Taree to Port Macquarie: Distance, drive time & road trip stops

The Taree to Port Macquarie drive in New South Wales covers an 83km distance in about an hour. Attractions to add to a road trip itinerary include the Bird Tree, Queens Lake and Lake Cathie.

The Taree to Port Macquarie drive is a relatively short leg up the north coast of New South Wales, but there are a few attractions you might want to add to a road trip itinerary.

Taree to Port Macquarie distance and driving time

By car, the Taree to Port Macquarie drive covers an 83km distance. Expect a driving time of about one hour, almost entirely along the Pacific Highway.

If you stick to the highway, there’s not a massive amount to see. But you only need to veer off slightly to take in some rather charming spots.

Taree to Port Macquarie road trip: Crowdy Bay National Park

Leaving Taree, the Pacific Highway initially follows the Manning River before turning north. The Cattai Wetlands in Coopernook is one possible stop, although you’re better off turning east slightly further north and exploring the Crowdy Bay National Park.

The Diamond Head campground to the north of the park is a reliably good place for seeing kangaroos by the beach.

Taree to Port Macquarie drive: Middle Brother National Park

Stick to the highway rather than the coast and you’ll soon come to Middle Brother National Park. Head for the Bird Tree picnic area here, and a short stroll will take you to an enormous blackbutt tree.

It’s 69m high, with an 11m girth, and estimated to be at least 300 years old.

Stops between Taree and Port Macquarie: Lake Cathie

The Taree to Port Macquarie drive then goes past Queens Lake, and one excellent detour towards the coast aims for Lake Cathie. Not only is Lake Cathie Beach lovely, but you can also go wine tasting at the Long Point Vineyard on the way.

When the Pacific Highway meets the Oxley Highway, it’s time to turn off for Port Macquarie. Unless, of course, you want to visit Billabong Zoo, which is just after the junction.

Things to do in Port Macquarie once you arrive include the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, camel rides on Lighthouse Beach and scenic helicopter flights.