Best Caravan Itineraries in New South Wales

If you are planning a caravan trip in New South Wales, then read on, as we have some great itinerary suggestions to make the most of your trip. The joy of seeing the beauty of NSW whilst towing your own accommodation is definitely an experience worth having. If you are a domestic traveler that wants to visit NSW on wheels, then this article is for you.

New South Wales (NSW) offers some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes for caravan enthusiasts. From coastal drives to mountainous regions, there are numerous routes to explore. Here are some of the best caravan itineraries in NSW.

Greater Blue Mountains Drive

The Greater Blue Mountains Drive is a network of touring routes that traverse the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains region. The drive covers over 1,200 kilometers and connects a series of national parks and conservation areas, providing numerous opportunities for exploration.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney to Katoomba (110 km)

• Route: Take the Great Western Highway from Sydney to Katoomba.
• Highlights: Visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation, explore Scenic World, and take a walk along the Blue Mountains Heritage Trail.
• Campgrounds: Katoomba Falls Tourist Park offers well-maintained facilities close to major attractions.

Day 2: Katoomba to Jenolan Caves (75 km)

• Route: Continue on the Great Western Highway and then take Jenolan Caves Road.
• Highlights: Discover the magnificent Jenolan Caves, one of the world’s oldest cave systems. Enjoy guided tours of the Lucas Cave and Imperial Cave.
• Campgrounds: Jenolan Caves House offers camping facilities and basic amenities for visitors.

Day 3: Jenolan Caves to Lithgow (65 km)

• Route: Head north on Jenolan Caves Road to the town of Lithgow.
• Highlights: Visit the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum, explore the Blast Furnace Park, and enjoy the scenic views from Hassans Walls Lookout.
• Campgrounds: Lithgow Tourist and Van Park provides comfortable camping options.

Day 4: Lithgow to Mudgee (110 km)

• Route: Drive north on Castlereagh Highway to Mudgee.
• Highlights: Explore the historic town of Mudgee, known for its wineries and colonial architecture. Visit the Mudgee Honey Haven and the Mudgee Observatory.
• Campgrounds: Mudgee Riverside Caravan Park offers scenic spots by the river.

Day 5: Mudgee to Hunter Valley (180 km)

• Route: Travel east on Ulan Road to the renowned wine region of Hunter Valley.
• Highlights: Enjoy wine tasting at the Hunter Valley vineyards, explore the Hunter Valley Gardens, and indulge in gourmet food at local restaurants.
• Campgrounds: Big4 Hunter Valley Holiday Park provides excellent facilities and easy access to the wineries.

Day 6: Hunter Valley to Wollombi (60 km)

• Route: Head south on the Great North Road to the historic village of Wollombi.
• Highlights: Discover Wollombi’s colonial history, visit the Wollombi Tavern, and take a stroll through the Wollombi Valley.
• Campgrounds: Wollombi Tavern offers basic camping facilities and a rustic experience.

Day 7: Wollombi to Wisemans Ferry (80 km)

• Route: Continue south on the Great North Road to Wisemans Ferry.
• Highlights: Take a ferry ride across the Hawkesbury River, explore the historic sites of Wisemans Ferry, and enjoy water-based activities.
• Campgrounds: Del Rio Riverside Resort offers well-equipped camping and caravan sites.

Grand Pacific Drive

The Grand Pacific Drive is about 140km along the south coast of Sydney down to Wollongong. An incredibly scenic route that takes you from Sydney to the stunning South Coast, finishing at Jervis Bay.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney to Wollongong (85 km)

• Route: Start your journey from Sydney, heading south through the Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest national park.
• Highlights:
  • Royal National Park: Enjoy scenic lookouts, bushwalks, and picnic spots.
  • Sea Cliff Bridge: Experience the iconic cantilever bridge that offers panoramic ocean views.
  • Stanwell Park: A great spot for hang gliding and beach relaxation.
• Campgrounds: Coledale Beach Camping Reserve offers beachfront sites with stunning views.

