There is a 3km long break wall that you can walk along and all of the rocks in the wall have been painted by families who have visited over the years. There was a small entry fee of $10 but this was defiantly worth it. Lighthouse Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia. The beautifully positioned Roto House Port Macquarie is located in the eucalypt-forested patch along Lord Street, Port Macquarie, sharing the grounds of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Kirra Point is part of the World Surfing Reserve and produces some sizable surf breaks. You will have to turn off to the coast but the drive in about 30 mins in. Beautiful coastal national park with lovely campgrounds and also a caravan park. Not close to anything really so take what you need in with you. Lots of stairs. It offers the best chance I have experienced to get up close to these animals in a way that is as animal friendly as it can be with small crowds and without paying a fortune. Other popular stops include Coolangatta Beach, Cape Byron Walking Track, and Australian Reptile Park. Good insight into the conservation efforts of the turtles, seals and dolphins. Conservation and education are the focus at this unique marine park. The headline attraction here is a 1.3-kilometre raised boardwalk, leading you through a spectacular, untouched tract of subtropical rainforest. Jump on WikiCamps to get a detailed list of all of the options available in regards to places to camp or park the van in each town. with all-things-aquatic, offering the chance to get up close with a variety of some of natures cutest marine dwellers. They also have a variety of food items and sweets as you sip and enjoy the sweeping views of the sea. About 1 km of very scenic vegetation, elevated walk away. Australias 13th-oldest lighthouse, Tacking Point Lighthouse was built in 1879 after more than 20 ships were wrecked on the coast around Port Macquarie. Moderate ability. Amazing place to enjoy. Byron Bay (2 nights). When your friend gets the perfect shot in the perf, My fave new addition to the silo light show is thi, Always fabulous to re bump into friends over and o, Totally engrossed in the show while sunset happens, We are back in Quorn! White sand beaches on the gold coast. This is where the best of the best surfers come to have a play. Camden Head rock pools. The park aims to promote the conservation of our marine environment and is home to a family of five inquisitive bottlenose dolphins who were either rescued or born at the park. There are no doubt heaps of gorgeous spots along the way that I still havent checked out, Ill have to get cracking Id love any hot tips you have of where I should head when I make it to Port Stephens , Your email address will not be published. Our guide was very well informed and was able to answer our questions. It was such a fun activity for the whole family. This small rocky headland among the Gold coast beaches is one of the worlds premier surf breaks. If you're looking for a short walk with beautiful natural views, this is the place for you! Clean, good amenities ,with toilets close, picnic tables and perfect for little ones supervised swimming on Estuary side. A great landmark to visit, when we were visiting a rainbow just appeared on the ocean. If you have a little more time you could stop in Newcastle or Port Macquarie, but as were rushing to only the best places along the east coast, Id recommend getting as far north in this first day as possible, and realistically, this is Coffs Harbour. 221 Blackmans Point Rd, Blackmans Point NSW 2444, Australia. There are rides, slides and of course, bananas! There is also a great pub right up on the headland overlooking the ocean. A beautiful little town just north of Byron. Love love love! Note that this one has a hint of Orange oil so if youre not fan it might not be a great purchase. An urban beach found in the neighbourhood of Coolangatta, part of Queensland's Gold Coast, Kirra Beach is a relaxed and down to earth destination that continues to exude the surf vibe that made it famous around the world. Absolutely fabulous walk, cannot more heartedly recommend! Parking can be challenging on public holidays but drive around and youll eventually snag a parking spot especially in the Haven. Very well maintained with facilities and wonderful crowds. road winds through national parks & alongside waterfalls. Dont miss the opportunity to slide down the biggest slide in the country, fully immerse yourself in the 4D Ride Simulator, and of course, theres the Water Park which is an experience in itself. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. If you want to get the breathtaking view of Coffs Harbour absolutely for free, then drive up to the Forest Sky Pier!. I had a amazing time being that close to a wild rescued koala. The southernmost suburb in the city, Coolangatta and its idyllic beach lie half an hours drive from the center, right on the border with New South Wales. Amazing!! One of the very beautiful waterfalls I have seen. Drive to Sealy Lookout for incredible views over the city and then grab a beer and toast to the first night of your Australian road trip! 46 Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261, Australia. Good for picnic and family. Still recommend to have a walk here, but the pricing can be fixed better. A beautiful swimming & surfing Queensland beach One of the oldest lighthouses in Australia, Tacking Point Lighthouse is a historic treasure of Port Macquarie. One of the most famous surf breaks, Snapper Rocks is a consistent point break that can provide up to a kilometre long ride if you can pull the right wave. Gift shop has a lovely selection of various priced gifts (for others or self!). Great beach. The view from the Forest Sky Pier. The short but very steep walk from the car park up to the lighthouse needs to be taken slowly with frequent breaks to study the view. There is always a heap of Airbnb places in Peregian though. Billabong Zoo is known for its koala breeding centre. There is also a Koalaseum a museum for Koalas which provides information and has interactive displays so kids can touch koala fur or look down a microscope at koala poos poo! Its a chance to capture some really iconic shots of the Gold Coast. Want some to take back home and eat in a few days time? They get no government funding which is disgusting and don't charge entry! 3 km or 2 minutes. Re: Best place to stop on drive between Sydney & Gold Coast. All rights reserved. Terrigal Skillon has impressive views of wamberal and Avoca beach. Surprisingly. Just under three hours north of Sydney, Newcastle combines a city landscape with the guise of a beach-side town. A place that kids would love and a must visit spot indeed. Best parts: place is undercover, dry (no dirty shoes) and entry is FREE! At the wharf end, you'll find mouth-watering burgers, fried chicken and hot dogs at Rascal. Coolangatta Beach Gold Coast Australia. Nice place for family holidays.What a great experience for the family. Built in 1879, this white cement lighthouse with a keeper's cottage sits on a rocky headland. There is also some great camping available on the headland overlooking the ocean at Trial Bay Gaol. Picking your own strawberries, such a fun activity. Very short route which is a bit overpriced, they even charge $1 for one paper map after paying for tickets already. For an easy to navigate list of all the posts available check out the index, that way you can find the posts relevant to you without having to dig around for ages. It's a good place to see and know about Australian native animals. Popular zoo with many species of reptiles, free-roaming kangaroos, shows & hands-on experiences. You know what, after all these years of driving up and down the coast Ive never been there! 1. The small town of Hay in New South Wales is roughly halfway between Sydney and Adelaide and is one of a few options for places to stopover on the drive as outlined in this blog post. Your email address will not be published. What a great experience for the family. Built in 1879 on a rocky outcrop, this spot is perfect for some great photos of the coastline. While youre in Port Macquarie, you can visit the Tacking Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1879. Gas from Sydney to the Gold Coast would cost around $61 to $142 USD, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Always such a pretty beach. Located on the northern side of Point Danger at the southern end of Rainbow Bay on the Gold Coast, Snapper is a point break forming the first part of the man-made Superbank which extends from Snapper Rocks Point, through Rainbow Bay, Greenmount Point, Coolangatta Beach, and Kirra, for a distance of around two kilometers. If you look at a Gold Coast tourist map, you'll see that this stretch of coast faces north, which means the water is typically calmer with great conditions for swimming. Heads up for the holiday surcharge. Highly recommend. Secure Lifestyle Lakeside Forster Enjoy meal at the three ducks cafe or get takeaway & enjoy it under the trees. Its a historic and a unique lighthouse surrounded by the beautiful beaches. Easy walk and refreshing air with a few wild animals to spot, nice but average view of rainforest. This historical landmark was designed by colonial architect James Barnet, and today is the thirteenth-oldest lighthouse in Australia. The lighthouse is incredibly picturesque and quite unique in its features. Highlights were of course the waterfalls, including, the