Did you know the stretch of road between the Tweed Region and Sydney – the Pacific Coast, to be precise – features some of the country’s most spectacular attractions?
If time is on your side, there are plenty of reasons to drive, rather than fly, to Sydney on your next getaway. Here are just a few of them (and how to see them all).
The details…
The route: Tweed Heads > Byron Bay > Coffs Harbour > Port Macquarie > Port Stephens > Sydney
Total distance: 818.3km
Total drive time: 10 hours, 20 minutes
Tweed Heads
Just south of the Gold Coast, the beautiful Tweed region demands attention. A relaxed vibe defines this part of the Far North Coast, as do its world-heritage rainforest, fantastic surf beaches and moreish local produce.
Tweed Eco Cruises offers unique seafood-catching tours on the Tweed River – on a beautiful wooden river ferry built in 1972, no less. Enjoy the thrill of the chase and the flavour of the haul, on a Catch A Crab tour.
Speaking of local tastes, enjoy local gins at Husk Distillers or nibble your way around local farms, where delicious macadamia nuts, cheeses, teas and honeys are among the spoils. Be sure to visit Tweed River House, a relaxed country-style restaurant nestled on the Tweed River.
Other must-dos include: frolicking among the bright and beautiful sunflower fields at Farm & Co. in Cudgen; heading inland to Tropical Fruit World to learn about the kaleidoscope of local and international fruits; and visiting Halcyon House at Cabarita Beach for a cocktail at the multi-award-winning in-house restaurant, Paper Daisy.
Then, drive 48 minutes to…
Byron Bay
It’s one of the most popular destinations on Australia’s east coast for good reason. Whether you’re lured by the surf, the dining, the shopping, or the genuine bohemian vibe, Byron Bay is a bona fide paradise.
If you’re lucky enough to wake up there, start your day by watching the sun rise at Cape Byron, the most easterly point on Australia’s mainland.
For surfers and stand-up paddle boarders – or novices willing to give it a go – Let’s Go Surfing can arrange an instructor for an incredible experience riding local waves. Kayaking is a year-round thrill, but from May to November the stakes are raised with dolphins, sea turtles and whales likely to pop up and say hello.
For something a little different, not to mention exhilarating, Zephyr Horses can arrange group tours so that you can take in picturesque forest and beach trails on horseback. Alternatively, go skydiving or hot air ballooning for spectacular bird’s-eye views of Byron and the surrounding scenic hinterland.
Byron’s main stretch is peppered with independent fashion and homewares boutiques, and the same can be said for some of the nearby hinterland towns (like charming Bangalow).
The epicurean experience is also key in this part of the country. Enjoy farm-to-plate dining at Three Blue Ducks at The Farm, a beautifully considered site sprawled over 80 acres with pasture-fed animals, a market garden, nursery and florist. Alternatively, taste local beers at Stone & Wood Brewing Co. or pick up fresh organic produce at one of the many wonderful markets in the region.
Then, drive two hours, 27 minutes to…
Coffs Harbour
Land and sea come together in the most spectacular way on the Coffs Coast, a region lined by pristine beaches, marine reserves and incredible heritage rainforest. It is also packed with fun and adventure.
Thrill-seekers will love the amusement rides at the Big Banana Fun Park, while ocean-lovers will delight in a spot of snorkelling and diving at Solitary Islands Marine Park. Spanning 75 kilometres of coast, the park is home to an array of marine life, with a tropical, temperate and sub-tropical species of fish, coral and algae.
Small but mighty, the subtropical rainforest of Dorrigo National Park features a network of walking trails to guide you through the towering sassafras, red cedar, coachwood and yellow carabeen trees. From the Forest Sky Pier at Sealy lookout, enjoy spectacular views of the charming township of Dorrigo right through to the coastline. Or, just north of ‘Coffs’ (as the locals call it), Emerald Beach will delight with its resident kangaroos – a very friendly and photogenic bunch.
For golf lovers, be sure to book a tee-off time at Bonville Golf Resort, considered one of Australia’s most beautiful courses.
Then, it’s one hour, 40 minutes to…
Port Macquarie
This vibrant coastal city is the heart and soul of the Greater Port Macquarie area. Pre-book your visit to the Koala Hospital, an incredible conservation program where you can see the native marsupials in enclosures and rehabilitation yards. The hospital’s Adopt a Wild Koala program is a special way to get involved. It helps with the rescue and treatment of sick and injured koalas. The animal encounters continue at the multiple award-winning Billabong Zoo, where you can get up close to Australian and exotic wildlife.
