Port Macquarie to Canberra road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
The Port Macquarie to Canberra drive covers a 660km distance in a driving time of around 6h56m. Top road trips stops to add to the itinerary include Newcastle, Western Sydney and Bowral.
A Port Macquarie to Canberra road trip brings plenty of variety. On the way from the Mid North Coast to the Australian capital are secluded beaches, big cities, forests and wineries.
Canberra offers wine and distillery tours, plus guided visits to the National Museum of Australia. To investigate Canberra tour and experience options, head here. To find the best Canberra hotel deals, book here.
Port Macquarie to Canberra distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Port Macquarie to Canberra is 660km. That makes for a driving time of around six hours and 56 minutes, although that can change with traffic conditions.
This Port Macquarie to Canberra drive can be completed in one day, but you’re much better off turning it into a road trip with several fun stops.
This Port Macquarie to Canberra road trip guide should give you a better idea of where to stay overnight and what attractions to build into the itinerary.
7 great Canberra experiences to book before you arrive
- Full day city highlights tour – including Mount Ainslie, Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial.
- Tidbinbilla wildlife and birds tour – see kangaroos, koalas, platypus and emus in the wild.
- Hot air balloon flight – see Canberra’s unique design while floating above the city.
- Small group wine tour – discover the amazing wineries and food producers of the Canberra region.
- Australian Institute of Sport tour – see where Australia’s next generation of sporting greats train.
- Australian Museum – expert-guided tour of the museum highlights.
- Brewery tour – hop between Canberra’s best craft breweries.
Port Macquarie to Canberra road trip: South to Taree
A few stops can be built into the first stage of the journey, from Port Macquarie to Taree.
Viable coastal detours include Lake Cathie, the Long Point Vineyard and the Diamond Head campground – a kangaroo hotspot in Crowdy Bay National Park.
Nearer the highway, you can stop at Middle Brother National Park to check out the gigantic Bird Tree.
Things to do in Taree include scenic flights from the airport and the Dawson River walking track.
Best Taree accommodation
Taree accommodation is available for from $105 per night. But the best choices are…
- For central location: In Town Motor Inn.
- For good value and a pool: Caravilla Motor Inn.
- For charm and warmth: Birches B&B.
- For distinctive character: A Railway Lodge.
Click through for the next section: The Barrington Coast.