Dubbo to Byron Bay road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time
Dubbo to Byron Bay road trip: Tamworth to Uralla
On the way north out of Tamworth, you’ll go past the Oxley Scenic Lookout and the city’s Botanical Gardens.
Before joining the New England Highway, it’s worth pulling over at the Moonbi Lookout, a massive granite outcrop with great views over the New England countryside.
There are more such outcrops further along, including Captain Thunderbolt’s Rock. This picnic site and photo stop was where a notorious bushranger was shot by police in 1863.
Dubbo to Byron Bay road trip: Uralla to Armidale
The town of Uralla is somewhat obsessed with Captain Thunderbolt, who is buried in the Old Uralla Cemetery on John Street. You’ll find out more about the story in the McCrossin’s Mill Museum – a converted flour mill.
Also in Uralla, you can try your luck panning for golf at the Wooldridge Recreation and Fossicking Area. Don’t expect too much of the shiny stuff to be left behind, though.
The next worthwhile stop is the New England town of Armidale. Things to do in Armidale include helicopter flights over the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, visiting the Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral and browsing the New England Regional Art Museum.
Where to stay in Armidale
For the best Armidale accommodation, book one of these:
- For charm and character: Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse.
- For a great value motel: Alluna Motel.
- For central location: Tattersalls Hotel.
Click through to the next section: The Waterfall Way scenic drive.