We will be heading to Australia next month (February) We have rented a campervan for a few weeks and plan to head up exploring the coast north of Sydney. No real plans, just see where we feel like stopping and how far we get. In Canada (where we live) it is imperative to make campsite reservations in the summer but there is lots of room in fall. I am assuming it will be the same in Australia?? My question is should we be making reservations ahead or s it easy to find spots as we go. We have no concrete plans...any suggestions of favorite parks or stops to do on a 2 week trip up the coast?
Have no experience with camping but Ross' answer was a good one. I'd also suggest looking at southward too. It's quite lovely. But heading north Port Macquarie is supposed to be nice. Ditto Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay. Then you're pretty much up to the Gold Coast and Brisbane. There's quite a lot north of there.
I think that now the school holidays are over you should be pretty right with space for the van without booking. On a side note, if you are a bit flexible with your plans I'd suggest having a look at the south coast as well, or instead, there's a lot more of the small fishing towns and beautiful coastal scenery heading south. Going north you'll run parallel with the main transport route between Sydney and Brisbane, lots of trucks and traffic along the Pacific Highway.😎
Thanks for the reply and for the advice. We have no real agenda other than driving around with the campervan for 2 weeks. I guess I should do a bit more research but that may be a great idea. Any others want to weigh in on North or South of Sydney?
I can't agree that Sydney is more beautiful than Melbourne—mind, I've only been to Australia twice (Sydney both times) and Melbourne once, but my then-wife and I both agreed we should just send for the cats and stay there! Besides, I have friends in Melbourne—Terry Frost of the TERRY TALKS MOVIES YouTube Channel, his wife Sally, and their cats Luna and Jill.... 😀
Although Perth, where we went the second time we were there, reminded me so much of 1960s San Diego that I felt a nostalgic twang.
It's less hot than Melbourne, and reminded me so much of San Diego (where my Mom's from, and where I went to High School and College) that I told my wife, "I half-expect to see Mount Palomar over there...."
The jacarandas are every bit as magical as cherry blossoms! I checked out your substack and it looks great. Right now I am drowning in Substacks and things to do, but we do want to get to Japan in the near future. When we are closer to going, I'll subscribe and hopefully we can do a collab. Cheers!
I thoroughly enjoyed this “going places” info. The way you write makes me want to pack a bag and go there. I have trouble telling you apart though. Thanks for blogging….
Sydney is one of those places I've never actually made it to, so it was fascinating to read this and get your take on it. Especially all the outdoorsy stuff. I love that you got the Australian birds wake up service too. That was one of my favourite things about coming home!
The amount of outdoor stuff here is simply extraordinary. Everywhere you turn is a bushwalk or a great beach or a pack of drop bears waiting to pounce.
We just did a Christmas cruise around NZ and the plan had been to get off in Dunedin and drive around for three weeks. Alas, that didn't work out, so we'll need to come back!
Regarding the national parks, the reason there are so many is because being declared a national park provides a host of legislative protections around land use which would otherwise be tricky to provide and would be subject to challenge. Basically, if somewhere is a national park then it needs an act of Parliament to use that land for something else, or log it, or develop it, or many other things. It's not a reflection of grandeur per se.
Source: used to work in the land titles office, but am also a Victorian so may be wrong on some details.
Thanks for the info. I have to agree with the columnist who says Australia should change to make their national parks more in line with the rest of the world. I mean Australia doesn't have to do that. LOL. But it would make it more understandable for visitors so they don't think they're going to what the rest of the world calls a national park. But I think it's great Australia is protecting so many spaces.
Sorry, I didn't realize you're not actually there in Sydney anymore! I don't recall how much the bridge walk was in 2018, but no doubt it's gone up! But all of Sydney must be expensive this time of year, the height of the season, especially lodging. No? We were there in winter and both Bondi and Manly were mostly empty. But agree that Manly was better -- even then!
These are great! We loved Sydney too. in 2018. And I know it's a "touristy" thing to do, but I'd highly recommend the bridge walk, the one over the top of the bridge. The views from up there are "king of the world" like! Also, try Harry's Cafe on Wheels for the meat pies!
We will be heading to Australia next month (February) We have rented a campervan for a few weeks and plan to head up exploring the coast north of Sydney. No real plans, just see where we feel like stopping and how far we get. In Canada (where we live) it is imperative to make campsite reservations in the summer but there is lots of room in fall. I am assuming it will be the same in Australia?? My question is should we be making reservations ahead or s it easy to find spots as we go. We have no concrete plans...any suggestions of favorite parks or stops to do on a 2 week trip up the coast?
Have no experience with camping but Ross' answer was a good one. I'd also suggest looking at southward too. It's quite lovely. But heading north Port Macquarie is supposed to be nice. Ditto Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay. Then you're pretty much up to the Gold Coast and Brisbane. There's quite a lot north of there.
