From the cityscape of Sydney to the white sands of Jervis Bay, this Australian road trip takes in some of the best things to do in New South Wales. Spread over five adventure-packed days, you’ll cover just over 400 km, starting and finishing in Sydney.
We’ve packed in all the must-do highlights along the way. To make the most of each, there’s no better way to travel than with a campervan hire.
With a Mighty camper, you’re all set for the holiday of a lifetime. No need to book motels, plan where to eat, or worry about check-out times. All you need to do is choose from Mighty’s great range of campervans and you’re all set. Cook your fave meals in your campervan kitchen. Need a nap? No worries, climb into your own comfy bed for a snooze whenever you need to. And best of all, you can wake up to a beautiful new Australian landscape each morning.
Ready to see what adventures await on this awesome Sydney to Jervis Bay road trip? Let’s dive in!
Before you head off, spend some time exploring the vibrant city of Sydney. If you’re new to the city, some of the highlights worth seeing include the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the Taronga Zoo. If you’re looking for hidden gems, we can recommend a wander along Angel Place. This alleyway off George Street is home to a unique art installation of mesmerising mismatched birdcages that make for an awesome Instagram post. If you need to stock up your campervan fridge for your road trip, now is a good time to do it. Check out some of Sydney’s awesome markets for some tasty fresh produce and other goodies.
Once you’ve seen the sights of Sydney, it’s time to head to Helensburgh. This cruisy drive takes just over an hour. When you reach Helensburgh, check in at the Bonnie Vale Campground. This popular riverside campground is known for its large sand spit, which makes it a great swimming spot.
There’s lots to see and do in this region including the Wodi Wodi Walking Track - a beautiful 6.5-kilometre bushland trail. The track starts at Stanwell Park Station and ends near Coalcliff Station. There are some lovely picnic spots and lookouts along the way.
Also nearby is the Symbio Wildlife Park where you can have close encounters of the cuddly kind! Spanning 16 acres of picturesque gardens, Symbio is home to some of Australia’s favourite native animals as well as many amazing exotics.
While you’re in Helensburgh, you might like to spend the day exploring the Royal National Park. One of the world’s oldest national parks, this special place has some incredible experiences to enjoy. One of the top highlights is Wedding Cake Rock. The unusually shaped white rock stands out against the sandstone of the coastal cliffs, like a slice of cake perched high above the ocean. There are plenty of walking trails in the park also, from the 2 km Winifred Falls Trail to the Coast Track, a 26 km two-day hike.
This beautiful seaside town is best known for its pristine beaches, magnificent blowholes, volcanic rock formations and scenic coastal walks. One of the must-see attractions in Kiama is the famous Kiama Blowhole, one of the biggest in the world. When the swell comes in from the southeast, the water plume can reach heights of 30 metres. Be sure to have your camera ready!
Kiama has several excellent markets including the Kiama Farmers Market every Wednesday from 3-6 pm. If you’re keen to take in a bit of local history, visit the Historic Terrace Houses on Collins Street. Built in 1886 for local quarry workers, these beautiful buildings are now home to some great eateries and craft stores.
Park up your campervan for the night at BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park. This great campsite is right on the beach and has everything needed for a relaxing, comfortable stay.
Just a short drive from Kiama, this historic country town makes for the perfect spot to spend a relaxing day. Explore the nearby wineries and beaches. Learn about the history of Berry at the Berry Historic Museum, or browse the antique and collectable stores.
Berry has a rich heritage with many 19th-century buildings both in the main street and around the town. A good way to see them, and learn more about the history of the township, is to take the Berry Heritage Walk.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, pick up a yummy cinnamon doughnut from the Berry Donut Van or watch a chocolate-making demo at The Treat Factory. Another must-see highlight of this town is the Drawing Room Rocks. Located in the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, these uniquely shaped rocks result from the weathering of the Hawkesbury Sandstone.
Tonight, book into Berry Showground. Prices start at just $13 per night for self-contained campers.
The white sandy coastline and crystal-clear waters are also perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling, and swimming. At Jervis Bay’s southern tip, the Cape St George Lighthouse is a prime viewing spot to see migrating whales. On the other side of the bay, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse also offers brilliant views.
Hyams Beach is one of the best for kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and boating. This white sandy beach is surrounded by natural beauty including the Booderee National Park and headlands with cliff top walking trails.
If you’re in Jervis Bay during late spring and summer, you may be lucky enough to see bioluminescent plankton, known as Noctiluca, light up the water at night. The sheltered beaches of Jervis Bay are the best spot to see them.
For a unique dining experience, head to The Gunyah treetop restaurant at Paperbark Camp. Enjoy delicious food and regional wines served among the treetops of Jervis Bay.
Tonight, park up alongside the crystal clear water of the bay at Jervis Bay Holiday Park. Pull up a chair and go fishing from the jetty – you might be lucky enough to catch fresh fish for dinner!
Today you’ll drive from Jervis Bay to Sydney and drop your camper back at Mighty’s Sydney branch. But there’s still plenty of time to fit in some fun.
Plan a stop halfway in the city of Wollongong. If you’re after some adrenaline-inducing adventure, book yourself into a skydiving experience and see the sights from 15,000 feet. For a more relaxing afternoon, check out the art scene at the Wollongong Art Gallery. Another highlight of this vibrant city is Science Space, home to Australia’s most digitally advanced Planetarium and over 90 interactive exhibits.
As you continue on to Sydney, plan a stop at the Sea Cliff Bridge. This 665-metre-long bridge is a highlight along Grand Pacific Drive. It’s the perfect spot to stop, park up the campervan, and take in the views. If you’re lucky, you may even see migrating whales on their way north or south. The best time to spot them is from May to November.
Packed full of beauty, natural wonder, and adventure, the road trip between Sydney and Jervis Bay has something for everyone.
With your Mighty campervan hire, you can experience all the highlights at a pace that suits you. Stay longer in the places you love, and skip past those that don’t. And always keep your eyes open for hidden gems along the way. Travelling by campervan means you can enjoy it with all the comforts of home. What could be better?
Ready to take the ultimate road trip from Sydney? Make it happen today and book your Mighty campervan hire online now.
Keen to explore more of Australia? Check out our inspirational guides and blogs, including:
Australian Itineraries