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New South Wales

Welcome to the vibrant and expansive New South Wales (NSW), a premier destination for families and adventurers looking to explore the wonders of Australia in the unique comfort of a campervan. Nestled on the east coast, NSW is bordered by tropical Queensland to the north, verdant Victoria to the south, and azure waters of South Australia to the west, making it a perfect central starting point for any Australia campervan holiday on the mainland.

Exploring NSW in a campervan is the perfect way to experience the sheer diversity of Australia’s landscapes and NSW attractions—from the pristine beaches of Kiama and the rugged peaks of the Blue Mountains to the dynamic urban centres, remote bushland, and coastal retreats of Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Whether you're looking to surf the waves at Bondi Beach, enjoy a serene hike in the national parks, or indulge in the culture at the Sydney Art Gallery, there is an unparalleled variety of things to do in NSW!

 

Why explore NSW by campervan

Travelling through NSW on an Australia campervan holiday offers an unmatched sense of freedom and adventure. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the ocean at a beachside campsite near Batemans Bay or enjoying your breakfast amidst the lush greenery of a secluded forest. Campervans provide not only flexibility in your travel plans but also the opportunity to connect deeply with the Aussie landscapes. 

What’s more, an Australia campervan holiday through NSW lets you discover hidden gems that are often off the beaten path and not easily accessible by traditional means of travel. From the wine regions of the Hunter Valley, where you can taste some of the best wines in the world, to the heritage towns of the New England hinterland area, a campervan can take you to places that would otherwise require extensive planning or expensive tours.

 

Things to do in New South Wales

NSW is bursting with activities. For beach lovers, the coast offers endless opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing at famous spots like Bondi, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie. Beyond the usual tourist attractions, NSW also offers unique experiences like whale watching in Nelson Bay, marvelling at contemporary art at the Sydney Art Gallery, or hiking through the ancient rainforests of the Blue Mountains. No matter what your interests are, NSW has something spectacular to explore. For information on what to do in NSW, check out our guides to exploring NSW. 

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Popular NSW road trips & itineraries

New South Wales, located on the southeastern coast of Australia, is bordered by Queensland to the north, Victoria to the south, and South Australia to the west. Accessible internationally via the Sydney International Airport and an achievable drive away from major cities like Brisbane (approximately 10 hours) and Melbourne (about 9 hours), NSW is ideally positioned for an Australia campervan holiday adventure. Some of the most popular road trips within New South Wales include the scenic coastal drive from Sydney to Byron Bay, the food and wine trail in the Hunter Valley, and the heritage-rich adventures around the historical towns of Bathurst and Mudgee.

Victoria | Melbourne to Grampians National Park Road Trip Itinerary
Sarah Latham
/ Categories: AU Itineraries, All Locations, Victoria, All Duration, 5-7 Days, All Categories, Iconic Road Trips, Outdoor Activities, Family Friendly, Natural Wonders, Outdoor Activities

Victoria | Melbourne to Grampians National Park Road Trip Itinerary

Explore the best of the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park on this 5 day road trip itinerary.

 
 
 
 

Day 1: Melbourne Apollo Branch to Grampians National Park

Distance: 250km

Travel time: 3 hours

After a three-hour drive, campers will arrive in Halls Gap – the perfect base for exploring the Grampians. Here, will lie an information point, shops and importantly, a gas station.

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Day 2: Grampians National Park 

From Halls Gap, campers can easily take the fun and adventurous route to Mackenzie Falls – by campervan! Located just 15 km from Halls Gap, campers will first reach the Boroka Lookout, where they will be greeted with two viewing platforms and panoramic views over the east of the Grampians. From here, an easy 8 km walk with take travellers to the Reed Lookout, where they will once again witness magnificent views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range, Lake Wartook and the Mt Difficult Range.

14 km drive from the Boroka Lookout lies one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria, the MacKenzie Falls – a must-visit when exploring the Grampians. For those looking for more hard adventure, nearby Mount Abrupt and Mount Surgeon offers a 7 km hike which takes approximately three hours.

