Welcome to your campervan road trip guide to New South Wales!
Sydney is one of the most visited cities in Australia, which makes it the perfect jumping-off point for a road trip. New South Wales, the state of which Sydney is the capital, has a wonderful mixture of natural beauty, rich culture, and endless fun.
With so much to see and do, choosing what to include on your road trip holiday can be a tough decision. We have compiled a list of top destinations to visit on your ultimate campervan road trip from Sydney.
You can either organise a Sydney campervan hire as a round trip, or travel one way north to sunny Queensland, or south to Melbourne, the capital of Victoria.
Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains offer breathtaking views and endless outdoor activities. Take a hike to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation, go rock climbing, or take a scenic cable car ride. The park also offers many opportunities for wildlife spotting and bird-watching.
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and is home to over 150 wineries. Take a tour to taste some of the region’s famous wines, such as Semillon and Shiraz, and enjoy the beautiful vineyard views. The Hunter Valley is also home to a range of outdoor activities, including hot air balloon rides, horse riding, and mountain biking.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a bohemian paradise known for its laid-back lifestyle, delicious food, and beautiful beaches. Take a yoga class, go for a surf, or simply wander around the town and soak in the unique atmosphere.
The Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world, and offers a variety of activities such as hiking, picnicking, and swimming. Take a walk along the Coast Track for spectacular views of the coast and visit the historic Audley Dance Hall and the charming Figure Eight Pools.
Coonabarabran
Coonabarabran is known as the “Astronomy Capital of Australia” and is home to the Siding Spring Observatory. Take a tour of the observatory and learn about the night sky and the latest astronomy research.
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. Go swimming, kayaking, or take a dolphin-watching cruise to see the resident bottlenose dolphins.
Tamworth
Tamworth is known as the ‘Country Music Capital of Australia’ and hosts the famous Tamworth Country Music Festival. Take in a concert, visit the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre or the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.
New England National Park
The New England National Park is home to the longest stretch of cool temperate rainforest in New South Wales and offers a variety of activities such as hiking, picnicking and bird watching. Take a walk to Paddy’s Glen for spectacular views of the rainforest and the park’s many waterfalls.
The Rocks
The Rocks is a historical area in Sydney that offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Take a tour of the area to see the old colonial buildings, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park is home to the Mungo Man, one of the oldest human remains ever found in Australia. Take a tour to learn about the history of the area and the unique desert landscape.
Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a coastal paradise that is perfect for a beach vacation. With 26 beaches to choose from, you will find your own little slice of heaven. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. Take a dolphin-watching tour to see the friendly bottlenose dolphins that call the area home. If you’re feeling adventurous, try sandboarding on the massive dunes at Stockton Beach.
Kiama
This charming coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque rock formations, and vibrant arts scene. Take a stroll along the Kiama Coastal Walk, where you can admire the stunning views of the coast and the famous Kiama Blowhole. Visit the Kiama Arts Centre, where you can see works by local artists and take in a performance.
Wollongong
Wollongong is popular for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and lively arts scene. Take a hike to the summit of Mount Keira for panoramic views of the city and the coast, or visit Wollongong Art Gallery to see works by local artists. The Wollongong Harbour and the Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse are must-see landmarks.
The Illawarra
Located south of Sydney, this region is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal towns. Take a drive along the Grand Pacific Drive to admire the views, or visit the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, where you can take a walk through the treetops and admire the views of the coast. The Illawarra is also home to a range of adventure activities, such as hang gliding, paragliding, and surfing.
Newcastle
This coastal city is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque coastal walks, and rich history. Take a stroll along the Newcastle Ocean Baths, where you can swim in the ocean pools and admire the views of the coast. Visit the Newcastle Regional Museum, where you can learn about the city’s history and culture, or take a walk through the city’s historic East End to see the city’s charming colonial architecture. Newcastle also has a lively arts scene, and it is known for its nightlife and food scene. The Fort Scratchley Historic Site, Nobby Lighthouse, and the Newcastle Art Gallery are some of the must-see attractions in the area.
Snowy Mountains
The region is home to the highest peak in mainland Australia, Mount Kosciuszko, and it offers a wide range of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. During summer, visitors can hike, bike, fish, and camp in the area, or visit the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme, which is an engineering marvel that has been declared a National Heritage. The Kosciuszko National Park offers a variety of hiking trails, camping areas, and picnic spots. The charming mountain towns of Jindabyne, Thredbo, and Perisher are the most popular spots to stay while visiting the Snowy Mountains.
As you can see, New South Wales is full of natural, cultural, historical, and fun attractions. Pack your bags, pick up your campervan rental and let the adventure begin!
