Newcastle to Byron Bay road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
Newcastle to Bryon Bay road trip: Crowdy Bay and Port Macquarie
It’s another 83km from Taree to Port Macquarie, although a diversion to Crowdy Bay National Park’s coastal lookouts is well worth taking. You can also meet kangaroos at the Diamond Head campground.
Alternative highlights are the Cattai Wetlands in Coopernook, the gigantic Bird Tree in Middle Brother National Park, Queens Lake and – with a short detour – Lake Cathie Beach.
The turn off for Port Macquarie, a logical overnight stay, is along the Oxley Highway.
Things to do in Port Macquarie include scenic helicopter flights, the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, and camel rides on Lighthouse Beach.
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.
Next section: South West Rocks and Macksville.