Take off on a camping trip with $500 Camplify credit in your pocket
Nothing beats a camping road trip and lucky for us, Camplify are giving one lucky winner the chance to pocket $500 in credit towards their next adventure.
Competition has now closed - Congratulations to Paris Raine, the winner of our $500 Camplify credit.
The east coast of NSW between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour happens to have some of the most picturesque spots to visit and stay at in all of Australia - think pristine beaches, lush rainforests and quaint sea side towns. It’s the perfect stretch of coast to explore.
Whether you have a long weekend, or a bit longer tucked up your sleeve, one of the easiest ways to see the sights is to hire a campervan, motorhome or caravan from Camplify and hit the road.
Booti Booti National Park
When it comes to RV hire companies, Camplify is where it’s at. As Australia’s leading RV sharing marketplace, there’s thousands of options for unique, quality and often completely customised campervans, motorhomes and caravans that you can collect directly from the owner or have delivered to your campsite.
So, jump on the Camplify website, choose your home-away-from-home, then follow our guide to the ultimate Newy to Coffs road trip. Happy camping!
Forest Sky Pier
Day 1: Newcastle to Hawks Nest
Distance: 80km direct (Approx. 1hour, 10mins)
Pack snacks and hit the Pacific Highway in your Camplify home-away-from-home for an easy drive up the coast. Take the scenic route via Port Stephens and enjoy morning tea with views of Mount Tomaree at the Inner Light Tea Rooms, followed by a swim at Halifax Beach, then indulge in lunch at the iconic Shoal Bay Country Club or the seasonal local favourite The Little Nel.
Make your way to Tea Gardens, where you can spot a pelican on the Myall River then cross The Singing Bridge past the Koala Reserve and take a stroll on sunset along Bennett’s Beach and experience Hawks Nest in all its glory.
Jimmys Beach
Stay Here:
Whether you’re keen to set up camp surf-side, in the bush or by the bay, there’s options for you.Reflections Jimmys Beach and Reflections Hawks Nest are reliable favourites, with powered and non-powered sites, excellent amenities and a bonus heated pool at the Hawks Nest park to relax beside. For a more authentic camping experience, try Mungo Brush campground with non-powered sites and toilets.
Day 2: Hawks Nest to Forster
Distance: 167km (Approx. 2hours)
Turn off the Pacific Highway and take The Lakes Way, then swing by Seal Rocks and walk up to the historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse with views for miles. Cool off with a refreshing dip at the picture-perfect Lighthouse Beach, then stop off at Kembali Café at Blueys Beach for good coffee and delicious Indonesian- inspired food.
Seal Rocks
Once you hit Forster, walk the famous Forster/Tuncurry bridge and spot a dolphin or 10, then enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many local restaurants. Our picks? Wharf St. Distillery for great cocktails or Spice Monkey for Asian-inspired deliciousness.
Camp Here:
There’s plenty of options for camping at Forster and Tuncurry. All the big guns have caravan parks close to the beach and lake and you can’t beat Reflections Forster Beach for the location and Smuggler Cove for the family-friendly vibe.

Day 3: Forster to Port Macquarie
Distance: 113km (Approx. 1hour, 20mins)
Start the day with a quick swim at Tuncurry Rockpool and coffee at Rockpool Beach Café before calling into Wallabi Point to see if the surf is on. Lunch at Flow Bar in the neighbouring coastal village of Old Bar is fresh and tasty, making the final hour on the road to Port Macquarie a breeze.
Once you’ve arrived in Port, wander the boardwalk at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, pay a visit to WildNets and be a kid for a few hours amongst the balls in the suspended nets above the gum trees or enjoy some time with native and wild animals at Billabong Zoo.
Taking Point Lighthouse - Port Macquarie
Camp Here:
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to camping spots in the Hastings region. For an ocean get away, the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park is as close as it gets, or if the river is more your thing, with a spot of fishing and kayaking on the side, grab a site at The Hatch Farm Stay.
Day 4: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
Distance: 153km (Approx. 1hour, 40mins)
Shortly after you hit the freeway, be sure to stop at Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries where you can pick your own tub of strawberries to take away or just indulge in their locally grown café treats. Onwards to South West Rocks, where a short detour is worth the effort as you discover the historic Trial Bay Goal and the beauty of the surrounding Arakoon National Park.
Nambucca Heads and Sawtell are stunning beachside communities along the way, and a visit to the charming riverside town of Bellingen, with its mix of art and craft shops and delicious culinary offerings like the Hearthfire bakery and Bellingen Gelato is a must.
Sawtell Rockpool
Camp Here:
Book a site for your Camplify rig at the Big 4 Park Beach Coffs Harbour or Darlington Beach Holiday Resort if you’re after resort-style facilities and fun, or if nature is calling, there’s plenty of private HipCamp locations waiting to be explored including Oasis of Hope and Bonville Camp Ground.
Camp Life
Whether it’s sun, surf or the lush green surrounds you’re keen to explore, a road trip between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour offers all this and more, and with Camplify’s huge range of RV’s, you can see it all in comfort and style. So, what are you waiting for?