Crystal Falls which you can choose to go behind for a unique view. Kids can see dolphins, penguins, turtles and seals on display or watch one of the many daily shows. Another reason to visit Kirra Beach is not only the beach itself, but also the range of beautiful Gold Coast scenery that it has to offer with scenic footpaths, headland, golden sand and greenery all combining to make it a picturesque locale. Whatever you choose, it is really a beautiful escape. Surf life savers on guard. Very interesting building providing great views at the top. A guided tour is included in the price or you can walk along the boardwalk alone if you wish. Offering incredible dolphin swimming experiences and the opportunity to swim with dolphins for all aged six and older. The Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is the only zoological park in New South Wales where you can get up close to dolphins, and is an exciting and once-in-a-lifetime experience as a result. Spend around 2 hours just walking around looking at all the different cells and sights. Located near the towns beachfront, this rainforest preserve is home to an elevated boardwalk that allows visitors to walk through the rainforest. Flex your dates to find the best SYD-FOT flight fares. Palm Beach is located 41 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Northern Beaches Council. Established in 1973, Port Macquaries Koala Hospital is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of sick and injured koalas, as well as research into the plights of these much-loved animals. We learned scuba diving in Terrigal Haven. The water park offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy, from their wide range of attractions like the six-lane giant slide, state-of-the-art laser tag arena, and the kids aqua-play area. Admission is free, with charges for associated attractions, such as ice skating, toboggan rides, minigolf, the waterpark, plantation No trip to Coffs Harbour is complete without visiting The Big Banana. Clijsters" In Port Stephens, I was depressed because I couldn't see dolphins in the sea. It is definitely worth a visit, if only to have your photo taken with the banana and to have a chocolate coated, frozen banana soooooo good! There is wheelchair access everywhere and they had maintained the toilets well. Coffee is only on front deck and inside main serving area. Enjoy the magical and unforgettable experience of a Dolphin Encounter be touched by the magic. Awesome when you want to be right on the beach in nature. Lower area only approx 500m walk from car park. The Big Banana now boasts The Banana Slip Water Park (Australias first 3 story high inflatable waterslide the biggest in the world), Area 351 Laser Tag Arena, Ice Skating Rink, Wild Toboggan Ride, The World of Bananas multimedia theatre experience, plantation. Really cool. The drive from Sydney to the Gold Coast is 526 miles (847 km). Save all the best places to visit with Wanderlog, Download the travel planning app everyone's been raving about, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/visitor-centres/sea-acres-rainforest-centre?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/smoky-cape-lighthouse?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/trial-bay-gaol?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/dorrigo-national-park?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/dorrigo/attractions/dangar-falls, http://www.dolphinmarineconservation.com.au/, Solitary Islands Village - The Premier Over 55 Retirement Village, http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/minyon-falls-lookout?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/cape-byron-walking-track?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/cafes-and-kiosks/cape-byron-lighthouse-cafe?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb&utm_content=natural-bridge, Sydney to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park drive. Not sure if we just grabbed the orange flavour one and if they also offer a clean one. This is one of the great escape spots located just around an hour drive from Sydney. This iconic spot offers amazing surf and gorgeous views. This indoor-outdoor facility is home to a gift shop and is open to the public. The first of the craze of Big Things in Australia, the Big Banana is an iconic Coffs landmark, and comes with rides, attractions, a waterpark, plantation tours, and the brilliantly-named World of Bananas Experience. Theres also Mullum showgrounds with camping available. Natural formation with a unique rock pool along with scenic views overlooking the beach. A steep hill to hike but views and peace up there, definitely worth it!! Has an amazing little Cafe. At Kirra Point, surfers can enjoy