Pacific Coast Drive NSW | Sydney to Brisbane

It wouldn’t be a trip to Sydney without heading to the biggest Sydney attractions like the Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, but what about outside of the city centre once you set off?

Heading out of Sydney, drive the campervan up to the northern beaches including Palm Beach, aka Summer Bay. This 2km long beach is not only the famous setting for ‘Home and Away’ but also a beautiful spot you’ll want to capture on camera.

Take the campervan on the motorway for approximately 1.5 hours before you reach Terrigal, known for its stunning coastline and boutique shopping. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, it’s a fantastic place to stop off for a coffee and watch the world go by.

15 km up the road on the Central Coast Highway, you’ll come across The Entrance, where you can either try out The Entrance Coast to Lake Walk or take in the views whilst kids play in the local water playground.

From here, drive for around an hour to get to Newcastle, Australia’s second-oldest city. Thanks to its laid-back seaside culture, rich history and prominent arts scene, Newcastle made it into the Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2011’.

If you’ve got time to spare in your itinerary, you’ll probably want to spend a couple of days getting to know the area, where you’ve got eight beaches close by to choose from. This bustling city is complete with historic buildings and quirky cafes perched on a working harbour. Go for a bite to eat on Honeysuckle Wharf, the perfect spot for people-watching and to see freight ships guided into the harbour by tug boats.

Carry on and park up the camper in Port Stephens, where you can whale watch between May and November.

Try Tomaree National Park or the headlands for amazing views out to the coast. Stay the night at the One Mile Beach Holiday Park, which is located right on the beach.

Enjoy breakfast in Port Stephens at The Little Nel before taking the campervan back out onto the Pacific Highway and driving North, heading towards the seaside town of Port Macquarie. For anyone who’s a fan of those cuddly little koalas, visiting the Koala Hospital is a must.

The Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is also worth spending some time at. As one of the biggest coastal rainforest reserves remaining in the state, there is plenty to do. Walk across the elevated 1.3km rainforest boardwalk, learn about local Aboriginal culture on the centre’s eco-displays then enjoy lunch at the Rainforest Café. Before you go be sure to browse the gift shop and art gallery for souvenirs to take home.

End the day with dinner at one of the quality restaurants set along the Hastings River that offer relaxing waterfront dining. When it’s time for bed, a prime accommodation option for the night is the Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park. The waterfront property is just 2 minutes walk from the heart of Port Macquarie.

On the Pacific Highway again, this time you’re heading towards Coffs Harbour, one of the largest and busiest towns along the Pacific Highway. The Coffs Region has many beautiful beaches to explore, as well as the opportunity to join local whale-watching and professional fishing charters leaving the Marina.

No visit to Coffs Harbour is complete without a trip to the iconic Big Banana Fun Park. Built in 1964, this popular tourist attraction features The Banana Slip Water Park, which is Australia’s first three-storey-high inflatable water slide.

Other attractions at the park include an ice skating rink, toboggan rides, and a multimedia theatre. You can also have a bite to eat at the café, then visit the gift shop and Candy Kitchen.

Travellers visiting Coffs Harbour can also take a trip to another world when they enter the Clog Barn. Stroll around the miniature model Dutch Village, see clogs being made by hand and shop for pretty souvenirs to take home. Appetites can also be appeased at the venue’s on-site restaurant, Big Oma’s Coffee House.

When you’re ready for dinner, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the variety of first-class restaurants located in Coffs Harbour. Foodies will surely like Flooded Gums, located within the Bonville Golf Resort. After a good meal, park the campervan for the night at the Park Beach Holiday Park, located on popular Park Beach.

Keep taking the Pacific Highway north from Coffs Harbour and then stop at a must-see for your Australia road trip, Byron Bay. The easternmost point of the continent, Byron is well-known for its relaxed, beachside culture; great surfing, shops and restaurants; surrounding natural beauty; and mix of outdoor and spiritual activities.

The town is surrounded by many stunning National Parks that are worth a visit. These include Wollumbin, Nightcap National Park and Broken Head Nature Reserve.

When in Byron Bay, be sure to complete the Cape Byron walking track. Make your way through the 5.4kms trail through rainforest and across mountain sides with the spectacular Byron coast laid out next to you. At the top of the walk is the famous Byron Lighthouse, a particularly beautiful spot at sunrise.

Byron Bay is also renowned for its spiritual connections and you can experience a range of land, sea, air, art or mind and body activities. Yoga on the beach at sunset is not an uncommon sight and is a great way to unwind after a long day.

Once you’ve completely relaxed with that fresh sea air, go for dinner at Buddha Bar & Restaurant in Byron Bay Premium Brewery, or try Fishmongers Café for a gourmet fish and chip meal made from the local catch.

For accommodation, check out the Clarkes Beach Holiday Park which is within walking distance of the town centre and provides a quiet oasis amongst the sand dunes.

Wake up early to watch the unmissable sunrise from the Byron Bay lighthouse before you set off in the campervan on the next leg of your journey to the Gold Coast.

On your way to the Gold Coast, stop in at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. About 50 minutes north of Byron, Currumbin gives you the opportunity to experience Australia’s amazing native wildlife and learn about Aboriginal culture.

Two days in the Gold Coast may not seem enough with all there is to pack in. It is the theme park capital of Australia and is home to Dreamworld, Movieworld, SeaWorld and Wet and Wild. The Gold Coast beaches are always busy with sunbathers and swimmers, exciting nightlife will draw you in, along with amazing shopping and lots to see and do!

Some great campervan day trips from the Gold Coast also include Tamborine Mountain and the Gold Coast Hinterland, where you can get in touch with nature and wander through a mountaintop village. Park the camper for the night at Big4 Gold Coast.

Leave the camper at the holiday park and take a detour to Stradbroke Island via the ferry.

Popular with surfers, boaties and fishing enthusiasts, the island offers snorkelling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, four-wheel driving and historical Aboriginal walking trails.

Marine life is a top attraction with the island being renowned for its native wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, manta rays, kangaroos, koalas, and spectacular shore views of the annual humpback whale migration. You might even get lucky and see ‘Migaloo’, one of the only Albino whales in the world.

Once you’ve arrived back on land, enjoy a few Brisbane attractions before you drop the camper off at the Britz Brisbane branch.

Wander through Roma Street Parklands or the Botanic Gardens, shop along Queen Street, or pop over to South Bank and swim at the man-made beach.

One of the best things to do in Brisbane is to check out the historical and modern art at QAGOMA, or wander the Queensland museum to explore natural history or human and science exhibits.

Enjoy one of the walking tracks along South Bank, then head to Southbank Beer Garden for some food and drinks to end your Pacific Coast trip.

Are you ready for your east coast beach escape?

Book a campervan now for your family trip through Britz by visiting one of our branches or check out the range online. Check out our other itineraries for Queensland and New South Wales for more travel inspiration.