Day 2: Wollongong to Kiama (40 km)

• Route: Continue south to the picturesque town of Kiama.
• Highlights:
  • Wollongong: Visit the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Kiama Blowhole: Witness the spectacular water spout and explore the nearby coastal walks.
  • Kiama Coast Walk: A scenic walking trail with breathtaking coastal views.
• Campgrounds: Kiama Harbour Cabins offer well-maintained facilities close to the blowhole and the town center.

Day 3: Kiama to Jervis Bay (75 km)

• Route: Travel further south to the pristine beaches of Jervis Bay.
• Highlights:
  • Seven Mile Beach: Enjoy the long stretch of sandy beach and picnic areas.
  • Jervis Bay: Known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, including the famous Hyams Beach.
  • Booderee National Park: Explore the beautiful national park, with opportunities for hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting.
• Campgrounds: Jervis Bay Holiday Park offers excellent facilities and access to the bay’s attractions.

Day 4: Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay (140 km)

• Route: Head further south along the coast to Batemans Bay.
• Highlights:
  • Murramarang National Park: Discover coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests.
  • Batemans Bay: Enjoy the waterfront dining, fishing, and kayaking.
  • Clyde River: Explore the river by boat or enjoy a riverside picnic.
• Campgrounds: BIG4 Batemans Bay Beach Resort provides beachfront camping with modern amenities.

Day 5: Batemans Bay to Narooma (70 km)

• Route: Continue south to the charming town of Narooma.
• Highlights:
  • Broulee Beach: A beautiful spot for swimming and surfing.
  • Narooma: Known for its stunning turquoise waters and the famous Australia Rock.
  • Montague Island: Take a boat tour to see the seal colony and penguins.
• Campgrounds: Island View Beach Resort offers comfortable sites with easy access to the beach.

Day 6: Narooma to Merimbula (70 km)

• Route: Travel south to the vibrant coastal town of Merimbula.
• Highlights:
  • Tilba Tilba: Visit the historic village and the charming shops.
  • Merimbula: Known for its beautiful beaches, whale watching, and water sports.
  • Magic Mountain: A family-friendly amusement park.
• Campgrounds: Tween Waters Holiday Park provides excellent facilities and close proximity to the beach.

Day 7: Merimbula to Eden (30 km)

• Route: Conclude your journey at the historic town of Eden.
• Highlights:
  • Pambula Beach: A great spot for swimming and surfing.
  • Eden: Learn about the town’s whaling history at the Eden Killer Whale Museum.
  • Ben Boyd National Park: Explore the coastal trails and historic sites.
• Campgrounds: Eden Gateway Holiday Park offers well-maintained facilities and easy access to local attractions.

Waterfall Way

Waterfall Way spans approximately 185 kilometers from Coffs Harbour on the coast to Armidale in the New England region. On top of waterfalls, there are also national parks such as the Dorrigo, Oxley, and New England. Each of these national parks is also packed with waterfalls. The Dorrigo National Park, for example, has the Dangar, Ebor, and Mihi waterfalls.

Itinerary

Day 1: Coffs Harbour to Bellingen (35 km)

• Route: Start your journey from Coffs Harbour, heading west on the Pacific Highway and then taking Waterfall Way towards Bellingen.
• Highlights:
  • Coffs Harbour: Visit the Big Banana, Coffs Harbour Jetty, and beautiful beaches.
  • Bellingen: Explore the charming town known for its arts and crafts, local markets, and vibrant community.
• Campgrounds: Bellingen Showground offers convenient camping facilities close to the town center.

Day 2: Bellingen to Dorrigo (30 km)

• Route: Continue west on Waterfall Way to the town of Dorrigo.
• Highlights:
  • Dorrigo National Park: Discover the World Heritage-listed rainforest, walk the Skywalk Lookout, and visit the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.
  • Dangar Falls: Just outside Dorrigo, these picturesque falls are perfect for a visit.
• Campgrounds: Dangar Falls Lodge and Camping provides a scenic spot to stay near the falls.

