Newcastle to Yamba road trip: Distance, time & stops
Attractions between Port Macquarie and Macksville
The Port Macquarie to Kempsey stretch of the Newcastle to Yamba road trip heads past Billabong Zoo on the highway, Limeburners Creek National Park, Goolawah National Park and legendary surf spot Crescent Head.
In Kempsey, the Cassegrain Wines cellar door offers tastings and the Slim Dusty Centre celebrates a distinctly Australian country music legend.
Kempsey accommodation possibilities include the riverside Park Drive Motel and the Motel Kempsey, which has a pool.
On the way from Kempsey to Coffs Harbour, the main highlights are along the coast. Hat Head National Park, the Trial Bay Gaol at Arakoon and Horseshoe Bay Beach at South West Rocks are all well worth digging into.
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.
Otherwise, the drive-up Yarriabini Lookout just off the highway offers cracking views over the Macleay River Valley and coast. Macksville on the Nambucca River is the next sizable town on the road trip route.
Things to do in Macksville include bird-watching at the Valley of the Mist wetland and getting a dose of at the Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage. The Mandarin Motel is the best Macksville accommodation on offer.
Next section: Nambucca Heads and Bongil Bongil National Park.