The Ultimate NSW Road Trip gets competitive
From paper maps and CD players to GPS and streaming playlists, we challenged 3 teams to prove which era road-tripped best.
Travelling from Hawks Nest to Corindi, each team hit the road in a different era-inspired setup:
- The 70's: Travel in a vintage '70s caravan, use vintage gear and paper maps
- The 90's: Experience a 90s campervan, fold-out tourist maps, portable CD players, and local tips
- Modern: All the creature comforts of a Jayco Campervan with smartphones, AI and streaming
Three different routes. Only one epic prize!
All teams set out from Reflections Hawks Nest on a three-day road trip to Corindi Beach. Each team was set the challenge of only using roads and navigation available at the time.
For the 70’s and 90’s teams, that meant paper maps, roads that only existed in the era, and asking the locals for advice and directions. The modern team got to use GPS, at least when there was a signal, and on any road they liked.
So what did they get up to? Camel rides, bridge jumping, ocean dips, waterfalls, leeches, and roadside pies, but which combo will take out the prize?
Travelling the old-school way along the Old Pacific Highway, Paul and Wenda embraced the slower pace of 70s road-tripping, relying on paper maps, local recommendations and plenty of spontaneous stops along the way. Their nostalgic adventure proved that the best memories are often made when you take the scenic route.
Highlights:
- Pies from Buladelah Bakery, Bulahdelah NSW
- Seal Rocks Beach
- Ice creams & beach strolls at The Rock Pool Beach Ice Creamery, Tuncurry, NSW
- Ferry crossing from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head, Port Macquarie, NSW
- Hat Head views, Hat Head National Park, NSW
- Trial Bay Gaol, South West Rocks, NSW
Katrina hit the road with peak 90s energy, cruising the Pacific Highway with CDs playing and tourist maps folded in the passenger seat. From coastal swims to towering natural wonders, her trip captured the carefree spirit of 90s travel perfectly.
Highlights:
- Seal Rocks Beach swims, Seal Rocks, NSW
- Hawks Nest Visitor Centre, NSW
- Tallest tree in NSW, Grandis picnic area on the western edge of Myall Lakes National Park, near Bulahdelah
- Surfing at Bonny Hills Beach
- Als Bakehouse, Wauchope
- Ellenborough Falls, NSW
Armed with smartphones, AI and a carefully planned itinerary, Zoe and Aaron packed adventure with a fast-paced getaway blended iconic stops, adrenaline-filled experiences and plenty of classic Aussie road trip moments (including getting lost).
Highlights:
- Green Cathedral (Booti Booti National Park, between Forster and Pacific Palms)
- The Big Axe, Kew (just north of Forster)
- North Brother Lookout, North Brother Mountain
- Camel rides - Port Macquarie Camel Safaris on Lighthouse Beach.
- Bridge jumping -Back Creek Bridge – South West Rocks
- Lunch at V-Wall, Nambucca Heads
- Sealy Lookout – Forest Sky Pier
Interesting itinerary fact...
Each of the roadtrips featured a ‘pie stop’. Looks like it’s still a good old-fashioned road trip staple!
Keen to see more on where they stopped to plan your own itinerary?
The Challenge: Travel in your era
Camping and road-tripping have evolved dramatically since the 1970s - transforming from simple caravans, paper maps and basic gear into fully connected, digital homes on wheels.
Where modern comforts and tech make travel easier and faster, the older ways still hold a strong sense of adventure and freedom.
But which is best? To put it all to the full test, our three couples were each given a caravan or campervan from their era and challenged to travel using only the technology and conveniences available at the time.
For Paul & Wenda, stepping into the 1975 Viscount Royal “Florabel” is like travelling back to a simpler time, where the compact setup encourages you to slow down and spend more time outdoors.
With no navigation system or air conditioning, every journey becomes part of the adventure, guided by paper maps, fresh air and spontaneous detours.
Cosy, nostalgic and full of charm, this retro van captures the carefree spirit of classic road trips.
For Katrina, the 1994 “Disco the Discoverer” brings back the freedom of 90s road trips, when travel was less about schedules and more about seeing where the road would take you.
Without built-in navigation and with simple cooking facilities, life on the road feels refreshingly uncomplicated, complete with the soundtrack of a portable CD player spinning your favourite tracks.
It’s an easy-going, nostalgic way to travel that reminds you there’s no need to rush the journey.
For Zoe & Aaron, the modern Jayco Conquest Motorhome delivers all the comforts of contemporary travel, combining adventure with convenience and style.
With built-in navigation, air conditioning, a TV, comfortable beds and plenty of space to spread out, it makes life on the road feel effortless and relaxing.
This is for travellers who want the freedom of van life without giving up the little comforts that make the trip even more enjoyable.
Where to stay on your Hawks Nest to Corindi Beach NSW roadtrip?
A simple way to plan a road trip is to start with where you’ll stay each night. Once your overnight stops are set, it’s easier to map your route and decide where to stop along the way.
Many travellers aim for 2–4 hours of driving per day, leaving time to explore towns, beaches and attractions without rushing.
Holiday parks are a great option for road trips, offering flexible stays whether you’re travelling with a caravan, camping or booking a cabin.
With Reflections Holidays, in coastal and nature-based destinations across New South Wales, it’s easy to plan your journey around places worth stopping for.
Explore Reflections locations and start planning your road trip stays.