Feel the wind in your hair with a speedboat ride along Lighthouse Beach, courtesy of Port Jet Cruises. Or set a different pace with a whale-watching cruise instead (May to November).
Bid the perfect farewell with wine tasting and hand-made chocolates at Bago Maze and Winery. Don’t get lost – with 2000 metres of pathways, the hedge maze is one of the largest in the world.
Before hitting your next stop, pop in at South West Rocks for a spot of strawberry picking. Just 10 minutes north of Port Macquarie, Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberry Picking is sure to impress with its crop of glorious red fruit.
Then, drive two hours, 42 minutes to…
Port Stephens
Next is Port Stephens, the idyllic seaside region that is the unofficial dolphin capital of New South Wales. There are no less than 26 impressive beaches and bays to explore.
Take a hike to the summit of Mount Tomaree in Tomaree National Park, where you will be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views along the spectacular north coast. It’s also a great vantage point for whale watching at the right time of year. The national park includes myriad picturesque walks, pristine beaches and stunning swimming holes to choose from. In spring, the Morna Point walk comes alive with glorious wildflowers.
Port Stephens is also home to the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. They are a sight to behold and the team at Sand Dune Adventures in the Worimi Conservation Lands can help you navigate this natural wonder. Join them for a spot of quad-biking or sandboarding in the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. In front of the dunes is Stockton Beach – which, at 32 kilometres, it’s the longest beach in New South Wales. For a unique way to explore it, saddle up on a camel at sunset with Oakfield Ranch.
Waterfront dining is a must in Port Stephens, and the farm-to-table Cookaburra Restaurant and the Little Beach Boathouse are two of the best. Indulge in the freshest local produce while taking in the glistening Pacific Ocean.
Then, it’s one hour, 43 minutes to…
Central Coast
Stretching about 80 kilometres, the Central Coast of New South Wales is home to some of the state’s best beaches and outdoor adventures. Start off with pelican feeding on The Entrance waterfront or head to Australian Reptile Park, a hands-on zoo with more than 2000 animals. Then, for a truly unique animal experience, the rare and lustrous Akoya pearls of Broken Bay Pearl Farm are is sure to mesmerise. Enjoy oysters as fresh as they come at the farm’s ‘shellar door.’
Then, for award-winning gin, head to Distillery Botanica where herbalist Philip Moore uses flowers, berries and aromatic spices to create this popular spirit.
Don’t leave without capturing the perfect Instagram shot in aptly named Long Jetty. The 351-metre-long jetty is a stunning vantage point, while local cafes and shopping add to the appeal.
Take a more active approach with a round of golf at Magenta Shores or Kooindah Waters, or visit Treetops Central Coast, an adventure park including a high ropes course, a zipcoaster, and the new NetWorld attraction – a series of elevated nets and trampolines providing endless bounce and tonnes of fun.
An incredible spot for outdoors activities such as kayaking, abseiling and quad biking, Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures is also Australia’s largest horse-riding centre, offering lessons, trail rides, and cattle drive rides, plus pony rides for children.
Then, it’s just one hour to…
Sydney
The glittering jewel in the nation’s crown, Sydney is rimming with global icons – including, of course, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
When it comes to beaches, the world-famous Bondi Beach is the place to be seen. One of Australia’s most Instagrammed suburbs, this oceanside haunt is full of incredible vistas and trendy restaurants and cafes. Be sure to visit Bondi Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, which overlooks the spectacular ocean pool – there’s just about every shade of blue in sight!
Still, Bondi is just the beginning. In fact, there are more than 100 beaches dotted along the city’s majestic coastline – from secluded bays to incredible surf spots and everything in between. Explore this water wonderland with a harbour cruise – a truly incredible way to experience the city.
Back on dry land, Taronga Zoo is another Sydney must-see. The magnificent harbourside attraction cares for more than 5,000 animals, including Australian native animals such as the koala, kangaroo, bilby and platypus. And these lucky animals have some of the best views in town, with the glistening Sydney Harbour Bridge as the backdrop. For something truly unique, why not spend the night?
A destination in its own right, Darling Harbour sparkles with activity year-round. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this thriving precinct, packed with great harbourfront dining and entertainment. Don’t miss the Australian National Maritime Museum, where the permanent galleries and special exhibitions will leave you in awe. The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo and Madame Tussauds Sydney are also located in Darling Harbour, offering a host of interactive experiences. Don’t forget your camera!
For our official guide to spending a weekend in Sydney, click here.
Image and story credit Destination NSW.
