Sydney to Brisbane road trip: Distance, driving time & best stops

Driving from Sydney to Brisbane: Which way to Nambucca Heads?

From Port Macquarie, there’s yet again a choice between the coast and the highway.

The coast brings Limeburners Creek National Park, Goolawah National Park and surfing paradise Crescent Head,

Stick to the ocean, and you’re then blessed with Hat Head National Park and holiday town South West Rocks. Highlights here include Horseshoe Bay Beach and the historic Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park.

Kempsey and Macksville

Stay with the Pacific Highway, though, and Billabong Zoo and Cassegrain Wines are the main attractions of interest before reaching Kempsey.

Here, the Slim Dusty Centre celebrates Australia’s most-loved country music star.

Kempsey accommodation choices include the Park Drive Motel by the river and the pool-blessed Motel Kempsey. It’s 106km from Kempsey to Coffs Harbour.

The Yarriabini Lookout, a short detour off the Pacific Highway, offers great views over the Macleay River Valley. But otherwise continue to Macksville, where you can spot birds at the Valley of the Mist wetland and get a heritage fix at the Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage.

The Mandarin Motel is your best choice for overnight accommodation in Macksville, although most will continue to Nambucca Heads where the highway meets the coast.

Things to do in Nambucca Heads include whale-watching at the Captain Cook Lookout and kayaking through the serene Gaagal Wanggaan National Park.

Nambucca Heads accommodation picks include the family-targeted Ingenia holiday park, the charming Riverview Boutique Motel and the pool-boasting Beach Rooms.

Click through for the next section: Coffs Coast.