Sydney - Brisbane Coastal Adventure |
938 km
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| This itinerary takes you through the North Coast of New South Wales and on to the fabulous Gold Coast, one of Australia's leading holiday playgrounds.
The North Coast of New South Wales has paradise down pat, thanks to its golden beaches, sparkling waterways, National Parks and mouth-watering food and wine. From camel safaris to arts and crafts, seafood feasts to rainforest hikes, you'll find fun that's worth writing home about.
The Gold Coast, with 70 kilometres of sun-drenched beaches, World Heritage Listed rainforests, theme parks, shopping and nightlife, is the Coast with the Most. |
SYDNEY
"There's no place in the world like Sydney", a big, friendly city with so much to see and do. There are plenty of fun neighbourhoods to explore, great cafes and bars to discover, trendy galleries and shops to enjoy.
Sydney to UMINA - 85km
Leaving Sydney you start your northern coastal adventure in the NSW’s Central Coast Region. It’s a nice mix of rugged national parks, waterways and golden beaches.
The region begins at Broken Bay on the mouth of NSW’s beautiful Hawkesbury River and includes all the bays and inlets around the main hub of Gosford, the surf beaches of The Entrance, Avoca, Terrigal and the lush hinterland of Dooralong.
Around a an hour or so north of Sydney, Umina is on the shores of Broken Bay at the convergence of the major waterways of Pittwater, the Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Waters. Umina is also at the eastern edge of the Brisbane Waters National Park some 12,000ha of rugged sandstone country – noted for its wildflowers, Aboriginal rock carvings, birdwatching, fauna and bushwalking..
Umina to LAKE MACQUARIE - 64km
Lake Macquarie is an area blessed with stunning natural attractions. Long sandy stretches of coastline with crystal clear water and great surfing and swimming. Nearby attractions include the Hunter Valley Wineries.
Lake Macquarie to PORT STEPHENS - 112km
Port Stephens is an idyllic coastal Paradise where the emphasis is on pleasure. From the fabulous scenery typified by volcanic peaks along the coastline to crystal clear bays fringed by golden sand, Port Stephens offers the latest in modern comforts & a wealth of attractions to keep you occupied during your stay whether you're here for a day or a month.
Port Stephens to FORSTER-TUNCURRY - 166km
You are now entering the NSW North Coast Region a melting pot of magnificent lakes, mountain ranges, lush hinterland and sparkling beaches, all just waiting to be discovered.
The twin-town to Tuncurry, Forster is one of New South Wales' most beloved holiday spots. The twins are separated by a waterway famous for its easy fishing. Kids will love the abundance of activities designed especially for them, particularly the show rides that hit town each summer. Tuncurry rockpool is very popular and renowned for the huge succulent oysters, which are exported all over the world.
Forster-Tuncurry to MANNING POINT - 59km
The rewards of a visit to the Manning Valley are many. The region has four national parks, rare subtropical rainforests, and one of the largest drop waterfalls in the southern hemisphere. It is also home to 40km of coastline, providing a string of beautiful beaches and reputedly some of the best surfing on the New South Wales north coast.
Manning Point to HARRINGTON - 62km
Bordered by Crowdy Bay National Park and with beaches that are unequalled anywhere, great fishing, more 4WD tracks than you could imagine, and the Manning Valley offering spectacular views, why wouldn't you spend some time in Harrington.
Harrington to PORT MACQUARIE - 73km
If unusual modes of transport are your thing, take a camel ride along the beach near Port Macquarie and experience the landscape from a unique point of view. Port Macquarie is a town which was established in convict times and, as such, has a strong historical bent providing interesting buildings and relics for the history buff while it also plays host to great beaches for surfing and fishing, an excellent local museum and a selection of walking tracks. There's also a koala hospital in Port Macquarie, providing shelter and support for Australia's most beloved native animal.
Port Macquarie to SOUTH WEST ROCKS - 88km
South West Rocks is where the Macleay River's journey ends as it meets the sea. This beautiful area has clear aquamarine waters; tiny coves; a peaceful bay and is surrounded by lush green forest, fringed by light-coloured sands.
