Move over, Melbourne. Sydney is Australia's most iconic city.
Thanks to a certain sail-shaped edifice, sparkling harbor, and landmark arched bridge, this widely recognizable metropolis has become the poster child of Aussie urban life. Not to mention its sun-drenched beaches, which personify Australia's obsession with the great outdoors.
World-famous sites aside, the cosmopolitan city boasts some of the best nightlife, gastronomy, and café culture in the country—Melbourne may have the leg-up here, though. From the skyscraper-strewn CBD to hip neighborhoods like New Town and Surry Hills, Sydney hums with urban energy.
The sprawling state capital also serves as a handy starting point for nature lovers to explore New South Wales (NSW). Throughout the state, scenic surf beaches lie scattered along the sparkling coastline, straddled by magnificent national parks.
It's no surprise NSW has become a hot-ticket destination for campervans. Superb RV infrastructure—campsites, water refills, dump points, and more—makes cruising in a campervan the most convenient (and cost-effective) way to explore.
Forget about forking out for car rental and pricey hotels. A decked-out campervan saves you time and money when meandering NSW.
One-way rentals are also an option with many travelers choosing to drive down to Melbourne, up north to Brisbane, the sunny Gold Coast or even Cairns.
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Most campervan rentals in Sydney cost between AUD $40 to $450 per day (most fees included).
Rental rates can vary depending on:
A decked-out motorhome lets you savour NSW’s spectacular nature for an affordable price.
Most rental companies offer three camper types:
The budget-friendly campervan has a basic kitchen set-up, a battery to recharge your appliances, and a fold-out or fixed bed for sleeping. Fancier campers come with ensuites and a high roof to stand inside.
The rugged 4WD camper lets you venture off the beaten track and careen across soft sand beaches. On the downside, expect limited space and onboard amenities. As NSW is relatively developed, you won’t find as many remote tracks as in other Australian states like Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
A motorhome refers to a larger, flashier vehicle featuring most of the comforts of home: a TV, indoor kitchen, hot shower, etc. While these big beasts offer unbridled luxury, they’re more expensive to hire (or refuel) and harder to park.
The cheapest months for hiring a campervan in Sydney are right after the summer holidays in February and early March, as well as in the winter months from May to September.
While there are no motorhome rentals directly at the terminal at Sydney Airport (SYD), there are several campervan hire companies within 6–18 km (4–11 miles).
The depots are easily accessible by taxi, Uber or public transport.
A cosy home on wheels is the best way to savour NSW’s natural splendour, and Sydney serves as the perfect starting point.
Here’s why you should hire a camper to explore NSW:
Affordable: A camper lets you roll your accommodation and transport expenses into one, saving you big bucks on car hire and hotels.
Self-catering: Eating out is pricey in NSW. A camper with an onboard kitchen lets you prepare inexpensive meals wherever you roam.
Convenience: Instead of returning to the traffic-choked streets of Sydney after a long day of adventuring, you can roll into the nearest campsite to rest.
Freedom: No need to pre-book hotels or plan rigid itineraries. A campervan gives you the freedom to explore NSW on a whim.
Amenities: Everything is right there when you need it, from fresh clothes to charging points and a fridge full of food.
Remember these helpful tips when driving around Sydney in a campervan rental:
Some of the major toll roads in the city include:
These toll roads are equipped with electronic tolling systems, such as the e-tag or e-toll, which automatically deduct the toll amount from a linked account as vehicles pass through. It is important to be aware of the tolls and associated payment methods when driving in Sydney.
A custom-built camper is the most cost-effective way to travel around Sydney and NSW. Shoe-string adventurers can whittle down expenses even further with the following tips:
Skip high season: Rental and camp fees skyrocket during peak periods such as Christmas/New Year, Easter, and the NSW School Holidays.
Book ahead: As motorhome rental rates are based on availability, you’ll snag a better deal if you book in advance.
Choose wisely: Do you really need an oversized motorhome with state-of-the-art amenities? A cheap and cheerful budget camper costs significantly less to hire.
Reduce backtracking: Use your favourite map app to plan a route each morning that minimises backtracking to save on fuel.
Research service stations: A mobile app like PetrolSpy lets you see real-time prices for service stations in NSW—some charge much more than others.
Buddy up: Teaming up with a mate lets you share fuel and rental expenses. Consider posting your plans on social media if none of your pals is keen to jump on board.
Use low-cost (or free) campsites: Caravan parks can cost a bomb in NSW. Make use of low-cost campsites or free overnight stays.
Cook: Unleash your inner Masterchef instead of eating at restaurants or cafes. Good thing you’ve got an onboard kitchen.
Find free activities: Ticketed attractions tend to be pricey, but bushwalking is free. If you’ve got space in the camper, consider packing a bike, kayak, snorkel or surfboard.
Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are the best seasons to explore Sydney and NSW. Both balmy shoulder seasons bring idyllic weather for outdoor exploration, with average highs and lows hovering around 22°C / 14°C. As travel demand is lower (at least outside of school holidays), you’ll enjoy thinner crowds and better rental deals.
Summer is the most popular time to visit NSW, as locals head out on holidays and Northern Hemisphere tourists flock to Australia to escape the cold. Coastal breezes keep seaside settlements relatively cool—expect average temps around 26°C / 19°C. Head inland, however, and the mercury will soar. The downside is you’ll have to contend with ram-packed campsites and high rental rates.
Winter is off-season in Sydney, but it’s still a pleasant time to visit. Although average temperatures of 17°C / 8°C are a tad on the chilly side, you won’t have to rug up in a scarf. Fewer tourists and lower prices make the season enticing for budget travellers and solitude seekers alike.
Summer welcomes many of Sydney’s iconic events, such as the New Year’s Fireworks, Australia Day, Tropfest, and Mardi Gras. Nonetheless, a rotating roster of enchanting shindigs runs throughout the year—in July, Vivid is a must.
Most first-time visitors find three days sufficient for the top Sydney attractions.
The ideal timeframe for a campervan trip departing from Sydney depends on how far you want to go.
Although you’d need months to cover all our recommendations, you don’t have to do everything at once. Most motorhome travellers choose a northern or southerly route, stopping off at pretty coastal towns and teeming wilderness regions along the way.
A fast-paced camper could go south to Eden and back in about a week. If the north beckons, allow two weeks for the return trip to Coffs Harbour or one week as far as Port Macquarie.
Of course, you could spend much more (or less) time out there. It all boils down to your budget, timeframe, interests, and travel style.
Parking is hard to find around the CBD, which jostles with tourists, shoppers, and locals on the daily commute. The few available spots entail eye-watering fees, sometimes over $20 per hour.
If you must park in the city, the City of Sydney operates several relatively affordable car parks, including a sizeable option on Goulburn Street (from $9 per hour). Pre-booking a park through websites like Share with Oscar and Secure-a-spot means more favourable rates. Parkopedia is a handy online resource detailing prices and real-time availability.
The cost and hassle of inner-city parking prompt many motorhome travellers to pull up in a nearby suburb and take public transport into town. About a quarter of Sydney streets charge for parking.
The City of Sydney prohibits sleeping overnight in a vehicle (including campervans and motorhomes) outside a designated campsite. However, enforcement is relatively lax aside from the most scenic waterfront spots.
The closest designated campsite to the CBD is Sheralee Tourist Caravan Park in Rockdale, a 20-minute drive away. If you’d rather stay on the northern end of town, Discovery Parks Lane Cove is a similar distance to the city.
Aside from those ubiquitous highway rest areas, free camps are relatively rare along coastal NSW. But there are a few beauties out there—here are some of our favs:
Lake Views (Wollongong)
Yerriyong State Forest (Jervis Bay)
Bodalla Park Forest (Narooma)
Scrubby Creek Forest Picnic Area (Boydtown)
Bangalow Campground (Central Coast)
Coopernook Hotel (Crowdy Head)
Wingham Riverside Reserve (Taree)
Ellenborough Reserve (Waterfall Way)
New South Wales is a land of natural beauty. Among its most prized treasures are its national parks, each offering a wealth of experiences for campervan travellers.
The Blue Mountains National Park, located just a few hours from Sydney, is renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, lush eucalyptus forests, and cascading waterfalls. Catering for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, the park offers numerous hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities. One of the park's highlights is the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, which holds great significance for the local Indigenous people. And for a thrilling experience, hop aboard the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world.
The Royal National Park, located south of Sydney, is a paradise for those seeking the tranquillity of nature. The sandy beaches and rainforest gullies are perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure. The Coast Track offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the opportunity to spot whales during migration season. And the famous Wedding Cake Rock, a striking white sandstone formation, is definitely worth a snap!
Kosciuszko National Park is a true masterpiece of nature. Located in the Snowy Mountains, this park is home to Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. In the winter, the park is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, while in the summer, it offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and camping. No matter the season, the park is a testament to the breathtaking beauty of the Australian landscape.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) requires an entry permit for 45 of its 893 national parks and reserves. The prettiest, most popular parks tend to fall within that list; be prepared to pay at some point.
Thankfully, entry permits range from a reasonable $8 to $12 per vehicle—the precise price depends on the park. Some parks have self-registration boxes that require exact change, while others use on-site ticket machines that accept card payments.
At present, 11 NSW national parks let you purchase digital day passes online. NPWS plans to roll the system out to all its remaining reserves soon.
