With its postcard-worthy beaches and laid-back lifestyle, the NSW North Coast is the perfect destination to explore on a NSW road trip. From bohemian beach towns to lush national parks, here are five fantastic places to stop during a North Coast road trip.
NSW Road Trip Destination 1 – Hat Head
Hat Head is both the name of a national park and a small village on the mid-north coast of NSW.
Despite measuring just 74 square kilometres, Hat Head National Park offers fantastic scenery, a rich indigenous history, and breathtaking coastal views. Follow the walking tracks of Hat Head National Park to discover pockets of lush rainforest, unspoilt beaches and even a colonial-era lighthouse. Spot black swans roaming through the wetlands and eagles soaring above the cliffs, enjoy excellent rock and deep-sea fishing around Hat Head village, and find yourself a beachfront camping spot to top it all off with an incredible night’s sleep.
NSW Road Trip Destination 2 – Port Macquarie
About an hour south of Hat Head, Port Macquarie is the perfect city stop for nature and animal lovers. Start off with a quick education at Port Macquarie Museum, then follow the 9-kilometre coastal walk to discover pristine beaches, historic sites and coastal rainforests on the way to Tacking Point Lighthouse. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and oyster farms as you cruise along the Hastings River, or join a fascinating Aboriginal cultural heritage tour at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. Meet a number of cute and cuddly patients at the world’s first-ever Koala Hospital, or head to Billabong Zoo to experience a one-on-one encounter with a koala, a snake, a red panda, a penguin, a meerkat, or even an endangered snow leopard.
NSW Road Trip Destination 3 – Byron Bay
No North Coast itinerary would be complete without including its most famous destination: Byron Bay. For decades, this coastal town has enchanted visitors with its combination of beautiful beaches, bohemian culture, and easy-going locals. Hire a surfboard and chase some waves, or get a better understanding of the town by visiting one of its markets. The Byron Bay Farmers Market, Community Markets, Artisan Market and Beachside Market each bring their own distinct flavours to town throughout the year. Wander through an eclectic crowd of backpackers and locals browsing everything from street food and local produce to handicrafts, art and clothing. Enjoy a meal overlooking the beach, sip on a cold beer at sunset, and simply soak up the unreal atmosphere of Byron Bay.
NSW Road Trip Destination 4 – Bellingen
Bellingen can be found 30 minutes southwest of Coffs Harbour on the Waterfall Way, a scenic driving route which winds past dramatic waterfalls, sweeping valleys, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest. Once the heart of a thriving dairy-farming industry, this charming town is now home to a vibrant collection of artists, farmers, retirees, and creatives both young and old. Stroll along Hyde and Church streets to see why Bellingen has been called ‘one of the prettiest towns in NSW’. As well as heritage buildings, quaint shops and cafes, you’ll also find a wealth of activities and attractions in the surrounding rainforest. Canoe or kayak along the beautiful Bellingen River, or venture further to explore Dorrigo National Park, just half an hour’s drive away.
NSW Road Trip Destination 5 – Coffs Harbour
Located about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Coffs Harbour is one of the largest towns on the NSW North Coast. Although best known for its iconic Big Banana (one of the oldest ‘Big Things’ in Australia), visitors will find lots more to see and do in this popular holiday spot. Get up close with the friendly seals and penguins at Dolphin Marine Magic, or stroll among hundreds of butterflies at the award-winning Coffs Harbour Butterfly House. Head to the Forest Sky Pier, a suspended viewing platform which offers 180-degree views of the forested hills and banana plantations surrounding Coffs Harbour, as well as its gold-and-sapphire coastline.
