I took the scenic route to the Snowies, and it was worth every extra kilometre

Fancy taking the slow road to the Snowies for a family road trip worth savouring? Here's how I did it. 

As Sydney skiers pile into their cars and point toward the Snowy Mountains, why not avoid the traffic and take the slow road instead? Whether you’ve got chairlifts in your sights or you’re looking ahead to spring and summer, give the Hume Highway a wide berth and enjoy the coastal route.

I took the scenic route to the snow, and it was worth every extra kilometre

Sydney to Ulladulla

Drive

Leave Sydney early for the 226 km drive to the sleepy surf town of Ulladulla. On a good run, it will take you only three hours, with the A1 and M1 smooth driving following upgrades.

Play

After making it out of the city, make a slight detour to Bulli Rock Pool, in Wollongong. Near the car park is a large playground, a cafe overlooking the water (under renovation), and a clifftop picnic area. The rock pool is actually two man-made ocean baths; toddlers will love the shallow one, while the larger pool offers big kids and adults the chance to cool off or wake up, depending on the season you visit. 

Eat

The holiday town of Berry is perfectly poised for a brunch stop. Only 144km south of Sydney, the popular weekend destination is overflowing with great eateries. My favourite is The Berry General Store, one street back from the main thoroughfare in a cottage hidden behind a wall of fragrant flowers. Pull up a seat in the garden or loft and dine on bacon and cheese croissants and katsu chicken sandwiches. Parents will appreciate the play space in the back garden.

Before getting back in the car, drop by the famous Berry Donut Van, which has been parked off Queen Street since the 1960s. Cinnamon donuts are made to order and served in paper bags, perfect for a sweet car snack.

Stay

For kids, it's hard to beat a pre-breakfast game of tip on a jumping pillow, and that's what you can expect at Discovery Parks - Burrill Lake, Ulladulla. This is a classic campground, where children quickly make new friends on the pillow and at mini golf, while parents listen to their laughter while waking up with a coffee from the onsite kiosk. There are also tennis courts, swimming pools, and kayaks for hire. Book one of the Deluxe Two-Bedroom Treetop Spa Cabins, where the kids will sprawl out on the two sets of bunk beds, and in a comfortable lounge and dining room.

Burrill Lake is a great place to stay with your kids

Ulladulla to Pambula Beach

Drive 

You can expect a slower drive today as you travel through small communities along the 232 km stretch from Ulladulla to Pambula Beach. The road can be narrow and winding, and keep a look out for wildlife as you pass through Mimosa Rocks National Park.

Play

Make time to stop into the historic village of Central Tilba, where you’ll want to wander in and out of charming eateries and boutiques. Surrounded by farmland, it’s a picturesque spot, albeit a little challenging to find a car park. Once you do though, two must-visits are Tilba Dairy and Tilba Sweet Spot. The Dairy shop is brimming with goodies and you can grab a creamy Jersey milkshake and ice cream. The lolly shop is a trove of Willy Wonka-like delights, including Jawbreakers, giant Freckles and caramel buds. 

Eat

Before hitting the road, head to Milk HAUS, in Woodstock, a short drive from Burrill Lake. There you will discover a wonderful farm-style eatery surrounded by dairy fields and a glorious kitchen garden. The food is seasonal, sustainable and served in a converted cheese factory. The menu caters almost exclusively to adults with dishes such as almond and cardamom waffles with orange blossom syrup. Milk HAUS has been a long-time favourite of foodies, so book a table.

After stopping into Central Tilba, travel the coast road to the popular family holiday town of Tathra, where you’ll find The Wharf Local, a cafe embraced by a salty wind that whips around Tathra Wharf and its regular fisherfolk. Enjoy a cup of tea and ginger scones before browsing the pottery.  

Stay

Discovery Parks - Pambula Beach has it all. Not only is there a large lagoon-style pool and a huge splash park with slides and a tipping bucket, but there’s also a heated indoor pool for cold days, mini golf, pedal carts, and an arts and crafts shed. When you get tired of cooking in your cabin or on the barbecues, dine at the on-site restaurant where the pizzas are huge and the atmosphere is buzzing. Forget something? Grab it from the well-stocked kiosk. On top of all of that, the location is spot on, right next to Pambula Beach.

Pambula Beach really does have it all

Pambula Beach to Jindabyne

Drive

As you leave the coast behind, you’ll drive through tiny villages and scale mountain passes on your way to Jindabyne. The 172 km route via Snowy Mountains Highway can be slow and narrow. I advise against taking the backroad via Dalgety to Jindabyne, as it’s dirt and only suitable for 4WDs. Instead, travel via Cooma, where you can grab a coffee at The Lott Cafe.

Play

After breakfast, spend time on Pambula Beach. You can join a surf lesson or go for a  jog on the soft sand before hitting the road. If you have stand-up paddleboards, kayaks or fishing rods with you, it’s also worth driving around the corner to Pambula Rivermouth (parking is limited).

Once you reach Jindabyne, head to the recently revamped Jindabyne Skate Park and the great children’s playground.

After coming down the coast, Jindabyne is a nice change of pace

Eat

Join the locals getting their caffeine fix and morning pastries at ESS Boardstore, and while you’re there check out the latest ski, skate and wakeboarding gear.

For a more substantial feed, head to Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery cafe in Thredbo Valley for Austrian beef gulasch and a hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. 

Stay

Discovery Parks - Jindabyne has undergone a transformation in recent years and you’ll now find new, impressive cabins catering to families of four. Located at the junction of Thredbo and Perisher resorts, the park is a top spot for outdoor adventurers keen to explore Kosciuszko National Park. Kids will love the mini jumping pillow and giant chess set. 

The writer travelled as a guest of Discovery Parks & Resorts

Originally published as I took the scenic route to the Snowies, and it was worth every extra kilometre