Overview
Looking for a dreamy New South Wales Road Trip? We’ve got you covered with this relaxing and peaceful 7-day campervan road trip from Sydney to Coffs Harbour. While the drive from Coffs Harbour to Sydney is only 5 hours and 45 minutes directly, we think there’s plenty to see and do on the journey. Travelling in a motorhome is a great way to experience all that this gorgeous region has to offer. both inland and along the coast. This road trip itinerary will ensure you have a trip of a lifetime, without quite so much time behind the wheel. Ready to see it all, from the glistening glass of the Sydney Opera House to the rugged rainforests of the Blue Mountains? Read on for the best stops and sights to see on this 7-day Australian road trip.
Trip Details
If you’re not a local in Sydney, make sure to check out some of its most breathtaking sights, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Both these attractions are among two of the world's most recognisable landmarks, due to their masterful architecture and design. Be sure to climb to the top of the bridge and take in the view, or catch a star-studded show in the evening at the Opera House.
Aside from these famous sights in Sydney, there is plenty more to do. The cafes, clubs, restaurants and even the suburbs are worth checking out while there, not to mention the famous Bondi and Manly beaches. Be sure to get your fill of this special city before you head away on your campervan road trip.
Upon arrival at the Govetts Leap lookout, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The waterfall plunges a massive 180 metres to the base of the cliff, leading to a mesmerising view of the Grose Wilderness. Exploring the Blue Mountains area is something easily done by yourself, following the many walking trails from the Govetts Leap lookout, but a guided tour will take you to the best spots. A tour with Blue Mountains Tours will make sure you spot the native wildlife, catch the dazzling waterfalls and understand the unique history and cultural significance of the Blue Mountains - all for a good and affordable price.
Blackheath Glen Tourist Park is a great campground to stop the campervan while in the Blue Mountains territory. With both powered camping sites and unpowered sites, ensuite sites for privacy and some of the best campsite facilities, it’s a perfect spot to park up for the night.
Famous for its golden beaches, tranquil lagoon and surf break, Terrigal is a fantastic location to stop over and explore. If you’re looking to stretch your legs while here, why not take in the view by walking up The Skillion. This 1.4 kilometre loop trail is popular amongst locals and tourists alike, taking only 18 minutes to complete. While it is short, the views at the top are well worth it, especially if you can time it for a sunrise walk!
Terrigal Beach is an awesome spot for swimming, either between the patrolled flags or in the quiet lagoon. After a day of driving and exploring, park up the camper for the night at the Norah Head Holiday Park. This campground is in a prime location for beaching and swimming while offering ensuite, unpowered and powered camping sites for your campervan.
After your drive, take a dip at the Mereweather Ocean Baths, right on the waterfront of Newcastle. These ocean baths are a great way to freshen up and prepare you for the day exploring Blackbutt Reserve. Occupying over 182 hectares of natural landscapes and 10 kilometres of walking trails, Blackbutt Reserve is a great place for the whole family. Alongside the bush walks is free entry to the wildlife exhibits which let you get you up close and personal with the animals.
There’s no better spot in Newcastle to park your campervan than Stockton Beach. The NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is located 30 minutes from Newcastle and is a beach lover’s paradise. While on a beachfront campsite, wake up to the sound of crashing waves and the song of native birds. The campground provides a massive kitchen area, perfect for cooking a meal as if you were at home and unpowered and powered camping sites. There’s also easy access back to Newcastle via ferry if you’re looking at heading into town for a bite.
The Myall Lakes National Park features one of the state’s largest coastal lake systems, with countless opportunities for water activities and fishing. There are also 40 kilometres of beaches, perfect for swimming and surfing. The Mungo Rainforest Walk is a lovely, short walk through rare coastal rainforest trees and flora. The walk takes anywhere from 15-45 minutes on a loop, depending on how much of the scenery you decide to soak in! Watch out for the colourful, exotic birds of the rainforest like golden whistlers and brush turkeys.
The Karuah National Park takes you back to nature, an enchanted place made for fishing and relaxing. Make sure to pack a picnic to have by the water and listen in for the local bandicoots, goannas and brush-tailed possums. The rustic Boomeri Campground, much like the scenes in Myall Bay, is wild and immersed in nature. There are limited spots here for campervans so make sure to book a spot in this unique campground while you plan your road trip itinerary.
The hospital was established in 1973 and has been caring for and rehabilitating injured koalas ever since. It’s become a top tourist attraction over the years, allowing visitors a look into the care and rehabilitation process. At the same time, you’ll also learn about the koala’s habits and biology at the Koalaseum.
The Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is another amazing rainforest experience you can experience, located just out of central Port Macquarie. Besides the 1.3-kilometre boardwalk through the rainforest, there is a cafe to grab some lunch and eco-displays providing information about the local Aboriginal culture and the surrounding rainforest environment and wildlife.
When you’re ready to call it a day, Diamond Head Campground is a popular beachside campground in the Crowdy Bay National Park, south of Port Macquarie. There are no powered camping sites here, but there is certainly plenty of space on the unpowered camping sites for your campervan. Remember to bring your own supply of water here and some food to cook on the provided gas barbecues.
The theme park boasts a massive waterpark, a laser tag arena, an ice skating rink, a 36-hole mini golf course, and so much more. It’s the perfect place to take the family and keep everyone entertained all day.
Mutton Bird Island Nature Reserve is another worthwhile stop. offering spectacular views of the Solitary Islands and the vast ocean. The island is one of the few places, not only in Australia, but the world where you can get up close and personal with the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater nests. Your trip to Coffs Harbour isn’t complete without standing atop this island.
The BIG4 Park Beach is a perfect place to take the campervan for the night. With a huge pool, waterslides, an 18-hole mini golf course and a jumping pillow, this resort is a parents paradise. The option of slab sites and grass sites are overshadowed by the ensuite sites: powered camping sites with a private bathroom, perfect for avoiding the communal facilities, and at an affordable price. The campground itself is in a very central location, with the township just a few hundred metres away. It’s the perfect balance between staying in town while still enjoying the peacefulness and outdoor vibe that camping offers.
Once you’ve finished exploring and experiencing Coffs Harbour, it’s time to drop your campervan back at your nearest branch, or carry on exploring in your camper!
Go on your Australian Road Trip with maui
A near six-hour road trip can be split into a week's worth of travel when you have the ability to stop wherever you want and where you want. This is one of the many reasons to travel Australia in a maui campervan. From the rugged Blue Mountains inland of Sydney to the coastal treasures of Terrigal and Myall Bay, this is truly a campervan road trip you’ll never forget. The facilities offered at some of the amazing campsites make travelling so much easier to stop and take it all in. Ready to hit the road? Book your maui motorhome online and pick it up from your nearest maui branch to start your adventure.
