Van Adventures: Journey Across Our Best Picks on the NSW South Coast
The South Coast is a beautiful and diverse region that extends from Sydney, all the way down to Ben Boyd National Park near Victoria. Along this scenic drive, you'll pass pristine beaches, as well as waterways and forests! You may also find yourself in regions where delicious oysters are harvested or fishing meccas like Eden make their homes. As van lifers, we pride ourselves on getting to the best van spots. At the end of the day, vanlife is all about freedom, and it doesn't get more free than camping at a beautiful beach. Wondering where some of the best van spots are? We've managed to select some campsites for your trip if travelling by van so buckle up and enjoy!
1. Wollongong
Exploring Wollongong in a van is perfect for those who want to explore the coast, whale watch and enjoy nature. For your first point of call, take in the scenery of Killalea State Park Campground. The campgrounds are located near Kiama on the south coast where you can find coastal heathland, rainforest and sandstone cliffs. Prefer a beach getaway? There is no place like Coledale Beach. Situated between Pacific Ocean and Wollongong's escarpment, this coastal gem has been attracting visitors from all over for years with its natural beauty. The campsite at Coledale Beach Camping Reserve will take your breath away - especially when combined with stunning ocean views and local wildlife sightings. If you fancy a hike while you’re exploring the Illawarra, the Mount Keira ring track is a terrific setting for some casual hiking or vigorous running. Expect to encounter lush forests and terrain from cool sub-tropical bush to lofty red cedars and rocky outcrops as you make your way around this scenic trail!
2. Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach is the perfect spot to take your van for a trip to the coast. The vanning community in Jervis Bay is very welcoming, plus it’s free from major commercialism so it is the perfect van lifer destination to fully enjoy the full experience. Not to mention, if you’re exploring with the kids, it doesn't get much better than Jervis Bay - there is so much to do! Located at the elbow of the Coast and just a few hours drive from Canberra or Sydney, Jervis Bay is also right in between several coastal towns that offers an abundance of enjoyment - from beaches to rainforests. Seven Mile beach also offers van travellers the opportunity to explore national park land and untouched beaches, all from the comfort of your fitted out van!
3. Lake Conjola
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there's no better place than Lake Conjola - the famous camping spot nestled along the South Coast of New South Wales. With 140 kilometers of secluded beaches extending between Lake Conjola in the South to Narooma further down South, you're sure to find an amazing stretch that suits your needs when embarking on a camping adventure. Whether it’s relaxing at a tranquil spot by yourself or going fishing with friends for some fresh seafood on a BBQ while enjoying stunning views across water clear enough for swimming - this is what true relaxation looks like!
4. Moruya
Located just 20 minutes south of Batemans Bay is the small coastal town of Moruya. From a nomad’s point of view, Moruya offers van lifer’s with a quiet beach lifestyle where you can fully enjoy your van with other like-minded people. From beautiful beaches to the laid back atmosphere, this is what makes this little known place so appealing. There is plenty to explore around Moruya with its many parks, rainforest walks and quaint villages that dot the coastline. With lots of places to eat as well as coffee shops for any van life caffeine addicts, you can happily spend a few days here! Moruya also offers van travellers the opportunity to explore Eurobodalla National Park and experience an undiscovered slice of van life paradise. There is also the option for van lovers to stay further out of town at Watagan State Forest, which is located just 30 minutes drive from Moruya and offers a nirvana of secluded bush camping spots. They’re also positioned on idyllic beaches and surrounded by huge granite boulders, so they’re perfect for climbing or simply sitting and watching the ocean go by. It's van life as it should be!
5. Eden
Another top destination to make on your expedition South is Eden, a town situated as the Southernmost point on the NSW mainland. It's perched on Twofold Bay, and was once a whaling town! Now it's home to many whale watchers with its own museum dedicated to whales; when one passes by (siren sound included), you can go see them at any time during your stay. For those who like their fish fresh from the ocean floor, they're often caught here - rock cod, bream and jewfish are just some species that thrive near this beachside community. Prawning doesn't get much better than right off these shores either: there are scattered inlets all around for great paddy dipping opportunities where you could find yourself reeling up some shrimp after only minutes spent down. This van friendly destination also offers van lovers access to the beautiful secluded beaches, where they can snorkel and go swimming with the local dolphins that make Eden so unique.
6. Murramarang National Park
From South Durras to Kioloa, Murramarang has 13 kilometres of pristine coastline and forests. Coastal and forest walks take in historic Aboriginal sites, empty beaches, the "singing stones", towering stands of spotted gums, rock formations that are perfect for climbing on top or investigating at close range with a magnifying glass - not forgetting Rock Pools! And there's never been any better time than right now to visit their wildlife friends down South because Mogo Zoo has teamed up with their animal rescue colleagues from across Australia, so expect lots more animals including koalas who will be around every corner ready for you to come say hello to! So van-lifers, whether you're into hiking, kayaking, surfing, fishing or just looking for a place to park your van and chill out for a few weeks, Murramarang National Park is worth investigating!
The South Coast of New South Wales is a place of rolling green hills, crystal clear water and incredible beaches. Of course, you could hit up all the tourist hotspots in your hire car or on foot but what if we told you that there’s an easier way? There are plenty of ways to explore this beautiful region with one simple addition - a van! No matter where you want to go for adventure, from regional national parks or back down South, getting yourself a van means greater flexibility and more time enjoying everything this country has to offer. View our full range of van fitouts or get in touch with one our experts who will be happy to help you with your enquiry.