Kempsey to Coffs Harbour road trip: Distance, driving time & stops

Kempsey to Coffs Harbour road trip: Nambucca Heads and Bongil Bongil National Park

The highway then skims the edge of holiday hotspot Nambucca Heads.

Things to do in Nambucca Heads include whale-watching at the Captain Cook Lookout and kayaking in Gaagal Wanggaan National Park.

Nambucca Heads accommodation options include the family-friendly Ingenia holiday park, the charming Riverview Boutique Motel and the pool-equipped Beach Rooms.

On the way from Nambucca Heads to Coffs Harbour, there are good photo stops at the Oyster Creek Lookout just north of Valla Beach and the Perry’s Hill Lookout just north of the Bellinger River. You’ll find the Raleigh Winery, which is open for cellar door tastings, near the latter.

The highway continues through Bongil Bongil National Park, which is a heady mix of beaches and rainforest. Plenty of koalas hang-out here – try spotting one on the walking tracks from the Bongil Picnic Area or Sid Burke Picnic Area.

Click through to the next section: Coffs Harbour beaches and attractions.