To the uninitiated, Sydney is simply overpriced food and crowds of tourists—scratch below the surface, and you’ll realise this eastern metropolis has much more to offer. The “Emerald City” is a campers’ paradise, from jaw-dropping mountain views to smooth sand-swept beaches.
Even though it houses over half of the population in NSW, finding a peaceful spot in Sydney is not as hard as you’d think. Take a camper an hour or two out of the city, and you’ll find yourself immersed in dense coastal bushlands.
This itinerary is ideal for campervanners, naturalists, adventurers, and laid-back travellers. Follow along as you depart Sydney for a round-trip through the Great Dividing Range, packed with panoramas, fresh air and dazzling sights. Let’s roll…
Explore the beauty of Sydney with a rental campervan from Camper Champ.
Wollongong is located at the base of the mighty Illawarra Range, the first stop on your expedition. Famed for its surf beaches, rainforest, and nightlife, “The Gong” offers a little something for every visitor. So take the chance to go out for some fresh seafood or grab some supplies for the next week in the bush.
Explore the Illawarra Escarpment
The backdrop of Wollongong is the enormous Illawarra Range or Illawarra Escarpment. Formed 30 million years ago, this sandstone range is covered in dense rainforest, teeming with wildlife. Reputed for bushwalking and birdwatching, the escarpment abounds with native wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous Illawarra Flame Tree and glossy black cockatoos.
Take a hike in Macquarie Pass National Park
Head half an hour from Wollongong to Macquarie Pass National Park for the perfect afternoon walk and camping spot—barbecue among the towering eucalypts and head on a walking tour through the wilderness. Optionally, head down to Cascade Falls for a rinse-off in the gorgeous waterfall and rockpool.
Today you’re in for a treat—just over 100km drive from Wollongong, and you’ll be rolling into the legendary Blue Mountains. This expanse of wilderness features peaks and plateaus intertwined by rivers. Many areas are rarely visited, so you’ll often have vast cavernous landscapes all to yourself.
Fall in love with Blackheath
Wind down in the afternoon in Blackheath, a charming township full of soul. Stocked with art galleries, flea markets, and trendy cafes, you’ll find it difficult to leave. The Victory Theatre Antique Centre is the darling of the mountain village — peruse thousands of vintage pieces or just drop by for the world-class coffee.
Inner-city dining amidst Mountains
Blackheath is also renowned for its fine-dining scene. Restaurants like Blaq showcase local flavours and ingredients. A meal at The Wintergarden might cost an arm and a leg, but you’ll never have a better view from the dinner table.
After a good night’s rest, get ready for some adventure. The Blue Mountains National Park has endless offerings for trekking, guided tours, museums, and other activities. Thrill-seekers can go mountain biking or abseiling, while others can spend the day getting pampered at a day spa.
Strike gold at Hill End
Life during the gold rush is palpable at Hill End Historic Site. The remnants of a colonial gold mining village harken back to the 1870s — explore underground mines or test your luck with gold panning. For those wanting to fully immerse in the gold rush era, some quaint cottages and heritage accommodation options are available in Hill End.
See the sights of the Katoomba area
The heart of the Blue Mountains is Katoomba, a breathtaking area that features the Three Sisters rock formation, Wentworth Falls, and plenty of bushwalks. A trip to Katoomba wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. The same company also offers a Scenic Skyway, Cableway, and Walkway.
Strap on those seatbelts—you’re getting back on the road! To the northeast of Sydney lies Myall Lakes National Park, a slice of heaven rich in wildlife and cultural history. You’ll have more beaches, bushwalks, and activities than you can poke a stick at. Spend the night reading by the freshwater lakes to the hum of tawny frogmouths.
Take an afternoon stroll along Mungo Rainforest Walk
For an easy breezy walking track to loosen your legs after your arrival, head to the Mungo Rainforest Walk. Multitudes of colourful birds call this coastal rainforest home, so don’t forget your camera. This relaxing 1.5km loop starts and ends at Mungo Brush, the perfect place for a lunchtime barbecue and to camp for the night.
Pay a visit to an ancient meeting place
Off Mungo Brush Side Road, take the Dark Point Walking Track. Stroll along the vast sand dunes for an easy walk to Dark Point Aboriginal Place. For thousands of years, the Worimi Aboriginal people gathered along this rocky headland to feast on the bountiful seafood the area offered. Amazing views of Broughton Island can be seen just across the way.
The land on which Myall Lakes National Park sits has been a site of significance for the Worimi people for over 4000 years. Being wealthy in natural resources, the Myall Lakes area was fundamental to the hunter-gatherer lifestyle of local Aboriginal people. The park houses important spiritual and ceremonial sites, including burial grounds, middens, and rock engravings.
Wake up with a “Morning on the Myall River” tour
When visiting Myall Lakes National Park, you need to get lost in the lakes. At dawn, Manning Valley Adventures takes you out on a boat along the Myall River. A local guide will help you explore the vast waterways of the National Park. The tour promises excellent birdwatching, bushwalking, and fishing—what a way to start the day!
Get lost on Broughton Island
While staying at the National Park, visiting Broughton Island is highly recommended. Accessible via boat from Port Stephens, the island boasts awe-inspiring views, wild beaches, and family-friendly walking tracks. You can go for a dip at Esmerelda Cove or even go dolphin-watching. If visiting from Spring to Autumn, you might even spot some penguin colonies.
It’s unfortunate, but all good things must come to an end. Time to pack up and leave the bush because you’re heading back to the big smoke. For those who aren’t keen on Sydney just yet, splitting this drive into two parts is easy with a night in Newcastle or Yengo National Park.
Spot a whale at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
Before leaving Myall Lakes, pay a visit to Sugarloaf Point. Situated 3km southeast of Seal Rocks is the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, an active light station built in 1875. The lighthouse is still active, so entrance isn’t possible, but nearby lookouts offer panoramic views. The area has also been known for remarkable whale watching.
Delve into colonial history in Newcastle
Australia’s second oldest city is the perfect stop on the way back to Sydney. History buffs will be delighted by the Newcastle Museum and Fort Scratchley. From its pristine coastline to fine-dining options, killing a few hours in Newcastle is easy. With a tight-knit local community and golden beaches, many find it hard to leave.
Tying off the bow on an escapade through NSW, you’ve arrived in Sydney, the “Harbour City”. As the most populated city in Oceania, Sydney’s art, music, and food culture runs deep. Spend the final day seeing the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Alternatively, Take a short trip to Bondi and stretch out on the sand for the day.
Uncover gangland history in a “True Crime Tour”
What would your trip be without a quirky tour to finish it off? Lovers of true crime and history will be engrossed by one of Sydney’s True Crime Tours. Weaving through its alleyways, discover the darker side of Sydney, and learn about its gangland history. So put on your detective cap and take a shot at investigating Sydney’s criminal past.
Cruise the night away on Sydney Harbour
The “Emerald City” is famed for the various cruises along the iconic Sydney Harbour. Cruise lines offer everything from sightseeing trips to four-course meals, depending on budgets. The length of cruises also varies from short jaunts to whole-day events. You couldn’t pick a better way to bring a fantastic week in Sydney to a close.
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