Why explore Nelson & Marlborough by campervan

Travelling in a campervan, especially through beautiful areas like Nelson and Marlborough, turns a simple holiday into a series of unforgettable experiences. It's your adventure, at your pace, surrounded by the comfort and convenience that only campervan travel can offer. With a campervan, you're not tied down. You can linger over a long lunch in a Nelson café or decide to spend an extra day tasting wines in Marlborough because you've fallen in love with the scenery.

The journey itself becomes part of the fun when you're in a campervan. It's about making spontaneous stops at breathtaking lookouts, enjoying your morning coffee in the middle of postcard-perfect views, and finding your own special spot to watch the stars. Stumbled upon a hidden gem in Golden Bay or found a hiking track in Marlborough you’d like to tackle? With a campervan, you have the freedom to explore it as much as you like.

Things to do in Nelson & Marlborough

Nelson and Marlborough are rich with activities and attractions, offering something special for every kind of traveller. For families on holiday, there are endless opportunities for fun, from exploring the sun-drenched beaches of Nelson to the interactive and educational experiences in the region's museums and galleries. Food enthusiasts will revel in the culinary journey through Nelson and Marlborough, from the fresh seafood of the coastal areas to the exquisite flavours of the region's renowned wineries. Whether you're indulging in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard in Marlborough or sampling local artisan produce at a Nelson market, your taste buds are in for a treat. Adventure seekers and nature lovers won't be left wanting either. With activities like kayaking through the Marlborough Sounds or hiking the trails of the Abel Tasman National Park, the great outdoors is your playground. And for those looking to unwind, the charming towns scattered throughout the region offer a peaceful retreat with their unique boutiques, cafes, and galleries.

Popular Nelson road trips & itineraries

Nestled at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Nelson and Marlborough are prime starting points for some of the most picturesque road trips in the country. Kicking off from Nelson, you can weave through the scenic drives that unveil the artistic townships, golden beaches, and lush national parks. Heading into Marlborough, the journey continues through rolling vineyards and along the majestic Marlborough Sounds. Whether you're venturing from the urban buzz of the North Island or the rugged landscapes of the South, these regions promise memorable campervan road trip adventures tailored to every interest. Here are a few worth checking out:

Matty Wilson's 4 Day Melbourne Return Trip

Louise Wright / Wednesday, 14 August 2024

/ Categories: AU Itineraries

Matty Wilson's 4 Day Melbourne Return Trip

Keen adventurer Matty Wilson, his wife Jessica, and their two young children love a fun-filled family road trip, and their recent roadie in the comfort of an Apollo motorhome was one worth sharing!

The family spent four fantastic days travelling from Melbourne to Marysville and back, enjoying Healesville Sanctuary, the Yarra Ranges National Park, and more. Along the way, they explored wildlife parks, took scenic drives, and enjoyed exploring beautiful walking trails.

Their four-day itinerary is perfect for families with littlies, with plenty to see and do for everyone in the family. Follow along to discover the best way to explore Melbourne’s stunning surroundings and hidden gems on an Apollo adventure.

Day 1: Melbourne - Marysville

Matty and his family kicked off their four-day getaway by picking up their Apollo Euro Deluxe from the Apollo Melbourne Branch. Perfect for families, this luxurious six-berth motorhome has loads of interior space for your gear and comfy beds for a good night’s sleep (and daytime naps!). There’s also a fully equipped kitchen for meals and snacks on the go. And of course, when you’ve got toddlers on board, having your own bathroom is a big bonus – no more worries about finding public toilets for those urgent stops!

After packing up the motorhome and getting everyone settled, the Wilsons hit the road, ready for an exciting journey ahead.

Their first stop was the Healesville Sanctuary, a fantastic spot for the kids to see their favourite animals up close. The family spent the day exploring the sanctuary, spotting koalas, platypuses, colourful parrots, and a variety of other native Australian wildlife.

When you’re travelling with kids, it’s important to plan a few pit stops for leg stretching, a quick snack, and some photos. With that in mind, Matty and Jess took their time exploring the iconic Black Spur Drive on their way to their campground. Known for its towering trees and fern-filled gullies, this scenic route has plenty of picnic stops and picturesque views.

