NSW is made for a campervan road trip — coastal cliffs, mountain forests and alpine peaks, all within reach of Sydney. Here are the routes worth the drive.
In This Guide
NSW Is Underrated for Road Trips
Everyone talks about the Great Ocean Road and the East Coast run to Cairns, but New South Wales quietly has some of the best driving in the country. Within a few hours of Sydney you can be on a clifftop coastal highway, deep in a eucalyptus mountain forest, or climbing towards Australia's highest alpine peaks.
A campervan is the perfect way to do it — you set your own pace, sleep where the view is best, and you are never tied to a hotel booking. Here are the routes worth planning a trip around.
1. The Grand Pacific Drive
Stretching south from the Royal National Park to the seaside town of Kiama, the Grand Pacific Drive is a short but spectacular coastal route. The highlight is the Sea Cliff Bridge, which curves out over the ocean along the cliff face — one of the most photographed stretches of road in the state.
Allow a relaxed day or two, stopping at Wollongong, the Kiama Blowhole, and the string of quiet beaches along the way. It is an easy, rewarding first leg out of Sydney.
2. The Legendary Pacific Coast
This is the big one — the coastal run from Sydney all the way north to Brisbane. It links up vibrant towns, endless beaches, and backpacker favourites like Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, and of course Byron Bay.
It is the natural first half of the classic East Coast trip, and it is well set up for campervans, with plenty of holiday parks, free camps, and beach towns to break up the drive. Give yourself at least a week to enjoy it properly rather than racing through.
3. The Blue Mountains Loop
Just ninety minutes west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a classic for nature lovers. Loop up through Katoomba and Leura to see the Three Sisters, ride the Scenic Railway, and walk trails that drop into ancient, mist-filled valleys.
It is an easy overnight or weekend trip from the city, and a great warm-up drive if you are picking up a campervan in Sydney and want to test the waters before a longer journey.
4. The Snowy Mountains Drive
For something completely different, head south to the Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park — home to Australia's highest peaks. Base yourself around Cooma, Jindabyne, and Lake Jindabyne, and explore alpine scenery that feels a world away from the coast.
In winter it is ski country; in the warmer months it is superb for hiking, mountain biking, and wildflower drives. Pack for cold nights whatever the season — the alpine air bites once the sun drops.
5. The Waterfall Way & Beyond
Inland NSW hides some gems. The Waterfall Way runs from the coast at Coffs Harbour up onto the New England tablelands, passing some of the tallest waterfalls in the country and lush national parks along the way.
If you are chasing a true outback experience, the far west opens up towards Broken Hill and the start of the great inland crossings — but those remote routes need proper planning, a reliable vehicle, and plenty of water and fuel.
Getting Your Campervan Sorted
Sydney is the easiest place in NSW to pick up a campervan, with depots close to the airport and city, and the widest choice of vehicles from all the major rental brands. Rather than booking blind, compare across operators to get the right van at the right price for your trip.
We compare campervans from every major supplier for free — tell us your dates and where you want to start, and we will find you the best deal.
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