Day 3: Dorrigo to Ebor (70 km)

• Route: Travel further west through the rolling countryside to the village of Ebor.
• Highlights:
  • Ebor Falls: View the spectacular twin waterfalls from the viewing platforms.
  • Cathedral Rock National Park: Enjoy the hiking trails and dramatic rock formations.
• Campgrounds: Ebor Falls Caravan Park offers basic facilities with easy access to the falls.

Day 4: Ebor to Armidale (50 km)

• Route: Continue on Waterfall Way to the city of Armidale.
• Highlights:
  • Wollomombi Falls: Visit one of Australia’s highest waterfalls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
  • Armidale: Explore the heritage buildings, local museums, and the New England Regional Art Museum.
• Campgrounds: Armidale Tourist Park provides a range of amenities and a comfortable stay.

Legendary Pacific Coast

This 940-kilometre drive greets you with picturesque views of the Pacific beaches and national parks that are filling the area. The Legendary Pacific Coast starts from Sydney up to Brisbane. Make sure to take your time once you are here because you will see myriads of attractions along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney to Central Coast (90 km)

• Route: Start your journey from Sydney, heading north on the Pacific Highway towards the Central Coast.
• Highlights:
  • Sydney: Visit iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
  • Central Coast: Explore the beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and charming towns such as Terrigal and The Entrance.
• Campgrounds: Toowoon Bay Holiday Park offers beachfront camping with excellent facilities.

Central Coast to Hunter Valley (95 km): Day 2

• Route: Head inland to the renowned wine region of the Hunter Valley.
• Highlights:
  • Hunter Valley: Enjoy wine tasting at world-class vineyards, explore gourmet food options, and visit the Hunter Valley Gardens.
• Campgrounds: Wine Country Tourist Park provides a comfortable stay amidst the vineyards.

Day 3: Hunter Valley to Port Stephens (80 km)

• Route: Travel east to the coastal paradise of Port Stephens.
• Highlights:
  • Port Stephens: Known for its dolphin watching cruises, sand dunes, and beautiful beaches.
  • Nelson Bay: Explore the marina, shops, and restaurants.
• Campgrounds: Halifax Holiday Park offers beachfront sites with modern amenities.

Day 4: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie (250 km)

• Route: Continue north along the Pacific Highway to Port Macquarie.
• Highlights:
  • Port Macquarie: Visit the Koala Hospital, take a coastal walk, and enjoy the scenic beaches.
• Campgrounds: NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park is centrally located with excellent facilities.

Day 5: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour (160 km)

• Route: Travel further north to the vibrant coastal city of Coffs Harbour.
• Highlights:
  • Coffs Harbour: Home to the famous Big Banana, beautiful beaches, and the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.
• Campgrounds: Park Beach Holiday Park offers family-friendly amenities and proximity to the beach.

Day 6: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay (240 km)

• Route: Continue your journey to the laid-back town of Byron Bay.
• Highlights:
  • Byron Bay: Famous for its surf culture, stunning beaches, and the Cape Byron Lighthouse.
• Campgrounds: First Sun Holiday Park provides beachfront camping with easy access to town.

Day 7: Byron Bay to Gold Coast (90 km)

• Route: Finish your journey by heading north to the vibrant Gold Coast.
• Highlights:
  • Gold Coast: Known for its theme parks, shopping, dining, and beautiful beaches.
• Campgrounds: Main Beach Tourist Park offers excellent facilities near the heart of the Gold Coast.

Mighty Murray River Drive

The Might Murray River Drive is filled with history that takes you back in time during simpler days. You will meet a lot of locals that give you a glimpse of what life in the river is about.