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Day 3: Grampians National Park to Warrnambool

Distance: 130 km

Travel time: 2 hours

Enjoy the comfort of having the road to yourself between Grampians and Warrnambool. The drive consists of one long straight road, allowing you to turn on cruise control, turn up the beats and enjoy the rural experience.

Image: Lachlan Gardiner

 

Day 4: Warrnambool to Torquay (Great Ocean Road)

Distance: 159 km

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

See the towering 12 Apostles for yourself along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Also known as B100, the drive promises up close experiences with native wildlife, iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforests, misty waterfalls and more. Must-visits on Great Ocean Road include Apollo Bay; offering spectacular views of the water, Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne; with photo-perfect views and Rye River; where the rainforest meets the sea. Be sure to fill up when you can with Lorne, Anglesea, Apollo Bay and Torquay having refuel stations.

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Day 5:  Torquay to Melbourne

Distance: 100 km

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Once you have arrived in Torquay, it is time to cover the last 100 km back to Apollo's Melbourne branch, where you will be greeted by Apollo’s friendly team for a breezy drop off.

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Highlights

Grampians National Park

From world-famous hiking trails, majestic waterfalls, dazzling spring wildflowers and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas, Grampians National Park is one of Mother Nature’s wonders. The Hike and Seek Grampians Day Tour is ideal for those wanting to discover the region, with highlights including two hikes, the breathtaking MacKenzie Falls and plentiful photo opportunities. During the tour, campers will also discover rich Aboriginal heritage, with the region having the largest number of ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia.

Great Ocean Road

Experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, winding alongside the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. Home to the must-see 12 Apostles, jaw-dropping cliffs, empty beaches and bountiful wildlife, the drive is one of Australia’s most iconic.

Active adventure

The itinerary is full of adventure, with the Grampians and Great Ocean Road drawing walkers from around the world. Campers can also relax and enjoy the Grampians with fishing, canoeing and kayaking experiences on offer at Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield and Moora Moora Reservoir. For those looking for more active adventure, climb to the highest peak within the Grampians – Mount William, or explore the plethora of overnight hikes in the region. The Great Ocean Road offers epic surf, paddle boarding, canoeing and hiking experiences, as well as skydiving for the daredevils in the group.

Wildlife encounters

Native birdlife, kangaroos and emus can be seen in abundance around the Grampians National Park however, a popular location for a photo opportunity is the Halls Gap Recreation Reserve. It is also not unusual for travellers to encounter swamp wallabies, echidnas and the occasional shingleback lizard.

A must-experience for any animal lover is the whale migration along the Great Ocean Road in the cooler months, with Portland, Port Fairy and Warrnambool being likely places to see them. Koalas and kangaroos can also be seen all around the region, with guaranteed kangaroo sightings at Anglesea Golf Course. For a remarkable and exclusive experience, visit Lake Elizabeth and Mount Emu Creek in Skipton, where you may be lucky enough to spot the iconic Australian platypus. 

 

 

 

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Great savings on your NSW road trip

New South Wales offers a mosaic of dazzling coastal views and exquisite natural terrains. From the iconic beaches within Sydney's bustling centre to the serene heights of its alpine regions, discover the full splendour of this region and see how you can make your travel budget go further with our incredible deals. Check out the epic savings available for your NSW road trip. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked shores or mountainous adventures, these offers help ensure your Australia campervan holiday is both memorable and affordable.

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Apollo NSW campervan branches

Sydney, a gateway to some of the most captivating NSW attractions, is also home to our Sydney Apollo campervan branch. Strategically located, it offers seamless access to iconic NSW attractions like the Sydney Opera House, the Northern Beaches, and regional NSW gems. Apollo's Sydney branch is the perfect launchpad for your Australia campervan holiday, and our knowledgeable team is there to equip you with everything you need to explore urban wonders and serene landscapes at your own pace.

 

 

Helpful tips for visiting NSW

Are you excited to start planning your very own NSW Australia campervan holiday? Here are a few essential tips to consider when crafting your campervan itinerary, ranging from the best travel times and climate insights to packing essentials and must-see NSW attractions.

