5-day NSW coastal road trip: Hawks Nest to Corindi Beach

Looking for a road trip that's already been tested by adventure-seekers? We sent three adventurous teams on an epic NSW road trip showdown to see which era road-tripped the best. One team relied on modern technology, while the others navigated the old-fashioned way using paper maps, road signs and tips from friendly locals.

Their mission? To uncover the Mid North Coast and Coffs Coast's best beaches, lookouts, local eats and hidden gems, and prove whether technology and modern convenience really make for a better road trip.

Watch the challenge unfold here:

Based on their favourite stops, best photos and must-do experiences, we've created this ready-made road trip itinerary for you. It's packed with beaches, scenic walks, local produce, family-friendly adventures and unforgettable coastal views, so you don't have to spend hours planning. Simply hit the road and enjoy the journey.

Staying at Reflections Hawks Nest, Reflections Bonny Hills and Reflections Corindi Beach, you'll experience some of the very best of the Mid North Coast and Coffs Coast, with plenty of flexibility to either slow things down or pack in as many adventures as possible.

Quick guide: top stops on this Mid North Coast road trip

• Route: Hawks Nest → Bonny Hills → Corindi Beach
• Distance: Approximately 500km
• Duration: 5-6 days

Quick picks:

Travelling from Hawks Nest to Corindi Beach? These are the must-see stops featured in this itinerary, listed from south to north.

• The Grandis (NSW's tallest tree) – Grandis Picnic Area, near Bulahdelah, NSW
• Number One Beach – Seal Rocks, NSW
• Green Cathedral – Booti Booti National Park, Tiona, NSW
• Nine Mile Beach & Rock Pool Beach Ice Creamery – Tuncurry, NSW
• North Brother Lookout – Dooragan National Park, Laurieton, NSW
• Hat Head National Park – Hat Head, NSW
• Ellenborough Falls – Elands, NSW (optional inland detour)
• Trial Bay Gaol – South West Rocks, NSW
• Back Creek Bridge Jump – South West Rocks, NSW
• V-Wall – Nambucca Heads, NSW
• Niigi Niigi, Sealy Lookout & Forest Sky Pier – Coffs Harbour, NSW

Stay: Reflections Hawks Nest → Reflections Bonny Hills → Reflections Corindi Beach

Day 1: Arrive at Reflections Hawks Nest

Your adventure begins when you pull into Reflections Hawks Nest, nestled between the Myall River, Myall Lakes and some of the most spectacular beaches on the NSW coast.

Arrive early and make the most of your first day in paradise. Stretch your legs with a walk along Bennetts Beach, cool off in the park's heated pool, or wander across to nearby Tea Gardens to browse local galleries, boutiques and waterfront cafés.

For dinner, keep things relaxed with fish and chips by the water, or settle in for a meal overlooking the Myall River before watching the sunset over the bay.

Optional extras

• Walk the Tea Gardens waterfront
• Hire a kayak or SUP and explore the Myall River
• Take a sunset stroll along Bennetts Beach
• Spot dolphins from Yacaaba Headland

Wining & dining

• Coffee stop: Tillermans or Tea Gardens Boatshed
• Dinner recommendation: A simple but delicious pizza and cocktails from Benchmark on Booner or Tillerman's Restaurant.

Stay:

• Reflections Hawks Nest

Day 2: Hawks Nest to Bonny Hills

Today is where the road trip really begins. Leave Hawks Nest behind and make your way north through some of the Mid North Coast's most spectacular scenery, with towering forests, hidden beaches, iconic lookouts and charming coastal towns along the way.

The Grandis

• Location: Grandis Picnic Area, near Bulahdelah, NSW
• Allow: 30–45 minutes
• Open: 24 hours

Your first stop is The Grandis, the tallest known tree in NSW. Towering more than 70 metres above the forest floor, this giant flooded gum is one of the state's most impressive natural landmarks and well worth the short detour.

Seal Rocks Beach

• Location: Seal Rocks, NSW
• Allow: 1–2 hours
• Open: 24 hours

Next, head to Seal Rocks, one of the Mid North Coast's most beautiful beach towns. Spend some time swimming, beachcombing, or take the walk up to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse for sweeping coastal views and excellent whale watching opportunities during migration season.

Green Cathedral

• Location: Tiona, Booti Booti National Park, NSW
• Allow: 20–30 minutes
• Open: Daylight hours recommended

Nestled among towering cabbage tree palms in Booti Booti National Park, the Green Cathedral is one of the region's most photographed locations and a peaceful place to stretch your legs before continuing north.

Tuncurry and Nine Mile Beach

• Location: Tuncurry, NSW
• Allow: 1–2 hours
• Open: 24 hours

Take a break in Tuncurry and enjoy a stroll along Nine Mile Beach. If the weather is warm, cool off with a swim in the rock pool before treating yourself to ice cream from Rock Pool Beach Ice Creamery.

North Brother Lookout

• Location: Dooragan National Park, Laurieton, NSW
• Allow: 30–45 minutes
• Open: Daylight hours recommended

Before arriving at Bonny Hills, make the short detour up to North Brother Lookout. The panoramic views across Camden Haven, North Haven and the surrounding coastline are some of the best on the Mid North Coast.

