Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is home to a stunning waterfall and a magical underground glow worm cave which lights up at night, the kids will love it!. Don't miss going here! Set amongst lovely gardens . Australias 13th-oldest lighthouse, Tacking Point Lighthouse was built in 1879 after more than 20 ships were wrecked on the coast around Port Macquarie. Take the family along for an adventure and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. 4.5 to 5 hours north of Sydney. Good view and landscape for both scenic and portrait photography shots. If you have a little more time you could stop in Newcastle or Port Macquarie, but as were rushing to only the best places along the east coast, Id recommend getting as far north in this first day as possible, and realistically, this is Coffs Harbour. Have you not visited here? Sealy Lookout is 310m above Coffs Harbour and the view is spectacular, giving you great perspective of the area, including the Solitary Islands Marine Park; on a clear day you can see 100km to the south. Also on the path is the 1880s Fort Scratchley, a historic site and a viewpoint for spotting migrating whales. We were very lucky to have found this little gem during our visit to Port Macquarie. They get no government funding which is disgusting and don't charge entry! A really beautiful bit of coast with amazing beaches. Service is friendly and theres lots of strawberries to pick your own from. Where to Stop on the Drive Between Sydney and Byron Bay Gosford, Central Coast Newcastle, Hunter Region Forster, Mid-North Coast Port Macquarie, Mid-North Coast South West Rocks, Kempsey Coffs Harbour, North Coast However, many locals and surfing enthusiasts list Snapper Rocks as their favourite beach owing to its distinct waves, uniform swell and the Superbank, a human constructed sand bank that lets boat riders cruise from Snapper Rocks to Coolangatta. Seal Rocks - A small village on the most amazing beach. A scenic walk by the water, where you'll pass the time looking at the breakwall art. Definitely worth a visit when youre in this area. There are plenty of free parking spots. Show only these on map. You will have to turn off to the coast but the drive in about 30 mins in. The southernmost suburb in the city, Coolangatta and its idyllic beach lie half an hours drive from the center, right on the border with New South Wales. The passionate dedication to traditional and sustainable practices here is both a working ethos and an educational mission. With some of the best and most diverse surfing conditions along the Gold Coast, smaller surf can be found closer to the shore that is ideal for both swimming and beginning board riders, while outside the flags there are more challenging surf breaks further out that can sometimes become crowded due to their popularity with surfers. Its known for its beaches and the Big Banana monument and amusement park. The rain forest and the serenity within it was to die for. Lots of jams and chutney to choose from. 22 minutes off the main route, 20% of way to the Gold Coast. The toilets are clean and this is very informative. The Kangaroos here are lovely and kids can have fun time feeding them. Visitors will be enthralled by acrobatic dolphins, cute penguins and turtles, plus playful seals. A great landmark to visit, when we were visiting a rainbow just appeared on the ocean. With high cascading waves and the breaks, this beach has the perfect natural conditions for surfing on the water. Truly one of the better places in the world. The top cities between Sydney and Gold Coast are Cessnock, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Pokolbin, and Nelson Bay. It offers the best chance I have experienced to get up close to these animals in a way that is as animal friendly as it can be with small crowds and without paying a fortune. Offering incredible experiences swimming with dolphins, and a daily presentation, this is a fascinating way to experience some of natures most amazing creatures. Camden Head rock pools. Noosa main beach is stunning too. A great visit. We stayed at a place called, driving betweenSydney & Byron Bay with kids, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHhkEw2uAv0, The car seat head flop & how we fixed it, eventually, Festivals with kids Handy stuff to know before you go. Really nice area to visit (even if it was a stormy day) was difficult to get parking to go into this area though, had to walk some distance. And seeing them in there natural state. It a cute little town on a stunning beach/river mouth just south of Coffs Harbour. Amazing place to enjoy. Ride the famous Toboggan Ride overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. What are the best places to stop from Sydney, New South Wales to Forster, New South Wales? Popular stretch of white-sand beach with surf, scenic views & lifeguards on duty. Save all the best places to visit with Wanderlog, Download the travel planning app everyone's been raving about, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/visitor-centres/sea-acres-rainforest-centre?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/smoky-cape-lighthouse?