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

Attractions between Sydney and Noosa: Port Stephens

Newcastle is not the only place you need to make a detour decision on, as the dolphins and sand dunes of Port Stephens come along shortly afterwards.

If branching off, head initially towards Williamtown, which brings fighter jets at Fighter World and a quad biking tour over the Worimi Sand Dunes.

The Oakvale Wildlife Park in Salt Ash is just to the east – tickets can be booked online. And there are a couple more wildlife attractions on the way into Nelson Bay. The Shark, Ray and All Creatures Rescue Centre has an emphasis on animal rehabilitation while Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters focuses on close-up experiences.

Just off the Nelson Bay Road, you can also ride camels on Birubi Beach near Anna Bay, go nude bathing at Samurai Beach and see koalas at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

Nelson Bay is the hub town of Port Stephens, however. Things to do here include dolphin-watching cruises, snorkelling with dolphins and tackling the Tomaree Head Summit Walk.

For Nelson Bay accommodation, try the golf course-focused Landmark Resort, the affordable Peninsula Motel and Serviced Apartments or the apartment-style Mantra Nelson Bay.

Click through for the next section: Forster or Taree?