Places to Visit Between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
Updated: May 28
If you’re driving between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour, this stretch of the NSW coast is far more than just a highway run. You will can quiet coastal towns, lakes, beaches, and small country villages that are worth pulling over for. Here's a list of great places to visit between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour.
This guide highlights some of the best places to visit along the way, from well-known stops like Forster and Port Macquarie to lesser-known spots like Nabiac and Bulahdelah. Whether you’re breaking up the drive or planning a slower road trip, these stops turn a simple journey into a proper North Coast experience.
Places to Visit Between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour - Starting with Hawks Nest
Sand Dunes at Hawks Nest - Dark Point
One of NSW's best kept secrets is Dark Point Aboriginal Place near Hawks Nest! This is the place to go if you want to go away to a distant area and spend some time hiking over sand dunes. You'd nearly think you were in the desert if it weren't for the ocean view. Dark point will take you about 25 minutes to reach from the Tea Gardens turn off on the Pacific Highway. Map.
As Dark Point is situated in the Myall Lakes National Park you will need a permit to park there.
If you are considering an overnight stay at Hawks Nest you might like to consider Reflections at Jimmys Beach or Bennetts Beach.
Immerse yourself in nature. Beautiful cabins and tiny houses.
Bulahdelah Mountain - A Scenic Walk
Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place is located east of Bulahdelah township in the Bulahdelah State Forest. It is designated as an Aboriginal Place in recognition of the area's cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to the Worimi people, the land's Traditional Owners. Exploring this mountain, it is interesting to imagine what it must have been like for the land caregivers 4,000 years ago when they wandered this forest.
Family Stop: Bulahdelah Park and Skatepark
Bulahdelah is a great place to break up the drive, especially if you’re travelling with kids. There’s plenty of open space to run around, a well-maintained skatepark for older kids, and even outdoor exercise equipment for adults if you want to stretch your legs.
The facilities here are excellent, with clean public toilets and picnic tables, making it an easy and comfortable stop before getting back on the road.
Nabiac - Great Stop on the Way
Nabiac is a small village with a popular tavern and café, cafes, takeout meals, butchers, gift stores, bakery (famous for its pies), grocery, farm supplies, and bric-a-brac shops. Nabiac is a charming small town featuring a lovely riverside picnic spot. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the rural roads while observing the farm animals.
Visiting the Wallamba River at the right time may allow you to observe the water looking like glass, witness fish leaping out, or encounter unusual marine creatures such as jellyfish. Bull sharks are known to inhabit the area, so it is advisable to exercise caution while swimming. If you own a boat, consider taking a day trip to explore the Wallamba River.
Burgess Beach Forster
On a sunny day, the water is a lovely aqua colour at Burgess Beach. Locals swim between the rocks; it appears scary, but it is actually a great location to swim as long as you don't go too far out and exercise common sense. Locals refer to it as the "Washing Machine." Please keep in mind that there are no surf patrols.
Staying Overnight in Forster
Forster is a popular tourist destination and has plently of accommodation. During Easter and Christmas holidays it gets crowded so consider stopping over in off-season it will most likely be cheaper as well.
Central location near shops and beaches. Spacious rooms.
From $391 night but check for seasonal rates.
Beachfront stays with cabins and caravan options.
Cabins from $150 per night and subject to seasonal demand.
Wingham Brush Walk
Update: The park is still closed due to the extensive flood damage however Wingham is still a lovely town to visit on your way to Coffs.
Wingham Brush is a 10-hectare subtropical floodplain rainforest that is one of Australia's last remaining examples of this endangered rainforest type. It's a short boardwalk stroll with plenty of wildlife and flora (1.9km and wheelchair access).
Visitors can observe giant Moreton Bay fig trees and a large group of endangered grey-headed flying foxes, which are known for their noisy presence. Additionally, Brush Turkeys are frequently spotted casually walking through the woodland.
Johns River (Halfway between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour)
Johns River is the halfway town between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour. It's a picturesque small area, perfect for a stop. The Johns River Country Market takes place on the 2nd Saturday of each month, with additional markets on a Monday during the long weekends at Easter, June, October, and January.
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Mojoz cafe is an excellent spot to pause and enjoy a meal.
Fantastic Views at Laurieton
North Brother Lookout is located south of Port Macquarie in Laurieton. Visitors will be rewarded to breathtaking vistas after a 5-kilometre uphill drive through a National Park and rainforest.
The views on the other side of the overlook are reached after a 500-metre stroll through lovely rainforest.
Billabong Zoo at Port Macquarie
Over 4 hectares of fauna may be found in Billabong Zoo. The zoo first opened in 1986 as a koala breeding facility, as well as a hand-feeding area for wallabies and kangaroos. It is currently known across the world for its koala breeding programme, as well as a substantial regional zoo with a broad collection of Australian and exotic animals and birds. It has been named the region's Top Attraction several times, as well as garnering various accolades for service and value. Approximately 80 species are on display at Billabong Zoo, and over 220 creatures are cared for.
Bago Maze - Stop and Stretch Your Legs
Bago Maze sits at 197 Lambs Road in Herons Creek, around a 30 minute drive inland from Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast. It’s part of the wider Bago Vineyards property, where you’ll find a large hedge maze along with a cellar door and a range of local produce.
An Award Winning boutique accommodation with spacious, self contained, holiday apartments.
Pricing varies on apartment choice starting at $245
Tiny house with easy access to a bustling coastal town and the peaceful charm of farm life.
Pricing starts at $299 for one night via Stayz
Mutton Bird Island Coffs Harbour
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is a must-see for anybody visiting Coffs Harbour. This valuable seabird rookery in Coffs Harbour's core, also known as Giidany Miirlarl, is surrounded by breathtaking vistas from coast to islands.
Muttonbird Island is one of the few easily accessible spots in NSW where the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater nests, and it's a terrific area to view birds up close. It's also a significant Aboriginal site, including Dreaming stories and a plethora of traditional resources.
Explore Exciting Activities in Coffs Harbour
You have arrived! Now it's time to discover exciting experiences from skydiving to climbing tree tops.
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