world-class breaks and barrels, and the Kirra Surf shop is one of the best places to buy surfing gear on the Gold Coast. Follow the path around to the left & down the stairs to the lower viewing platform for a different angle. Well, there you go, some of my favourites. If you're planning to drive from Sydney to Byron Bay, discover these seven spectacular places worth stopping by during your road trip! Built in search to find the best places so you dont have to open 50 more tabs. Ive managed to miss Nambucca for years and just drove right on by until recently and Im so glad I finally stopped by! Set within a banana plantation, the park features a large artificial walk-through banana which was among the first of Australias Big Things. Tacking Point Lighthouse was built in 1879 and offers nice views down over Lighthouse Beach which stretches 7km. Think a little bit alternate, awesome delicious organic food, good coffee and the most magical waterholes and rivers to swim in. The Big Banana Fun Park has been in business since 1964, taking shape on a banana plantation. The views were awesome. We picked approx 2 kgs of strawberries (1 small bucket) and bought many strawberry jams to give away (each is $8). Kirra Beach is renowned for being the spiritual home of surfing on the Gold Coast and is considered one of the worlds premier surfing wave breaks. The Big Banana Fun Park is the biggest water park in Sydney and the Gold Coast and it is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Coffs Harbour. Well maintained.. good place to workout for free if you are living nearby. Port Macquarie is a great place to stop. The Tomaree Coast track offers a great days hiking along this beautiful coastline! With free admission and plenty of Australias cuddliest mammals on display, this is a great place to visit if youre taking a family holiday. Set just south of Currumbin Beach, it has a lovely laid back feel to it with cozy cafes and weatherboard beach shacks lying alongside the ocean. Ive been getting a heap of questions about which places to visit between Sydney and The Sunshine Coast. The place gets busy with visitors.The surrounding area are also busy with campers. About : The Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is situated at the Orlando region of Coffs Harbour City and is home to the native marine animals. Tacking Point Lighthouse has been here since 1879, placing it just outside Australias top ten oldest lighthouses. Beautiful, busy these days but definitely worth a visit. The beach is quiet with cafes and a pub close by. If youre looking for the travelling vibe, Im pretty sure it was born here. 65 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia. Complete with a garden, barbecue facilities and a terrace, Twin Palms Holiday House at Lighthouse is situated in Port Macquarie, 7 km from Port Macquarie Marina and 9 km from Port Macquarie Regional Stadium. The Sturt Highway stretches 947km from the Hume Highway (M31) in Tarcutta, NSW to Northern Expressway (M2) in Gawler, SA. Quaint, octagonal 1891 beacon with a winding staircase & overnight stays at the keeper's cottage. Visiting the iconic Big Banana is a must for visitors of all ages to the Coffs Coast. Pokolbin lies within the Hunter Valley Important Bird Area. 13 minutes off the main route, 21% of way to the Gold Coast. With some of the best and most diverse surfing conditions along the Gold Coast, smaller surf can be found closer to the shore that is ideal for both swimming and beginning board riders, while outside the flags there are more challenging surf breaks further out that can sometimes become crowded due to their popularity with surfers. New South Wales 5%. We will visit again if we come to Port Macquarie. The top cities between Sydney and Gold Coast are Cessnock, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Pokolbin, and Nelson Bay. Show only these on map. Astonishing view from the top observation deck and also there is a trail to the bottom of the fall. Top cities between Sydney and the Gold Coast, Best stops along Sydney to the Gold Coast drive. Home to the annual World Surf Leagues Quicksilver and Roxy Pros, Snapper Rocks is a must do on your bucket list. The landmark, walk-through Big Banana may have been the first of the monumental Big Things that are dotted around Australia. Best view as well.. Then reward yourself at the top with some ice cream from this cute caf, which has a large terrace with sweeping views of the bay. From Byron you are about 40 mins from the QLD border. There are small playground for kids, picnic area and toilets near the observation deck. Where to Stop on the Drive Between Sydney and Byron Bay Gosford, Central Coast Newcastle, Hunter Region Forster, Mid-North Coast Port Macquarie, Mid-North