From its pristine coastline to its lush rainforests and national parks, New South Wales offers one incredible Australian road trip after another.
And there really is no better way to see everything on offer than to rent a travel van. With a Mighty campervan hire, you can enjoy the flexibility and freedom of travelling at your own pace. Wake up to amazing new sights and experiences each day. And with all your travel must-haves on board with you, you can relax each night in total comfort and privacy!
To help you make the most of your Australian campervan holiday, we’ve put together an unforgettable nine-day NSW road trip. Totalling 1665 km, this road trip planner will take you along the coast from Sydney to Port Stephens, into the Hunter Valley, then inland to Mudgee and Orange, down to Canberra, and then back through Wollongong to Sydney.
Along the way, you’ll discover some of the best things to do in Australia including swimming with dolphins and sampling award-winning wine. But that’s just a fraction of the fun, there’s plenty more to be had!
Day one of your Australian road trip starts when you pick up your campervan hire from our Mighty Sydney branch on Botany Road, Banksmeadow. The friendly team at Mighty will show you through your campervan hire. They’ll help you get familiar with everything you need to know for a safe, comfortable campervan holiday.
Today, you’ll be driving for around two hours to the harbour city of Newcastle. Often referred to as ‘Newie’ by locals, this thriving city is well known for its beautiful beaches and harbour. Discover the coastline by taking the 6 km walk along Bathers Way Coastal Walk. This walk provides access to all of the beaches along this coastal stretch. You’ll find viewing platforms, seating, and shade to enjoy along the way.
Get up close to an emu, a kangaroo, or a koala at Blackbutt Nature Reserve. Pack a picnic and relax in the 182-hectare nature reserve. There’s a great playground for kids too.
Check out the 360-degree views from Nobbys Lighthouse. This lighthouse has been active for 150 years. The grounds are open every Sunday. You’ll need to park by the beach and take the 800-metre walk, but it’s worth it!
Park up at one of the great camping spots at NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park
Allow yourself a sleep-in this morning! You’ll only be driving for an hour as you head to another coastal township, Port Stephens.
One of the top attractions here is a sand boarding experience at Stockton Sand Dunes. Choose from a 4WD, quad bike, horse, or camel tour! Or just jump on a sandboard and feel the thrill of whizzing down the dunes.
Port Stephens is also a great place to swim with dolphins – a bucket list experience for many! For those keen on a bit of a hike, try the Tomaree Mountain Walk. This 2.2 km walk takes around two hours. Pack some lunch to enjoy at the summit as you take in the spectacular views.
Enjoy a relaxing stay at BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park.
Day three of your Australian road trip through NSW takes you to the wide-open spaces of the Hunter Valley. Although it’s well known for its excellent wineries, there is plenty more to see and do here. Our top recommendations include a visit to the Maitland Regional Art Gallery where you’ll see award-winning exhibitions and Australian art from the 1850s through to the present day.
While you’re here, explore the trails of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests at Barrington Tops National Park. And if you’ve got kids on board, plan a stop to feed the kangaroos at Hunter Valley Zoo.
Park your campervan up for the night at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley.
Wake up bright and early on day four of your campervan holiday! Today you’ll be travelling for around four hours to Mudgee, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and the birthplace of Australian chardonnay. You couldn’t visit Mudgee without planning for at least one winery visit. We recommend Logan Wines, or perhaps a fancy gourmet picnic at Lowes Wines.
In the mood for a bit of a hike? Take the 2.8 km (return) walk along the Drip Gorge. The best time to visit is after a few days of rain when you’ll see the sandstone walls dripping clear spring water.
Park up your campervan for the night at BIG 4 Mudgee Holiday Park.
The thriving country township of Orange boasts award-winning restaurants, as well as boutique shops, stunning gardens and bustling markets.
Once you arrive, plan a wine-tasting experience at Rowlee Wines before exploring the Orange Botanic Gardens. This 17-hectare garden is home to an impressive array of native and exotic plants. It’s also a great spot for bird watching or just enjoying a relaxing stroll.
To learn more about the fascinating history of the region, head along to Orange Regional Museum.
Enjoy a relaxing night at Canobolas Caravan Park.
With its thriving art and culture scene, vibrant calendar of events, and iconic sights, Katoomba is a must-do destination for campervan travellers.
Start your visit by seeing the sights on the Scenic World cable car. The 545-metre cable journey takes in the sights of the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock and Mt Solitary.
For something a little different, take the Katoomba Falls Reserve Night-lit Walk. This 1.3 km walk is a spectacular experience where you’ll see features such as Orphan Rock, Witches Leap and Katoomba Falls illuminated and looking amazing.
Tonight, park up your campervan at Katoomba Tourist Park.
The next leg of your Australian road trip takes you to the capital city of Canberra. Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, or just love getting back to nature, Canberra has it all in abundance.
For your first stop, we suggest an indulgent visit to Mount Majura Vineyard where you can sample their flagship Tempranillo variety. Canberra is also home to the Australian War Memorial where you can learn more about Australia’s wartime history.
Fancy a spot of kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or fishing? Head to Lake Burley Griffin. If you feel like a more leisurely afternoon, book yourself onboard a cruise or ferry, or simply enjoy the view from one of the lake-side cafes.
Tonight, enjoy a stay at one of the great camping spots at Alivio Tourist Park.
It’s a drive back to the coast today with a trip to Wollongong! This seaside city has some of the best things to do in Australia! Relax and visit one of Wollongong’s beautiful beaches before trying out some of the cool bars and pubs. For a truly relaxing experience, book into a meditation class at the Nan Tien Temple. And if you’ve got energetic kids onboard, let them burn off some energy at the Jamberoo Action Park.
Put your feet up tonight at one of the Wollongong City Tourist Parks.
It’s the last day of your ultimate New South Wales road trip! That means it’s time to head back to your starting point in Sydney. But before you drop off your campervan at our Mighty Sydney branch, take some time to check out some of Sydney’s star attractions.
Grab an iconic photo for your Insta feed with a visit to Luna Park. Ride the roller coasters, try your luck at a sideshow game, and get lost in the mirror maze.
Need to grab some souvenirs before you head home? There’s plenty of great shopping in Sydney. We suggest heading to The Rocks, near the Sydney Opera House, where you’ll be able to bag a bargain, or three!
From sand dune diving to meditating at a temple, your Australian campervan road trip around New South Wales promises some unforgettable experiences.
If you’re excited to explore Australia and see some of New South Wales’ cool cities and stunning coastline, the very best way to do so is by motorhome or campervan. At Mighty, we have a wide range of the best motorhomes available for hire for your next campervan road trip. Mighty campers come in a variety of sizes to suit every traveller. And to help you stay on budget, make sure you don’t miss out on our latest deals.
Ready to get started? It’s easy! Simply book online today and follow this ultimate itinerary, or check out our popular routes to help inspire your own awesome road trip planner.
Australian Itineraries