New South Wales boasts a climate as varied as its landscape, with coastal regions enjoying mild, breezy summers and crisp winters while the western plains see more extreme temperatures. All in all, the ideal times to visit are spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May), when the weather is most temperate, and the natural scenery is at its peak. Visiting outside the peak months means you won't have to navigate the hotter (and much busier) summers and cooler (and often rainy) winters. Travelling in the shoulder seasons also means fewer crowds and potentially lower costs for those looking to save a little on accommodation and NSW attractions.

Your packing list for an Australia campervan holiday in NSW should include versatile outdoor gear for sudden weather changes, sun protection like sunscreen and hats, and any campervan add-ons that enhance comfort, such as outdoor chairs (which are available from Apollo for hire). Don’t forget a good camera to capture the stunning views and any hiking or beach gear if you plan on heading out to explore NSW’s wild, remote regions. For more details on what to pack, check Apollo's summer campervan road trip essentials.

Wondering what to do in NSW? This state is booming with attractions, from natural beauties to man-made wonders. Here's a closer look at some must-visit things to do in NSW:

  • Sydney: As Australia's iconic face, Sydney is packed with must-see NSW attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The city's vibrant culture and bustling nightlife are complemented by serene spaces like the Royal Botanic Gardens and bustling markets like The Rocks.
  • Taronga Zoo: This zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from around the globe and offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The zoo features daily animal shows, a sky safari gondola, and interactive encounters, making it a perfect day trip while exploring New South Wales.
  • Blue Mountains: Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer breathtaking views, dramatic cliffs, and lush eucalyptus forests. The region is perfect for hiking, with trails leading to stunning waterfalls and overlooks and the famous Three Sisters rock formation.
  • Hunter Valley: Renowned for its exquisite wineries and gourmet dining, Hunter Valley is a paradise for food and wine lovers. Explore vineyards, taste award-winning wines, and enjoy farm-to-table meals in picturesque vineyard settings.
  • Port Stephens: Known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, Port Stephens is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. From snorkelling and sailing to sandboarding on the dunes, it offers many outdoor activities.
  • Coffs Harbour: This coastal city is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere and the Big Banana, one of Australia's original 'big things'. It's also a great spot for surfing, whale watching, and exploring the surrounding natural reserves.
  • Newcastle: A blend of old and new, Newcastle boasts a vibrant arts scene, historical architecture, and a strong surf culture. Its revitalised waterfront district offers trendy cafes, galleries, and parks.
  • Booderee National Park: Located at Jervis Bay, this national park is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and abundant wildlife. It's an excellent spot for camping, fishing, and bushwalking.
  • Kiama: Famous for the Kiama Blowhole, this charming seaside town offers scenic coastal walks and a laid-back atmosphere. The blowhole is a natural spectacle where seawater spouts high into the air from the rocks.
  • Port Macquarie: A historic town with a rich convict past, Port Macquarie has stunning coastal walks, beautiful beaches, and a koala hospital where visitors can learn about conservation.
  • Batemans Bay: Ideal for nature lovers, Batemans Bay is located at the entrance of the Clyde River and is surrounded by forests, estuaries, and national parks. It's popular for fishing, boating, and kayaking, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city of Sydney.

New South Wales offers a variety of campervan accommodation options, ranging from beachfront caravan parks to secluded free camping spots. For those looking to wake up to ocean views, there are plenty of stunning beachfront caravan parks in NSW that offer prime locations and amenities. Holiday parks in NSW are also for the whole family! Families can enjoy the comforts and activities at family-friendly campsites in NSW as well as family-friendly campgrounds in Sydney, while pet owners will appreciate the pet-friendly campsites across NSW that welcome even the furriest members of the family. For those seeking a more rustic experience, NSW's free camping spots provide a perfect way to save a few pennies, all while connecting you with nature. Notable parks like South West Rocks Holiday Resort on the mid-north coast, Lake Mac Holiday Parks in Lake Macquarie, and Norah Head Holiday Park on the Central Coast offer excellent facilities and stunning natural surroundings, making them ideal bases for exploring the state in a campervan.

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