Coast, Capital & Country: A Sydney to Canberra Spring Circuit

Morning: Pick up your campervan from GoCheap Sydney in Caringbah and get comfy in your home on wheels for the next 8 days! Make a pit stop at Cronulla Beach just 15 minutes away from the branch for a morning dose of Vitamin D.

Afternoon: Park the campervan at your chosen camping site and take public transportation into the CBD rather than spend a small fortune on parking. Start walking around The Rocks and Circular Quay, admiring the views of the Opera House as you make your way to the Royal Botanic Garden for a great start to your spring road trip.

Evening: Settle down for the night and have a good meal inside the campervan while preparing yourself for the drive ahead. Catch the fireworks display at Darling Harbour (check schedule here) and start your road trip off with a bang! 🎆

Where to stay: Sydney Tourist Park, 2 Wingello Road, Miranda NSW 2228. Powered site.

Image: Go for a morning swim or stroll at The Esplanade at Cronulla Beach, Destination NSW

Morning: Have a hearty breakfast in the campervan and leave Sydney via the Princes Highway to get a headstart on the Grand Pacific Drive, the scenic drive that goes through the Royal National Park. Make a pit stop at the Sea Cliff Bridge for the insta-worthy views (and whale watching if you’re lucky!) before continuing to Wollongong.

Afternoon: Once you’ve arrived at the ‘Gong’, make an enlightening visit to the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Pack a picnic and settle in at the Wollongong Botanic Garden for a lunch with the best views of spring.

Evening: Take a 40-minute drive down the coast to Kiama and explore the Kiama Coast Walk, stopping at the famous Kiama Blowhole and Little Blowhole. If you’re up for it, take an evening dip at the Kiama Rock Pools but stay cautious of high tides!

Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Gerroa, 107 Crooked River Road, Gerroa NSW 2534. Powered site.

Image: Bring an umbrella or a raincoat when visiting the blowhole, Destination NSW

Morning: Take a short ride out before dawn to the Saddleback Mountain Lookout to watch the sunrise and enjoy breakfast with a view at Penny Whistlers. Pack up the campervan and start on your journey to Jervis Bay!

Afternoon: Get settled in the campervan park of your choice and prepare for a day of beach fun now that winter is over! Have a quick lunch at the picnic area of Greenfield Beach (and maybe sneak in a snorkel), then go for a walk along the White Sands Walk to visit Chinamans Beach and the famous Hyams Beach.

Evening: When it starts warming up as spring goes on, visit Barfleur Beach for a chance to catch the elusive bioluminescence — nature’s very own light show. Drop by the Huskisson Hotel (also known as the ‘Husky Pub’) for a feed and take it easy as tomorrow will be a long drive into Canberra!

Where to stay: Holiday Haven White Sands, 2 Beach Street, Huskisson NSW 2540. Powered site.

Image: Watch the ocean come alive with sea sparkle, Destination NSW

Morning: Soak up the salty air a little longer as this will be the last coast stop before you head inland towards the capital and country lands. Visit the Jervis Bay Marine Park and hopefully spot some playful dolphins and whales while you have breakfast and prepare your lunch for the long drive ahead.

Afternoon: Make a pit stop at Tarago for a caffeine fix before arriving in Canberra. Once you arrive in the capital, settle into your campsite to get your bearings and most importantly, some rest.

Evening: Watch the glorious sunset from the Mount Ainslie Lookout, soaking in the panoramic views of the capital that you’ll be exploring tomorrow. Cook at camp and have a relaxed evening — you’ll be in for a full day of Canberra sightseeing!

Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Canberra, Corner Federal Highway and Old Well Station Rd, Gungahlin ACT 2912. Powered site.

Image: Birds-eye view of the capital from Mount Ainslie, Tourism Australia

Morning: Have a quick brekkie in the campervan and set out early to Lake Burley Griffin for a morning bridge to bridge walk before heading to Parliament House. Take your time exploring the buildings, exhibitions and gardens, learning more about Australian history and culture along the way.

Afternoon: It’s time for the highlight of this trip! Floriade in Commonwealth Park will be in full bloom during spring, but check the dates before you set off. Explore over a million blooms and spectacular garden beds with expert talks and garden tours — Floriade is free entry for all!

Evening: Stay on at Floriade for NightFest! The gardens turn into an after-dark wonderland filled with vibrant illuminations and live entertainment. If you’re done with flowers for the day or if you’re visiting after or before NightFest, head to Kingston Foreshore for lake activities and plenty of dinner options.

Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Canberra, Corner Federal Highway and Old Well Station Rd, Gungahlin ACT 2912. Powered site.

Image: Australia’s biggest celebration of Spring, Floriade Australia

Morning: Pack up after brekkie and drive to Yass. Stretch your legs around the main street and the Yass River Walk, then have a picnic lunch at Coronation Park under the shady trees before getting back on the road.

Afternoon: Stop at the Big Merino when you reach Goulburn for a classic road trip photo! Make your way to the Historic Waterworks Museum and set up a picnic beside the Wollondilly River. The steam engines are fired up on selected dates and opening days can vary, so check the website before you go. If you’re travelling later in October, the Steampunk Fair is a fun spring bonus!

Evening: Wander around Belmore Park, then head up to Rocky Hill War Memorial for late-afternoon views over Goulburn. Cook dinner in your campervan and get a good night’s sleep.

Where to stay: Governors Hill Carapark, 77 Sydney Road, Goulburn NSW 2580. Powered site.

Image: Say baa! – Destination NSW

Morning: Have brekkie at camp and make your way to Berrima. Park the campervan and explore on foot, checking out the old sandstone buildings and local shops before wandering down to the Berrima River Walk with a coffee in hand from one of the Euro-inspired bakeries in town.

Afternoon: The flowers didn’t stop at Canberra! Take a 15-minute detour to Bowral and visit the Corbett Gardens, the centrepiece of the annual Tulip Time Flower Festival. Immerse yourself in market stalls and find something you didn’t know you needed.

Evening: Finish the day with a detour to Fitzroy Falls in the Morton National Park. The main lookout is only a short walk from the visitor centre, and spring brings wildflowers and bright red waratahs around the area. Cook something warm in the campervan and settle in for your last night on the road.

Where to stay: Mittagong Holiday Park, 1 Old Hume Highway, Mittagong NSW 2575. Powered site.

Image: A splash of colour at the Tulip Time Festival, Destination NSW

Morning: Wake up for one last slow spring morning in the Southern Highlands. Have brekkie at camp and start making your journey in-land back to Sydney, but if you didn’t get much time to sightsee on the Grand Pacific Drive, this is your chance! Head to the Coledale Markets happening every fourth Sunday for some retail therapy or dip your toes in the ocean at Coalcliff Beach.

Afternoon: As you drive back into the city, reflect on the spring memories you’ve made on this trip. Remember, the latest you can drop off your campervan at the GoCheap Sydney branch is at 3:30PM!

Image: Squeeze in a quick dip at Coalcliff Beach, Visit NSW