The area has eight beautiful beaches, numerous river tributaries and Arakoon State Recreation Area. Trail Bay Goal is a must-see. First occupied in 1886, it is built from pink granite quarried nearby. Enjoy fabulous views from Smokey Cape Lighthouse opened in 1891.
South West Rocks to NAMBUCCA HEADS - 61km
Nambucca Heads is a coastal holiday town with a perfect subtropical climate. Situated at the mouth of the Nambucca River, which runs into the Pacific Ocean, Nambucca Heads is renowned for its beautiful climate and stunning beaches. With the river and ocean both nearby you can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, or surfing, and with a permanent population of around just 7000, tourists are invited to share the beauty that is Nambucca Heads.
Nambucca Heads to COFFS HARBOUR - 50km
Most famous for the giant man-made banana at the northern end of town, Coffs Harbour is one of the largest regional cities in New South Wales. Sprawling for miles up and down the coast, the area's many beaches make for perfect holidaying territory with surfing, fishing and sand-side picnics and barbecues amongst the favourite pastimes of visitors and locals alike. The banana plantations that fill the hills around the area make the landscape richly green and unusual. The town centre is great for city-standard shopping and is home to many recreational clubs and nightspots.
Coffs Harbour to YAMBA - 137km
You now are entering the Northern Rivers Region of NSW. Uncrowded beaches, lush rainforests, picturesque surroundings and an idyllic climate have attracted a curious mix of hippies, surfers, rich urbanites, actors and artists to NSW’s Northern Rivers region.
Yamba is situated at the mouth of the Clarence River in northern New South Wales and is the biggest river on the east coast of Australia. Yamba has a relaxed lifestyle with access to all services and within easy reach of major regional centres and capital cities.
Yamba is surrounded by Yuraygir National Park, the Clarence River, Pacific Ocean and rural land. The Yaegl people are traditional custodians of the coastal areas around Yamba, Iluka and Maclean
Yamba to BALLINA REGION - 98km
Surrounded by glorious white beaches and lush hinterland is the coastal region of Ballina. Become fully immersed in the distinct surfing culture of this town and try your hand at surfing! You can watch dolphins swim with surfers, explore the magnificent Minyon Falls, or for the more adventurous at heart, try kayaking, snorkelling, diving or hot-air ballooning. Visit the Thursday Plantation, Australia’s first tea-tree plantation, and be sure not to miss Bangalow Market Day, held on the fourth Saturday of every month, where you will be certain to find that bargain you were looking for.
Ballina Region to HASTINGS POINT - 71km
Here you can explore the many beaches, headlands and attractions of the nearby coastal towns. This is the “Tweed area” the most bio-diverse region in Australia, with five World Heritage listed national parks, over 37 kilometres of unspoilt beaches, wetlands, estuarine forests and a broad, magical river. Don’t miss Mt Warning the first place to see the sun in Australia.
Hastings Point to GOLD COAST - 50km
Welcome to Queensland and the fabulous Gold Coast. The Gold Coast has 70 kilometres of coast and 446 kilometres of canals and rivers. This is Australia’s largest expanse of calm water, and you can swim and surf safely all year at 35 patrolled beaches. There’s 3,500 shops, open seven days a week and 20 markets flourish on the beachfront and hinterland. The GC is also Australia’s theme park capital, with 21 themed attractions and heart-thumping rides at four major parks.. As the saying goes – it’s Very GC!
Gold Coast to BRISBANE - 71 km
Experience Brisbane - It's Happening!
Famous for its great weather, exciting events and cultural scene, Brisbane has a sophisticated, warm and friendly charm, which will more than surprise. As Queensland's vibrant capital city, Brisbane offers the very best in food, wine, arts, entertainment and major sporting events with relaxed sub-tropical flair.
Brisbane is the centre of a region rich in world-class beach, river, rainforest and mountain experiences.
With thanks to...
Tourism New South Wales and Tourism Queensland for their assistance in developing this itinerary.
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