Port Macquarie to Canberra road trip: Distance, drive time & stops

Port Macquarie to Canberra drive: Forster and the Barrington Coast

But it’s around Taree that you’ve got a decision to make – stick to the highway or hug the Barrington Coast.

The coast, of course, is much more rewarding, and Forster–Tuncurry makes a great overnight base. There are plenty of beaches to choose from. Tuncurry Beach is long and surfer-friendly, Burgess Beach has photogenic fairy pools and One Mile Beach has family-friendly facilities.

Forster accommodation favourites include the family-friendly Forster Holiday Village, the Lakes and Ocean Hotel and the Hotel Forster, which has a sizable pool.

Pacific Palms and Hawks Nest

Keep going south through the Booti Booti National Park and you’ll reach the Pacific Palms area. Elizabeth Beach, Boomerang Beach and Blueys Beach are all fantastic, while Seal Rocks just to the south in Myall Lakes National Park is a popular camping spot.

The other coastal detour near the route is to Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens. Bennetts Beach and Jimmys Beach are the top hangouts here.

Click through to the next section: The Pacific Highway to Newcastle