East Coast Family Road Trip: 14 Days from Sydney to Brisbane

Morning: Pick up your motorhome and settle in before heading out to explore Sydney’s iconic harbour. Take the kids for a stroll around Circular Quay and marvel at the Sydney Opera House. Pop into the Royal Botanic Gardens for some space to run around and see Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for postcard-perfect views.

Afternoon: Make your way to Darling Harbour – home to family favourites like Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney Zoo. These attractions are right next to each other, so you can choose one or both depending on the kids’ energy.

Evening: Enjoy an early dinner along Darling Harbour (there’s everything from casual fish & chips to sit-down restaurants). If everyone still has energy, take a short evening cruise to see the city lights from the water, or simply relax back at the campsite

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Discovery Parks – Lane Cove, 13 Plassey Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. Powered site.

Check out our best campsite recommendation near Sydney!

Image: Cruisin’ Motorhomes Sydney branch

Morning: Cook up a homemade breakfast in your motorhome, then kick off the day with Sydney’s famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. You don’t need to do the whole 6 km — just pick a section that suits the kids. Along the way you’ll find rock pools, playgrounds, and cafés for a snack break.

Afternoon: Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo. The kids will love arriving by boat, and the zoo’s hilltop setting gives amazing views back over the harbour while you meet koalas, kangaroos and giraffes.

Evening: Head to Watsons Bay for fish and chips by the water or a relaxed family dinner. Time it for sunset to watch the city skyline glow across the harbour. Return to your motorhome to rest up for the next leg of your journey.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Discovery Parks – Lane Cove, 13 Plassey Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. Powered site.

Image: Bondi Beach and pool

Morning: Pack up your motorhome and say goodbye to Sydney. Break up the trip with a quick stop at a playground or lookout on the way to let the kids stretch their legs.

Afternoon: Arrive at the Hunter Valley Gardens. They’re huge and full of themed areas that kids love, like the Storybook Garden with its giant nursery-rhyme characters. There’s also a small train that runs through the gardens for tired little feet. Parents can enjoy a coffee or local treat at one of the cafés nearby.

Evening: Have a relaxed dinner in the Hunter Valley. Many restaurants have outdoor spaces where the kids can roam while you enjoy a meal. Afterwards, head back to your motorhome for a quiet evening under the stars.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley, 137 Mount View Rd, Cessnock NSW 2325. Powered site.

Image: Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin, Destination NSW

Morning: Depart the Hunter Valley and head north toward the lush hinterland. Stop at a country café or playground so the kids can stretch and snack.

Afternoon: Explore some of the region’s spectacular waterfalls. Rawson Falls (Boorganna Nature Reserve) and Bridal Veil Falls (near Dorrigo) both have short, family-friendly walks through rainforest where you might spot birds and lizards. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy near a lookout.

Evening: Settle into your campsite and enjoy a relaxed evening. Let the kids play outside while you prepare dinner in your motorhome. If everyone still has energy, take a short dusk walk to listen to the forest sounds.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, 1 Munster St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444. Powered site.

Image: NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park

Morning: Start with a visit to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. It’s free to enter, and kids love seeing the rescued koalas up close and learning how they’re cared for. Afterwards, take a short stroll along the nearby rainforest boardwalk at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre.

Afternoon: Enjoy some beach time at Town Beach or Lighthouse Beach. Both have gentle waves and plenty of sand for building castles. Grab fish & chips or a picnic to eat under a shaded area.

Evening: Walk the famous Port Macquarie Breakwall at sunset — it’s covered in colourful painted rocks left by travellers. Return to your motorhome for a relaxed dinner and maybe an ice cream from a local shop.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, 1 Munster St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444. Powered site.

Image: Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie

Morning: Have a nice breakfast in your motorhome and hit the road north along the scenic Pacific Highway. Stop at a lookout or rest area halfway to stretch your legs and let the kids run around.

Afternoon: Once close to Coffs Harbour, head inland for a rainforest walk or explore the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House — a hit with younger kids. Alternatively, visit the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum for a quiet, educational stop if the weather isn’t ideal.

Evening: Relax at the campsite or take a stroll along Coffs Harbour Beach to watch the sunset. Grab dinner at a family-friendly café or cook in your motorhome for a quiet evening.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park, 1 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450. Powered site.

Image: Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, Bonville, Destination NSW

Morning: Spend the morning at Big Banana Fun Park, starting with the plantation tour and taking in the giant banana photo ops. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds, toboggan rides, and mini-golf while parents relax or join in the fun.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the park’s attractions: ice skating, laser tag, water park, and the chocolate and candy factory. Stop for lunch at one of the family-friendly cafés on site.

Evening: Head back to the campsite for a relaxed dinner, or grab takeaway in Coffs Harbour. Let the kids wind down with a quiet evening at the motorhome or a short walk along Coffs Harbour Beach to catch the sunset.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park, 1 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450. Powered site.

