Sydney to Byron and back – a North Coast road trip to remember. Spanning some 800km, the New South Wales North Coast is home to an array of beautiful beaches, picturesque lakes and charming coastal towns. With so many holiday destinations to choose from, it can be hard to settle on just one. So don’t! Pick up an Apollo camper or motorhome and let the open road be your guide.
This 12-night itinerary centres on the Mid North Coast, with Byron tacked on to the North and Port Stephens to the south. Simply tailor and trim to your available timeframe.
Apollo Sydney to Bonny Hills
400km / 4.5 hours
After picking up your Apollo Camper, hit the highway heading north. It’s a longish drive to BIG 4 Ingenia Holidays Bonny Hills so set the kids up with some activities, pop on some tunes and watch the city fade into the distance. The best thing about motorhome road trips is it’s easy to pull over for toilet breaks (if you have one on board) and if anyone gets hungry, your kitchen’s right there too! When you reach the park, you’ll discover the only thing between your van site and beautiful Rainbow Beach is a few shady trees. With no tent to set up, you can kick back and relax right away. Fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake to days of simple pleasures. Spend time on the beach, dive into the heated pool and challenge the kids to a game of mini golf.
Recommended stay: 2 nights
Bonny Hills to Nambucca Heads
130km / 1.5 hours
Next stop is beautiful Nambucca Heads. Holiday locations don’t come much more stunning than the one you’ll find at Ingenia Holidays White Albatross. Set right on the waterfront, it has its own private lagoon and is just steps from the nearest surf beach. With so much to do right on your doorstep, you can leave the van parked up and explore on foot. Stroll along the V-Wall and check out the painted rocks or throw a line in with the locals to hook your dinner. Alternatively, give mum a night off and enjoy classic pub meals at the onsite restaurant.
Recommended stay: 2 nights
Nambucca Heads to Byron Bay
280km / 3 hours
Continue northwards to Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay. Just five-minute’s drive from downtown Byron and walking distance from Tallow Beach this park offers easy access to local attractions. One must-do activity is a trip to the lighthouse and most easterly point of the Australian mainland. If you’re in Byron over a weekend, be sure to check out the local markets for an eclectic range of artisan wares and tasty treats. They rotate location each week and offer a great excuse to explore the hinterland, where you’ll also find some amazing walks and waterfall trails. Of course most people come to Byron for the surf, and there are plenty of surf schools on hand to help you catch a wave (or two).
Recommended stay: 3 nights
Byron Bay to South West Rocks
330km / 3.5 hours
When it’s time to head homeward, set a course for Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks. Relaxing is easy at this riverfront park. It’s a great spot for fishing if you’ve brought a rod and reel, or head to the nearby surf beach to practice what you learnt in Byron. If you can tear the kids away from the onsite water slides and pool, Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse are popular local attractions.
Recommended stay: 2 nights
South West Rocks to One Mile Beach
310km / 3.5 hours
Last stop, Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach. There’s no such thing as too many beach days, so it’s a bonus that this park has direct access to a 1.6km stretch of sand. It’s also just a short drive from the largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. Try your hand at sandboarding, head into Port Stephens to hop on a dolphin watching cruise or visit the nearby koala sanctuary. In fact, there are so many experiences on offer, you could easily spend a week here, so pick your favourites and get in on the action. You can always do the others next time!
Recommended stay: 3 nights
One Mile Beach to Apollo Sydney
233 km, 3 hours
Spend the journey home mulling over your favourite memories or planning your next adventure and before you know it, you’ll be dropping off your camper.
With 10 parks dotted along the NSW North Coast from Port Stephens to Kingscliff (including the Hunter Valley), you can mix and match to make your ideal trip. And you can do it again and again, trying a different set of destinations and parks each time.
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