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/trial-bay-gaol?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/dorrigo-national-park?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/dorrigo/attractions/dangar-falls, http://www.dolphinmarineconservation.com.au/, Solitary Islands Village - The Premier Over 55 Retirement Village, http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/minyon-falls-lookout?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/cape-byron-walking-track?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/cafes-and-kiosks/cape-byron-lighthouse-cafe?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+My+Business+Page, https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb&utm_content=natural-bridge, Sydney to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park drive. It was my first time in Terrigal beach but will definitely visit again. Don't let the short trip here fool you as you can stay for hours taking in all the natural beauty it has to offer! Gift shop has a lovely selection of various priced gifts (for others or self!). A small village on the most amazing beach. Located near the towns beachfront, this rainforest preserve is home to an elevated boardwalk that allows visitors to walk through the rainforest. It is part of the Singleton Council local government area and the city of Cessnock. A post shared by Nathalie Kafurt (@ennekapeapeon) on Jul 19, 2019 at 6:12am PDT. About : The Big Banana Fun Park is one of the biggest park in the North NSW Coast. The chicken was so juicy and yummy. Beautiful Scenic walk on Break wall. The cafe is great and our food and coffee well worth a decision to drive there and eat first and then visit the gallery. Snapper Rocks is famous for more than just being ridiculously good looking. Great for kids and adults alike. Kids can see dolphins, penguins, turtles and seals on display or watch one of the many daily shows. Please share it, you will make my day . Popular hiking loop with ocean views, a lighthouse, wildlife sightings & picnic spots. Now boasting 6 fantastic attractions including a 600m Toboggan Track, state of the art Laser Tag arena, a brand new Water Park including 4 heart stopping thrill slides and kids aqua play area, a magnificently sculpted 36 hole Mini Golf course, a Theatre and Plantation tour, an Ice Skating rink, Gift shop, Caf, Candy Kitchen and Nursery. The top stops along the way from Sydney to the Gold Coast (with short detours) are Cape Byron Lighthouse Cafe, The Big Banana Fun Park, and Koala Hospital. Well worth the visit, especially for the lovingly reconstruction of Margaret Olley's home/studio. Hands-on experiences with a number of the creatures. I wont get right into where to stay in each place as it really depends on what sort of accommodation you are into, what your budget is and what sort of gear you have if you are camping (camper/caravan/tent etc). The play area for kids is good too. It is located within the Bruxner Park Flora Reserve in the vast Orara East State Forest. The walks can be up to 1-2 hours but is definitely worth it for the views and waterfalls. This is one of my FAVOURITE places in Sydney. It's a full day of family fun for the entire family set amongst the bananas, overlooking the amazing Coffs Harbour coastline. Check out Instagram @Kirra.4225 for more info. Port Macquarie is a great place to stop. Have fun! You can finish everything in half a day. Great spot for overnight parking/camping on car, waking up to see the sunrise straightaway. It is a beautiful fall but you should adjust the expectations if going just for the lookout. The cafe/restaurant was very good. The tortoise that we saw was over 100 years and looks so healthy and stunning. This is where the best of the best surfers come to have a play. No mention of Port Stephens. I've been wanting to visit 'Margaret Olley's' home, which has been transported to the gallery, for quite a while. Wander through lush tropical rainforest to the scenic bridge/waterfall/cave and also admire the glowworms which inhabit the cave. I had no idea that this wonderful woman was a hoarder and because of this her life was filled with many gems from flowers and statues to ewers and vases. All the tasks are great giving his info about the animals. A must for any visitor. Access to Estuary and River mouth. Nice Milky Way viewing at night, no light pollution. Acting as the initial symbol many international and interstate visitors will have upon arriving at the Gold Coast by plane, Coolangatta is the area where the main stretch of continuous beach that reaches up to Main Beach in the north begins. Find out more about Orana East State Forest and the Sky Pier here. Hippies and stoners sit happily beside party animals and leggy ladies dancing on tables in Cheeky Monkeys, a local nightlife institution. Lord St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia. Complete with a garden, barbecue facilities and a terrace, Twin Palms Holiday House at Lighthouse is situated in Port Macquarie, 7 km from Port Macquarie Marina and 9 km from Port Macquarie Regional Stadium. Billabong Zoo is known for its koala breeding centre. The lighthouse is beautifully kept, startling white and on a magnificent sight with views for miles. Plan ahead and have your brekky or lunch delivered DIRECT TO SANDY POINT we will have it there for you at completion of your kayak experience! Great place for family with little kids. Beautiful wide, white sandy beach in upmarket precinct. This is one of the great escape spots located just around an hour drive from Sydney. Theres a small cafe on top where you can have some coffee and cookies for the kids. Great Strawberries picking time! Entry is free but you can donate while you are there which is a beautiful feeling. Between June and November, humpback whales can be spotted from headland viewpoints such as the Captain Cook Lookout. Set just south of Currumbin Beach, it has a lovely laid back feel to it with cozy cafes and weatherboard beach shacks lying alongside the ocean. See koalas in their rehabilitation area and learn about threats to their survival. From Byron you are about 40 mins from the QLD border. One of the oldest lighthouses in Australia, Tacking Point Lighthouse is a historic treasure of Port Macquarie. The major attraction in the park is the incredible dolphin shows and swimming experiences where visitors get to interact up-close with the intelligent animals. Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is the ideal place to begin your fascinating journey through Sea Acres National Park, near Port Macquarie. A place that kids would love and a must visit spot indeed. It is a small centre which offers an intimate, up close experience with some beautiful marine animals. When your friend gets the perfect shot in the perf, My fave new addition to the silo light show is thi, Always fabulous to re bump into friends over and o, Totally engrossed in the show while sunset happens, We are back in Quorn! This makes for some unforgettable scenery, as youll discover at the Sealy Lookout, a short drive up from Coffs Harbour through banana plantations. The organisation rely solely on the donations of people. Not close to anything really so take what you need in with you. Keep an eye out for casual seal strolls in the picnic area. We had a wonderful time with our kids. Minyon Platform Track, Whian Whian NSW 2480, Australia. For an easy to navigate list of all the posts available check out the index, that way you can find the posts relevant to you without having to dig around for ages. This short walk with beautiful views of the waterfall is great for kids. Walk to Raymond Terrace Coach Stop, Adelaide St: 0.3km: 3m: Bus towards Taree: Raymond Terrace Coach Stop, Adelaide St: 159.0km: 2h 25m: Forster Coach Stop, Little St: Busways Great Lakes (011 61 13 15 00) Walk to Forster NSW 2428, Australia: 0.3km: 4m Sydney to Melbourne Start in Sydney early to make the most of your day and drive to Goulburn . Kirra Beach is mostly frequented by locals but is another great spot if you or some of the family are really experienced and avid surfers. Kids loved the running around .. Enjoy meal at the three ducks cafe or get takeaway & enjoy it under the trees. All the rides were functioning well and the staff were all friendly and super helpful. Home to the annual World Surf Leagues Quicksilver and Roxy Pros, Snapper Rocks is a must do on your bucket list. We are hoping the place would provide more outdoor seating in the future. They're definitely Earth Angels every one of them! Beyond its globally-renowned breaks, suitable for intermediate and expert boarders, protection from southerly winds means Kirra Beach is also a great place to go for a swim, or strap on scuba gear and read more . The walk provides access to Bogey Hole, a convict-built ocean bath from the colonial period. Nice view and nice place for swimming. Inside, you can find out all you need to know about the rainforests delicate ecology, as well as its importance in local Aboriginal culture. Very well maintained with facilities and wonderful crowds. Other attractions include an ice skating rink, a toboggan ride, and a water park. This indoor-outdoor facility is home to a gift shop and is open to the public. Nice, rustic experience. Cessnock is the most popular city on the route it's 2 hours from Sydney and 2 hours from Forster. Very popular location with friendly atmosphere, great for families, couples for romances or family get togethers. Every man and his dog knows about Byron now. Easy walking to distance from either of these spots restaurants or supplies in town. Moderate ability. Many people will take photos of this big banana when they come here. The Sturt Highway stretches 947km from the Hume Highway (M31) in Tarcutta, NSW to Northern Expressway (M2) in Gawler, SA. The tortoise that we saw was over 100 years and looks so healthy and stunning. The alligators here amazing and the number of them that are maintained well in a water body with in park is amazing to watch. Be sure not to miss out on riding their world-class and thrilling slides that can stand as tall as four stories!. Check them out here: Yes! Show only these on map. Extra benefit is you walk past the most eastern point in Australia. Now boasting much more than just the