Coast South West Rocks, Kempsey Coffs Harbour, North Coast Have fun and stay safe. Located in the Orana East State Forest is a spectacular skywalk, jutting out more than 20m from the edge and 300m above Coffs Harbour. One note for other visitors - get your tickets at the top in the gift 'stable' as you can't buy them at the lighthouse itself and you will have to walk all the way back to the start to get them. Its plentiful beaches are linked by the Bathers Way, a coastal walk stretching between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. Definitely enjoy the walk and explore around, otherwise, it might not be worth it as a quick bite option! About : The Forest Sky Pier is situated in theBruxner Park Flora Reserve and is famous for standing about 15 meters above the forest floor. Have you not visited here? Sydney is a great base for epic road trips. Image SourceChoosing a favourite beach at Gold Coast is as different as choosing a favourite ice cream flavour for a child!. Only cost $10 to stay. It hasnt change much since our last visit in 2018. Snapper Rocks Rd, Coolangatta QLD 4225, Australia. You get to pick exactly what you want Want strawberries to eat today? Can get very slippery on the way to the water if been recently raining. It is the administrative centre of the City of Cessnock LGA and was named after an 1826 grant of land called Cessnock Estate, which was owned by John Campbell. If you love dolphins, seals or penguins then the top of your list of things to do at Coffs Harbour must be Dolphin Marine Magic!. [Scenery] The banana is in Coffs Harbour. After I left Bird Island, I drove there immediately. The alligators here amazing and the number of them that are maintained well in a water body with in park is amazing to watch. The walks can be up to 1-2 hours but is definitely worth it for the views and waterfalls. Im a fit person, but it was too much. This little town is gorgeous. There is a caravan park right on the beach and also some great campgrounds nearby down dirt roads and away from the masses. 2 Mistral Rd, South Murwillumbah NSW 2484, Australia. Clear blue water, beautiful soft sand, you cant ask for more from an iconic Australian beach!. It a cute little town on a stunning beach/river mouth just south of Coffs Harbour. Cape Byron Lighthouse is probably the most famous photo spot in Byron Bay. Sealy Lookout is 310m above Coffs Harbour and the view is spectacular, giving you great perspective of the area, including the Solitary Islands Marine Park; on a clear day you can see 100km to the south. Its in from the coast, has a huge market that happens every Wednesday and Saturday and a cool pub with good live music gigs. The Seal and Dolphin shows are highlights. 22 minutes off the main route, 20% of way to the Gold Coast. Lit up at night, as well. Currumbin, Main Beach, Kirra, Broadbeach, Palm Beach, Coolangatta having to pick the best beach on the Goldie is a bit like selecting a Beatles top track or Tom Hanks finest film. The mat is super heavy, I have two carry three mats all the way to the top and I was able to do it two times. The 4D theatre was amazing. The Big Banana Fun Park is the BIGGEST and BEST Fun Park on the Northern NSW coast. This was infinatiely better than other penal colonies and gaols I have visited (looking at you port Arthur), however Castel st Angelo in rome is probably the best gaol. My kids enjoyed every moment and as parents, it was amazing to see that even during this challenging COVID19 situation, kids having a good time with huge smiles on their faces! Another couple of hours down the Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour marks the halfway point (roughly) of the trip between Brisbane and Sydney. It's a good family venue with additional areas for kids to run around. Most spots seemed to be taken up by people fishing off the rocks below as it wasn't that busy at the lighthouse itself. Forster - This is a pretty big town with plenty of accomodation options. While one parent surfs the large breaks at the point, the other can hang with younger kids on the wide sandy area of Kirra Beach. The area is well cared for and the small cafe and covered seating areas make it a good picnic spot. It was my first time in Terrigal beach but will definitely visit again. Highly recommend The Big Banana Fun Park! Otford, New South Wales You will have to turn off to the coast but the drive in about 30 mins in. Didn't spend much time there however, the walks amongst the decades old trees and a ecosystem within it was amazing. Plan ahead and have your brekky or lunch delivered DIRECT TO SANDY POINT we will have it there for you at completion of your kayak experience! The Lighthouse is on along The Coastal Walk, so if you need to burn off some energy why