Image: The Big Banana Fun Park

Morning: Continue your journey north along the scenic Pacific Highway. Stop at a rest area or playground halfway for a quick stretch and snack break.

Afternoon: Arrive in Yamba, a charming coastal town with plenty for families. Visit Yamba Lighthouse for panoramic views and take a stroll along Main Beach. Kids can splash in the gentle waves or build sandcastles while parents relax nearby.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly café by the river or beach. Take a short evening walk along the Clarence River to watch the sunset and unwind before returning to your motorhome.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park, 286 O’Keefes Ln, Palmers Island NSW 2463. Powered site.

Image: Clarence River, Yamba, Destination NSW

Morning: Depart Yamba and drive inland toward the Razorback Lookout. Stop along the way for a short break or picnic so the kids can stretch their legs. Enjoy the sweeping views over the valley — a great spot for family photos.

Afternoon: Continue to Marom Falls for a family-friendly hike. The trail is suitable for children, and the waterfall makes a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and a bit of nature exploration. Kids will love spotting birds and lizards along the way.

Evening: Settle into your campsite in Lismore. Relax at the motorhome or take a short evening walk to enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Lismore Centra Tourist Park, 60 Dawson St, Lismore NSW 2480. Powered site.

Image: Marom Falls, Riparide

Morning: Start the day with a short family-friendly hike along the Minyon Grass Trail Lookout. The rainforest scenery is breathtaking, and the walk is suitable for children with plenty of spots to stop and explore nature.

Afternoon: Drive north to the Gold Coast, arriving at Snapper Rocks. Let the kids enjoy the beach while you take in the famous surf break. This is a great spot for photos and a picnic lunch by the shore.

Evening: Head to your nearby campsite, relax, and enjoy dinner in your motorhome. If there’s energy left, a sunset walk along the beach is perfect for winding down.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park. 66-86 Siganto Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212. Powered site.

Image: Exploring with Cruisin’ made easy with the Sandpiper

Morning: Leave the motorhome at the Holiday Park, and jump on tram/bus TX7 (only a 7-minute ride!) to go to the Warner Bros. Movie World, where the kids can meet their favourite characters, enjoy rides suitable for all ages, and watch fun live shows.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the park. Grab lunch at one of the family-friendly eateries inside the park. Older kids and thrill-seekers can try the roller coasters, while younger children can enjoy the gentler rides and themed play areas.

Evening: Return to your motorhome for a relaxed dinner, or dine at a nearby family-friendly restaurant. Let the kids wind down at the campsite pool or playground.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park. 66-86 Siganto Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212. Powered site.

Pro Tip: The closest tram/bus stop is Siganto Dr near Grey Gum St, and is direct to the Warner Bros Studio!

Image: Warner Bros. Movie World, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Head inland to explore the Gold Coast hinterland. Take the family on a short rainforest walk at Springbrook National Park or Tamborine Mountain. Kids will love spotting wildlife, towering trees, and stepping over mossy logs.

Afternoon: Visit some of the area’s stunning waterfalls, like Purling Brook Falls (about a 2-hour walk return) or Curtis Falls (15-minute walk only). Pack a picnic to enjoy in a shaded spot, letting the kids explore the forest safely while you relax.

Evening: Return to your campsite on the coast. Enjoy a BBQ or dinner at a local family-friendly restaurant. Wind down with a short evening stroll along the beach or a dip in the campsite pool.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park. 66-86 Siganto Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212. Powered site.

Image: Curtis Falls, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Pack up your motorhome and drive north along the coast toward Brisbane. Stop at Old Cleveland Lighthouse for a scenic break. Kids can explore the area safely while parents enjoy coastal views and take photos.

Afternoon: Continue the short drive into Brisbane. If there’s time, visit a nearby park or riverside area for a picnic lunch and a little playtime before heading to the campsite.

Evening: Settle into your final campsite at Brisbane Holiday Village. Enjoy a relaxed dinner in your motorhome or visit a nearby family-friendly restaurant. Let the kids enjoy the playground or pool as a final treat of the trip.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Brisbane Holiday Village, 400/10 Holmead Rd, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113. Powered site.

Image: Brisbane City, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: After breakfast, head into Brisbane CBD for a final day of family-friendly sightseeing. Walk along the South Bank Parklands, explore the City Botanic Gardens, or enjoy the interactive playgrounds. Kids will love Streets Beach, a safe man-made lagoon right in the city.

Afternoon: Have a casual lunch at a family-friendly café in the CBD. Make your way to the Cruisin Motorhomes Brisbane branch to return your motorhome by 3:30 PM, completing your 14-day east coast adventure.

Image: South Bank Parklands, Tourism and Events Queensland