Seascapes to Landscapes: Iconic Destinations In Sydney

Start your road trip from Sydney early to make the most out  of the day! When you arrive in Newcastle, your first stop will be the Newcastle Memorial Walk. This stunning walkway offers breathtaking ocean views and is a beautiful tribute to the ANZACs. It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs after the drive.

We hope you packed your appetite because it’s time to explore Newcastle’s local cafes for lunch! The city boasts a vibrant cafe culture, with options ranging from seaside views at Merewether to quaint spots in Darby Street. Post-lunch, you’ll be delving into the local arts scene by visiting the Newcastle Art Gallery and nearby street art murals.

There are two ways you can spend your afternoon after your check-in to your accommodation for the night: Relaxing or delving into history!

Wind down at any of Newcastle’s beaches, they’re all great! Merewether Beach and Nobby’s Beach are some of the best choices for a swim. Alternatively, head over to the Fort Scratchley Historic Site for a chance to explore and learn about Newcastle’s military history.

For dinner, choose from the eclectic mix of restaurants along the Honeysuckle precinct, offering everything from seafood to modern Australian cuisine. This lively waterfront area is home to a variety of restaurants and bars, catering to all tastes and preferences.

Campsite recommendation: NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park

It’s a short and easy drive to Port Stephens, but trust us you’ll want to get an early start on the day! If you haven’t had breakfast already in your motorhome, start with a feast at one of the charming local cafés, such as the Little Nel Café, Crest Birubi Beach, or Evviva Café & Bar. Digest your meal with a trip to Tomaree National Park, with an hour of hiking around Tomaree Head Summit for panoramic views of the area.

After the hike, unwind at Shoal Bay Beach, which offers pristine sands and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, exploring, and relaxing! Lunch will take you to a variety of beachside restaurants in the area, such as the Shoal Bay Country Club or The Little Beach Boatshed.

Get ready for an action-packed afternoon of sandboarding at Stockton Sand Dunes! You can either rent sandboards or join a guided tour for an adventurous afternoon sliding down the dunes.

Not a thrill seeker? No worries! Spend your afternoon at Oakvale Wildlife Park instead, where you can get up close with native Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and more!

End the day with a sunset dolphin cruise at Port Stephens and dine at Nelsen Bay Marina before heading back to your holiday park in Newcastle.

Campsite recommendation: NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park

Kick off the day with a short road trip over to the Hunger Valley region! With a range of charming towns in the area, there’s absolutely something fun for everyone to try. Spoil yourself with brunch in some top local picks such as Café Enzo in Pokolbin or the Deck Café in Lovedale. If a unique start to your adventures, why not try a hot air balloon ride?

Explore the renowned wineries of the Hunter Valley region and indulge yourself in some wine tasting, have a picnic amongst the vineyards, and fill your fridge with gourmet local produce.

In the afternoon head to Hunter Valley Gardens, which offers a range of unmissable themed gardens such as the Rose Garden, Sunken Garden, and Storybook Garden. It’s a thrill to explore for children and adults alike!

You can easily find a holiday park in Hunter Valley for the night; otherwise, head on back to Newcastle – making sure to stop by for more chocolate and cheese tastings at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and Hunter Valley Cheese Factory on the way.

Campsite recommendation: NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park

It’s time to bid a final farewell to Newcastle and set your sights on Port Macquarie. Continue on your Sydney road trip by following the coast. Have brunch in the city or jump straight into a quick stroll along the Coastal Walk, which stretches from Town Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse with gorgeous views of the ocean.

Next stop: The Koala Hospital! This is an unmissable attraction and a facility dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured koalas. Take the guided tour to learn about their conservation efforts and see the animals up close.

It’s time for a well-earned lunch at the wharf, with restaurants overlooking the waterfront at the Port Macquarie Marina. After your feast check in to your holiday park and then continue the theme of your animal adventures with either a trip to Billabong Zoo or an adventure down to Lighthouse Beach with the Camel Safari! Both offer thrilling animal encounters that you won’t forget anytime soon.

If you didn’t get to visit Billabong Zoo yesterday, this is your chance! Otherwise set your sights on Sea Acres Rainforest Centre for a guided tour along the boardwalk that winds its way through the pristine rainforest.

