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Caravan Adventure: Maroochy River → Blue Mountains → Sydney → Home

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Day 1: Departure & Gold Coast Hinterland

Morning: Leave Maroochy River early and head north on the Pacific Motorway, stopping for coffee at Coolum Beach. The drive is smooth and the coastal views set a relaxed tone for the journey.

Afternoon: Continue to the Currumbin Valley where you’ll set up at the powered Currumbin Valley Caravan Park. Explore the nearby Springbrook National Park boardwalks before dinner.

Evening: Enjoy a campfire under the stars and a short walk to Currumbin Creek for a night dip.

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Day 2: Coffs Harbour Stopover

Morning: Depart the Gold Coast and drive along the scenic Pacific Highway, arriving at Yamba for a quick beach stroll.

Afternoon: Reach Coffs Harbour and settle into the unpowered Coffs Harbour Holiday Park. Visit the famous Big Banana and its adjoining wildlife park.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at the harbour and enjoy a relaxed evening by the camp’s fire pit.

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Day 3: Arrival in the Blue Mountains

Morning: Early start to cross the state border, stopping at Glen Innes for fuel and snacks.

Afternoon: Arrive in Katoomba and set up at the powered Katoomba Lakeside Caravan Park. Take a short walk to the iconic Three Sisters at Echo Point.

Evening: Watch the sunset over the cliffs and enjoy a family barbecue at the campsite.

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Day 4: Echo Point & Scenic Walks

Morning: Explore the Three Sisters trail and the Giant Stairway for panoramic views of the Jamison Valley.

Afternoon: Head to Leura for boutique shopping and a tea at Leura Gardens. Return to Katoomba for a leisurely lunch.

Evening: Attend a stargazing session at the Blue Mountains Observatory (if available) or simply enjoy the night sky from the campsite.

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Day 5: Scenic Railway & Jenolan Caves

Morning: Board the historic Blue Mountains Scenic Railway for a guided ride through rugged canyons.

Afternoon: Drive to the world‑renowned Jenolan Caves for a guided tour of the spectacular limestone chambers.

Evening: Return to Katoomba, relax in the camp’s hot shower facilities, and share the day’s highlights over dinner.

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Day 6: Wentworth Falls & Leura Village

Morning: Hike the Wentworth Falls track, taking in the impressive waterfall and cliff views.

Afternoon: Spend time in Leura Village exploring art galleries and the historic Leura Mall. Grab a treat at a local bakery.

Evening: Return to camp for a family movie night using the portable projector.

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Day 7: Govetts Leap & Blackheath

Morning: Drive to Blackheath and walk the Govetts Leap Lookout trail for sweeping valley vistas.

Afternoon: Picnic at Glenbrook Gorge and enjoy a short swim in the cool waters.

Evening: Pack up the Blue Mountains camp and prepare for the journey to Sydney tomorrow.

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Day 8: Travel to Sydney & Lane Cove

Morning: Depart the mountains and head south, stopping at Hawkesbury River for a quick photo op.

Afternoon: Arrive at the powered Lane Cove River Caravan Park on Sydney’s northern fringe. Settle in and explore the nearby Lane Cove National Park walking tracks.

Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant and enjoy the city lights from the campsite’s balcony.

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Day 9: Sydney Icons – Opera House & Circular Quay

Morning: Take the train into the CBD and join a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, including a backstage glimpse.

Afternoon: Wander around Circular Quay, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, and watch street performers.

Evening: Dine at the historic Rockpool Bar & Grill and return to the campsite for a relaxed night.

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Day 10: Taronga Zoo & Darling Harbour

Morning: Catch the ferry to Taronga Zoo for a family-friendly wildlife experience, including the Aussie wildlife show.

Afternoon: Return to the city and explore Darling Harbour, visiting the Aquarium and the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the harbour before heading back to the caravan park.

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Day 11: Beaches – Bondi & Watsons Bay

Morning: Take a bus to Bondi Beach, walk the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal trail, and maybe try a surf lesson.

Afternoon: Head to Watsons Bay for fresh fish at the famous Doyle’s on the Beach and explore the historic South Head lighthouse.

Evening: Return to the caravan park, share photos of the beaches, and enjoy a late‑night snack by the fire.

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Day 12: Return Journey – Tamworth Stopover

Morning: Begin the long drive north, stopping at Port Macquarie for a coffee break by the river.

Afternoon: Arrive in Tamworth and set up at the Tamworth Lakeside Caravan Park. Visit the Tamworth Country Music Hall of Fame for a quick cultural dip.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of local produce and a live country music performance at a nearby venue.

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Day 13: Final Leg – Maroochy River Homecoming

Morning: Depart Tamworth and drive back through the New England Tablelands, stopping at Armstrong Creek for a short hike.

Afternoon: Arrive at Maroochy River Caravan Park, set up the caravan, and unwind by the river.

Evening: Celebrate the successful trip with a family dinner at home and a final night under the stars.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Currumbin Valley (powered site) – 1 day – $30
  • Springbrook National Park – 2 hrs – Free (parking $5)
  • Coffs Harbour Holiday Park (unpowered) – 1 day – $25
  • Big Banana – 2 hrs – $12
  • Katoomba Lakeside Caravan Park (powered) – 5 days – $200
  • Three Sisters/Echo Point – 3 hrs – Free
  • Blue Mountains Scenic Railway – 2 hrs – $45 (family ticket)
  • Jenolan Caves – 3 hrs – $70 (family)
  • Wentworth Falls – 2 hrs – Free
  • Leura Village – 3 hrs – Free (shopping optional)
  • Govetts Leap Lookout – 2 hrs – Free
  • Lane Cove River Caravan Park (powered) – 4 days – $180
  • Sydney Opera House tour – 2 hrs – $80 (family)
  • Museum of Contemporary Art – 1.5 hrs – $30 (family)
  • Taronga Zoo – 4 hrs – $110 (family)
  • Darling Harbour Aquarium – 2 hrs – $45 (family)
  • Bondi to Coogee walk – 3 hrs – Free
  • Watsons Bay & South Head Lighthouse – 2 hrs – Free
  • Tamworth Lakeside Caravan Park (unpowered) – 1 day – $20
  • Tamworth Country Music Hall of Fame – 1 hr – $15 (family)
  • Maroochy River Caravan Park (powered) – 1 day – $35
  • Fuel & Meals (estimated) – 13 days – $650
  • **Total Estimated Cost**$1,777

Tips

If you’d like to shorten the adventure, you could skip the Coffs Harbour stop and head straight to the Blue Mountains, saving one night of camping and about $55 in costs. To extend the trip, add an extra day in the Blue Mountains to explore the Hawkesbury River** region or spend an additional night in Sydney’s Manly for beach time. Adjusting the number of powered campsite nights can also help manage your budget while still enjoying the comfort of electricity for the family.

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