Road trips
NSW coast road trip: ultimate scenic itinerary guide
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The New South Wales coast is one of the best seaside routes in the world - it offers everything from golden beaches to towering dunes and ancient rainforests. This NSW coast road trip takes you to all the best destinations, sights and attractions - from historic Eden in the south to sunny Byron Bay in the north and everything in between!
Use this 2-week guide when planning your NSW coast road trip. It can be modified to suit the exact number of days you have available and also includes all the best camping spots. Plus, we’ve thrown in a heap of extra information like drive time, distance, the best season to travel and much more!
Want to travel the NSW coast in style and comfort? Use Camplify to find the perfect campervan hire in Sydney.
Best NSW coast road trip: 15 places you can't miss
Total Distance: 1,500 km | Recommended duration: 7 - 14 days | Best Time to Visit: Between November and April | Route on Google Maps
1. Eden
Start your NSW coast road trip in Eden. This historic town is located on the far south coast and was once a hub for whaling. Today, however, it is one of the best places in Australia to go whale watching in winter along the Humpback Highway.
Eden is also home to the highly-rated Killer Whale Museum , which displays the full skeleton of ‘Tom’, a legendary orca that used to lead a pack of killer whales in the local waters.
Stay at the Garden of Eden Caravan Park, a quiet holiday park just outside of the town centre. Facilities include a large swimming pool, sports courts and modern amenities but you can also choose to have a private ensuite bathroom if you like.
2. Batemans Bay
Stop in at Batemans Bay and try some of the best seafood on the NSW coast. Recognised as the heart of the Oyster Coast , don’t miss your chance to try the Clyde River oysters on offer at the Oyster Shed. If oysters aren’t your thing, grab some fish and chips at the famous and family-owned Boatshed.
Only a 10-minute drive out of Batemans Bay is the iconic Mogo Wildlife Park - home to Australia’s largest collection of exotic animals including gorillas, rhinos, monkeys, giraffes, leopards, tigers and lions. For an unforgettable experience, arrange to feed one of the tigers or meet a rhino!
Camp along the beachfront at the BIG4 Batemans Bay Beach Resort. Facilities include a swimming pool and mini-golf, plus you have the option to upgrade to an ensuite campsite with a private self-contained bathroom.
3. Jervis Bay
Visit Jervis Bay, one of the most popular destinations in the state and a highlight on any NSW coast road trip. Relax on the sugar-white sand at iconic Hyams Beach , swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters and explore charming seaside towns like Huskisson and Vincentia.
Join a local Aboriginal guide and take a bush tucker tour around the Booderee Botanic Gardens in Booderee National Park. During the tour, you’ll learn about bush food, plant medicine and traditional weaving before enjoying an afternoon tea of freshly baked damper.
Stay at Green Patch Camping Ground in Booderee National Park - one of the best camping spots near Sydney. All sites are unpowered but you do get access to public toilets, hot showers, fresh water, fireplaces and more. Bookings can be made online.
4. Kiama
As you road trip along the NSW coast, you’ll pass through a stretch of green rolling hills that surround the laid-back coastal town of Kiama.
Pull over and see the famous Blowhole Point , where seawater is blasted 30m up into the air every few seconds. From here, wander up to the historic Kiama Lighthouse (built in 1887) for panoramic views over the town and the Pacific Ocean.
Only a 15-minute drive from Kiama is Jamberoo Action Park - the state’s best theme park. With over 15 rides, water slides and attractions, such as the Funnel Web and The Perfect Storm, this is a great option for families!
Stay at Kendalls On The Beach Holiday Park and camp mere metres away from the waves.
5. Sydney
Some folks might want to start their NSW coast road trip by picking up their campervan hire in Sydney. Others might want to stop by the city for a few days to see its unmissable seaside attractions.
After leaving Kiama, follow the Grand Pacific Drive north toward Sydney and pass over the famous Sea Cliff Bridge. Trace the coastline and drive through the Royal National Park, one of the oldest National Parks in the world. Spend a day here exploring some of the amazing natural sights, including Wedding Cake Rock and the Figure 8 Rock Pools.
