Canberra to Gold Coast road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time
Newcastle to Port Macquarie via Forster-Tuncurry
If ignoring Newcastle and Port Stephens, stick to the Pacific Highway as it goes past the Hunter Wetlands National Park and Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
The Newcastle to Taree leg of the Sydney to Yamba road trip heads through Raymond Terrace, Wallaroo National Park and Karuah National Park.
You may wish to dip towards the coast, however. Jimmys Beach or Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest are gorgeous. Then you can aim towards Seal Rocks and Myall Lake.
The Pacific Palms area is just to the north, with Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach and Elizabeth Beach the highlights.
The coastal route then runs east of Wallis Lake, passing through Booti Booti National Park towards Forster and Tuncurry.
Here, choose One Mile Beach or nine mile-long Tuncurry Beach for surfing, or Burgess Beach for the photogenic fairy pools.
There are many impressive accommodation options in Forster. Pick the Hotel Forster for a big pool, the Forster Motor Inn for convenient location and the Dorsal Boutique Hotel for charm.
Inland route from Canberra to the Gold Coast
The inland route is quicker but less enticing. You can stop for walking trails and Aboriginal heritage and walking trails at Bulahdelah Mountain or native wildlife at the O’Sullivans Gap Picnic Area in Myall Lakes National Park.
Other potential journey-breakers are the Great Lakes Paddocks winery and the National Motorcycle Museum in Nabiac.
Turn off along Manning River drive for Taree, another feasible overnight stop.
Taree attractions include the walking trail along the Dawson River and scenic flights from Taree Airport.
Best Taree accommodation
Taree accommodation is available for from $105 per night. But the best choices are…
- For central location: In Town Motor Inn.
- For good value and a pool: Caravilla Motor Inn.
- For charm and warmth: Birches B&B.
- For distinctive character: A Railway Lodge.
The leg from Taree to Port Macquarie brings the Cattai Wetlands near Coopernook, although veering coastward again for Crowdy Bay National Park is more rewarding. The Diamond Head campground is a famously good place for seeing kangaroos.
Meanwhile, near the Pacific Highway, you can see the enormous Bird Tree in Middle Brother National Park, drive past Queens Lake and maybe pay a visit to Lake Cathie a visit.
Port Macquarie is an obvious overnight stop. Turn east at the junction with the Oxley Highway to go into the city.
Things to do in Port Macquarie include the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, riding camels on Lighthouse Beach and taking scenic helicopter flights.
Port Macquarie accommodation picks
The best Port Macquarie accommodation options are…
- For a great value motel: East Port Motor Inn.
- For families: NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park.
- For quality apartments with a heated pool: Northpoint Apartments.
- For beachside location: Flynns Beach Resort.
- For overall quality: The Mid Pacific.
Click through to the next section: Inland or coast to Coffs Harbour?