The ultimate 10-day road trip in NSW

First things first, picking up your adventure mobile – Your Mighty Camper. The Mighty Camper branch is conveniently located close to the Sydney Airport, and the friendly branch team make campervan hire so easy. 

Once you’ve picked up your camper, we suggest hanging around the Sydney area for a day or two as there are so many great things to do in Sydney. From popular Sydney attractions and experiences to incredible dining options and art galleries, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. A few of our top places to see and experience while in Sydney are the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of NSW, and of course, a climb over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

When it comes to finding the perfect spot to park your campervan for the night, we can’t go past the NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park. Situated on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, on the shores of Narrabeen Lake, this will be the relaxing stay you’ve been searching for after a day in the bustling city. They have great campsite facilities, and are just a short stroll from cafes and beaches.

After what is sure to be a wonderful few days in Sydney, it’s on to the popular coastal town of Wollongong. Framed by the Pacific Ocean to one side and lush native bushland to the other, this area will amaze and delight from the moment you arrive. From popular eateries and bars, to coastal cycling tracks and the Sea Cliff Bridge, a trip to Wollongong never disappoints. There are some incredible beaches in and around Wollongong perfect for swimming, surfing and enjoying some fun in the sun. Art lovers are going to want to add the Wollongong Art Gallery to their travel itinerary list, and if you love arcade games then B. Lucky and Sons is a must-do.

To end a day of exploring the area, we suggest booking your Mighty Camper into the Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort. This beautifully maintained holiday park has great facilities on offer, and is ideally located within easy reach of all that this area has to offer.

Chances are you’ve heard of the country town of Bathurst. Famous for its car racing events, there are also many other wonderful things to see and do here, which is why it’s made it onto our road trip itinerary. With so many great options to do here, we’ve lists some of our favourites to make your planning all the easier. The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum is home to Australia’s largest collection of fossils and minerals including sparkling gemstones and a model T-Rex skeleton. The Bathurst Rail Museum is another great attraction as it shows the fascinating social history of Bathurst as it was when it was a railway town. Did you know you can still find gold in Bathurst?! While here you can go fossicking either on your own or with a guided tour. Mount Panorama-Wahluu is where car enthusiasts can get a first-hand look at the famous racing circuit track that hosts several major events throughout the year. This area is also home to incredible heritage buildings which you’ll get to witness as you make your way around town, either in your Mighty Camper or strolling the streets. 

When it comes to places to stay, the Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park is high on our list. With great astro-turfed campsites, a lagoon-style pool and mini golf track, this will be a wonderful spot to stay that the whole family will enjoy.

A little less than an hour’s drive from Bathurst will have you at the gorgeous town of Orange. This thriving and charming country town is home to cool-climate wineries, award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, bustling markets and spectacular gardens which is why so many people come back here year after year. A wander through the Orange Botanic Gardens is sure to delight and amaze at every turn. The 17-hectare site showcases an impressive native and exotic plant collection, as well as wonderful spots to enjoy a picnic lunch in nature. If you’re up for a walk then heading out to the Nangar National Park and venturing up to the Mount Nangar Lookout will give you a great view of the surrounding countryside. Foodies will want to visit the Fourjay Farms where you can learn all about how their premium hazelnuts are grown, sample some of their products and pick up a few treats to keep for your journey in your Mighty Camper. After a day exploring the area, a cold beverage will be in order and the team at Badlands Brewery have just the drop for you! Here you can take a tour to learn about how their beers are produced and before enjoying a tasting of their range. 

If a picturesque campsite is what you’re after for your night in Orange, then book into Canobolas Caravan Park. With excellent facilities, great campsites and friendly staff, this will be just what you need after a day exploring.

The road trip continues and next up are the dreamy Blue Mountains. Home to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park and the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba, this will be an unforgettable road trip stop. From iconic lookouts and waterfalls, to historic walking trails and Aboriginal culture, there is something for every traveller here. This is the place to immerse yourself in nature and we’ve outlined some of our top spots to visit while here. Katoomba is in the heart of the Blue Mountains and is home to the iconic Three Sisters and Wentworth Falls. Here you can take one of the beautiful walking trails along to the incredible Echo Point lookout to get the best view of Three Sisters. You’ll also witness awe-inspiring waterfalls and nature-rich landscapes, before enjoying a picnic at one of the picturesque picnic spots. Another great sight to see are the Jenolan Caves. This is the most ancient open cave system in the world with stunning limestone formations throughout. You can take one of the guided tours along, learning all about the caves and witnessing them for yourself. 

After a day exploring this area, you’re going to want to rest your feet, and the Katoomba Tourist Park will be the perfect spot. They have lovely grassy sites and great facilities to make your stay all the more comfortable and relaxing.

