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

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

Sydney to Byron Bay road trip: Stay in Port Macquarie?

The leg from Taree to Port Macquarie brings the Cattai Wetlands near Coopernook, although veering coastward again for Crowdy Bay National Park is more rewarding. The Diamond Head campground is a famoussly good place for seeing kangaroos.

Meanwhile, near the Pacific Highway, you can see the enormous Bird Tree in Middle Brother National Park, drive past Queens Lake and maybe pay a visit to Lake Cathie a visit.

Port Macquarie is an obvious overnight stop. Turn east at the junction with the Oxley Highway to go into the city.

Things to do in Port Macquarie include the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, riding camels on Lighthouse Beach and taking scenic helicopter flights.

Port Macquarie accommodation picks

The best Port Macquarie accommodation options are…

koala at Billabong Zoo in Sancrox near Port Macquarie
A koala at Billabong Zoo in Sancrox near Port Macquarie. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Click through for the next section: Port Macquarie to Nambucca Heads.