Once you pass over the Sydney Harbour Bridge , follow the road to Manly Beach and enjoy a relaxed drive along the Northern Beaches - stopping for a dip at local favourites like Curl Curl, Bilgola, Whale Beach and Palm Beach.
Stay at the Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park - the city’s only waterfront caravan park and one of the best caravan parks near Sydney. Facilities include a water park, go-karts, kids club, kiosk and much more.
6. Avoca Beach
Head for the NSW Central Coast and stop over at Avoca Beach, a sunny seaside town that is less busy than surrounding tourist locations like Terrigal Beach.
Spend the day relaxing on the beaches stretching sweep of golden sand, with the lagoon at one end and the rock pool at the other. Head over to Heazlett Park and enjoy a picnic before hiring a pedal boat or paddle board and paddling around Avoca Lake.
Stretch your legs in Bouddi National Park, following the Bouddi Coastal Walk (8km) along the rugged cliffs, stopping for a dip at the secluded beaches along the way. Afterwards, kick back and catch a flick at the Avoca Beach Theatre , a historic single-screen cinema located next to the beach - once nominated as one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world.
Stay nearby at the Patonga Camping and Caravan Ground, which has beachfront access to the tranquil Brisk Bay and provides a wide range of facilities across its tranquil grounds.
7. Norah Head
Originally known as Bungaree Norah Point, it’s worth adding this stop to your NSW coast road trip, even if it’s simply to stretch your legs for an hour or two.
This headland is home to Norah Head Lighthouse, which offers amazing views of the surrounding area. You can take a walk around the lighthouse, enjoying the views as you go, while soaking up all the information on offer from the boards strategically placed around.
If you’re travelling with young kids, you can head down to Norah Head tidal rock pool , which is right next to Cabbage Tree harbour. Its sheltered location makes it the perfect swimming spot for little people – and those who enjoy the calmer waters.
Should you want to stay a night, camp at Norah Head Holiday Park. Enjoy access to both Lakes and Soldiers Point Beach, as well as a range of facilities including a resort-style swimming pool.
8. Caves Beach
It’s only a quick trip to our next NSW coast destination, but another one that’s well worth a quick stop along the way - Caves Beach. As you might expect, it got its name for one reason: its network of sea caves that tunnel in and out of the coastal cliffside.
You’ll find the caves at the southern end of the beach, but be sure to check tidal tables and try to visit during low tide. There’s also a stretch of tidal pools which make for more great photo opportunities. Plus, you’ll find plenty of free car parking along the beachfront.
9. Newcastle
Spend a day exploring the historic harbour city of Newcastle, speckled with amazing beaches and eateries.
Start with lunch at the Merewether Surfhouse or the Beach Hotel , two of the city's most famous beachside establishments, serving up classic pub grub at affordable prices. After your food has settled, take a dip at Merewether Beach , home to the largest ocean bath in the Southern Hemisphere.
Next, wander along the Newcastle Memorial Walk that connects Merewether Beach and Newcastle Beach. Built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing in 1915, it features a 160m stretch of clifftop bridge adorned with steel silhouettes of soldiers and the names of 11,000 men and women from the Hunter Valley who enlisted during WW1.
Further towards Nobbys Head is Fort Scratchley , a former coastal defence where you can take a tunnel tour and learn about the role it has played in defending Australia (particularly during the shelling of Newcastle in 1942).
Stay at the NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park, a beachfront campground located only 900m away from the Newcastle Ferry.
10. Nelson Bay
The next stop on your NSW coast road trip is Nelson Bay – the perfect place to base yourself to explore the Port Stephens region.
Recognised as the dolphin-watching capital of Australia, you should book yourself on a day cruise. Humpback whales make their way past the coast from September to November, along with some right whales and minke whales. Dolphins can be seen all year-round.
Thrill-seekers will want to take a quad bike tour of the Worimi Conservation Sand Dunes - the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Ride from bush to beach across the dunes, taking in awesome ocean views as you go. No previous experience is required.
Stay at the Halifax Holiday Park with access to two separate beaches. Only a 15-minute walk from the Nelson Bay town centre, it has all the facilities you need for your camping trip.
