There’s nothing better than a weekend getaway in the peak of Australian winter – rugging up in warm woolly clothes, breathing in the crisp clean air, bathing in the streaming sun, enjoying good food and beverages and topping it all off with a campfire. There’s just one thing to make it that much better – travelling to your destination in an electric vehicle of course! Below we’ve shared our top 4 NSW winter destinations and where you can charge up whilst you’re there.
Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
Located in the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin is north of Sydney and takes about two hours by car. Destination NSW labels the area as the heart of the New South Wales wine country. The closest wine region near Sydney, Pokolbin is full of wineries and vineyard restaurants. Ensure you drive to Pokolbin so you can carry back your purchases more easily.
Home to some of Australia’s most renowned wines, such as Tyrrell’s, Tulloch and McGuigan, you can’t avoid taking a tour of the vineyards or tasting local wines. Or, you can hire a bicycle and explore the enchanting, rural roads of the country town.
There are many restaurants to try, or time your visit with the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival to sample the local produce. Pokolbin is also home to jazz and opera festivals in the fall and rock concerts all year round.
Beyond the wine, check out some of Pokolbin’s golf courses, spa trips and craft breweries or the local distillery. Also, make sure to check out the sensational Hunter Valley Gardens.
Charging for a Hunter Valley Trip
During a Hunter Valley trip you may find your accommodation offers EV chargers for guests – including at the big hotels like the Crowne Plaza. Otherwise, the NRMA charger in Pokolbin itself is very useful, along with the Tesla Supercharger in Tuggerah.
Snowy Mountains, Mount Kosciuszko National Park
Home to Australia’s highest peak Mount Kosciuszko (at 2,228m) as well as a number of ski fields, the Snowy Mountains is the ideal winter destination. Whether you’re there for skiing, snowboarding, relaxation, food and wine tasting or bushwalking, there’s something for everyone.
Located in Southwest NSW, about 5 hours out of Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra, the best time to visit is between June and October during the winter season. Surrounded by captivating terrain, the area is one of the most beautiful places in Australia to enjoy snow sports. Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass snow resorts are all great options.
Referred to as the ‘high country’, the Snowy Mountains are also known for their pristine hiking trails and treks with some of Australia’s most distinct flora and fauna scattered throughout.
Please note: evee rental vehicles are permitted to be driven through snowy regions, so long as the approved driver complies with local road rules and driving requirements. Find out more here.
Charging for a Snowy Mountains EV trip
Charge up at Thredbo Alpine Hotel, Lake Crackenback Resort, the Cooma Supercharger or the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre.
Blue Mountains
A UNESCO World Heritage Area and one of the most popular destinations, the Blue Mountains National Park is less than three hours from Sydney by train.
Incredibly scenic, with a blue haze and natural eucalyptus scent, there are 664,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness to explore. Why not visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden or Wentworth Falls? The Botanic Garden is home to 21,000 plants and 900 species. Each trip to the gardens feels like the first as it changes with each season. Or explore the region’s thick eucalyptus forests and 140 kilometres of hiking trails. Take in the views of rugged gorges and spectacular waterfalls, Aboriginal rock paintings, engage in abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
One of the area’s highlights is the Three Sisters — stunning, picturesque massive rock formations. Or take a trip on the hair-raising Katoomba Scenic Railway down the Jamison Valley. No matter how often you visit the Blue Mountains National Park, there is always some new waterfall or hiking trail to explore.
Charging for a Blue Mountains EV trip
Heading out from Sydney to the Blue Mountains for a day on the road is made possible by Evie Networks ultra-fast charger at Caddens Corner, just outside Penrith. There’s also the NRMA fast charger in Lithgow, and if you are spending time at Scenic World, their Tesla Destination Charger is another option.
Byron Bay
One of Australia’s most iconic lifestyle destinations, Byron Bay is a go-to place for anyone seeking relaxation, adventure and fun.
Located on the far north coast of NSW and home to Australia’s most easterly point, the region is known for its exquisite beaches, waterfalls, eclectic shopping scene, amazing fresh produce and world class dining experiences.
When you’re there, there’s so much to do. Visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse, tour the Crystal Castle, swim at the Minyon Waterfall, take a guided Aboriginal tour, explore the town and shops or see where the wind takes you!
Charging for a Byron Bay EV trip
Charge up at the Mercato Shopping Centre, Habitat Byron Bay or Marvell Lane Studio. Visit Plugshare to find the numerous accommodation options that include EV charging.
Happy driving!
