Destinations
9 Sydney escapes: Budget-friendly family camping spots for school holidays
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Are you looking for an affordable family getaway this school holidays? Look no further! We've rounded up 9 amazing camping destinations, all within a 5-hour drive from Sydney. Last updated: August 2024
Whether you're planning for the upcoming holidays or just a weekend escape, these spots are perfect for making lasting family memories without breaking the bank.
At Camplify, Australia's leading van-sharing platform, we're passionate about helping families experience the joy of camping. While our main office is in Newcastle , we have team members across Sydney who are avid camping enthusiasts. We've tapped into their firsthand experiences to bring you the best family-friendly destinations near Sydney.
Why choose a camping van holiday from Sydney with Camplify?
Camping van holidays offer the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. With Camplify , you can hire a fully-equipped camping van or caravan from local owners in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, or even Canberra. It's an affordable way to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home. Here's how it works.
1. Huskisson Beach – South Coast
Image: South Coast_ Travel time: Approximately 3 hours (190 km)
Huskisson Beach is a paradise for families who love the water. The calm, crystal-clear waters of Jervis Bay are perfect for little ones to splash around safely. Older kids can try snorkeling to spot colorful fish right off the beach. Don't miss the White Sands Walk – an easy 2.5km trail along pristine beaches that even toddlers can manage.
The Husky Carnival (during summer holidays) is a hit with kids, offering rides and games. Parents will appreciate the laid-back cafes serving great coffee and fish & chips – perfect for a beachside picnic.
Where to stay: Huskisson Beach Tourist Resort, prices start from $40/night for powered sites
Budget-friendly activities: Free beach activities, Jervis Bay Maritime Museum ($15 for family pass), whale watching cruises (seasonal, from $65 for adults, $35 for children)
2. Umina Beach – Central Coast
Image: ICentralCoast
Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours (85 km)
Umina Beach is a fantastic spot for families who want a mix of beach and bush. The patrolled beach has gentle waves, ideal for boogie boarding or beginner surfers. The nearby Umina Recreation Precinct is a kids' dream with its massive playground, skate park, and bike tracks – bring the kids' scooters!
For a change of pace, explore the rock pools at low tide or take a short drive to Bouddi National Park for easy bush walks with stunning coastal views. Don't forget to grab an ice cream from the local shops – it's a holiday tradition!
Where to stay: NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, prices start from $49/night for powered sites
Budget-friendly activities: Beach volleyball, nearby Pelican Park (free), Umina Recreation Precinct with skate park and playground (free)
3. Katoomba – Blue Mountains
Image: Visit NSW_ Katoomba offers families a magical escape into nature. The Three Sisters walk is stroller-friendly and offers breathtaking views that will wow kids and adults alike. Scenic World is a must-visit – the world's steepest railway is thrilling for all ages, and the Skyway gives you a bird's eye view of the lush valley.
On rainy days, the Gingerbread House is a sweet treat, offering decorating workshops that kids love. For a unique experience, check out the glow worm tunnels at night – it's like stepping into a fairy tale!
Where to stay: Blackheath Glen Tourist Park, prices start from $38/night for powered sites
Budget-friendly activities: Three Sisters walk (free), Scenic World Blue Mountains (family pass from $88), Leura Cascades picnic area (free)
4. Toowoon Bay – Central Coast
Image: The Central Coast
Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours (120 km)
Toowoon Bay is perfect for families seeking a quieter beach getaway. The sheltered bay is ideal for young swimmers, and the rock pools are teeming with marine life – bring buckets for the kids to create their own mini aquariums! The nearby Vera's Water Garden is a free splash park that's a hit with toddlers.
For a fun family outing, rent bikes and cycle along the shared pathway to The Entrance , where you can watch the daily pelican feeding. The flat, wide streets are also great for kids learning to ride.
