Expert: Ian Smith - 10/18/2006

Question
We are actually flying to Cairns to do 5 days there and then flying to Melbourne where we pick up another campervan.  Any suggestions for Melbourne to Sydney would be great.

Thanks for the fabulous suggestions!  It sounds like exactly the kinds of things we'd love to do.

Anneliese

-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
We will be arriving in Sydney on Sunday 10/22.  We have 7 days to drive from Sydney to Brisbane.  We'll then spend 5 days in Cairns and then 9 in the Melbourne to Sydney route.  We like the outdoors, architecture is good, my friend has interest in flying and the aeroclubs, beaches, being on the water, perhaps a wildlife preserve?  Small towns are better than big cities although we aren't opposed to them.  

I appreciate your input!
Anneliese

-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Hi,

A friend and I are traveling from Sydney to Brisbane by campervan.  We are looking for some out of the way sights that the average person might not know about.  Do you have any "must see" suggestions?

Thanks,
Anneliese


Answer -
I have heaps, but I have to know what you are interested in to help you better and also how much time you have.
Beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, scenery, architecture - what is it you'd like to see most.
I can give you some things I would recommend off the top of my head, such as Comboyne (wonderful scenery, rainforest, waterfalls), Port Stephens (arguably Australia's most scenic bay with beaches as well), combination of Tia Falls - Apsley Falls - Wollomombi Falls and Ebor Falls, Bellingen/Dorrigo (Certain walks at Dorrigo see hardly any tourists), Forster loop taking in Boomerang and Blueys Beach.
I'll await your replyl then, if you like, give you a suggested itinerary.  It would also help if you let me know what time of year you're travelling.
Cheers, Ian Smith

Answer -
Right, my suggestion would be to drive to Port Stephens the first night making sure you walk to the top of the headland for sublime views and drive around to Fingal Bay.

Next day head out and go via the Bucketts Way to Gloucester then head on Thunderbolts Way up to Walcha (very scenic, you may want to stop - Bretti Reserve is good) where you turn right.

Go to Apsley Falls, do the walk around to view the lower falls, then head to Tia Falls where I'd spend a night (I'm assuming your vehicle is self contained) though there are no showers there, only toilets.

Next you'll be coming back towards Wauchope and take the right turn to get up to either Comboyne or Ellenborough Falls.  You'll need at least a night here, the falls or Boorgana Reserve have toilets.  Must do's here are the falls and the walk down to the bottom of Rawson Falls at Boorgana, also drive along the ridge on Landsdowne Road for a couple of kilometres for gorgeous views.  You might want to go to civilization this night, Port Macquarie caravan park on the river is nice.

If it's beaches you want then head off to Crescent Head via Kempsey.  Turn right on the Point Plomer road and spend the whole rest of the day down there.  Possibly one of the finest stretch of beaches in the world.  Sublime.  Probably a night somewhere there, either Plomer or Delicate Nobby.

Head out through Kempsey calling in at Fredrickton just north to grab a pie at Fredo's before going inland to Dorrigo via Bellingen.  Very scenic, Bellingen very rustic, Dorrigo do the Crystal Creek walk.

Stay overnight somewhere around there before heading through Coffs to Woolgoolga, then drop in to Mullaway/Arrawarra Headland for three delightful beaches and probably spend the night at Yamba.  If you duck into Grafton, Hanks Kitchen has great pies.

Head on north to Ballina then take the coast road to Byron for more lovely beach scenery.

I'm sorry I've left the aircraft out but Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour would be the main points to try and contact someone for that activity.  I like flying myself but just haven't done it in the pilot's seat.

Cairns?  Wow, you are going to be driving a lot.

Melbourne to Sydney?  Do you want some suggestions for that?
Cheers, Ian  

Answer
I stuffed this up.  Did a big reply about the 9 days from Melbourne and sent it return instead of the correct address.
So, a little more briefly.
Head out to Australia's most scenic road, the Grand Ridge Road running through Gippsland.  Good place to spend a night would be just before the Tarra Bulga NP where there are a couple of caravan parks in bush settings.
Next day try for Walhalla, a wonderful historical village and do the train ride while you're there.
Then point yourself in the direction of Beechworth (Lake Sambell caravan park recommended) where you'll need to ideally spend two nights (doing Yackandandah while you're there) and then head to Tallangatta and stay at the caravan park (wonderful location, great view, very quiet).
Then head off over the Snowy Mountains via Corryong, Khancoban, Thredbo, Jindabyne.  Don't stop at the caravan park in Jindabyne, they charge around $40 - $46 a night.
You can freecamp nearby if you stay there.
Aim for Canberra (balloon flights in the morning if you like) and stay at Acton Park overnight.  Great location and it's a freebie with toilets.  Do the walk around the lake over the two bridges, excellent.
Head for Bungendore (must-see wood gallery) then aim for the southern highlands.
Do Berrima and Bowral (you must eat at the Elephant Boy Cafe there).  There is a caravan park at Moss Vale or if you want to freecamp you can slip into Fitzroy Falls after about 6p.m. and ignore the no camping signs.
Do the walk to the right at Fitzroy, it's a bit special.  Like the Blue Mountains without the crowds.
I'd then head to the coast and do Kiama and stay at Shellharbour - caravan park right on the beach - and do the walk south to the next beach and back.
Whatever you choose, I hope this helps and have a good time.
Cheers, Ian