Spend lunch at Shelly Beach, pack a picnic, and go for a swim if you’ve got energy to burn. Then it’s off to one of the local wineries for an afternoon of wine tasting and tours!

Round off the afternoon by checking in to your accommodation then head off on a short road trip out to Wauchope to visit Cedar Creek Goldfield, where you can pan for gold, explore the attractions, and ride the Timbertown Heritage Steam Tain.

You’ll find plenty of local restaurants stocked with fresh seafood and Aussie classics in Port Macquarie, so dinner is sorted!

Campsite recommendation: NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park

Start the morning with a short road trip to Coffs Harbour, feast on brunch at any of the beachside cafes, and take yourself straight to Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve for a morning strolling along panoramic views of Coffs Harbour’s Marina and learning about the island’s cultural significance.

Your next destination is Jetty Beach, where you can have a tasty lunch at Latitude 30 or The Pier Hotel (both of which offer a variety of mouthwatering seafood dishes and culinary delights) before going for a wander or a swim.

Finish the afternoon with a trip out to the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park for an interactive experience with a variety of marine wildlife and wind down with a wander through the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens.

Start day 2 of your Coffs Harbour exploration with breakfast at Urban Espresso Lounge, which is known for its delicious coffee and inventive menu full of local produce. Then it’s time to set off on another motorhome road trip out to Dorrigo National Park, where you’ll spend the day exploring rainforest trails, marvelling at waterfalls like Dangar Falls, and finding scenic lookouts. Make sure you bring a picnic lunch with you!

For our adrenaline lovers, you can even go skydiving over the stunning coastline of Coffs Harbour or embark on a treetop adventure at Sealy Lookout TreeTops Adventure Park.

Wind down the afternoon with a trip out to Sawtell, which is known for its beautiful beaches, boutique shops, and vibrant café culture. Explore the main street, browse the local shops, and stop for coffee and cake at any of the quaint cafes before headed back to Coffs Harbour for a night of well-earned relaxation.

Campsite recommendation: BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park

The next leg of your Sydney road trip itinerary will take you off towards Tamworth – the Country Music Capital of Australia. Follow the Pacific Highway, making your first major stop in Uralla for a chance to stretch your legs, get some coffee, and explore the town’s heritage-listed buildings, antique shops, and art galleries with a quick peek at Captain Thunderbolt’s grave before getting back on the road.

You’ll arrive in Tamworth for lunch, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to choose from. Cruise into the afternoon with a visit to the iconic Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre, where you can snap some photos with the giant guitar sculpture, browse the country music memorabilia and learn about the history of country music at the museum.

There are a range of activities for kids and parents alike, and you’ll have your choice of a trip to Tamworth Regional Playground or Tamworth Marsupial Park. If you have time, you can even check out the Tamworth Power Station Museum or go shopping at Peel Street or Tamworth Shopping World for some specialty shops and souvenirs.

Campsite recommendation: BIG4 Paradise Tamworth

Set off early in the morning on your road trip from Tamworth down the New England Highway towards Dubbo, stopping about halfway in Gunnedah (known affectionately as the Koala Capital of the World). Visit the local attractions like Porcupine Lookout and snap some pics with the Big Koala Statue before getting back on the road.

Have an early lunch when you get to Dubbo and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Taronga Western Plains Zoo for a self-guided safari through the vast open-range zoo and home to over 5000 animals from all around the world!

For dinner snag a local specialty, like the famous Dubbo steak, or feast on a classic Aussie meal.

How you spend your second day is entirely your choice, but we promise there’s no shortage of things to do in Dubbo! Start your morning with breakfast at a local café, then we recommend heading out towards the Old Dubbo Gaol.

Explore the fascinating museum housed within the gaol itself, take a guided tour, wander the exhibits, and learn all about the colonial and convict history.

Try a classic Aussie pie from one of the local bakeries or drop into a local pub for lunch, then spend your afternoon exploring the shops, boutiques, and galleries in search of unique gifts, souvenirs and locally-made products.

Finish off the day with a trip to Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden for a wander among a beautiful oasis of native and exotic plants and a trip down to the Macquarie River Walk for nature spotting and relaxation.