If you plan on visiting multiple fee-collecting national parks, it might be worth getting an annual Multi Parks Pass. Costing $65, the pass allows unlimited entry into all NSW national parks except Kosciuszko. NPWS has implemented a digital annual park pass system—you no longer need to wait for a sticker to arrive in the mail.
Australian seniors and concession card holders are entitled to discounts on all park passes.
In addition to entry permits, travellers need to pay camping fees should they wish to overnight inside a national park. Prices range from $6 to $45, depending on the campsite and the number of occupants.
The best spots book out well in advance, especially during peak periods like school holidays. Reserve online ahead of time so you don’t miss out.
Australia’s biggest city has enough attractions to keep an energetic traveller busy for days on end.
Snaking through the heart of the city is Sydney Harbour, a glimmering natural port peppered with sailboats and commuter ferries. Starting from the bustling Circular Quay, take a return trip on the Manly Ferry to soak up the scenery for a nominal fee. Upon return, walk (or cycle) across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and take a tour of the world-famous sail-shaped Opera House.
Stroll west to The Rocks for insight into Australia’s colonial past or east to wander around the luscious Royal Botanical Gardens.
Lined by swanky waterfront restaurants, Darling Harbour is a glamorous gastronomic and retail hub. In the thick of it all, leafy Hyde Park is among Sydney’s most-celebrated green spaces. Nearby, the Sydney Tower Eye has an elevated observatory with sweeping skyline views.
Sydney’s eclectic collection of world-class galleries and museums appeals to every conceivable interest. Crowd favourites include the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Art Gallery of NSW, the Powerhouse Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Australian Museum (to name a few).
The Romanesque revival-style Queen Victoria Building houses a slew of upscale shops, while nearby Chinatown is an atmospheric district for cheap Oriental eats.
Hit Bondi Beach to sunbathe on Australia’s most famous stretch of sand—don’t forget to snap a pic of the iconic Icebergs Club. If you’re feeling energetic, take the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk to admire sparkling shorelines on a scenic 6km hike.
Hankering to get acquainted with Australia’s iconic native animals?
Jump on a ferry to Taronga Zoo or venture west to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Alternatively, Darling Harbour’s Sea Life houses a stable of curious ocean-dwelling critters.
You don’t have to venture far from Sydney to find pristine wilderness.
Forty minutes north of the CBD, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a vast protected peninsula perfect for paddling and forested hikes. One hour to the south, Royal National Park is home to dramatic cragged cliffs and stunning secluded coves.
A one-and-a-half-hour drive west takes you to Katoomba, a charming hilly town and launchpad for the Blue Mountains National Park. Super-accessible Scenic World lets you admire the landscape from lookouts and cable cars. Hikers can trudge a myriad of breathtaking trails, from short 1km stints to remote multi-day forays.
For sun-seekers, Sydney’s Northern Beaches hosts a string of scenic sandy stretches—try Palm Beach, Avalon, and Curl Curl Beach.
A road trip to Southern NSW brings a bounty of breathtaking sites.
Start by veering off the Princess Highway to cruise over the spell-binding Sea Cliff Bridge. Next, you’ll hit the port town of Wollongong, with its panoramic peninsulas, beautiful beaches, and easy-going vibe. Further south, Kiama is a laidback coastal hamlet with cragged cliffs and a mind-blowing blowhole.
Venturing inland, the Southern Highlands features fertile hills full of thickly forested wilderness and cute farming villages (try Bowral, Berrima, Robertson and Moss Vale). Proximity to Sydney and top-notch produce have made it a mecca for gourmands. Budget travellers can make do with a meat pie from the famous Robertson Bakery.
Nearby, Kangaroo Valley is a quaint country village within a jaw-dropping basin. Wildlife-rich rainforests and scenic lookouts (don’t miss Fitzroy Falls) abound.
Back on the coast, Jervis Bay is home to the state’s most scenic white-sand beaches. Sugary stretches like Hyams Beach mimic the paradise-like scenery of Australia’s Tropical North.
Further south, laidback coastal towns like Mollymook, Ulladulla, and Bawley Point brim with tranquil inlets and booming surf breaks.
Batemans Bay serves as the no-fuss hub for NSW’s laidback South Coast region. Swing by Durrass to camp at the spectacular Murramarang National Park—book a spot at Depot Beach or Pebbly Beach.
Several other scenic coastal villages lie scattered along the South Coast, from holiday hotspots like Broulee and Tuross to upmarket enclaves like Congo and Guerilla Bay.
Unhurried campers could explore the Sapphire Coast, a vast, sparsely-populated region stretching to the Victorian border. Laidback Narooma is its northernmost town—don’t miss the magnificent Mystery Bay. Other enchanting coastal hamlets span Bermagui to Tathra and Merimbula to Pambula.
