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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 Alice Springs Road Trip Itinerary
Sarah Latham
/ Categories: AU Itineraries, All Locations, Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria, All Duration, 10-14 Days, All Categories, Iconic Road Trips, Outdoor Activities, Natural Wonders, Beaches & Surf, Outdoor Activities

Victoria | Melbourne to Alice Springs Road Trip Itinerary

From the vibrant Melbourne city to the dramatic Great Ocean Road coastline, the rugged outback of South Australia and the spiritual heart of Australia - Uluru, you'll do it all on this 14 day Melbourne to Alice Springs road trip.

Day 1: Melbourne

Pick up your Apollo vehicle at our Melbourne Apollo Branch and start exploring. While in Melbourne we recommend visiting Brighton Bathing Boxes, the Eureka Skydeck and indulging in a big breakfast and one of Melbourne's renowned coffees in a cute laneway cafe. 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Day 2: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Distance: 196kms

It's time to wave goodbye to Melbourne and head to the Great Ocean Road. While you only have 2 hours and 40 minutes of driving time today, there is plenty to stop at along the way. We recommend stopping in at Bells Beach, one of the more famous surfing locations in Australia, and Point Addis along the way. Make sure you also pull over and grab a picture at the official Great Ocean Road sign just before Lorne! 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Day 3: Apollo Bay

Spend your day exploring Great Otway National Park around Apollo Bay. This is some of the most beautiful forest scenery you can experience in Australia and we highly recommend visiting the Californian Redwoods Forest and Hopetoun Falls while you're here.  

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Day 4: Apollo Bay to Portland

Travel time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Distance: 261kms

Continuing along the Great Ocean Road, today is full of bucket list moments. The 12 Apostles are limestone stacks, a result of erosion from hundreds of thousands of years of being exposed to the extreme Southern Ocean. Each year they attract thousands of tourists and for good reason! While you're here be sure to visit Gibson Steps, just around the corner where you can walk down to the beach to take in the Apostles from below. After you've soaked in all the Apostle glory, continue on to Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, the London Bridge, the Bay of Islands and the Bay of Martyrs before arriving at Portland. 

Image: Instagram - @_sarahlatham

 

Day 5: Portland to Salt Creek

Travel time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Distance: 346kms

Today you say goodbye to Victoria and cross the border into South Australia. Just under 4 hours driving today, once you've arrived at Salt Creek stretch your legs at the Ngugie Ngoppun Walk or Lakes Nature Trail. 

Image: Instagram - @tomquan_photographer

 

Day 6: Salt Creek to Adelaide

Travel time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Distance: 210kms

On your way to Adelaide today we recommend detouring to Mount Barker and Sellicks Beach. On the Fleurieu Peninsula, Sellicks Beach is a well liked spot (and quickly growing in popularity on Instagram!). The vibrant orange hills plumment down to the calm blue ocean are not only visually appealing, but are also a great spot for a dip. 

Image: SATC Media Gallery

 

Day 7: Adelaide

The day is yours to explore Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Work your way through the range of delicious restaurants before finishing the day at one of Adelaide's quirky bars. We also recommend a visit to the Art Gallery of South Australia while you're here. 

Image: SATC Media Gallery

 

Day 8: Adelaide to Port Augusta

Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Distance: 309kms

It's time to head north. Say goodbye to Adelaide and hit the road, destination Port Augusta. We recommend spending the afternoon at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens to gain a greater appreciation of Australia's arid plants.

 

Day 9: Port Augusta to Coober Pedy

Travel time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Distance: 540kms

Continue north and into Australia's outback. Today's destination is the unique Coober Pedy. This area is the opal capital of the world, and is a place like no other with most of its residents actually residing underground!

Image: SATC Media Gallery

 

Day 10: Coober Pedy

Spend the day exploring Coober Pedy. We recommend choosing from the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, the Unions Opal Mine and Museum, a round of golf at the Coober Pedy Opal Fields golf course or the Anna Creek Paintied Hills. 

Image: Tourism Australia

 

Day 11: Coober Pedy to Marla

Travel time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Distance: 234kms

Only 2 and a half hours in your Apollo vehicle today as you head closer towards the Northern Territory and the centre of Australia. Marla is a great resting point between Coober Pedy and the world famous Uluru that awaits you tomorrow. 

 

Day 12: Marla to Uluru

Travel time: 5 hours 20 minutes

Distance: 522kms

We recommend hitting the road early today as you cross from South Australia to the Northern Territory. With just under 5 and a half hours on the road, you'll enjoy sunset tonight overlooking the majestic Uluru. 

 

Day 13: Uluru

Experience sunrise over Uluru before exploring the surrounding area. We recommend the Uluru base walk (a 10km walk taking you around the base of the rock) but be sure to start early and bring plenty of water and sun protection with you as well as visiting Kata Tjuta, a 20 minute drive away. 

Image: Thomas Wielecki

 

Day 14: Uluru to Alice Springs Apollo Branch 

Travel time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Distance: 468kms

Say goodbye to Uluru and head back to Alice Springs. If you want to extend your road trip by a day or so, we recommend taking the longer route and visiting Glen Helen Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Simpsons Gap. Otherwise spend your final afternoon exploring Alice Springs before dropping off your Apollo vehicle and heading home! 

Image: Thomas Wielecki

 

 

 

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Tags: Apollo Camper Outdoor Activities Natural Wonders Victoria Iconic Road Trips Beaches & Surf Northern Territory South Australia 10-14 Days
days14
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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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