Stretching along the NSW coast, discover the golden dunes, majestic waterfalls, Aboriginal sites, a hinterland of lush river valleys and a coastline of sparkling beaches, accessible from the Legendary Pacific Coast touring route.
At a glance:
The Journey:
Savour a plate of local seafood while gazing out at the sparkling ocean and be sure to watch the legendary pelican feeding. Newcastle is Australia's second-oldest city, bound by a working harbour and glorious surf beaches.
Tunnel into 200 years of history with a guided tour of Fort Scratchley Historic Site. Overlooking Nobbys Beach and lighthouse, the Fortress boasts panoramic ocean, coastline, harbour and city views.
Head to Port Stephens for your overnight accommodation. The region is legendary for its nature and abundance of aquatic marine life and adventure activities.
Highlights:
Explore glorious Port Stephens, whether it’s a on dolphin cruise, with a chance to see some of the 160 Bottlenose Dolphins in residence, a whale watching cruise or a ferry ride to various destinations around the bay.
Experience the exhilarating high dunes on the Worimi Conservation Lands. Discover the 32 km of shifting sand dunes leading down to Stockton. Try sand boarding or a 2-hour discovery tour taking you to Tin City, where they filmed Mad Max or head southwards until you uncover the Sygna Shipwreck from 1974. Fresh water lagoons & midden sites (tool and burial sites) can be spied from this vantage point.
Travel to Port Macquarie - overnight accommodation.
Highlights:
Take the 1.3km boardwalk through Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, the largest coastal rainforest reserve in NSW. Join an Aboriginal bushtucker tour, a guided walk and view the Spirit of the Land interactive exhibition.
Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Bago Maze and Vineyards. Find your way through the largest hedge maze in NSW, with 2000 metres of pathways, lookout towers and bridges.
Visit The Koala Hospital which is the world's first hospital dedicated solely to the care and preservation of koalas. Head towards Coffs Harbour for your overnight accommodation.
Buy freshly shucked oysters farmed straight from the calm waterways and experience unspoilt beauty where pelicans land and dolphins play.
Highlights:
View the amazing panoramic views from mountains to the Coffs Harbour coastline at Forest Sky Pier. Kayak with C-Change Adventures, who offer eco-tour experiences on the Coffs Coast. Enjoy a round of golf or lunch at Bonville Golf Resort. Travel to Bellingen, the riverside town is nestled between the coast and the Dorrigo Plateau on the scenic Waterfall Way. Browse the treelined streets and eclectic range of cafes and retail outlets.
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre in the World Heritage listed national park is an area of exceptional natural beauty and is one of Australia's most accessible rainforests. Travel into Byron Bay for your overnight accommodation.
Highlights:
Take a guided tour of Cape Byron Lighthouse, find out about shipwrecks and stories from the sea.
Head to Main Beach where you can experience an authentic taste of surfing.
Enjoy lunch by the beach at one of the many cafes and restaurants or treat yourself to one of the resorts nearby. Explore Byron Bay’s eclectic retail shops, galleries and cafes, or take a stroll on the beach. Visit Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens. A Place of Magic and Wonder. Travel via the scenic Tweed Valley Way, visit picturesque villages of Stokers Siding, Murwillumbah and Mt Warning National Park and continue your journey.
Highlights: