Sydney to Grafton road trip: Distance, time & best stops

Sydney to Grafton road trip: Newcastle to Seal Rocks and Forster

If ignoring Newcastle and Port Stephens, stick to the Pacific Highway as it goes past the Hunter Wetlands National Park and Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.

The Newcastle to Taree leg of the Sydney to Grafton road trip heads through Raymond Terrace, Wallaroo National Park and Karuah National Park.

You may wish to dip towards the coast, however.  Jimmys Beach or Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest are gorgeous. Then you can aim towards Seal Rocks and Myall Lake.

The Pacific Palms area is just to the north, with Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach and Elizabeth Beach the highlights.

The coastal route then stays whips east of Wallis Lake, passing through Booti Booti National Park towards Forster and Tuncurry.

Here, choose One Mile Beach or nine mile-long Tuncurry Beach for surfing, or Burgess Beach for the photogenic fairy pools.

There are many impressive accommodation options in Forster. Pick the Hotel Forster for a big pool, the Forster Motor Inn for convenient location and the Dorsal Boutique Hotel for charm.

Inland attractions between Newcastle and Taree

The inland route is quicker but less enticing. You can stop for walking trails and Aboriginal heritage and walking trails at Bulahdelah Mountain or native wildlife at the O’Sullivans Gap Picnic Area in Myall Lakes National Park.

Other potential journey-breakers are the Great Lakes Paddocks winery and the National Motorcycle Museum in Nabiac.

Turn off along Manning River drive for Taree, another feasible overnight stop.

Taree attractions include the walking trail along the Dawson River and scenic flights from Taree Airport.

Click through for the next section: Crowdy Bay National Park and Port Macquarie.