Sydney to Brisbane road trip: Distance, driving time & best stops
Sydney to Brisbane road trip: The coastal route via Forster
If you’re giving Port Stephens a miss, continue along the Pacific Highway from Newcastle. You’ll go past the Hunter Wetlands National Park and the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
The Newcastle to Taree leg of the journey then heads through Raymond Terrace and passing the southern fringes of Wallaroo National Park and Karuah National Park. The latter has campgrounds and 4WD trails on offer.
It’s far more enjoyable to stick to the coast in these parts, initially heading for Karuah, Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest. Jimmys Beach and Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest are especially loveable.
Another dip towards the coast will bring you to Seal Rocks and Myall Lake, while the Pacific Palms area is just to the north. Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach and Elizabeth Beach are justifiably popular here.
The coastal route then heads east of Wallis Lake through Booti Booti National Park towards twin holiday towns Forster and Tuncurry.
Here, try One Mile Beach or nine mile-long Tuncurry Beach for surfing, or Burgess Beach for the photogenic fairy pools.
There are several good accommodation options in Forster. Pick the Hotel Forster for a big pool, the Forster Motor Inn for well-located convenience and the Dorsal Boutique Hotel for charm.
Inland via Taree
The quicker inland route going past Taree is, alas, less exciting. That said, you can enjoy Aboriginal heritage and walking trails at Bulahdelah Mountain in Bulahdelah. Or maybe look for wildlife at the O’Sullivans Gap Picnic Area in Myall Lakes National Park.
The highway route then offers wine-tasting at Great Lakes Paddocks, cafés in Coolongolook and the National Motorcycle Museum in Nabiac.
Turn off for regional hub Taree along Manning River Drive, skirting the edge of mountain bike trail-laced Khappinghat National Park. Highlights here include the walking trail along the Dawson River and scenic flights from Taree Airport.
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: Port Macquarie.