When planning a NSW road trip, having a car gives you the freedom to explore more of the state at your own pace. From the city to the coast and into the countryside, New South Wales has so many must-see destinations.
In this guide, we’ll cover where you can pick up a KINTO, how to choose the right car for your trip and some of the drives worth taking along the way.
Why NSW is a state you need a car for
If you plan to explore in Sydney and beyond, access to a vehicle can make your travels much easier. From the CBD to the coast, mountain ranges, wine regions, and country towns, distances can be long, so relying on public transport can limit the destinations you can visit. Driving a hire car gives you flexibility to visit multiple locations in a day and make stops as you please along the way.
When driving in New South Wales, you can plan your trip around the locations you want to visit, rather than around public transport routes and timetables. This is especially useful for regional locations, national parks, and multi-location trips.
Are you staying closer to the city? Read our 5 Easy Tips for Exploring Sydney.
Where you can pick up a KINTO in NSW
Looking for New South Wales car hire? KINTO vehicles are available across Sydney and regional New South Wales, giving you a range of starting points for your trip. You’ll find KINTO cars at selected Toyota dealerships, on-street bays, hotels and in shopping centres.
Many KINTO locations offer flexible pick-up and drop-off, with some vehicles available 24/7. Browse KINTO vehicle locations to find a KINTO near you.
Getting started with KINTO
To book a KINTO for your NSW trip, you’ll first need to become an approved KINTO member. Start by downloading the KINTO app, creating an account and submitting your application with your licence, identification, and payment information. While our team endeavours to approve applications quickly, it can take between 3 and 24 hours, so it's best to allow enough time before your trip.
Once approved, you can book and manage your trip through the app. The app is also used to access your vehicle, unlock and start the car, meaning no keys and no physical paperwork.
New to KINTO? Get started by applying to become a KINTO member.
Before booking, you can also review KINTO fees & charges for more information on costs and conditions that may apply.
Choosing the right car for your NSW trip
Selecting the right car for your NSW road trip will depend on where you’re planning to go, how many people are travelling with you, and what luggage you’re taking.
If you’re keeping close to the city, a smaller car like the Yaris Cross can make manoeuvring busy streets and tight car parks easier. For a weekend away along the coast, or a longer road trip, an SUV like the RAV4 has additional room for passengers and luggage. While families and larger groups needing extra seats may prefer the 7-seater Kluger.
When choosing your hire car, consider the distance you’ll be travelling, how much time you’ll spend in the car, who’s coming along for the trip and what you’ll be bringing with you. Before booking, explore KINTO cars and pricing to compare Toyota models, cargo space, and features, and find the option best suited to your journey.
The drives worth taking
From the city to the coast and countryside, here are 6 drives worth adding to your plans, including some of the best road trips from Sydney and regional loops starting near KINTO locations.
Staying close to the city? You can find inspiration in our autumn day trip around Sydney.
Penrith to the Blue Mountains
Allow around 3 hours return when driving from Penrith, plus time to stop and explore. The Blue Mountains are one of the most popular day trips from Sydney by car. If you’re planning a day trip from Sydney, you can pick up a KINTO in Penrith, putting you just outside the foothills of the mountains.
Don’t miss: Wentworth Falls → Leura → The Three Sisters.
Gosford to the Hunter Valley
Allow 4 hours for a round trip starting from Gosford. A Hunter Valley drive from Sydney takes around 3 hours each way, but picking up a KINTO in Gosford can put you closer to your destination. Visit the historic town of Wollombi, stop by a cellar door for wine and lunch in Pokolbin, then head back through Morpeth.
Don’t miss: Wollombi → Pokolbin → Morpeth.
Sydney to the South Coast
Allow 13 hours return for this drive from Sydney. The South Coast is best explored over a few days to a week, with many sleepy towns and hidden gems along the coast. For a taste of a South Coast NSW road trip, stop at Kiama to see the infamous blow hole, visit Jervis Bay for stunning beaches and white sand, and Merimbula for relaxed vibes, delicious food, and pristine beaches.
Don’t miss: Kiama → Jervis Bay → Merimbula.
Ballina around the Northern Rivers
Allow around 1.5 hours of driving for a coast-to-hinterland loop from Ballina. Stop at Lennox Head first for a walk, swim or surf at Seven Mile Beach, then head up to the popular town of Byron Bay where you’ll spend time sightseeing, stop by the charming Killen Falls, before returning to Ballina. It’s an easy way to see the Northern River beaches and the beautiful hinterland in one trip.
Don’t miss: Seven Mile Beach → Byron Bay → Killen Falls.
Dubbo around the Central West
Allow around 3 hours driving time for a loop starting in Dubbo. Visit the rural town of Narromine for the aviation museum, then drive to the Goobang National Park in Baldry for scenic walks and views before returning to Dubbo.
Don’t miss: Narromine → Goobang National Park → Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Wagga Wagga and around the Riverina
Allow 4 hours driving for a loop beginning in Wagga Wagga and heading around the Riverina region. Visit Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve and spend time in nature, drive on to Urana, a quiet historic town with a free flight bird aviary, before heading back to Wagga Wagga.
Don’t miss: Wagga Beach → Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve → Urana.
Driving interstate and the back-to-base rule
KINTO vehicles can be driven interstate, but did you know they operate as a back-to-base service? That means you must return your vehicle to the same location you picked it up from.
For example, if you collect a KINTO in Sydney and drive it to Byron Bay for a fun weekend with your friends, you’ll need to return the car to Sydney in the exact spot you collected it from at the end of your booking. Planning a loop that starts and ends at your original pick-up location can be a practical way to explore NSW or travel interstate.
Ready for your next adventure?
A NSW road trip is a fantastic way to explore the state at your own pace. From weekends along the coast, regional getaways and trips to the city, KINTO gives you the freedom to make the trip your own.
Explore New South Wales car hire with KINTO and find a Toyota to suit your next adventure.
Can I drive a KINTO from Sydney to Melbourne or Brisbane?
Yes! KINTO vehicles can be driven interstate and all over Australia. KINTO is a back-to-base service, so at the end of your journey, you must return the vehicle to the same location you collected it from.
Where can I hire a car in regional NSW?
KINTO has a number of regional NSW locations. NSW locations include Ballina, Dubbo, Tamworth, Gosford and Wagga Wagga. Find a KINTO rental near you.
Is it cheaper to hire a car in Sydney or at the airport?
Car hire pricing can vary by location and rental provider. Compare the total booking cost and any added extras in each location (Sydney or the airport) to see whether pricing changes before you book. Often, extra surcharges are applied when collecting from an airport location.
How far can you drive in a day in NSW?
There is no single ideal distance, as it depends on your destination, road conditions, and speed limits. The NSW Government recommends stopping at rest areas along your route every 2 hours to manage fatigue [1].
