July 01, 2021
Vanlife | wave nomads and sunrises
We've lived in a van between Bellambi beach and every break to Noosa Heads on one long east coast surf safari. As well as camping out the in back of the GPC jeep, as well as some of the parks and hidden spots closer to home when the swell direction demands it. From the staycation authority to the campsite renegade we want to share with you the beach breaks and the spots along the Illawarra that will be worth pulling up that bumper.
Everyone does it differently. Next to our HQ there is a beach front car park that sees everything from the standard tourist hire van, the tradie-style van combo, the family van, the luxe top of the range surf van to the hippy mega-bus. We salute you and the great vibes you bring.
If you are looking to explore the lower east side of Australia's pacific coast, here are a few of the best surf beaches on the NSW south coast next to the best campsites near Sydney within an hours drive. No van, no worries. These sites are still some of the best campsites for motorcyclists in NSW for those seeking dryer adventures along the Grand Pacific Drive touring route looking to squeeze the most out of that down time.
Royal National Park: -
Most of the park is tent camping only and parking at the surf spots is paid hourly during summer/key times. It gets absolutely smashed by south Sydney visitors in summer so arrive before 10am to get a parking space. There are no services in these car parks and mobile phone coverage is poor. The beaches of Era, Garie, Burning Palms have surf clubs with sparse amenities but they are for purely for day visits so we suggest you park in Bundeena overnight and enjoy its village life and sunset estuary vibe. Check the Royal National Park website for camping information as it changes often due to weather conditions and booking policies.
Stanwell Park: -
One of the most photographed beaches in Australia and for good reason. We never get bored heading of this epic route home from Sydney and dropping down into the warm embrace of the Illawarra with a spectacular view of Stanwell and beyond. Pass the zoo and the amazing temple (do stop for their weekend lunchtime curries as they are awesome) and then head to Bald Hill lookout for the iconic view of the escarpment and Sea Cliff Bridge then grab a coffee from our friends at Flying High Cafe and ice cream van. Its a small car park so although great for motorcycles and small vans it's not built for buses or overnight stays.
Heading into Stanwell Park village there are a number of great spots to have breakfast or lunch if you are staying for the day. We recommend Loaf and Uluwatu Blue, who sometimes host gigs in the village.
Stanwell Park Beach Reserve is a day car park with limited amenities but a great little cafe by the beach. There is a small camping facility at Stanwell Tops but the nearest official campsite is in Coledale just a few kilometers across the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Coledale: -
Before you reach Coledale there are a number of great stops if you are hungry after your journey and we have to call them out. The very ace crew at Coffee Bird Van parked next to Clifton Arts School at the southern tip of the Sea Cliff Bridge, the newly renovated The Imperial and The Scarborough, for its cliff top beer garden and fish & chips special.
Through the super hip and cool enclave of Wombarra and its gig-friendly and Thai street food hot stop, you will reach the beach of Coledale and its camp ground. It has everything you need, right on the beach, with an RSL in walking distance, a regular Sunday makers market at the school, a wine store, hair salon and two of the best brunch spots on this strip; the amazing Earthwalker for the veggie and vegans and the newly opened Sketch as well as a the RSL bistro for everything else.
Sharkies: -
A few hundred metres from Coledale village and you hit Sharkies. A solid favourite for surfy vanlifers who don't want to camp (or cant get a spot) in Coledale with its mixed visitor camping crowd. There are no facilities other than a public toilet block but with its location next to Coledale and its laid back vibe it is often lined up with surf vans.
Little Austie: -
As with Sharkies, the beach at Little Austie next to Austinmer Beach, this is a raw stop but it is popular for overnight stays and early morning searches. Only a few hundred metres from Austinmer official, its only a stroll for coffee at Moore Street General Store and the morning paper as well as pool and public facilities. If you need to park and have a proper bed for the night, there is Headlands for that required upgrade or an evening catching the last of the rays of hanging in the sports bar.
