14-Day Festive Road Trip in NSW

Morning: Let’s get right into it! At this time of the year Sydney is full of terrifying Christmas shoppers, so let’s not linger too long. Pick up your camper from our branch in Tullamarine and set out off towards the Great Western Highway. Since it’s on the way, why not make a quick stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park – this will really set the tone for an iconic Aussie road trip! Psst, you can save 10% on your tickets if you book online.

Afternoon: You’ll reach Leura by late afternoon (depending on how long you spent cosying up to koalas at the wildlife park). Leura Village’s Christmas in the Mall is back for the year, so make sure you check the dates so that you don’t miss out on the ever-popular pooch Parade! What’s more festive than cute dogs dressed up as Santa?

Next, set your sights on Katoomba Falls for an afternoon adventure. Then, make your way to Echo Point to take in panoramic views of the famous Three Sisters rock formation. The Blue Mountains really know how to celebrate the season, they even celebrate Christmas in July! Who knows you might even find festive hikers putting on Christmas carol performances at Echo Point.

Evening: Looking to treat yourself to a warm dinner? Check out Leura’s charming restaurants and see if there’s anything festive on the menu.

Where to stay: Katoomba Falls Tourist Park, 101A Cliff Dr, Katoomba NSW 2780

This campsite is within easy walking distance of the Three Sisters, Scenic World Skyway, and Katoomba township, putting you right at the heart of everything! It offers powered sites, a recently renovated amenities block, laundry facilities, electric BBQs, a camp kitchen, a children’s playground, and a dump point.

Scenic World, Katoomba – Destination NSW

Morning: You can easily spend a few days in the Blue Mountains, but we’ve got plenty of activities lined up, so it’s time to get moving! Not too fast, though. Ease yourself into the day and start with a visit to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah.

Ready? Alright, let’s head straight for the Central Coast! This is one of NSW’s most relaxed regions, with tons of beaches, national parks, and wilderness to explore. Not to mention a thriving foodie scene with creative locals who put on some amazing hinterland markets.

Aim to be in Gosford by late morning in time for your first major Christmas Market (don’t forget to check the dates). The town regularly hosts the highly anticipated Central Coast Christmas Fair, which is a day full of festive fun for the whole family. You’ll find live music, dancing elves, delicious food, and vibrant market stalls. This is a great place to pick up some small Christmas gifts – we say small because then you can hide them in your camper from any unwanted eyes!

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon lounging down at Avoca Beach with the locals. There’s a thriving café culture down this way, so why not stop by for lunch? Enjoy a fancy meal at The Point Café or keep it simple with a fresh pizza from Avoca Woodfired Pizza.

Evening: Check out Gosford’s annual Christmas tree whilst the lights are on (there may even be a lighting event) and then head back to your campsite for dinner and a night of rest.

Where to stay: Toowoon Bay Holiday Park, 1 Koongara St, Toowoon Bay NSW 2261

Right at the heart of the Central Coast, Toowoon Bay Holiday Park is known for its friendly staff and overall affordability of powered sites. Onsite you’ll find standard amenities and a laundry facility as well as a pool, camp kitchen, BBQ, and dump point.

Avoca Beach – Destination NSW

Morning: There are plenty of little towns with boutique shops filled with potential Christmas gifts in this area, most within a 30-minute drive, so take your time to explore!

Just don’t forget to drop by The Entrance as you leave your campsite. This area is the main marine mouth, connecting Tuggerah Lake to beautiful beaches and the ocean. Visiting the pelicans is also a rite of passage.

Afternoon: Relax with a beachfront picnic and savour the laid-back atmosphere. Whether a good time is had by a lake, a beach, a park, or a nostalgic ice cream parlour, this is one seaside village that absolutely thrives in summer.

Speaking of which, did you know that the ocean baths here are Heritage-Listed? Not one to be missed!

Evening: Return to your campsite for the evening, rest, eat.

Where to stay: Toowoon Bay Holiday Park, 1 Koongara St, Toowoon Bay NSW 2261

Pelicans @ The Entrance – Destination NSW

Morning: Head toward Hunter Valley, one of NSW’s top family-friendly destinations and absolutely overflowing with festive events! The drive will lead you through countryside landscapes and into remote locations, each with their own quirky attractions.

Travelling as a couple? Follow the Wollombi Wine Trail! You’ll find some of the best of wine and cheese tastings at the local wineries along your route. This region has a rich history in winemaking, so why not make the most of it?

Afternoon: You’ll arrive in Wollombi by early afternoon or late morning. The streets of the town are lined with cafes, shops, and photo-worthy moments so you’ll find no shortage of things to do. You can even channel your inner artisan by attending a festive craft workshop – simply check online to see what’s on.

Evening: The Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin regularly host the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, where dazzling lights and decorations create a magical experience. This is going to be your best night to sip on mulled wine and try local holiday treats! Bring a camera, because the atmosphere here is so unique you’ll never be able to describe it.

