pecora Dairy cheese shop, Cooked by Julia patisserie, the sprawling pub for a drink, a long lunch, and the Robertson Cheese Factory restaurant and fromagerie all within staggering distance along the main street. Head out of town a little, brave the inevitable crowds and car-parking scramble, and you might want to see what the fuss is all about at the Robertson Pie Shop.
Macquarie Pass
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A little further on, the highway dives into the Macquarie Pass, a national park area that was historically one of the few places early settlers could cross the mountainous escarpment. The road is pretty hairy thanks to the memorable switchbacks and precipitous drop-offs but if you have the time, stop for a rewarding walk at trails such as Cascade Falls with its cool rainforest and waterfall finish.
From there it’s a straight shot down to the coast at busy Albion Park where the Princes Highway heads north up to Wollongong and Sydney, or south to seaside villages such as Minnamurra and Kiama.
Related: Five towns near Sydney you should road trip to this weekend
Related: Top tips for a weekend drive to Jervis Bay
Related: Andrew Daddo’s favourite family-friendly road trip detours in NSW
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