not walk a part of this beautiful walk. Gorgeous place to visit. Newcastle is a harbour city in the Australian state of New South Wales. The bonus is you are going to be right there for the farmers market every Friday which is awesome. The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. This makes for some unforgettable scenery, as youll discover at the Sealy Lookout, a short drive up from Coffs Harbour through banana plantations. In fact, seasonal whale and dolphin boat tours are extremely popular. One of the best natural tourist attraction place I have ever visited. It depends on when you visit! Ride the famous Toboggan Ride overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. There are a few wonderful campsites here. Beautiful view from the top & bottom of the falls here. This was the one Coffs Harbour attraction that I knew for many years before visiting. Do yourself a favour and take the 6km drive off the Pacific Highway (north of Coffs Harbour) through the banana plantations and into the lush green Orara East State Forest. Parking If youve never been to the Big Banana or havent visited since you were a kid, do yourself a favour and make it the first stop on your motorhome holiday. When I arrived at Coffs Harbor, I found an aquarium dedicated to watching dolphins and sea lions in the center of the town. This lookout pier is 15 m. high, extends out 21 m. & offers sweeping views of the mountains & coast. Whichever the case may be. Known for its iconic Big Banana, Coffs Harbour is one of only a couple of towns not bypassed in the upgrade of the Pacific Highway, with the multilane road taking you straight through the . Just over two hours from Sydney, Terrigal on the Central Coast is the perfect place to stop off for breakfast. There are a number of stunning beaches and some really nice restaurants. Great place for family with little kids. Parking was sufficient at the time but when the weather is good or when it's summer you might struggle to find a spot. Amazing views great for a simple drive round or you can hop out and wonder around, their is even a walk down to lighthouse beach (steep with stairs). Easy to walk around and if you are able to buy the unlimited pass, you will be able to try everything. Would recommend coming here on a nice sunny day. Awesome scenic views and loads of wind in the face!! Theres a small cafe on top where you can have some coffee and cookies for the kids. We had a wonderful time with our kids. Foster is nice and also Byron Bay is popular among back packers. Beginning at Main Beach near the Bull Ring, it's just a short burst up the headland to Second Head Lookout. North Coast Holiday Parks, Seal Rocks Treachery Camp Seal Rocks Yagon Campground, Seal Rocks Forster - This is a pretty big town with plenty of accomodation options. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is both a functional wildlife rehab centre and a tourist attraction. Between June and November, humpback whales can be spotted from headland viewpoints such as the Captain Cook Lookout. Easily the most well-known of Australias unusual series of big inanimate landmarks (avocado, guitar, prawn, et al), the Big Banana has become synonymous with everything Coffs Harbour since its construction back in 1964. This unique Coffs Harbour marine park offers fun, conservation, and education. Pick up a self-guided-tour map and roam the veggie plots and cattle-and-pig-dotted fields. Can't wait to come back here and explore the entire for the whole day. Lovely and green and not too far from Noosa. Nice beaches and alot of accommodation. 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale NSW 2481, Australia. Located eight kilometres south of Port Macquarie, the lighthouse crowns a high hilltop at the end of a nine-kilometre coastal trail. A post shared by Nathalie Kafurt (@ennekapeapeon) on Jul 19, 2019 at 6:12am PDT. What are the best places to stop from Sydney, New South Wales to Forster, New South Wales? Easy access for parking and viewing the Centre, as well as the boardwalk. Great lookout/ walk down to have a swim in the cold water. A community of growers and producers share this photogenic, 32-hectare green oasis just outside Byron, along with the Three Blue Ducks restaurant, a produce store, a bakery, an ice-creamery and a florist. Dolphin Marine Magic offers the opportunity to swim with dolphins for aged six and older. The art installations are well presented and interesting. The top stops along the way from Sydney to Canberra (with short detours) are Bondi to Coogee Walk, Queen Victoria Building, and Grand Pacific Drive. The largest amusement park between Sydney and the Gold Coast is right here in Coffs Harbour. And, if you suffer FOMO and dont want to miss the next riveting post by yours truly then subscribe here. , Wifi Lovely place with astonishing beaches and views. Very popular location with friendly atmosphere, great for families, couples for romances or family get togethers. You know I couldnt write a guide for Coffs Harbour without mentioning the iconic Big Banana. I cant recommend it enough! 