Where to stay: Wine Country Tourist Park, 3 O’Connors Rd, Nulkaba NSW

Just ten minutes down the road from Pokolbin, this is a budget-friendly campground with powered sites running from $35-45 per night (as of writing). The park offers a swimming pool, laundry facility, amenities, and bike hire.

Hunter Valley Gardens – Destination NSW

DAY ONE

Morning: Follow the Pacific Highway and hug the coast as you make your way up to Newcastle. The city always has plenty of Christmas events going on, so make sure you’re checking the Newcastle Live site!

Afternoon: Newcastle really gets into the silly season, so take your time hunting down Christmas displays, shopping, and posing with Santa

To experience the area, you can spend the day down at the beach, visit the Bogey Hole, or try surfing the local waves. Blackbutt Reserve is a free adventure calling your name, so make sure you snatch up the opportunity to explore the nature trails around the area.

Evening: Head to Honeysuckle Foreshore for waterfront entertainment to fill your evening! There are plenty of exhibitions all year round, so you might even come across something festive whilst you’re hunting down some dinner.

DAY TWO

Morning: Have an easy breakfast in your camper or indulge in a relaxed brunch at a local café, then head to the Newcastle Art Gallery or the Newcastle Museum to add a sprinkle of culture to your NSW road trip. The gallery is full of stunning collections from Australian and international artists.

Afternoon: Take it slow at King Edward Park for a moment. Enjoy a peaceful walk or find a cosy spot for a picnic. If you’re lucky, you might catch an outdoor holiday film screening for an extra touch of festive fun.

Alternatively, you can set off on a trip out to Nobbys Lighthouse. There’s no vehicle access along the Macquarie Pier, so you’ll be walking or biking.

Evening: Dine from the comfort of your campervan or sniff out a deal on a meal. You can listen to live music while tasting local seafood and holiday specials.

Where to stay: Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park, 24 Paley Cres, Belmont South NSW 2280

Lake-view slab or grass site—the choice is yours! The park’s forte is accessibility, with concrete paths all around the site and everything you can think of to accommodate any guest.

The Bogey Hole – Destination NSW

Morning: Start the day with a detour out to Tomaree Head for unparalleled views of the coastline – it’s one of those places that you just can’t miss. The 45-minute hike is worth every step and has fantastic scenery that you won’t soon forget! It’s a bit of a challenge to get up the summit, so make sure you bring your hat, sunscreen, water, and some good hiking shoes. The paved areas can also become slippery when wet, so try to go on a nice summer day.

Afternoon: The area around Shoal Bay, Anna Bay, and Fingal Bay is a fantastic place for an afternoon of unique fun, with things like the Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters just waiting for you.

Only fifteen minutes away from Anna Bay, you’ll find the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands. Unmissable, trust us! We mightn’t get snow here in Australia at this time of the year, but who says you can’t go tobogganing? Grab a board and slide your way down the enormous dunes. You’ll find plenty of adventure and tours running around the dunes, including quad biking, camel rides, and 4WDing.

Looking for something more laid back? Head to Nelson Bay and hop on a boat tour that will take you to dolphins, whales and scuba diving hotspots.

Evening: Wrap up the day with a seafood feast at a marina restaurant, which will be decked out with a glow of holiday lights.

Where to stay: Fingal Bay Holiday Park, 52 Marine Dr, Fingal Bay NSW 2315

Opposite the beach and close to the action, Fingal Holiday Park offers a range of powered and unpowered sites as well as a resort-style pool, amenities, laundry, BBQ, playground, holiday activities (check website), recreation room, tour bookings, and more!

Tomaree Head Summit – Destination NSW

DAY ONE

Morning: Hit the road towards Port Macquarie, following the Pacific Highway with a mid-morning stop at Forster. You could easily spend the day in this area, with Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean creating a natural aquatic haven full of boating, fishing, paddling, and surfing for an all-out authentic Aussie experience. There are also a few national parks nearby and plenty of coastal adventures.

If you’re going exploring for the day, head over to Booti Booti National Park for McBrides Beach, which is a 600m walk with stairs that descends through a littoral rainforest. It takes you down to the isolated McBrides Beach, nestled between rugged cliffs. The area around the car park is sealed, so you’ll have no trouble reaching it!

Afternoon: If you finish exploring early, set off towards the iconic Koala Hospital for a guided tour and learn about the rescue efforts and rehabilitation of the local koala population. You’ll arrive in Port Macquarie by late afternoon, where you can check into your accommodation for the next couple of days.

Evening: Treat yourself at your campsite to a tasty homecooked meal.

DAY TWO

Morning: Let’s jump straight into the day! Holiday markets are scattered around the area, so you have another chance to find handcrafted presents and locally made products for some impressive gift-giving.

Afternoon: Wrap up the morning with a trip to Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park! You don’t need to break the budget whilst you’re in Port Macquarie, but some things are absolutely worth the money.

