Your Newcastle adventure starts here: Local van owners share the best road trips & camping spots

Ready to swap the daily grind for salty air and the sound of crashing waves? For travellers looking to start their next coastal adventure from Newcastle New South Wales, we have the perfect local campervan connection: Costa and Nataliia from KP Vanhires.

Costa and Nataliia are not only Camplify members who hire out their vans to holidaymakers, but also avid campers themselves, so we sat down with them and uncovered their tried-and-tested recommendations for the best road trips and campsites starting right from Newcastle.

Costa, Nataliia, and their 4.5-year-old son Matusha share their passion for camping and van life through KP Vanhires. Hire their vans Honey and Betty from Camplify and start your adventure today.

The comfort of home, far from home: The perfect vans for your Newcastle adventure

"What we love most about van travel is the 'comfort of home, far from home.' We've equipped both our vans with full-size, amazingly comfortable mattresses - and honestly, this makes all the difference" they shared.

Every single hirer, they report, gives feedback that they had an incredible sleep. When you can wake up refreshed in the middle of nature, "that's when the real adventure begins."

For families, one of their vans is certified with child seat restraints, making it easier than ever to bring your little ones along. “We have a 4.5-year-old son, Matusha, who absolutely loves camping and van life... If you have a baby, toddler, or preschooler, you can safely enjoy camping with your little ones in our certified van. It's a wonderful way to create family memories - just like we do with Matusha.”

The perfect van for a weekend escape or a longer road trip exploring the East Coast of Australia.

KP Vanhires' top road trip recommendations from Newcastle

Picking up your van in Newcastle puts you right at the gateway to some of the state's best camping and road-tripping destinations. Here are the must-visit spots and itineraries recommended by Costa and Nataliia themselves:

The top pick: Myall Lakes National Park

This is the family's absolute favourite, a magical spot they return to consistently. Myall Lakes National Park offers something for everyone - whether you want beach access, lake swimming, kayaking, or bushwalking

"Our favourite camping spots are typically within a 2-hour drive from Newcastle… There's a collection of beautiful campgrounds scattered around the area, with access to both pristine ocean beaches and the tranquil Myall Lake itself. It's perfect for family trips - so peaceful, with stunning nature all around" they recommended.

Start your adventure in Newcastle and take a 2 hour drive north to Myall Lakes.

Favourite campgrounds in the area:

• Mungo Brush: Pristine beach camping with kangaroos often hopping through the campground.

• The Broadwater: Protected waters make this spot perfect for families with young children.

• Seal Rocks : For stunning coastal scenery and fewer crowds, this is the place to be!

Looking for the best free camping spots in New South Wales? Read our guide here.

Best spots for a weekend escape:

• Port Stephens loop: Here, you’ll find "beautiful beaches, dolphin watching, and the incredible Tomaree Head Summit walk with 360° views" they shared.

• Barrington Tops: Experience “high-altitude wilderness camping in a completely different landscape. It feels like another world” they noted.

• Hunter Valley Wine Country: Combine wine tasting with camping at picturesque vineyard campsites. What more could you want?

The Hunter Valley puts on a show with breathtaking scenery and rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see.

Top spots for a week-long adventure:

• The North Coast - For Beach camping, surf breaks, and coastal national parks “head up to Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and even Byron Bay if you have time” they recommended.

• The South Coast - See “Jervis Bay's white sand, Narooma's stunning coastline and visit Bermagui for fishing” they shared.

• Blue Mountains via scenic routes - “Take the Putty Road for amazing views, then camp in the mountains”.

East Coast hidden gems

• Glenrock Reserve: If your planning not to venture too far from Newcastle, this is the perfect place to camp. It’s "right near Newcastle! Beach camping with wildlife as your neighbours."

• Wallingat National Park: This national park is “near Nabiac, with old-growth forest camping which is often overlooked."

• Crowdy Bay National Park: Perfect for visiting secluded beaches and an excellent fishing spot.

Advice for first time van-hirers

Starting your first van adventure can feel like a lot, but Costa and Nataliia assure you it's simpler than you think. Their main piece of advice? "Don't overthink it."

"Start with a shorter trip (2–3 days) to get comfortable with the van. Everything you need is already there - just bring your clothes, food, and sense of adventure."

Visit their Instagram or Tik Tok to see what adventures are waiting for you.

They also encourage a sense of wonder and exploration:

"Don't just stick to the campgrounds with the most facilities and amenities. We believe there's genuine pleasure in staying at campgrounds that aren't as popular - places that give you the chance to feel yourself as part of nature and to see Australia's amazing wildlife."

Essential tips from KP Vanhires:

• Capture the memories: Their vans are stocked with useful extras you might not expect, like an instant camera. Their advice? "Capture it, feel it, live it. You're taking precious time from your home... this trip matters."

• You don’t have to pack everything you own: “Our vans truly don't leave anything to be desired. They have everything you'd think you need when you're away from home…. check all the cupboards and storage areas! We always stock useful extras that people don't expect: clotheslines, fairy lights, even an instant camera.”

• Be prepared: Make sure to top up fresh water at every opportunity, book popular campgrounds ahead (especially for weekends and holidays), and pack layers as the weather can change quickly.

• Appreciate Australia’s unique wildlife: “There are so many animals that live ONLY in Australia… Often, people living in a place forget to enjoy the beauty around them. Take a breath. Slow down. Realise how beautiful and special Australia is. That's what van travel is really about.”

• Fuel your adventure with local flavor: Keep an eye out for roadside stalls - they're treasure troves of amazing local produce. You'll find everything from sun-ripened fruit and sweet jars of honey just begging to be taken back to your campsite and enjoyed.

Honey and Betty have everything you need for an unforgettable camping adventure.

Ready to start your dream Newcastle adventure?

Australia’s stunning East Cost is calling, and with KP Vanhires Honey and Betty campervans, it’s easier then ever to make that dream trip a reality. Secure your van today before it’s booked out for the season!