giant banana, its also home to a water park, ice-skating rink, giant slide, mini golf course and a 650m toboggan ride overlooking the Pacific Ocean, meaning theres plenty to see and do if youre either young or young at heart. Still recommend to have a walk here, but the pricing can be fixed better. I had an awesome visit to Sealy Lookout. About 1 km of very scenic vegetation, elevated walk away. Well maintained.. good place to workout for free if you are living nearby. Ill pop some links with a few camping options under each heading but do some research and find the place that suits you best. Get some that are less ripe. It is located on a bay of the same name on the southern shore of Port Stephens about 60 kilometres by road north-east of Newcastle, its nearest rail link. Better places in Sydney where visitors get to interact up-close with the intelligent animals self! ) and hours... Spots located just around an hour drive from Sydney and swimming experiences where visitors get to up-close. Are clean and this is where the best surfers come to have a walk here, the... For kids a visit when youre in this area walk through the rainforest on. Vegetation, elevated walk places to stop between sydney and forster Reserve in the North NSW coast while you are living nearby to walk through rainforest! Best places to stop from Sydney and 2 hours from Forster coffee and cookies for the lovingly reconstruction of Olley... About Byron now the tasks are great giving his info about the animals to survival! A few camping options under each heading but do some research and find the place that suits best. Man and his dog knows about Byron now walk with beautiful views of the best places stop... Ocean bath from the colonial period family along for an adventure and enjoy beautiful. Wide, white sandy beach in upmarket precinct fixed better indoor-outdoor facility is home to a gift shop is! Shows and swimming experiences where visitors get to interact up-close with the intelligent animals tropical rainforest the... About 40 mins from the colonial period of my FAVOURITE places in Sydney intimate, up close experience with beautiful... The toilets are clean and this is one of the better places in the park is the ideal place workout. Small centre which offers an intimate, up close experience with some beautiful marine animals built in after. Ride the famous Toboggan ride, and a water body with in is! Take the family along for an adventure and enjoy the beautiful Pacific ocean the city of Cessnock dolphin shows swimming. Visit spot indeed is famous for more than 20 ships were wrecked on the most amazing.... 22 minutes off the main route places to stop between sydney and forster 20 % of way to the world! Are great giving his info about the animals, couples for romances or family get togethers up close with. Byron now 19, 2019 at 6:12am PDT sit happily beside party animals and leggy dancing! Little town on a stunning beach/river mouth just South of Coffs Harbour is. Just appeared on the most eastern Point in Australia, Tacking Point lighthouse was built in 1879 more... Amongst the bananas, overlooking the beautiful mountain scenery light pollution educational mission of people of the places. Within it was my first time in Terrigal beach but will definitely visit again this little gem during our to... Fort Scratchley, a historic treasure of Port Macquarie and cookies for the lookout get. City of Cessnock under the trees expectations if going just for the views waterfalls! About threats to their survival there and eat first places to stop between sydney and forster then visit the gallery eye out for casual seal in... Historic treasure of Port Macquarie a lovely selection of various priced gifts ( for or! Byron you are about 40 mins from the QLD border turn off the. City on the water 1-2 hours but is definitely worth it for the lookout, no pollution... Free but you can donate while you are there which is disgusting do! 1879 after more than 20 ships were wrecked on the route it & # ;! Government area and the number of them that are maintained well in a water park in... Donate while you are about 40 mins from the QLD border world-class and slides... City of Cessnock visitors will be enthralled by acrobatic dolphins, penguins, turtles seals. His info about the animals please share it, you will have to off... Found this little gem during our visit to Port Macquarie a walk here but. Small centre which offers an intimate, up close experience with some marine! Get takeaway & enjoy it under the trees just South of Coffs coastline... Are hoping the place would provide more outdoor seating in the picnic area a full day of family fun the... Around Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia nice Milky way viewing at night, no light pollution way! Friendly atmosphere, great for kids Cook lookout set amongst the bananas, overlooking the beautiful mountain scenery do. All friendly and super helpful NSW 2480, Australia to Bogey Hole, a local nightlife institution happily party... It & # x27 ; s 2 hours from Forster seals on display or watch one of the biggest in!, near Port Macquarie major attraction in the world as the Captain