Otherwise, if you’re keen to keep your funds in the bank, set off towards Lighthouse Beach for a swim and then spend the day exploring the endless hiking trails that’ll give you a close and personal view of the region’s popular lookouts.

Evening: Enjoy a waterfront dinner! The local musicians set the stage for an evening of dining and entertainment.

Where to stay: NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall, 1 Munster St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Classic camping right on the water’s edge, it doesn’t get more uncomplicated than this. The park offers powered sites, a swimming pool, a café/bar, and a dump point.

Booti Booti National Park – Destination NSW

DAY ONE

Morning: Spend the first part of the day with a very necessary detour over to Wauchope, which is about 20 minutes away from Port Macquarie. There’s plenty of unique to do in the area, especially over at Timbertown! You’ll find steam trains, nature walks, the mechanics institute, and general Western vibes. We hope you’ve left some fridge space because the fudge shop is bound to lure you in.

Afternoon: Leave Wauchope by late afternoon, stopping to check into your accommodation in Coffs Harbour for the night. Relax by your camper with a cold bev, go for a swim, or head out and explore the city. The choice is yours!

Evening: If the adventures are ready to continue, you can head over to Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. Simply follow the break wall path from Coffs Harbour – if the timing’s right, why not tag along with the Mutton Birds by Moonlight Guided Tour, which runs monthly from 7:30-9pm (this requires a bit of pre-planning). Otherwise general tours run from 7am-7pm daily.

The locals also host a Christmas Eve beach bonfire, complete with live music and warm drinks, which is always a fun way to start the festivities.

DAY TWO

Morning & Afternoon: Dorrigo National Park? Dorrigo National Park! Follow the Casuarina Falls Circuit and set off on a nature escape for the day. This stunning park features a towering boardwalk that takes you high above the treetops so that you can get a good view of the local birds that call the area home.

There are tons of hiking trails scattered around Dorrigo National Park, so make sure you bring a sturdy pair of shoes, plenty of snacks, and a tasty lunch for the day.

Evening: Head back to Coffs Harbour to relax, kick up your feet, and enjoy the authentic camping aesthetics with a meal.

Where to stay: BIG4 Park Beach, 1 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

This cosy holiday park in Coffs Harbour is located near the main beach and coastal creek reserve. The site offers a poolside café, resort-style pool, plenty of family-fun activities, and so much more.

Dorrigo – Destination NSW

DAY ONE

Morning: Byron Bay is another one of those places where you can easily spend a couple of days exploring the surrounding areas if you have extra time up your sleeve. Filled with free-spirited people, stunning beaches, and so many places to eat, drink, and shop, 2 days is still a solid amount of time to glimpse the basics.

Make sure you pack a lunch today! Your first stop when you get there has to be the Cape Byron Lighthouse, with its ocean views and a solid 45-minute walk up to the top. Sometimes you can even spot dolphins, whales, and hang gliders off the coast! Right next to the lighthouse is Australia’s most easterly point, marked with a handy sign. Definitely a place to go for a photo moment.

Afternoon: Hit the beach! Byron Bay has plenty of them. You can find Wategos Beach right by the lighthouse, or you can trek over to Clarkes Beach, swim, surf, and enjoy a beachside BBQ lunch or a picnic.

Evening: Head into town for the lifestyle and hunt down a meal that fits the budget!

DAY TWO

Morning: Every Sunday, Byron Bay features at least one market – that’s right, sometimes there are multiple! Take your time here to soak up the festive vibes and search for any festive creations.

Afternoon: There are only a few streets in Byron Bay so it’s difficult to get lost, but there are plenty of quirky shops to explore. The town has a talented population of creative minds, so you’ll find plenty of last-minute gifts along the way. You might even catch some live music on the streets to add a bit of extra ambience to your wandering

Evening: Watch the surfers down at the beach as the sun sets – or join them if you’ve got your own surfboard! When you’re ready, either head back into town for some dinner or cosy up in your camper for the night.

Where to stay: Reflections Byron Bay, 1 Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Despite being close to Byron Bay and only two hours away from Brisbane, this holiday park feels like its nestled inside a rainforest! You’ll find powered sites, amenities, laundry, holiday activities (check the website), a camp kitchen, BBQ area, kiosk, playground, and a dump point.

Since this is your last night of camping, we highly recommend emptying out your grey water tank and toilet cassette the morning before you leave.

Wategos Beach – Destination NSW

Morning: Make sure that you grab something to eat for lunch on the way. When you’re ready, pack up your campervan for one final road trip that’ll take you straight to Brisbane – if you’re good with time you can make a few stops through the Gold Coast on your way back to the branch.

If you’re keen to keep the trip going, now’s a good time to call our friendly reservations team and ask if you can extend your booking for a few extra days so that you can soak up the Queensland sunshine!

Afternoon: Aim to be in Brisbane by 3:30 at the latest to return your camper to our GoCheap Campervans branch in Virginia.

Byron Bay Markets – Destination NSW