For their stay, the family parked up at Marysville Holiday Park. This family-friendly park is the perfect base for exploring everything on offer in the region. It’s well set up for kids too with a recreation room, jumping pillow, and plenty of space to run around and play.

Day 2: Marysville surrounds

Matty and his family started their second day with a visit to Gallipoli Park, a top spot for families looking for a day out in nature.

This great park has a cool playground, equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames. Nearby, you’ll find Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Garden, featuring over 200 whimsical sculptures by artist Bruno Torfs.

For Matty and his family, the next stop was the Tree Fern Gully Trail. This 3.4 km trail offers a peaceful and scenic walk through lush fern gullies and waterfalls. It’s a relatively easy trail, making it suitable for families with young children.

For lunch, you can’t go past a picnic at Keppel Lookout. The lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including Marysville below, the peaks of the Cathedral Ranges, and the Black and Blue Ranges. The view over Marysville and to the Cathedral Ranges is especially stunning, and during winter, the occasional snowfall adds a touch of magic to the scenery.

Day 3: Yarra Ranges National Park

Matty and his family began their third day by diving into the natural beauty of the Yarra Ranges National Park. This mountainous cool temperate rainforest is best explored by taking a drive along the stunning Lady Talbot Drive where you’ll enjoy some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region.

Their first stop was the Beeches Rainforest Walk, an enchanting trail that winds through ancient myrtle beech trees and stands of mountain ash. It's a short and easy walk, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some resident lyrebirds. These fascinating birds are renowned for their ability to mimic all sorts of sounds – so keep your ears open too!

One of the highlights of the day was exploring the trails in the historic township of Cambarville. The area has a rich gold-mining and logging history, and there are still remnants of old buildings and machinery scattered among the towering trees. A must-see while you’re there is the 88-metre-high Big Tree, the tallest Mountain Ash in Victoria.

Day 4: Marysville – Melbourne

On their final day, Matty and his family began their journey back to Melbourne, but not without squeezing in a few more stops along the way.

If you’ve got keen cyclists in the family, be sure to stop by the Great Victorian Rail Trail. This trail is perfect for a family bike ride, offering a mix of art, history, and beautiful landscapes. The kids will love exploring the trail, riding through the historic Cheviot Tunnel, and taking in the stunning views of the Trawool Valley. It’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air before the drive home.

If cycling isn’t your thing, a visit to Lake Eildon is a fantastic option. This beautiful lake area is perfect for some fun on the water. Stop for a refreshing swim or hire a kayak and spend an afternoon paddling the calm water. You might also like to take a hike on one of the many short trails available. In winter, these trails offer lovely, crisp walks, and in spring, the area bursts into life with wildflowers. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and echidnas, which are often spotted in the area.

Plan your own Melbourne road trip with Apollo

Inspired by Matty Wilson’s four-day motorhome road trip? Why not plan your own unforgettable adventure exploring the outskirts of Melbourne? Perfect for families, couples, friends, and solo adventurers, Apollo’s motorhomes and campervans make travelling easy. With spacious interiors, comfy beds, fully equipped kitchens, and onboard bathrooms, you’ll have everything you need to discover Victoria’s highlights and hidden gems. Take the first step and book your Apollo motorhome online today

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Tags: Melbourne Family Family Friendly Victoria roadtrip long weekend

days	4
kms	595
stops	9

Apollo Campervan branches

Christchurch

The drive from Apollo Christchurch to Nelson takes you along some of the South Island’s most scenic coastline. There’s a fair bit to see and do along the way, so be sure to take your time and perhaps plan an overnight stay in Kaikoura.

Queenstown

Keen to make the most of your road trip and explore more of the South Island? Book your camper with our Queenstown branch and spend a few days heading northward taking in some of the great southern highlights along the way.

Auckland

The North Island is packed full of sights and experiences, so why not tick off a few with a road trip from Apollo Auckland to Nelson? This journey includes crossing the Cook Strait by ferry offering the opportunity to travel through the pristine Marlborough Sounds.