From Sydney or the Royal National Park, take a day to enjoy the coastal drive and the attractions along the way, stopping at Killalea Beach for the night.
A video on the Grand Pacific Drive might wet your appetite for what's in store.
At Helensburgh is the Symbio Wildlife Park where you can cuddle a koala and have your photo taken with a snake or alligator. They have birds and animals from all over the world.
The Lawrence Hargrave Drive hugs the ocean between Stanwell Park in the north, where hang gliders circle above the cliffs like eagles, then swings right out over the ocean on Sea Cliff Bridge, and curves back into the little coastal town of Coalcliff where you can stop for a drink with a view at the Bombie Bar in the Coalcliff Surf Club. The road then meanders through Wombarra, Austinmer and Thirroul, which all have little restaurants and cafes should you be hungry. Arwan Thai, Coastal Thai, Samuels, and Honest Dons are favourites.
Sea Cliff Bridge by David Wimple
Sea Cliff Bridge
Wollongong, known locally as The ‘Gong, is a coastal city with a lot to offer; great surf beaches, coastal roads and parks, fresh caught seafood at Belmore Basin, restaurants, art, cookery schools, and a Science Centre and Planetarium for the kids.
For some introspection, visit Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, the largest in the southern hemisphere. They have a vegetarian lunch, vegetarian cooking courses, meditation sessions and other activities for you to join, or just enjoy the serenity of the temple buildings, gardens and lily pond.
If you love the idea of swimming in the ocean but don't like the waves or getting sand in your pants, Wollongong has a lot of ocean rock pools.
Vegans will want to head to Au Lac Royal Vegetarian for some Vietnamese veg food.
Nan Tien Temple. Photo: jelloberries via IG
Vegetarian food at Nan Tien Temple. Photo: travel eats treats and cheats
For a campervan camping site on a gorgeous beach, make your way to Killalea State Park. It was once known as ‘The Farm Beach' because it was accessed through a farm and the farmer would charge vistors 40c for the privilege. Most locals still call it that. It's an excellent beach for swimming and surfing. The sand gently slopes into the ocean so the waves roll evenly in, and it is sheltered on each end by rocky headlands dotted with rock pools, which are fun to explore.
The beach backs onto bird-rich wetlands. Follow the Killalea Access Road to the end and a walking track will take you to Mystics beach. It's not as sheltered as Killalea Beach but it's worth exploring because it backs onto a forest and ends at the mouth of the Minnamurra River.
20 minutes drive away is the award-winning Minnamurra Visitor Centre and Minummurra Rainforest Centre, with elevated walkways through rainforest, to a waterfall and a breathtaking lookout of the region.
8 minutes from this is the Jamberoo Recreation Park, the largest action and theme park in NSW, which is open in summer for some water fun.
Killalea State Park
Killalea Beach. Photo: kathrynwilsonphotography via IG
Killalea State Park
This stop is part of the Sydney to Melbourne in 14 unforgettable days - a day-to-day self drive itinerary for campervans which includes highlights, drive time, distances and the best places to stay in a campervan, including a few free camping spots.
Sydney to Melbourne Alpine Coastal Drive
Heart of Reef Shuttles, 48-50 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale, Queensland 4802 Phone: 1800 216 223
20 Noble Avenue, North Gate, Queensland 4013
Phone: 1800 216 223
440 Sheridan Street, Cairns,
Queensland 4870 Phone: 1800 216 223
273 Elizabeth Street, Coburg,
Victoria 3058 Phone: 1800 216 223
23-25 Erskine Rd, Caringbah,
Sydney, NSW 2229 Phone: 1800 216 223