Where to stay: Toowoon Bay Holiday Park, prices start from $42/night for powered sites
Budget-friendly activities: Beach activities (free), The Entrance Pelican Feed (free), nearby Vera's Water Garden (free)
5. Wangi Wangi – Lake Macquarie
Image: Wangi Holiday Park_
Travel time: Approximately 2 hours (130 km)
Wangi Wangi is a hidden gem for families who love water activities. The calm waters of Lake Macquarie are perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or learning to sail – many local operators offer family-friendly lessons. The lakeside parks have great BBQ facilities and playgrounds, ideal for a family picnic.
Kids will love fishing off the jetty – it's easy to catch bream or flathead here. Don't miss the quirky Dobell House , where kids can try their hand at art inspired by the famous Australian painter.
Where to stay: Wangi Wangi Caravan Park, prices start from $35/night for powered sites
Budget-friendly activities: Fishing from the shore (free), Dobell House art gallery (gold coin donation), cycling around the lake (free)
6. Forster – Mid North Coast
Image: Flikr_ Travel time: Approximately 3.5 hours (310 km)
Forster is a family favourite with its diverse offerings. The calm waters of Forster Main Beach are perfect for young swimmers, while One Mile Beach offers great waves for older kids keen on surfing. The Forster Ocean Baths are a safe, enclosed swimming area with a shallow end for toddlers.
Take a family-friendly cruise to spot dolphins, or explore Booti Booti National Park's easy walking trails. The town's mini-golf course is always a hit, and the local ice creamery offers unique flavors that kids (and parents) will love.
Where to stay: BIG4 Great Lakes at Forster-Tuncurry, prices start from $45/night for powered sites
Budget-friendly activities: One Mile Beach (free), Booti Booti National Park walks (free), Forster Ocean Baths (free)
7. Port Macquarie – Mid North Coast
Travel time: Approximately 4.5 hours (385 km)
Port Macquarie is a wildlife lover's paradise. Start your day at the Koala Hospital , where kids can learn about conservation (it's free, but donations are welcome). The coastal walk features painted rocks that children love discovering. Billabong Zoo offers close encounters with native animals – feeding the meerkats is always a highlight!
For beach fun, Flynns Beach is patrolled and has a natural rock pool. End your day with a sunset camel ride on Lighthouse Beach – an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Where to stay: Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, prices start from $48/night for powered sites
Budget-friendly activities: Koala Hospital (free), coastal walk (free), Billabong Zoo (family pass from $79)
8. Narrabeen – Sydney
Image: Weekend Notes Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes (25 km)
Narrabeen is perfect for active families. The 8.4km Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is great for cycling, scooting, or walking – with plenty of spots to stop and watch for birds or turtles. The beach is popular for surfing, with lessons available for kids. Berry Reserve Playground is a standout, with equipment for all ages and a bike track for little ones.
On windy days, head to North Narrabeen rockpool for safe swimming. Don't miss the weekend markets for local treats and crafts – a great way to entertain the family on a lazy Sunday.
Where to stay: Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, prices start from $55/night for powered sites
Budget-friendly activities: Narrabeen Lagoon Trail (free), beach activities (free), Berry Reserve Playground (free)
9. Shoal Bay – Port Stephens
Image: BIG4 Port Stephens Travel time: Approximately 2.5 hours (200 km)
Shoal Bay offers endless family adventures. The Tomaree Head Summit walk, while steep, rewards families with panoramic views – pack a picnic for the top. Nearby Fingal Bay has a sandbar leading to an island – check tide times for a unique walking experience. The calm waters are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, with rentals available.
For a thrill, try sandboarding at the Stockton Sand Dunes – even young kids can participate. Finish your day with fish and chips on the beach, watching for dolphins playing in the bay.
Where to stay: Shoal Bay Holiday Park, prices start from $46/night for powered sites
Budget-friendly activities: Tomaree Head Summit walk (free), Fingal Bay Beach (free), sandboarding at Stockton Sand Dunes (from $25 per person)
Book your next school holidays with Camplify
Don't let the school holidays pass you by. Create great memories with your family in these beautiful destinations, all just a short drive from Sydney. Book your Camplify van today and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience.
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.