Campsite recommendation: NRMA Dubbo Holiday Park

It’s time to start making your way back towards Sydney, but not to worry because there’s still plenty more to see and do. Leave from Dubbo in the morning, making a stop in Wellington or Molong for a quaint breakfast.

When you get to Orange check in to your holiday park and begin your adventures with the Orange Heritage Trail for a self-guided walking tour through the historic precinct that showcases the city’s colonial-era architecture, museums, and cultural landmarks.

Visit Cook Park to admire the colourful floral displays, tranquil ponds, and historic monuments then stop by one of the local eateries for Orange’s classic farm-to-table cuisine, artisanal cheeses, and locally sourced ingredients.

Spend the afternoon exploring Orange’s thriving wine region with a visit to one of the many cellar doors in the area. Sample cool-climate wines such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz, and learn all about the winemaking process before browsing the Orange Regional Gallery’s contemporary artworks.

Wrap up the day with a scenic drive to Lake Canobolas and dinner at a local bistro.

Campsite recommendation: Canobolas Caravan Park

You’ll see plenty of sights on your road trip to the Blue Mountains, including the iconic racing capital of Victoria! Bathurst is a mecca for motorsport fans, so stop by for a chance to drive the famous racing track known for hosting the Bathurst 1000 and visit the National Motor Racing Museum to learn about the history of motorsport in Australia.

If you’re not in a rush to leave, take your time exploring the historic town. Some of the best things to do in Bathurst include visiting the Bathurst Court House, Bathurst Railway Station, Machattie Park, and the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum.

Stop for lunch at one of the charming towns en route to the Blue Mountains, such as Lithgow and Katoomba, aiming to arrive at your holiday park by mid-afternoon for check-in.

Once you’re ready, dive straight into your Blue Mountains exploration and start exploring the stunning natural attractions of the region. Your first destination will be Echo Point in Katoomba, where you can marvel at the break-taking views of the Three Sisters rock formation and the Jamison Valley.

If there’s still time in your day you can head over to Scenic World to ride the Scenic Railway, known as the steepest incline railway in the world, for panoramic views of the rainforest from the Scenic Cableway and Skyway.

You’ll find great feasts for dinner at Katoomba or Leura, with most eateries in the area offering farm-to-table cuisine that showcases the region’s fresh produce and gourmet delights.

Day 2 in the Blue Mountains is your chance to cover anything you might’ve missed yesterday and to explore the local towns. Start your day with a cosy breakfast in your motorhome surrounded by bushland, or head out to a local bakery for freshly baked pastries, hearty breakfast bowls, and artisanal coffee to fuel your feet.

Leura is your first stop and a great shopping destination if you’re keen on boutique shops, antique stores, and a stroll through Everglades Historic House & Gardens.

Have an early lunch whilst you’re here then pack your courage as you set off towards Jenolan Caves, where stunning limestone caves and underground rivers await exploration.

If there’s still time in your day, take the leisurely scenic drive to Bells Line of Road, which offers plenty of roadside attractions and stunning lookouts along the way.

Campsite recommendation: Katoomba Falls Tourist Park

Get a head start on the morning and make your way over to Sydney for an indulgent breakfast in the historic Rocks district, located near Circular Quay, where you can choose from a variety of cafes and restaurants with perfect views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Explore the historic neighbourhood’s cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, and charming boutiques.

If you’re feeling adventurous (and booked well in advance) set off towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and climb it! Take the tour which will have you scaling the iconic bridge for panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

By mid-morning, you’ll be exploring Circular Quay more thoroughly, with time to explore behind the scenes as you set off towards the Sydney Opera House – another iconic attraction in Sydney. Join a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the building, making sure to snap some photos of its distinctive sails.

Spend lunch in Darling Harbour with some fresh seafood, international cuisine, or classic Australian dishes before wandering off towards the Royal Botanic Garden for a stroll along scenic pathways.

Before you know it, the day will be up, and your 2 week motorhome road trip in Sydney will have reached its end. Unfortunately it’s time to return your hire to us, but we hope you had plenty of fun on your holiday!