Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

East Coast NSW Nature Adventure – 3 Weeks (Nov 12 – Dec 2, 2025)

Viewed by 68 travelers

Day 1: Warburton → Lake Eildon

Morning: Depart Warburton and drive to the stunning Lake Eildon, stopping at a viewpoint for sunrise over the water. A short walk along the Lakeshore Trail introduces the area’s alpine scenery.

Afternoon: Spend time fishing for trout at the lake’s northern arm, then explore the nearby Mount Bullbo walking track for panoramic views.

Evening: Set up camp at the Lake Eildon Campground, enjoy a campfire dinner and listen to the evening chorus of native birds.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Lake Eildon → Mallacoota

Morning: Early drive south‑east, crossing into Gippsland and enjoying coastal scenery en route to Mallacoota.

Afternoon: Walk the Mallacoota Foreshore Trail, spotting seals and exploring tidal pools; try rock‑fishing at the harbour.

Evening: Camp at the Mallacoota Foreshore campground, with a beachside sunset and starlit sky.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Croajingolong National Park

Morning: Hike the Snowy River Track in Croajingolong National Park, a pristine rainforest walk leading to a waterfall.

Afternoon: Continue to the remote Beech Beach for beach‑combing and a picnic lunch; optional fishing from the sand dunes.

Evening: Set up a tent at the designated Snowy River Campground, enjoying the solitude of the wilderness.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Mallacoota → Bega

Morning: Depart early, driving along the Sapphire Coast to the town of Bega, famous for its dairy heritage.

Afternoon: Explore the scenic Bega River corridor, taking a gentle hike to the Bega River Falls and trying your hand at fresh‑water fishing.

Evening: Camp at Bega River Holiday Park, where you can grill locally sourced fish and relax by the riverbank.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Bega → Merimbula

Morning: Drive to Merimbula, stopping at the coastal lookout at Pambula River for photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon on Merimbula Main Beach – perfect for beach‑combing, surfing, and fishing off the pier.

Evening: Set up camp at the Merimbula Beachfront Camping area and enjoy a sunset walk along the shoreline.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Merimbula → Pambula

Morning: Short drive to Pambula, where a gentle hike leads to the tranquil Yowaka River Falls.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Pambula River estuary, ideal for kayak fishing and spotting migratory birds.

Evening: Camp at Pambula River Holiday Park, with the soothing sound of water as your backdrop.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Pambula → Narooma

Morning: Journey to Narooma, taking a scenic drive along the coastline.

Afternoon: Visit Seal Bay and take a short boat tour to Montague Island for wildlife spotting, including penguins and seals.

Evening: Pitch your tent at Narooma Beachfront Camping and enjoy a beachside dinner under the stars.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Narooma → Batemans Bay

Morning: Travel north to Batemans Bay, entering Murramarang National Park.

Afternoon: Hike the Willi Willi Lookout Trail for sweeping ocean views, then unwind on the pristine Pebbly Beach – famous for kangaroos.

Evening: Camp at the Murramarang campground, listening to surf and bush sounds.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Batemans Bay → Ulladulla

Morning: Drive to Ulladulla, stopping at Killalea Beach for a sunrise stroll.

Afternoon: Explore the Ulladulla Harbour and try rock‑fishing for snapper; a short hike to the nearby Gosford Falls adds a waterfall experience.

Evening: Set up camp at the Ulladulla Holiday Park, enjoying a quiet night by the water.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Ulladulla → Kiama

Morning: Head north to Kiama, famous for its spectacular Kiama Blowhole.

Afternoon: Walk the coastal trail to Bombo Headland, where you can spot tide pools and enjoy a moderate hike.

Evening: Camp at Kiama Caravan Park, with the blowhole’s roar echoing in the distance.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Kiama → Wollongong

Morning: Short drive to Wollongong, visiting the scenic Lake Illawarra for sunrise paddling.

Afternoon: Fish from the Port Kembla Jetty and hike the Nan Tien Temple Grounds for a peaceful walk among gardens.

Evening: Camp at Illawarra Holiday Park, enjoying a relaxed evening by the lake.

Find Hotels

Day 12: Wollongong → Shellharbour

Morning: Travel to Shellharbour, strolling along the tranquil Shellharbour Beach and its mangrove boardwalk.

Afternoon: Explore the Lake Burrill area for birdwatching and a gentle fishing spot.

Evening: Pitch a tent at Shellharbour Beachfront Camping, with waves providing a soothing soundtrack.

Find Hotels

Day 13: Shellharbour → Shoalhaven (Booderee NP)

Morning: Drive into Booderee National Park, beginning with the Mount Ritchie Walk for sweeping coastal views.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Old Booderee Farmhouse and then head to Whale Beach for beach‑combing and surf fishing.

Evening: Camp at the Booderee campground (permit required) and enjoy a night under the park’s clear skies.