The lovely little towns of Eden and Wonboyn sit within spitting distance of Beowa (Ben Boyd), the Sapphire Coast’s most celebrated national park.
The coastline north of Sydney entails bigger towns and thicker crowds. Yet there’s still plenty of natural splendour to be found.
Cruise through Central Coast hub of Gosford towards small seaside settlements like Patonga and Pearl Beach. For a livelier coastal vibe, Avoca Beach, Terrigal, and the Entrance have brilliant beaches and vibrant social scenes.
All beached out for now?
The Bouddi and Brisbane Waters national parks boast striking hiking trails and kayak-friendly rivers.
Take the coastal route north to admire Lake Macquarie on your way to Newcastle, an unpretentious port city blending history and industry. Hit the Bogey Hole or Ocean Baths for calm sheltered swims, Fort Scratchley for antiquity, and Nobby’s Lighthouse for sweeping panoramas.
Oenophiles can detour inland to the Hunter Valley, NSW’s premiere wine-growing region. Framed by verdant rolling hills, this fertile basin is awash with quaffable vino and gourmet eats.
North of Newcastle, Port Stephens is a heaving holiday hotspot famed for its swimmable (and surfable) beaches—try Nelson Bay, One Mile Beach, Fingal Bay, and Shoal Bay. In the middle of it all, **Tomaree National Park **offers hilly hikes with breathtaking views.
Further north, Myall Lake has wonderful waterfront campsites, while Seal Rocks is home to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse and more picture-perfect beaches.
Surfers will find barrelling breaks further north at Old Bar. Bushwalkers will love trudging the lush trails at Crowdy Head and Dooragan national parks.
Next up, Port Macquarie is a sizeable coastal hub replete with panoramic lookouts, lively bars, and intriguing museums. Hit the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre for natural splendour or the Koala Hospital for cute rehabilitating marsupials.
Crescent Head has a legendary right-hand break, while Hat Head National Park brings you bush camping and verdant forest hikes. Nearby, Southwest Rocks is a must for the striking Horseshoe Bay Beach. Historical sites like Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse afford more staggering views.
Once you’ve savoured the stunning estuary at Nambucca Heads, venture left onto Waterfall Way.
As one of NSW’s top road trips, the winding 170km route passes gushing falls, teeming rainforests, and charming rural towns. Worthwhile pit stops include Dorrigo, New England, and Cathedral Rock National Park.
Waterfall chasers should pencil in Crystal Shower Falls, Newell Falls, Ebor Falls, and Wollomombi.
The Northern Rivers region has abundant worthwhile spots, including perennially popular Byron Bay. But with such vast distances to cover, it’s best to rent your camper in the Gold Coast instead.
With this 7-day itinerary, you’ll connect two of Australia’s most loved cities via the popular coastal road. From Sydney, an exciting cosmopolitan city home to 6 million people and the world-famous Opera House, you’ll travel 1000 km north to Brisbane, Queensland, where the state slogan is “beautiful one day, perfect the next”.
MORE: Sydney to Brisbane ItineraryAn Australian resident needs a valid class C (car) licence to hire a camper in Sydney. Rental companies generally won’t do business with drivers holding learners, provisional (Ps), or probationary licences.
If you’ve arrived from overseas, you’ll need an English translation of a comparable car license or an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
Drivers must be 21 or older to rent a campervan or motorhome. Travellers under 25 can hire a vehicle but must pay a young driver surcharge.
It’s recommended that you stay in a holiday park or designated campsite. Free camping is not allowed in the city itself and is only allowed at designated sites throughout Australia. Most caravan parks are located away from the city center.
Some popular campsites include: NRMA Lakeside Holiday Park, Cattai National Park Campground, and Patonga Camping Ground.
If you wish to explore Sydney CBD and other city attractions like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach, or the Opera House, plan ahead. It's best to avoid peak traffic hours and to plan where to park ahead of time, especially if you're in a large motorhome.
Currently, all the major motorhome rental brands have their Sydney branch close to Sydney Airport, on the southside.
When renting a vehicle, it is standard to be charged a bond (security deposit), also known as ‘excess’, which is the amount the renter is liable to cover in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle. The bond amount fluctuates based on the insurance package selected at the time of rental and is charged and debited on the renters’ credit or debit card.
Yes, a large number of rental companies allow for one-way rentals. Our comparison tool will show you availability on your preferred route and automatically factor in any one-way fees charged by the campervan rental company.
Popular one-way routes for a motorhome holiday along Australia's East Coast include:
For same-location returns, popular road trip destinations include the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park, the Central Coast and Byron Bay.
Yes, generally unlimited miles are included for standard vehicle rentals in Australia. Limits are placed on some types of vehicles e.g. 4x4 campers. The comparison tool will show you if your preferred vehicle has unlimited miles included or if the mileage is restricted.
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