I think that now the school holidays are over you should be pretty right with space for the van without booking. On a side note, if you are a bit flexible with your plans I'd suggest having a look at the south coast as well, or instead, there's a lot more of the small fishing towns and beautiful coastal scenery heading south. Going north you'll run parallel with the main transport route between Sydney and Brisbane, lots of trucks and traffic along the Pacific Highway.😎
Thanks for the reply and for the advice. We have no real agenda other than driving around with the campervan for 2 weeks. I guess I should do a bit more research but that may be a great idea. Any others want to weigh in on North or South of Sydney?
I can't agree that Sydney is more beautiful than Melbourne—mind, I've only been to Australia twice (Sydney both times) and Melbourne once, but my then-wife and I both agreed we should just send for the cats and stay there! Besides, I have friends in Melbourne—Terry Frost of the TERRY TALKS MOVIES YouTube Channel, his wife Sally, and their cats Luna and Jill.... 😀
Although Perth, where we went the second time we were there, reminded me so much of 1960s San Diego that I felt a nostalgic twang.
Haven't yet been to Perth but very much want to go one day...
It's less hot than Melbourne, and reminded me so much of San Diego (where my Mom's from, and where I went to High School and College) that I told my wife, "I half-expect to see Mount Palomar over there...."
My hometow! I always miss the jacarandas, to me just as magical as cherry blossoms!
Would love to collaborate and cross recommend via Substack, I write about life and travel in Japan
https://hiddenjapan.substack.com/
Hi Leon,
The jacarandas are every bit as magical as cherry blossoms! I checked out your substack and it looks great. Right now I am drowning in Substacks and things to do, but we do want to get to Japan in the near future. When we are closer to going, I'll subscribe and hopefully we can do a collab. Cheers!
I thoroughly enjoyed this “going places” info. The way you write makes me want to pack a bag and go there. I have trouble telling you apart though. Thanks for blogging….
Thanks so much, Amy!
Brent's the smart and handsome one. I'm the other one. LOL. LOL.
Sydney is one of those places I've never actually made it to, so it was fascinating to read this and get your take on it. Especially all the outdoorsy stuff. I love that you got the Australian birds wake up service too. That was one of my favourite things about coming home!
The amount of outdoor stuff here is simply extraordinary. Everywhere you turn is a bushwalk or a great beach or a pack of drop bears waiting to pounce.
You've captured Sydney beautifully. New Zealand next? 😃
We just did a Christmas cruise around NZ and the plan had been to get off in Dunedin and drive around for three weeks. Alas, that didn't work out, so we'll need to come back!
You definitely should, it's not to be missed, especially the South Island!
I spent time there in my twenties and you are right -- not to be missed!
Thank you so much for sharing all of your beautiful photos. What gorgeous visuals. I finally have a feel for Sydney, thanks to you!
My pleasure! Thanks for reading!
Hello chaps,
Regarding the national parks, the reason there are so many is because being declared a national park provides a host of legislative protections around land use which would otherwise be tricky to provide and would be subject to challenge. Basically, if somewhere is a national park then it needs an act of Parliament to use that land for something else, or log it, or develop it, or many other things. It's not a reflection of grandeur per se.
Source: used to work in the land titles office, but am also a Victorian so may be wrong on some details.
Thanks for the info. I have to agree with the columnist who says Australia should change to make their national parks more in line with the rest of the world. I mean Australia doesn't have to do that. LOL. But it would make it more understandable for visitors so they don't think they're going to what the rest of the world calls a national park. But I think it's great Australia is protecting so many spaces.
Another fine tour of your world, gentlemen. Thank you.
Sorry, I didn't realize you're not actually there in Sydney anymore! I don't recall how much the bridge walk was in 2018, but no doubt it's gone up! But all of Sydney must be expensive this time of year, the height of the season, especially lodging. No? We were there in winter and both Bondi and Manly were mostly empty. But agree that Manly was better -- even then!
No worries and we're actually still in Sydney -- just way way up north! To far north to schlep back down! I think the bridge was like $300 AUD.
As for the cost of things, the exchange rate is really good right now and having recently spent time in America, everything seems less expensive. LOL.
Sydney truly is a wonderful city! Thanks for sharing your highlights! P.S. There’s no such thing as a koala bear :)
Doh! I knew that! Thanks for the catch.
I can vaguely recall a kids song that Petra would listen to about not calling it a koala bear.
Drop bears on the other hand...
I had to fight off three of those on my walk today! It was terrifying! LOL LOL
https://youtu.be/Ut3m1n4uJgk?feature=shared
These are great! We loved Sydney too. in 2018. And I know it's a "touristy" thing to do, but I'd highly recommend the bridge walk, the one over the top of the bridge. The views from up there are "king of the world" like! Also, try Harry's Cafe on Wheels for the meat pies!
Wish I'd known about Harry's Cafe! As for the walk, we considered it but was EXPENSIVE....
Super post guys, thanks. Wonderful city and so true about Bondi v Manley. I"ll be visiting again , for a day ( cruise ) next month ... can't wait.
We kept it neat and tidy for you! LOL
A refreshing and a wonderful way to
present Sydney . I loved the vibe too
I loved this! I can't wait to go to Sydney one day, who knew the harbour was SO big?!
It's ready and waiting for you!