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GETTING HERE
If you prefer to drive consider flying into Sydney and driving up the coast, or flying into Brisbane and driving down the coast. This would allow you to see the best address in Australia in around 7 days. Naturally, we think that an extended stay would be preferable because this trip doesn't allow you to see the diversity of the terrain or to experience magnificent stands of rainforests and exotic flora and fauna.
Sydney to Coffs Harbour
(Flying into Sydney and then flying out from Coffs Harbour). or vice versa.
With the Pacific Highway upgrade many sections of winding roads have been replaced with double lane carriageways. Whilst this has for the most part sped up the trip between Sydney and the North Coast, you will miss out on lots of experiences if you don't take the time to get off the highway and discover the hidden treasures of the North Coast!
The Pacific Highway is the main route between Queensland and Sydney so we have also included a Guide to sharing the Highway with trucks.
Day 1:
Take the freeway north out of Sydney to Newcastle, following the signs to the North Coast. A good place to take a reviver stop is Heatherbrae Pies at Raymond Terrace just north of Newcastle. Back on the highway, continue north and turn off to the Great Lakes region to discover one of the most extensive lake systems in Australia.
Day 2:
Just a short drive will find you at Taree and the Manning Valley. This region has a number of inlets and inland waterways. By nightfall you can easily reach the village of John's River.
Day 3:
Port Macquarie and the Hastings Valley. This vibrant seaside city with expansive ocean views is littered with restaurants on the waterfront lending a cosmopolitan feel. Brunch any day at the sun drenched sidewalk cafes are the perfect way to relax.
Day 4:
South West Rocks & Hat Head attractions include Trial Bay Gaol, an Aquarium, fishing charter boats, the Arakoon State National Park, and Hat Head National Park. Lunch or afternoon tea in the village of Gladstone beside the river, be tempted by local artisans work.
Day 5:
Back on the road north a must visit is in the tiny town of Frederickton where Freddos Famous Pies will tempt you with a huge range - anything from crocodile to emu and the most delicous icecreams, before arriving at Macksville and Nambucca heads. Macksville is the administrative centre of the Nambucca Valley. From here it's a short drive to the famous "Pub with no Beer" at Taylors Arm, or to Nambucca Heads.
Day 6:
Bellingen and Dorrigo really require more than a day to explore. Bellingen is a half an hour drive north west of Nambucca Heads. It's location enables you to take a quick trip up to the Dorrigo Plateau and enjoy the famous Dorrigo Rainforest. Day 7: Coffs Harbour
This sub-tropical city offers a wide range of entertainment, from wildwater rafting to a quiet laze on the beach; from a game of golf on an international standard course to a leisurely stroll through the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. You can fly out from here to Sydney or Brisbane.
Coffs Coast is serviced by both Qantas and Virgin Blue. There are around 50 buses a day and at least 3 trains a day.
To get around while you're here you can take a bus, hire a car, cycle or walk.
Take care and we're sure you will have the time of your life!
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