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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.

Queensland | Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary
Sarah Latham
/ Categories: AU Itineraries, All Locations, Queensland, All Duration, 8-10 Days, All Categories, Iconic Road Trips, Outdoor Activities, Family Friendly, Natural Wonders, Beaches & Surf

Queensland | Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary

Cruise along the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns, taking in the best that the Sunshine State has to offer.

Day 1: Brisbane Apollo Branch to Caloundra

Distance: 90kms

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Pick up your Apollo vehicle in Brisbane and hit the road. Day one's destination is Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. This sleepy coastal town is known for its relaxed atmosphere and epic surfing conditions. We recommend picking up some fish and chips and spending the afternoon at the nearby Moffat Beach.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Day 2: Caloundra to Hervey Bay

Distance: 210kms

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Leave Caloundra behind and continue north in the direction of Hervey Bay. On the way drop in at Rainbow Beach and take the short walk to Carlo Sand Blow. This sand blow is an accumulation of sand covering 15 or so hectares and is often marveled at for its out of worldly view. 

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Day 3: Hervey Bay

Ready to have a whale-y good time? (Sorry, couldn't help ourselves!). The calm, protected waters surrounding Hervey Bay are one of the best places in Australia to spot whales. From July to October each year this region becomes a whale's hangout of choice as they drift on through on their annual migration between Australia and Antartica. 

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Day 4: Hervey Bay to Yeppoon

Distance: 425kms

Travel time: 5 hours

A longer day on the road today but one that is well worth the destination. Situated just 30 minutes outside of Rockhampton, the coastal Yeppoon is a must do for those exploring the Queensland coast. From Yeppoon you can visit Byfield National Park, Pumpkin Island and Great Keppel Island so we wouldn't blame you if you felt the need to extend your Queensland road trip just to see more of this region. 

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Day 5: Yeppoon to Mackay

Distance: 355kms

Travel time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Stock up on your road trip snacks, you just might need them today! Leave Yeppoon behind, hit up your road trip playlist and enjoy a four hour drive to Mackay. 

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Day 6: Mackay to Airlie Beach

Distance: 150kms

Travel time: 2 hours

Just north of Mackay you'll find Cape Hillsborough National Park. Famous for its furry locals, each morning Cape Hillsborough beach is dotted with a number of friendly kangaroos and wallabies. You have to be here at sunrise to catch them though so we recommend booking in the night before at Cape Hillsborough Tourist Nature Park, where you can practically roll out of your Apollo Camper and onto the beach.  

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Day 7: Airlie Beach 

The day is yours to enjoy at Airlie Beach,  the gateway to the Whitsundays. Spend your day island hopping, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, relaxing on Whitehaven Beach and taking in the spectacular view that is Hill Inlet. 

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Day 8: Airlie Beach to Mission Beach

Distance: 507kms

Travel time: 5 hours 45 minutes

Say goodbye to Airlie Beach and continue north. Mission Beach is a nature lover's paradise. Palm fringed beaches, tropical rainforest and golden sand is waiting to greet you at the end of today's journey. On the way to Mission Beach, take a detour to Wallaman Falls (Australia's tallest single drop permanent waterfall) and the Instagram famous and vibrant blue Cardwell Spa Pools. 

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Day 9: Mission Beach to Cairns Apollo Branch

Distance: 140kms

Travel time: 2 hours

You may have arrived at Cairns but that doesn't mean your Queensland road trip adventure needs to end. Cairns is famous for its wealth of natural wonders including the world's oldest tropical rainforest and the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. 

 

Highlights

Sea Turtles

November to January: Mother turtles come ashore to nest at Mon Repos, Bundaberg.
January to late March: Tiny hatchlings take their first flips towards the shore at Mon Repos, Bundaberg.
All year round: Swim with the sea turtles across the Great Barrier Reef - our top spots are Lady Elliot Island, Lady Musgrave Island and Green Island!

Whale Watching

The calm, protected waters of Hervey Bay provide the perfect conditions for mother humpbacks to teach their newborn calves survival skills before continuing their migration along the Queensland coastline from June to October every year. 

Great Barrier Reef

Stretching over 2,300kms along the Queensland coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is a world heritage playground, just waiting to be explored. With five distinctive precincts, each offering a unique set of experiences, there is breathtaking adventure here waiting for you to discover.

Indigenous Culture

Immerse yourself in Queensland's Indigenous culture. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people proudly practice and share their culture. Discover stories shared over thousands of years and connect with the world's oldest continuously surviving culture. 

 

Where to stay

Ingenia Holiday Park Noosa

Fisherman's Beach Holiday Park

Seabreeze Tourist Park

NRMA Cairns Holiday Park

 

 

 

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Tags: Apollo Camper Outdoor Activities Family Friendly Queensland Natural Wonders Iconic Road Trips 8-10 Days Beaches & Surf
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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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