Port Macquarie to Canberra road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
Attractions between Port Macquarie and Canberra on the Pacific Highway
Stick near the highway, and potential stops include the O’Sullivans Gap Picnic Area in Myall Lakes National Park, which is a notoriously good spot for seeing native wildlife.
Alternatively, there are several walking trails plus Aboriginal tree carvings at Bulahdelah Mountain.
Further along, you’ll skirt the southern fringes of Karuah National Park and Wallaroo National Park. Then you’ll go through Raymond Terrace, pass the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens in Heatherbrae and possibly explore the Hunter Wetlands National Park just north of Newcastle.
Stay overnight in Newcastle?
The next big decision is whether to go into Newcastle or not. It’s an increasingly appealing city, but the quickest Port Macquarie to Canberra driving route skirts around the edge.
Stay a couple of days, however, and you can swim in the fantastic ocean baths, such as Bogey Hole and Merewether Baths.
Other things to do in Newcastle include wildlife-viewing at Blackbutt Reserve, whale-watching tours and visiting several good quality museums.
9 cool Newcastle experiences you need to book in advance
- An Adventure boat cruise along the Hunter coast – with thrills and scenery.
- A mobile phone-based scavenger hunt – explore the city differently.
- An architecture and street art walking tour – see all the best murals.
- A whale-watching tour – get close to the migrating humpback whales.
- A two hour city highlights tour by bus – get orientated when you first arrive.
- A scenic helicopter flight – see the spectacular coastline from above.
- A three hour craft beer and food-matching tour – get a taste of the drinking and dining scene.
- A food, drink and history walking tour – hear stories and indulge at the same time.
Newcastle also offers coastal boat tours, street art walks and evening true crime tours.
Newcastle accommodation dazzlers include the lavish Crystalbrook Kingsley, the hip QT Newcastle and the heritage-focused Grand Hotel.
Click through for the next section: Central Coast.