Guide to exploring New South Wales in a campervan


There is plenty to explore on an Australian road trip through NSW. Enjoy the enviable beach and surf areas of Byron Bay, head inland to visit the world-renowned winery regions, lose yourself to the enormity of the Blue Mountains, and experience the ancient Aboriginal culture on a road trip to remember.

With such a widespread list of things to do in New South Wales, this region is a top destination to rent a travel van for families and backpackers alike. Take advantage of the ultimate freedom of road tripping in a campervan with all the conveniences of home on board.

Why a campervan is the best way to explore New South Wales

The east coast of Australia is often regarded as one of the best road trip destinations, and for good reason! Renting a van to travel around NSW is a simple, convenient and cost-effective option to experience some of the best this coastline has to offer. Benefits of renting a campervan include:

  • Experience it all. With many of the top Australian attractions dotted across the state, a road trip is the best way to experience them all. What better way to do a NSW Australia road trip than by camper!
  • Home is wherever you are. With an on-board bed, you can take advantage of free camping and cost-effective powered camping sites all throughout NSW.
  • Full kitchen. A full kitchen is another great way to save money on your campervan holiday. There are plenty of campervan-friendly recipes that you can enjoy from anywhere.

Regardless of where you choose to explore, a campervan gives you the chance to save money for all the incredible experiences, culinary delights and famed cool climate wines that await in NSW.

Campervan itineraries in New South Wales

Heading off on a campervan road trip but don't know where to go? There are heaps of things to do in New South Wales, choose a route that suits your taste or go where the road leads you.

Best things to do in New South Wales

Whether you are chasing sunny beach days, heading to the hinterlands to follow the winery trail, or exploring the beauty of mother nature, New South Wales has it all.

NSW is home to some of Australia’s top beaches and surf spots. Lay in the sun, take a surf lesson, or simply relax and take a walk with the sand between your toes.

Byron Bay
Visit Byron Bay

Byron Bay has become an Australian icon over the years and is often ranked as one of the best surf spots in Australia. Here you can take a lesson at the local surf school, go snorkelling and grab a bite to eat at the top rated eatery, The Farm.

 

Image source: Destination NSW

Port Stephens
Explore Port Stephens

Port Stephens is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. With a tranquil bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, there is something for every water lover. Go paddle boarding in the bay, relax on the picture-perfect beaches, snorkel through the underwater gardens or take a surf lesson on the popular Fingal Bay Beach.

Image source: Destination NSW

Newcastle
Wander Newcastle

Newcastle is a booming coastal hub of eateries, top surfing spots and walking tracks, but it is a beach town at heart. Head to local markets, swim in the ocean pools or head out to Worimi Conservation lands for a bit of downhill fun on the dunes!

 

Image source: Destination NSW

Sapphire Coast
Check out the Sapphire Coast

The Sapphire Coast is known as the southern gem of the NSW coast. These crystal clear bays are perfect for dolphin spotting and renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the underwater ecosystems.

 

Image source: Destination NSW

NSW is rich with Aboriginal culture and heritage. Home to Australia's largest population of Aboriginal Australians, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in their culture and traditions in NSW.

Wollongong Art Gallery
Visit the Wollongong Art Gallery

Stop by to view Aboriginal exhibits and collections on offer at Wollongong Art Gallery. This regional art gallery features a rotating schedule of exhibits showcasing contemporary, Aboriginal, and colonial artworks.

Aboriginal culture tour on a quad bike
Take an Aboriginal culture tour on a quad bike

Sand Dune Adventures is owned and operated by the local Aboriginal council. Join a full day of fun on the sand dunes while having the chance to learn from the guides about the local Worimi connection to this land and their Dreamtime stories.

 

Image source: Destination NSW

With over 600-plus wineries in the state, NSW is a bucket list destination for cool climate wines and paddock to plate dining experiences.

Hunter Valley
Explore Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is one of the oldest wine-growing regions and the birthplace of Australian wines. Sip on the famed semillon and shiraz varieties across the 150-plus cellar doors, enjoy the paddock to plate cuisine and soak up this region's beauty on a scenic hot air balloon ride.

 

Image source: Destination NSW

NSW Orange
Wander around Orange

Orange is a heritage-rich country town famed for its award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, bustling markets, and of course, its cool climate wines. Time your trip for orange F.O.O.D week in April or the Orange Wine month in October for the ultimate food and wine experience.