Find Hotels

Day 14: Shoalhaven → Nowra

Morning: Travel to Nowra, stopping at Huskisson for a walk along Jervis Bay (while bypassing the city centre).

Afternoon: Explore the Nowra River for freshwater fishing and a short hike to the scenic Mount Tilga Lookout.

Evening: Set up camp at Nowra Holiday Park, enjoying a relaxed evening by the river.

Find Hotels

Day 15: Nowra → Port Kembla

Morning: Journey back towards the coast, arriving at Port Kembla and strolling the historic Port Kembla Lighthouse precinct.

Afternoon: Take a coastal walk to Hill 60 Lookout for panoramic ocean views, then try your luck fishing from the jetty.

Evening: Camp at the Port Kembla Holiday Park, with the sound of ships and surf as a backdrop.

Find Hotels

Day 16: Port Kembla → Port Stephens (Nelson Bay)

Morning: Begin the long north‑bound drive, crossing the Sydney region without stopping, heading to Port Stephens.

Afternoon: Arrive at Nelson Bay and explore the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, offering 360° views of the bay.

Evening: Camp at Port Stephens Holiday Park, enjoying a quiet night by the water.

Find Hotels

Day 17: Port Stephens – Tomaree NP

Morning: Join a guided kayak tour of the Tomaree National Park coastline, spotting dolphins and seabirds.

Afternoon: Hike the Birubi Point to Sand Dune Walk, then try surf fishing from the dunes.

Evening: Return to the campground for a relaxed campfire dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 18: Port Stephens → Coffs Harbour

Morning: Drive north to Coffs Harbour, stopping at the iconic Muttonbird Island for a short hike and birdwatching.

Afternoon: Explore the Solitary Islands Marine Park via a snorkelling session, then fish from the harbour breakwall.

Evening: Camp at the Coffs Harbour Beachfront Caravan Park, enjoying the coastal night air.

Find Hotels

Day 19: Coffs Harbour → Yamba

Morning: Head to Lennox Head for a sunrise surf session and a walk along the coastal trail.

Afternoon: Continue to Yamba, exploring the tranquil Angourie Pools and fishing for bream at Angourie Beach.

Evening: Set up camp at Yamba Beachfront Camping, with a beachfront sunset dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 20: Yamba → Ballina

Morning: Travel to Ballina, visiting the scenic Richmond River mouth for freshwater and estuary fishing.

Afternoon: Walk the Ballina Coastal Walk, discovering hidden coves and tide pools.

Evening: Camp at Ballina Holiday Park, enjoying a quiet night by the river.

Find Hotels

Day 21: Ballina → Tweed Heads

Morning: Final stretch to the Queensland border at Tweed Heads, stopping at Coolangatta Beach for a morning beach‑combing session.

Afternoon: Explore the Tweed River estuary, trying a final fishing spot before the trip concludes.

Evening: Celebrate the journey with a campfire on the beach, reflecting on three weeks of coastal adventure.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Lake Eildon – 4 hrs hiking/fishing – $10 (campsite fee)
  • Mallacoota – 3 hrs foreshore walk & fishing – $0
  • Croajingolong NP (Snowy River Track) – 5 hrs hike – $5 (park entry)
  • Bega River Falls – 2 hrs walk & fishing – $0
  • Merimbula Main Beach – 4 hrs beach/combing/fishing – $0
  • Pambula River Falls – 2 hrs hike – $0
  • Montague Island tour – 3 hrs boat trip – $35
  • Murramarang NP – 5 hrs hiking & beach – $5 (park entry)
  • Kiama Blowhole – 2 hrs sight‑seeing – $0
  • Lake Illawarra – 3 hrs paddling/fishing – $0
  • Shellharbour Beach – 3 hrs beach‑combing – $0
  • Booderee NP – 6 hrs hiking & beach – $10 (park entry & camping permit)
  • Tomaree Head Summit – 3 hrs hike – $0
  • Muttonbird Island – 2 hrs hike – $0
  • Solitary Islands Marine Park – 4 hrs snorkelling – $12 (gear rental)
  • Angourie Pools – 3 hrs swimming & fishing – $0
  • Richmond River – 3 hrs fishing – $0
  • Coolangatta Beach – 2 hrs beach‑combing – $0
  • Camping (21 nights) – – $420 total (average $20/night)
  • Fuel (approx. 2,500 km) – – $250
  • Food & supplies – – $300
  • Total Estimated Cost: $1,152

Tips

To shorten the trip, consider skipping the southernmost legs (Warburton → Bega) or the northernmost stretch (Ballina → Tweed Heads), reducing travel time and campsite fees. Conversely, you can extend the adventure by adding extra days in the national parks—such as an additional night in Croajingolong or Booderee—to explore deeper trails and enjoy more wildlife spotting.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version