Sydney to Gold Coast road trip: Stops, distance & driving time

A detour to Forster

However, this suggested itinerary ignores that most of the highlights between Sydney and Port Macquarie are along the coast. If you have the time, you will be richly rewarded for making the relatively short detour towards the ocean.

The likes of Myall Lake and Seal Rocks are delightful. The same applies to Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach the Booti Booti National Park and Forster–Tuncurry.

Things to do in Forster include watching dolphins from Bennetts Head, whale-watching tours with Amaroo Cruises and the coastal walking track that links One Mile Beach and Burgess Beach.

Forster accommodation options include the family-friendly Forster Holiday Village, the Lakes and Ocean Hotel, which has a decent restaurant, and the Hotel Forster, which offers a big pool.

Click through to the next section: Stop in Taree?