11. Forster
Forster is known for its stunning water , so make sure you have the swimmers within reach when you arrive at the mid-NSW coast section of your road trip.
On the drive into Forster, you’ll pass the Booti Booti National Park. Grab a few photos of the stunning Boomerang Beach before stretching your legs on the Wallis Lake Walking Track and McBrides Beach walking track. When leaving the park, pull over at Cape Hawke lookout, which offers full 360-degree views of the coast from a specially-built tower.
Once you arrive in Forster, grab a towel and simply laze about on one of Forster’s magical beaches to soak it all in. If you have any energy left, take on the Forster Bicentennial Walk which takes you up to Second Head Lookout.
Stay at the Lakeside Forster Holiday Park, considered one of the best holiday parks in NSW. Camp along the tranquil shores of Wallis Lake and relax in the resort-style pool.
12. Port Macquarie
Settled between the Pacific Ocean and Hastings River, there’s so much to see and do in Port Macquarie. You might want to plan a couple of nights here on your NSW coast road trip.
If you love koalas, then this is your spot. Port Macquarie has the highest population on the east coast of Australia, and you can even visit their Koala Hospital during their daily tours. From here, you can head along to Billabong Zoo: Koala and Wildlife Park where you can pat a Koala and meet a saltwater crocodile.
Spend a few hours exploring Sea Acres National Park, one of the only places in the world where rainforest runs down to meet the shoreline of a sandy beach. Join the Aboriginal Discovery activities and learn about the history of the native people and eat bush tucker.
Stay at the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, centrally located between the river, beach and town centre. Camp by the sea and make the most of their facilities including a resort-style pool.
13. Coffs Harbour
An NSW coast road trip isn’t complete without stopping at the home of the Big Banana - Coffs Harbour. Get your photo outside, before heading in to enjoy a water park and plenty of rides, all topped off with a delicious banana split!
Wander along Marine Drive and see the old wooden Coffs Harbour Jetty , famous for being the longest Australian jetty built in the 19th Century. Continue your walk to the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, home to thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters in the summer months.
There’s also a stunning Butterfly House in the region where you can head indoors and surround yourself with butterflies. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
Stay at the stunning Coffs Harbour Camping and 4WD campsite, which is set on a 230-acre estate and offers toilets, swimming holes and direct access to Lower Bucca State Forest.
14. Yamba
Yamba is famous for its pretty beaches, quirky cafes and cool camping spots - making it the perfect place to spend a few relaxing days before concluding your NSW coast road trip.
Go surfing or simply soak in the sun on one of the local beaches, including Main Beach, Pippi Beach or Turners Beach. Afterwards, snack on a signature sourdough doughnut at Irons and Craig cafe or try the snapper sushi at The French Pan Tree.
Take off on the Clarence River Ferries to enjoy a spot of dolphin and whale-watching. Or if you happen to be in town on a Wednesday morning, drop by the Yamba Farmers & Producers Market to pick up fresh ingredients and local produce.
Stay at the Big 4 Saltwater, a holiday park set on 130 acres of pristine parkland running alongside the Clarence River. This campground even features its own waterpark, making it perfect for families travelling with kids.
15. Byron Bay
The final destination on your NSW coast road trip is Byron Bay - one of the state’s most popular tourist spots. However, you could always reverse this itinerary and start your road trip with campervan hire in Byron Bay!
Stroll along the Cape Byron walking track (3.7km loop), which leads you through ancient rainforests, across kangaroo grasslands and along coastal cliff tops with stunning ocean views. Keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins and stingrays whilst you make your way up to Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Take a dip on Main Beach or Wategos Beach before finishing up your day with a beer paddle at the Stone and Wood Brewery.
Stay at the First Sun Holiday Park, located directly on the beach and only a minute's walk from the town centre. Facilities include surfboard and bike hire so that you can make the most of the great outdoors!
You might be at the end of your NSW coast road trip, but we’ve got heaps of Australian road trip ideas for you to continue on the adventure! Head inland and see the Outback with this Central West NSW road trip? If you would prefer to pick up your campervan hire in Sydney and head south, you may like these itineraries:
Wherever you go, make sure to check out the best spots for beach camping in NSW_!_
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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.