 

Image source: Destination NSW

Taste your way around the Canberra district helm Murrumbaten NSW
Taste your way around the Canberra district

Explore the beautiful vineyards around Murrumbateman, Gundaroo and Yass in the Canberra district wine region. With plenty of pet-friendly cellar doors, this is the perfect road trip destination for those travelling with their four-legged friends.

 

Image source: Destination NSW

Escape the hustle of the Sydney suburbs and dive into the wild side of NSW, Australia. With over 225 national parks in NSW, there are so many options for indulging in nature at cost-effective campgrounds.

Visit Blue Mountains National Park
Visit Blue Mountains National Park

Blue Mountains National Park is a heritage-listed national park famous for its walking tracks, Aboriginal culture and the Three Sisters rock formation.

 

Image source: Tyson Myers

Dorrigo National Park
Check out Dorrigo National Park

Located one hour from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo National Park is the perfect day trip. Experience breathtaking waterfalls, hiking trails and picnic spots as you make your way through the ancient Gondwana Rainforest.

 

Image source: Destination NSW

Explore Mungo National Park
Explore Mungo National Park

Have you ever wondered how old civilizations celebrated their dead? Wonder no more! Mungo National Park is home to the Mungo Man and Lady - the world’s oldest human cremations. These fascinating 42,000-year-old burial sites tell an incredible story of the long history of the NSW Aboriginal people.

 

Image source: Destination NSW

Best places to stay in New South Wales

NSW has plenty of options when it comes to camping spots, campgrounds and powered camping sites. These are some of our favourites when road tripping through NSW.

Stay close to the action at Byron Bay Discovery Park. Powered camping sites start at $56 for the night and include access to the campsite facilities, including:

  • BBQ area
  • Camp kitchen
  • Tennis court
  • Swimming pool
  • Dump point
  • Kids areas

If you are visiting the Blue Mountains, stay the night at Jenolan Caravan Park. Located in the heart of Oberon, this is the perfect place to base yourself to explore local eateries, enjoy a hike, and explore these ancient caves.

Grab a powered site for the night at NRMA Stockton Beach during your NSW road trip for just $56 per night. Not only will you be close to all the beautiful beaches, walks and oceanside eateries, but it will give you access to free Wifi and a private ensuite.

Experience a luxury caravan experience without breaking the bank at Big 4 Karuah Jetty. For $52 per night, you have access to a large powered site with an ensuite as well as campsite facilities, such as:

  • A jumping pillow
  • Pedal go-kart hire
  • Volleyball court
  • A private jetty!

If you are here in the winter months be sure to roast a marshmallow or two at the communal fire pit.

Tips for campervan travel in New South Wales

Every state in Australia has a diverse climate and follows its own set of guidelines and road rules. It is important to familiarise yourself with these before you rent a travel van to explore the NSW region

Wedged in between Queensland and Victoria on the east coast of Australia, NSW has a year-round sub-tropical climate. In saying that, it still experiences the ebbs and flows of the four seasons. It’s worthwhile checking the forecast in the areas you are going to, as this will help you decide what to pack. Weather considerations include:

Before picking up your camper, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the NSW driving rules and safety tips, including:

Caravan parks are a great way to plug in, but nothing quite beats a free campsite in the NSW wilderness. To keep these places safe and beautiful, it's important to follow the rules, including:

  • Follow the restrictions for our four-legged friends. National parks don’t allow domestic pets due to the risk to wildlife. You also aren’t allowed to travel with your pet on your lap while driving
  • Check local camping safety rules . At the entrance to a campsite, there will usually be a sign listing the camping rules such as restrictions on generator use and any current fire bans
  • Outback safety. Use a trip intention form if you are heading to outback areas to stay
  • Leave no rubbish . Having a campervan means you will always have a toilet and bin with you to help protect the environment. This includes using dump sites for your toilet

When you’re travelling New South Wales on a campervan road trip, you can experience coastal, country and outback regions all in one trip. So it’s worth bringing gear for all conditions you may encounter, including:

  • Beach gear - You can visit famous beaches like Byron Bay so bring swim gear, beach seats and chilly bins/eskys
  • Hiking and outdoor gear - Enjoy countryside walks, horse riding, and wandering beautiful towns
  • Mountain escapes - If you plan to head to NSW during winter, be sure to bring gear for playing in the snow (warm jackets, gloves, and even ski gear for a day on the slopes)

Campervan Hire Deals For New South Wales

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The best way to see and do more is with a Mighty camper

NSW is a campervan adventure destination waiting to be explored. What are you waiting for? Book your Mighty camper today in a branch or online. Visit our blog for more travel inspiration and itineraries.