This is Australia’s paddle-steamer capital and it is the perfect place to start your caravan adventure. The twin towns of Echuca and Moama on either side of the Murray River are rich in riverboat heritage. You can visit the Echuca Discovery Centre if you’d like to learn a bit more about the area’s river pioneers or the town’s history, as Echuca was once Australia’s largest inland port.

Itinerary

Day 1: Albury to Corowa (50 km)

• Route: Begin your journey in Albury and head west along the Riverina Highway to Corowa.
• Highlights:
  • Albury: Explore the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) and the Botanic Gardens.
  • Corowa: Visit the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory and enjoy a stroll along the river.
• Campgrounds: Ball Park Caravan Park offers excellent facilities and riverfront sites.

Day 2: Corowa to Yarrawonga (50 km)

• Route: Continue along the Riverina Highway to Yarrawonga.
• Highlights:
  • Yarrawonga: Known for Lake Mulwala, perfect for fishing, boating, and water sports.
  • Murray Valley National Park: Explore the park’s trails and bird-watching opportunities.
• Campgrounds: Yarrawonga Holiday Park provides great amenities and access to the lake.

Yarrawonga to Echuca (130 km): Day 3

• Route: Head south-west to the historic port town of Echuca.
• Highlights:
  • Echuca: Experience the historic port area with paddle steamer rides and museums.
  • Echuca Moama: Explore the twin towns and enjoy dining along the river.
• Campgrounds: NRMA Echuca Holiday Park offers well-maintained facilities and proximity to town attractions.

Day 4: Echuca to Swan Hill (150 km)

• Route: Travel further along the river to Swan Hill.
• Highlights:
  • Swan Hill: Visit the Pioneer Settlement, an open-air museum showcasing the history of the region.
  • Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery: Explore local and national art collections.
• Campgrounds: BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill provides excellent amenities and river views.

Day 5: Swan Hill to Mildura (220 km)

• Route: Continue west to the vibrant town of Mildura.
• Highlights:
  • Mildura: Known for its wineries, fresh produce, and beautiful riverfront parks.
  • Murray-Sunset National Park: Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including pink salt lakes.
• Campgrounds: Apex RiverBeach Holiday Park offers comfortable facilities and a relaxing environment.

The Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is just a two hour drive North of Sydney and is Australia’s oldest wine region. It has gained an international reputation for acclaimed wines, from familiar varieties such as semillon and shiraz to its very own emerging varieties. The region is home to 150+ cellar doors (wineries), so you can plan your trip through the vineyards and meet the passionate winemakers behind them who are super friendly and very generous with their knowledge about their wines. You may even be lucky enough to spot kangaroos between the vines as you enjoy the view!

There are plenty of designated tour companies through whom you can book a day’s tour which will enable you to sample the wines and enjoy yourselves safely.

However, even if you are not drinking wine, the scenery in the Hunter Valley is worth the trip alone – even the motorway route out of the city is stunning (bonus if you pass over the Harbour Bridge)! There are plenty of other things to taste as well, including olive oils, cheeses and even chocolates. You will also find many artisanal shops and independent cafes or restaurants to sample along the way.

The Hunter Valley also provides plenty of entertainment by way of activities. Historic towns such as Wollombi still retain many historic colonial buildings with the Endeavour Museum inside the former courthouse as well. The region hosts many luxury hotel resorts and golf courses, as well as cultural centres to learn about aboriginal culture such as in the Yengo National Park where you can see Aboriginal rock engravings amongst the lush bushland.

Drive Safe, Travel Safe

These caravan trips are just the beginning – there is so much more to explore in New South Wales. Whether you are renting a van or using your own vehicle, always drive responsibly to prevent accidents. Do keep in mind that these driving areas are flooded with tourists meaning popular areas and routes can get very busy so always keep the traffic in mind to avoid missing bookings or delays. We hope this article helped you out if you are looking for inspiration for your caravan trip through New South Wales.