House of travel Sydney & Melbourne Brochure 2017 | Page 19

The Legendary Pacific Coast
Heading north from Sydney along the Pacific Ocean
coastline to Coolangatta, this scenic drive takes you
through some of the most striking landscapes in
New South Wales. An almost continuous line of surf
beaches, National Parks and a hinterland of rolling
green hills and friendly towns.
© The Legendary Pacific Coast; Destination NSW
QUEENSLAND
5 days/4 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Day 1: Sydney – Port Stephens (213km)
Head to The Entrance, one of the prettiest towns on the Central Coast.
Travel through Newcastle on your way to Port Stephens, known for its
great dolphin and whale watching opportunities (seasonal).
Day 2: Nelson Bay – South West Rocks (319km)
Make your way to historic Port Macquarie and stop for a seaside lunch
break and walk along the breakwater. South West Rocks is just an hour
from here and is a sleepy coastal retreat at its barefoot best.
Lismore
Grafton
DORRIGO NATIONAL PARK
Day 5: Byron Bay – Coolangatta (68km)
Venture on one of the many bushwalks in the hinterland rainforest or
coastal trails. We recommend a visit to The Farm Byron Bay, where
you will gain first-hand knowledge of sustainable and ethical farming
practices. Enjoy a scrumptious meal at Three Blue Ducks restaurant
before leisurely making your way to Coolangatta.
Rental car: Hertz (Group C) from $65 per day
Our favourite places to stay:
•
The Nelson Resort, Nelson Bay
•
BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort, Coffs Harbour
•
The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa
Byron Bay
Coffs Harbour
Sout West Rocks
Port Macquarie
NEW SOUTH WALES
Day 3: South West Rocks – Coffs Harbour (106km)
Visit Dorrigo National Park before making your way back to the coast to
vibrant Coffs Harbour. The coast that sweeps north and south along the
Coffs Coast has amazing beaches to suit all tastes. Make sure to stop at
the ‘Big Banana’. Great fun for the family.
Day 4: Coffs Harbour – Byron Bay (241km)
Make your way to riverside Grafton, famous for its jacaranda trees, and
take a walk through the historic streets. Drive inland to Lismore, home
to more artists and buskers per capita than anywhere else in Australia.
Once you arrive in Byron Bay you can relax at the beach or if you’re
feeling energetic take a walk to the Byron Bay Lighthouse.
Coolangatta
Kingscliff
Byron Bay
Newcastle
Port Stephens/Nelson Bay
Sydney
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Port Stephens – Enjoy year-round water sports at Port Stephens’ Great
Lakes Marine Park including diving and snorkeling, surfing and sailing
– also home to an array of marine life including resident dolphins. The
Worimi Conservation Lands, a coastal desert wilderness, will amaze you
with the sheer size and beauty of the sand dunes.
Byron Bay – Renowned for beautiful golden beaches, surf culture and
a laid-back lifestyle that’s just a little bit hippy. Luxury resorts and fine
restaurants sit alongside yoga schools and market stalls offering treats like
locally grown organic coffee. Once you’ve experienced the spectacular
coastline, head into the hinterland where you’ll find more stunning
natural scenery including National Parks like Mt Warning and Mooball.
Kingscliff – One of The Tweed’s best kept secrets. Kingscliff offers
a relaxed vibe, stunning scenery, and is fast becoming known as a
gourmet escape. Its coastline consists of a series of golden beaches
cradled between headlands, with world-class surf breaks to top off this
remarkable destination – all within a stone’s throw of the glitzy Gold
Coast.
While on your self-drive be sure to make a stop at the Kingscliff surf
lifesaving club for great cheap meals with the best view in town
Fingal Bay, Port Stephens
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 5 day hire rate. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date
© James Pipino; Destination NSW
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