Newcastle to Coffs Harbour road trip: Distance, time & stops

Newcastle to Coffs Harbour drive: Newcastle to Taree

The first leg of the Newcastle to Coffs Harbour road trip is the 172km drive from Newcastle to Taree. Going via the longer coastal route from Newcastle to Forster means you can take in the gorgeous Seal Rocks, Myall Lake, Boomerang Beach, Booti Booti National Park and Forster.

Sticking largely to the highway out of Newcastle, however, you’ll go past the Hunter Wetlands National Park and Hunter Region Botanic Gardens in Heatherbrae.

The Pacific Highway goes land-side of Port Stephens. Firstly through Raymond Terrace, then along the southern fringes of Wallaroo National Park and Karuah National Park. Karuah NP has campgrounds and 4WD trails.

It’s tempting to turn off towards the northern Port Stephens towns of Karuah, Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest. Jimmys Beach in Hawks Nest is particularly attractive.

Next section: Bulahdelah and Myall Lakes National Park.