3 week NSW to the Gold Coast Itinerary.

Here's a dream Itinerary of the NSW coast all the way to the Gold Coast.

With the best locations to stop for lunch, free and paid options, many of these picnic spots are equipped with shaded areas, BBQs, and ample space for caravans.

Day 1-3: Buckajo (Base: Bega Region)

• Scenic Lunch Stop:Tathra Beach Wharf Café (20 mins from Buckajo) – Fresh seafood and ocean views at the historic wharf.

• Free Picnic Stop:Tathra Headland Reserve – Picnic tables, ocean views, and caravan parking.

• Activities:

• Visit Bega Cheese Heritage Centre (15 mins drive).

• Day trip to Merimbula (35 mins drive) for beaches and boardwalks.

• Hike Mimosa Rocks National Park (30 mins drive).

Day 4-5: Malua Bay (2 hours from Buckajo)

• Scenic Lunch Stop:The River Moruya – Relax by the river with gourmet meals (30 mins before Malua Bay).

• Free Picnic Stop:Moruya Riverside Park – Spacious picnic tables, BBQs, and plenty of parking for caravans.

• Activities:

• Relax on Malua Bay Beach.

• Visit Mogo Wildlife Park (20 mins drive).

• Explore Batemans Bay (15 mins drive) for kayaking and fresh oysters.

Day 6-7: Jervis Bay (2.5 hours from Malua Bay)

• Scenic Lunch Stop:Huskisson Hotel – Beachfront dining with stunning views in Huskisson.

• Free Picnic Stop:Moona Moona Creek Reserve (Huskisson, Jervis Bay) – Shaded areas, BBQs, and calm water views.

• Activities:

• Relax at Hyams Beach.

• Take a dolphin-watching cruise or snorkel at Green Patch Beach.

• Walk the White Sands Trail or Booderee National Park.

Day 8-9: Wollongong (2.5 hours from Jervis Bay)

• Scenic Lunch Stop:Scarborough Hotel (1 hour before Wollongong) – Perched on a clifftop with panoramic ocean views.

• Free Picnic Stop:Sublime Point Lookout (Bulli Tops, 30 mins from Wollongong) – Coastal views and caravan parking.

• Activities:

• Walk along Sea Cliff Bridge.

• Visit Nan Tien Temple for a peaceful experience.

• Relax at Wollongong Beach or explore Thirroul.

Day 10-11: Watanobbi (2 hours from Wollongong)

• Scenic Lunch Stop:Café El Lago (The Entrance) – Overlooks Tuggerah Lakes with fresh, casual fare.

• Free Picnic Stop:The Entrance Memorial Park – Lakeside setting, shaded tables, and caravan parking.

• Activities:

• Watch pelican feeding at The Entrance.

• Visit Norah Head Lighthouse (30 mins drive).

• Explore Tuggerah Lakes with water activities or a lakeside walk.

Day 12-13: Old Bar (3.5 hours from Watanobbi)

• Scenic Lunch Stop:Flow Bar (Old Bar) – A relaxed coastal café with a breezy outdoor setting.

• Free Picnic Stop:Wallamba River Park (Nabiac, near Old Bar) – Riverfront picnic tables, BBQs, and caravan parking.

• Activities:

• Unwind on Old Bar Beach.

• Explore Saltwater National Park (15 mins drive).

• Visit Taree (15 mins drive) for scenic river views.

Day 14-15: Emerald Beach (3.5 hours from Old Bar)

• Scenic Lunch Stop:Beachstone Café – Casual dining with ocean views at Emerald Beach.

• Free Picnic Stop:Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore – Spacious picnic areas with BBQs, toilets, and caravan parking.

• Activities:

• Hike Look At Me Now Headland to spot kangaroos and take in coastal views.

• Visit Coffs Harbour (20 mins drive) for the Big Banana, Muttonbird Island, and water sports.

Day 16-17: Ballina (2.5 hours from Emerald Beach)

• Scenic Lunch Stop:Shelter (Lennox Head) – Modern dishes overlooking the iconic Seven Mile Beach.

• Free Picnic Stop:Ballina Memorial Park – Scenic riverside park with plenty of space for caravans.

• Activities:

• Explore Ballina Lighthouse and Richmond River.

• Relax on Lennox Head Beach or visit the tea tree lake.

Day 18-21: Guanaba (2 hours from Ballina)

• Scenic Lunch Stop:The Historic River Mill Café (Mount Nathan, en route) – Tranquil dining by a creek.

• Free Picnic Stop:Tweed Regional Botanic Gardens (Murwillumbah) – Beautiful gardens, shaded areas, and plenty of space for caravans.

• Activities:

• Explore Tamborine Mountain, with hiking trails, wineries, and local markets.

• Visit Cedar Creek Falls for a swim and picnic.

• Unwind in Guanaba’s peaceful hinterland, surrounded by nature.

We really enjoyed exploring each area we have plenty of different options along the coast and some inland property options also.

This trip would be 4200 points, saving roughly $1680 and staying with really amazing people ❤️❤️

Safe travels

Team Landavan x