After a lot of lovely time in nature in the Blue Mountains, it’s on to the seaside town of Newcastle. With great surf beaches and ocean pools, world-class restaurants and bars, as well as spectacular coastal walks and mesmerising art galleries, there is something for everyone here. While here we recommend taking a visit to the Convict Lumberyard which represents one of the earliest sites of convict industry in Australia. Set behind rusting steel, this will be a fascinating educational experience which showcases so many historical details. The Bathers Way is one of the best coastal walks in New South Wales. Stretching 6 km from Merewether Baths in the south to Nobbys Beach in the north, this will be a wonderful walk to take in the sights. If you love museums then the Newcastle Museum is a must-do. With so many incredible exhibitions, collections and learning experiences to be had, there will be something here that the whole family will love. A true natural wonder is the Bogey Hole. This ocean pool is one to remember so be sure to bring your camera. Take a dip in this incredible rock pool as the ocean crashes into the surrounding rock cliffs. A must-do when in this area.

Waterfront campsites some of our favourites spots to camp, and NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is up there with the best. Situated right on the dunes at Stockton Bite, this campsite will be a wonderful relaxing place to park your camper.

A little under a three hour drive north will have you at Port Macquarie. There’s a reason this seaside town is so popular with locals and visitors alike. With a welcoming town atmosphere, picturesque landscapes and fun experiences on offer, this is a great addition to your road trip itinerary. If you feel like being immersed in nature then a trip to the Boorganna Nature Reserve is sure to impress. This is the second oldest nature reserve in NSW and is home to an array of native flora and fauna. The Crowdy Bay National Park is another stunning place to visit. This national park leads right up to the ocean and has wonderful driving and walking trails to be discovered. Panning for gold can be a unique experience to add to your road trip, and this is exactly what you can do when you visit the Cedar Creek Goldfield. Another unique experience is the Bago Maze and Winery. This outdoor adventure experience also showcases the local wine and produce from the surrounding areas. Explore the award-winning hedge maze, before indulging on delicious coastal wines and local produce platters. 

When it’s time to find a place to camp, then the Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park will be the spot to be. With campsites just metres from the sand, a resort-style pool and welcoming atmosphere, this will be a campground to remember.

Getting back on the road and heading further north, you’ll get to the town of Coffs Harbour. With long beaches, ancient rainforest and arguably some of the best bananas in Australia, this coastal town is a great stop on your road trip. While here a swim at Woolgoolga Beach and a stroll around the headland promises to be a lovely time. There is the Coffs Creek walk and cycle way which is a lovely 8.5 km loop trail around Coffs Creek. An amazing experience to delight the whole family is a visit to the Bribie Island Butterfly House. Then, a trip to Coffs Harbour wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Big Banana Fun Park. With attractions at the Fun Park to enjoy, as well as tours, reptile demonstrations and a café, this is sure to be a great day out. Plus you can get your photo taken in front of the iconic Big Banana, a wonderful holiday memory. 

A stay at the Big4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park will be a wonderful spot to unwind in the tranquil surrounds as you take in the stunning water views.

From the charming town of Coffs Harbour, it’s onto the ever-popular coastal town of Byron Bay. With white sandy beaches, gorgeous coves, lush hinterland and incredible dining and shopping on offer, this will be a wonderful last stop for your road trip itinerary. While here you can either drive your Mighty Camper or walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse where you might be lucky enough to spot passing whales during whale season, witness dolphins playing in the waves and enjoy the panoramic views over Byron and beyond. Tallow Beach is one of the many beaches that we’re sure you’re going to love as its blue waters are boarded by the lush Arakwal National Park. Also in this area you can visit the Cumbebin Swap Nature Reserve where you can wander along the boardwalk, listening to the sounds of the hundreds of frogs that call this reserve home.

Ingenia Holiday Park is one of our go-to spots to park our Mighty Camper when vising Byron Bay. Set on the beach, within easy reach of town, this campground has all you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

The final day of your trip will be the drive back to Sydney. Before embarking on the journey we suggest enjoying a delicious breakfast out at one of the drool-worthy Byron Bay cafes, and grab some snacks for the drive. To break up the drive you can stop in at Forster which is around 5 hours from Byron Bay, a perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. There are a few great spots we absolutely love which include Beach Bums Café which is located right on the beach, Lobby Seafood which serves up delicious fresh fish and chips and All Things Yum for those who are after a gourmet sandwich and tasty cake. After you’ve refuelled it’s time to continue the 3.5 hour journey to Sydney where the friendly team at Mighty Campers will be ready to welcome you back.

If you'd prefer a shorter drive for your final day on the road, you can drive 2hrs north from Byron Bay to the Mighty Brisbane branch. There's some great places to stop along the way such as Burleigh Heads and Surfer's Paradise on the Gold Coast, and Mt Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterland. 

Is New South Wales calling your name?

So there you have it, our ultimate 10 day road trip in NSW. There are so many more amazing places and wonderful experiences to be discovered and enjoyed in NSW, but these are just a few of our favourites to get your road trip planning off to a great start. If you want more inspiration, be sure to check out our blogs. When you’re ready to book your camper and hit the road, head online or into a Mighty Campers branch to book your Mighty Camper today.