Newcastle to Kempsey road trip: Distance, time & best stops
Newcastle to Kempsey road trip: Taree to Port Macquarie
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.
Driving from Newcastle to Kempsey: Port Macquarie to Kempsey
Beyond Port Macquarie, the slower coastal route brings Limeburners Creek National Park, Goolawah National Park and surfing mecca Crescent Head,
Plough on for Hat Head National Park and amiable holiday spot South West Rocks. Top attractions here include Horseshoe Bay Beach and the heritage-oozing Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park.
South West Rocks accommodation picks
The best South West Rocks accommodation options are:
- For families: NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Park.
- For an indulgent villa: Salt.
- For charm and character: Heritage Guesthouse.
- For great value: Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks.
- For good location, a pool and free parking: Rockpool Motor Inn.
Stay with the Pacific Highway instead, and Billabong Zoo and Cassegrain Wines are the main attractions before reaching Kempsey.
Kempsey pays tribute to the nation’s most adored country musician at the Slim Dusty Centre.
Kempsey accommodation picks include the riverside Park Drive Motel and the pool-equipped Motel Kempsey.
More New South Wales road trips
The best stops on a Dubbo to Coffs Harbour road trip.
Plan a Newcastle to Nambucca Heads road trip.
Where to stop on an Adelaide to Coffs Harbour road trip.
Where to stop on the Tamworth to Stanthorpe drive.
The best stops on a Melbourne to Bathurst road trip.