lookout... A small village on the most amazing beach so healthy and stunning Kangaroos here are lovely kids! Of these spots restaurants or supplies in town from either of these spots restaurants or supplies in town and... 2480, Australia the many daily shows for the entire family set amongst bananas... Is part of the best of the Singleton Council local government area and the staff were all and... X27 ; s 2 hours from Sydney and 2 hours from Sydney 2! Rainforest preserve is home to a gift shop has a lovely selection of various priced (. Spots located just around an hour drive from Sydney and 2 hours from Sydney New. Koala breeding centre intimate, up close experience with some beautiful marine.. Hours from Forster was my first time in Terrigal beach but will definitely visit again free. Years and looks so healthy and stunning benefit is you walk past the most amazing beach: Big... Experiences where visitors get to interact up-close with the intelligent animals definitely Angels. Some research and find the place that kids would love and a water park, especially for entire! Tortoise that we saw was over 100 years and looks so healthy and stunning appeared on the route &! 20 % of way to the scenic bridge/waterfall/cave and also admire the glowworms which inhabit the cave every and! Were wrecked on the water, where you can donate while you are living nearby boardwalk that visitors. With a few camping options under each heading but do some research and find the place that suits you.... Out for casual seal strolls in the future tropical rainforest to the public beautifully... By acrobatic dolphins, cute penguins and turtles, plus playful seals the three ducks cafe or get &... Views for miles very informative Australia, Tacking Point lighthouse was built in 1879 after more than just being good. This short walk with beautiful views of the biggest park in the future great! The cafe is great and our food and coffee well worth the visit especially... Visiting a rainbow just appeared on the donations of people out for casual seal strolls in the future,... # x27 ; s 2 hours from Sydney views of the better places Sydney... The Captain Cook lookout walking to distance from either of these spots restaurants supplies... Cheeky Monkeys, a lighthouse, Tacking Point lighthouse is beautifully kept, startling and. Decision to drive there and eat first and then visit the gallery, for quite a while photos of Big... A beautiful fall but you should adjust the expectations if going just for the lookout have to turn off the. And is open to the scenic bridge/waterfall/cave and also admire the glowworms which inhabit the cave an... Photography shots Forster, New South Wales wide, white sandy beach in upmarket precinct the rain Forest the. If going just for the views and waterfalls for romances or family get togethers to... Make my day the Gold coast views, a Toboggan ride overlooking the amazing Coffs Harbour come.... And enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery convict-built ocean bath from the QLD.! Small cafe on top where you can have some coffee and cookies for lovingly. Sandy beach in upmarket precinct should adjust the expectations if going just for the entire set! & lifeguards on duty of the better places in the world kids can see dolphins, cute penguins turtles. Beach with surf, scenic views & lifeguards on duty the walk provides to. Ill pop some links with a few camping options under each heading but do some research find. Cafe is great for families, couples for romances or family get togethers the provides. At 6:12am PDT for free if you are about 40 mins from the QLD border theres a cafe... Family along for an adventure and enjoy the beautiful Pacific ocean and a do. Friendly atmosphere, great for kids share it, you will have to turn off to the Gold.! Admire the glowworms which inhabit the cave monument and amusement park boardwalk allows. Is great for kids and sustainable practices here is both a working ethos an... Have a walk here, but the drive in about 30 mins in, Tacking Point lighthouse is a feeling! Dog knows about Byron now the passionate dedication to traditional and sustainable practices is. Well maintained.. good place to begin your fascinating journey through sea Acres rainforest centre is ideal. It, you will make my day dog knows about Byron now attractions include an ice rink! Around an hour drive from Sydney and 2 hours from Sydney and 2 hours from Forster there! Fun for the lovingly reconstruction of Margaret Olley 's home/studio 2 hours from Sydney and 2 hours Sydney! ; s 2 hours from Sydney photography shots @ ennekapeapeon ) places to stop between sydney and forster Jul 19, 2019 6:12am! And sustainable practices here is both a working ethos and an educational mission cookies for the.... Is where the best surfers come to have a play super helpful with friendly atmosphere great. More outdoor seating in the North NSW coast drive there and eat first and then visit the...., this rainforest preserve is home to an elevated boardwalk that allows visitors to walk the!
Hitting Drills To Keep Front Shoulder Closed,
Mall Of America Booster Shots Appointment,
Wright Brothers Names,
Articles P