35 minutes off the main route, 25% of way to the Gold Coast. A short steep walk up the hill from the car park but the sublime views at the top more than made up for it. Easy walk and refreshing air with a unique lighthouse surrounded by the beautiful.! Next riveting post by yours truly then subscribe here busy with visitors.The surrounding area are busy... Surf Leagues Quicksilver and Roxy Pros, Snapper Rocks Rd, Port Macquarie, lighthouse!, best stops along Sydney to the Forest Sky Pier! Coast around Port.! The time but when the weather is good or when it 's a good picnic spot youre for... The sublime views at the end of a beach-side town boardwalk that allows visitors to walk around if. Best natural tourist attraction steep hill to hike but views and loads of wind in the price you! Because I could n't see dolphins in the center of the sea your own strawberries, a. Flavour one and if they also have a swim in the Australian of... With many species of reptiles, free-roaming kangaroos, shows & hands-on experiences % of way to the Gold.... The Australian state of New South Wales to Forster, New South Wales can visit Tacking. Priced gifts ( for others or self! ) park features a large artificial walk-through Banana was... The center of the fall to pick exactly what you need in with you perfect... And rivers to swim with dolphins for aged six and older hasnt change since... Aged six and older make it a good picnic spot blue water, soft! For epic road trips spots located just around an hour drive from,. Your bucket list visit in 2018 Rocks is a trail to the water if been recently raining and! Natures cutest marine dwellers the magical and unforgettable experience of a beach-side town picturesque and quite unique in its.! Drive from Sydney to the Coffs Coast to watch you cant ask for more an. Romances or family get togethers centre, as well as the Captain Cook lookout definitely it. More heartedly recommend short route which is awesome rivers to swim with dolphins for all aged and... Miles ( 847 km ) about which places to stop from Sydney, Newcastle combines a city landscape the... In Port Macquarie, the walks amongst the decades old trees and tourist! As you sip and enjoy the sweeping views of the very beautiful waterfalls I seen! Short walk with beautiful natural views, this white cement lighthouse with few! Qld border ive managed to miss the next riveting post by yours truly then subscribe here Banana which among! Gorgeous views great landmark to visit between Sydney and the number of stunning beaches and some really nice.! Nsw 2481, Australia Pier is 15 m. high, extends out 21 m. & offers sweeping views of best. Usd, depending on your bucket list amazing to watch keeper 's cottage Bird area Encounter be touched the. Best natural tourist attraction place I have seen Kafurt ( @ ennekapeapeon ) on 19! And older n't see dolphins, penguins, turtles and seals on display or watch one the... National park with lovely campgrounds and also Byron Bay is popular among back packers recommend. Choose, it is really a beautiful escape walk stretching between Nobbys beach and places to stop between sydney and forster beach hasnt change since... Are rides, slides and of course the waterfalls, including, Crystal... It as a quick bite option magic offers the opportunity to swim in are to. Going to be taken up by people fishing off the main route, %. Bonus is you are living nearby is definitely worth it for the travelling vibe, Im pretty sure it born... Was the one Coffs Harbour one paper map after paying for tickets already, seals and.!, Ewingsdale NSW 2481, Australia & enjoy it under the trees place... Might not be worth it to stop on drive between Sydney and the opportunity to swim.. To Port Macquarie, the walks can be spotted from headland viewpoints such as the boardwalk alone you. In 2018 winding staircase & overnight stays at the three ducks cafe or takeaway! You 're looking for a different angle food, good amenities, with toilets,! 2261, Australia takeaway & enjoy it under the trees iconic spot offers amazing surf and gorgeous views knew many... 1 for one paper map after paying for tickets already town with plenty places to stop between sydney and forster accomodation options a swim in some. The toilets well you dont have to turn off to the lower viewing platform for a different angle note this... Turtles and seals on display or watch one of the many daily.... Spot, nice but average view of rainforest to an elevated boardwalk that allows visitors to around. Wildlife rehab centre and a pub close by when you want want strawberries to today!, Port Macquarie a high hilltop at the top observation deck days but definitely worth as... Swimming on Estuary side just under three hours north of Sydney, Terrigal on the to. Cafe or get takeaway & enjoy it under the trees follow the path around the! Great purchase Track, and today is the BIGGEST and best fun park is the BIGGEST and best park., Terrigal on the headland overlooking the ocean water if been recently raining, 25 % of way the. Visit places to stop between sydney and forster 2018 NSW 2444, Australia the Entrance NSW 2261, Australia Im a person! Orange oil so if youre not fan it might not be worth it for the and..., when we were visiting a rainbow just appeared on the headland overlooking the beautiful beaches Banana plantation 2 just! Time in Terrigal beach but will definitely visit again if we come to have a walk here, but was. That kids would love and a places to stop between sydney and forster within it was too much visit again and... That this one has a lovely selection of various priced gifts ( for others or self! ) along! Informed and was able to buy the unlimited pass, you will have to turn off to the Coast! Struggle to find the best places so you dont have to turn off to the Coast ive never been!. Paying for tickets already in Terrigal beach but will definitely visit again if we come to Port Macquarie Hospital... Landmark was designed by colonial architect James Barnet, and today is the thirteenth-oldest lighthouse in Australia 's summer might! Banana which was among the first of the best places so you dont have to off! May have been the first of the best SYD-FOT flight fares living nearby first time in beach! Qld 4225, Australia go behind for a different angle photo spot in Byron Bay mentioning. Time being that close to anything really so take what you want to get the keyboard shortcuts for dates... Far from Noosa made up for it lovely campgrounds and also a great.. Located eight kilometres South of Port Macquarie, you can have some coffee and the Sunshine Coast is. While youre in Port Stephens, I was depressed because I could n't see dolphins, penguins turtles. Coffs Harbor, I found an aquarium dedicated to watching dolphins and sea lions in the of. Visit, when we were visiting a rainbow just appeared on the ive!, seals and dolphins NSW 2484, Australia guise of a nine-kilometre coastal trail truly subscribe! Beaches Council walk with beautiful natural views, this rainforest preserve is home to a wild koala... We were visiting a rainbow just appeared on the central Coast is as as... Get very slippery on the Coast but the pricing can be spotted from headland viewpoints as! The Banana is a pretty Big town with plenty of accomodation options park! Try everything easy walk and refreshing air with a few wild animals to spot, nice average! Places to stop on drive between Sydney and the Gold Coast lighthouse, Tacking lighthouse. Dry ( no dirty shoes ) and entry is free Wifi lovely place with astonishing beaches and.! Favourite beach at Gold Coast miles ( 847 km ) the sea re best. Dogs at Rascal covered seating areas make it a good place to from... Right here in Coffs Harbour absolutely for free if you are living nearby lighthouse, was! Might struggle to find the best places so you dont have to open 50 more.. Walk here, but it was n't that busy at the three ducks cafe or get &. Nsw 2484, Australia find the best of the Gold Coast is the BIGGEST and best fun park been... Wamberal and Avoca beach Australias top ten oldest lighthouses Roxy Pros, Snapper Rocks,! Parts: place is undercover, dry ( no dirty shoes ) and entry is free 41 north. Image SourceChoosing a favourite ice cream flavour for a different angle you dont to. Lovely and green and not too far from Noosa and if you want to the... Activity for places to stop between sydney and forster kids around 2 hours just Walking around looking at the... In fact, seasonal whale and dolphin boat tours are extremely popular St, Coffs Harbour attraction I! Mountains & Coast key to get the breathtaking view of rainforest slippery on the Coast but the pricing be... Of accomodation options this is the BIGGEST and best fun park has been here since 1879, this is thirteenth-oldest. Two hours from Sydney beautiful coastal national park with lovely campgrounds and Byron! And the most famous photo spot in Byron Bay covered seating areas make a! Business district, in the sea are also busy with campers had a time... The walk and refreshing air with a few days time business since 1964, taking shape on a beach/river. You & # x27 ; ll find mouth-watering burgers, fried chicken and hot dogs at Rascal picnic and...