Optional extras

• Explore Tea Gardens galleries before departing, or linger longer and hire a BBQ boat
• Visit The Big Axe in Kew for a classic Aussie road trip photo
• Wander the Forster foreshore and ocean baths at McBrides Beach
• Stop at Beach Bums Café overlooking Main Beach, Tuncurry

Wining & dining

• Coffee stop: Beach Bums Café, Forster
• Lunch recommendation: Thirty Three Degrees, Forster
• Dinner recommendation: Head to Bonny Hills Beach Hotel for classic pub fare, cold drinks and a laid-back atmosphere that's popular with both locals and visitors.

Stay:

• Reflections Bonny Hills - up on the cliff with stunning ocean views.

Day 3: Explore Bonny Hills and surrounds

One of the best things about this itinerary is spending multiple nights in Bonny Hills. With no need to pack up, today is all about choosing your own adventure.

Port Macquarie Camel Safaris

• Location: Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie, NSW
• Allow: 45–60 minutes
• Open: Daily rides available, bookings recommended during peak periods

Head north to Port Macquarie and start with a camel ride along Lighthouse Beach, one of the region's most iconic experiences.

Hat Head National Park

• Location: Hat Head, NSW
• Allow: 2–4 hours
• Open: 24 hours

Start the day at Hat Head National Park, where pristine beaches, walking trails and spectacular headlands showcase the very best of coastal NSW.

Ellenborough Falls

• Location: Elands, NSW
• Allow: 1.5–2 hours
• Open: 24 hours

One of Australia's tallest waterfalls and best visited as a separate inland detour from Bonny Hills. Ellenborough Falls is particularly spectacular after rain. If you're tackling the stairs to the lower viewing platform, wear enclosed shoes and allow extra time for the climb back up.

Optional extras

• Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, Port Macquarie, NSW - Wander through one of the largest remaining coastal rainforests in NSW
• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and Wild Breeding Visitor Centre - Meet Port Macquarie's most famous residents and learn about koala conservation and rehabilitation.
• Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, Port Macquarie, NSW - great for fresh produce
• Bago Winery and Maze, Wauchope, NSW - combine wine tasting with a leisurely afternoon.
• Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park, Lake Innes, NSW - suitable for beginner and intermediate riders, including confident older children.
• Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, Port Macquarie, NSW - one of NSW's most scenic coastal walks, linking beaches, lookouts and rainforest.

Wining & dining

• Coffee stop: Sandbox Café, Port Macquarie
• Lunch recommendation: Bills Fishhouse + Bar

Stay:

Head back to Reflections, Bonny Hills, to rest your weary head.

Day 4: Bonny Hills to Corindi Beach

Today's journey takes you through some of the Mid North Coast's most iconic landscapes, from national parks and historic sites to riverside villages and coastal lookouts.

Trial Bay Gaol

• Location: South West Rocks, NSW
• Allow: 1–2 hours
• Open: Typically 9am–4pm daily
• Cost: Entry fee applies

Continue north to South West Rocks and explore Trial Bay Gaol, one of Australia's most fascinating historic sites. Overlooking the ocean, the gaol offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and some incredible photo opportunities.

Back Creek, bridge jumping

• Location: South West Rocks, NSW
• Allow: 30–60 minutes
• Open: Daylight hours recommended
• Cost: Free

Cool off with a swim at Back Creek. For thrill seekers, the bridge jump has become something of a local rite of passage, though conditions and water depth should always be checked before jumping.

V-Wall

• Location: Nambucca Heads, NSW
• Allow: 1–2 hours
• Open: 24 hours
• Cost: Free

By lunchtime, you'll reach Nambucca Heads and the colourful V-Wall. Stroll the boardwalk, covered in painted rocks and enjoy the river views.

Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) - Forest Sky Pier

• Location: Bruxner Park Flora Reserve, Coffs Harbour, NSW
• Allow: 45–60 minutes
• Open: 24 hours
• Cost: Free

Before arriving at Corindi Beach, stop at Niigi Niigi, Sealy Lookout. The elevated viewing platform offers panoramic views across Coffs Harbour, the coastline and the surrounding rainforest.

Optional extras

• Korogoro Walking Track, Hat Head National Park, NSW - a short but rewarding walk with spectacular coastal views.
• Smoky Cape Lighthouse, South West Rocks, NSW - one of the most dramatic lighthouse settings on the NSW coast.
• Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks, NSW - a beautiful protected beach ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
• Urunga Boardwalk, Urunga, NSW - one of the most beautiful boardwalks on the NSW coast, stretching through wetlands to the ocean.

Wining & dining

• Coffee stop: Wharf Street Café, Nambucca Heads
• Lunch recommendation: V-Wall Pavilion
• Dinner recommendation: Corindi Beach Hotel or a relaxed takeaway feast on the beach

Stay:

• Pull into Reflections Corindi Beach - finish your road trip with beach walks, fishing, surfing and some well-earned relaxation on the Coffs Coast.

Day 5: Slow down at Corindi Beach

After several days of exploring, it's time to slow down. Spend the morning walking the beach, throwing in a fishing line or enjoying a swim before heading home.

Linger longer...

• Red Rock, NSW - Explore scenic headland walks, beaches and estuary views.
• Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Corindi Beach, NSW - Learn about the rich Aboriginal history and culture of the region.
• Coffs Harbour, NSW - Spend the day exploring beaches, markets, cafés and the marina precinct.

Ready to head out?

From giant trees and hidden beaches to historic landmarks and coastal lookouts, this Mid North Coast road trip is packed with memorable stops. Whether you're travelling with kids, escaping for a couple's getaway or exploring with friends, it's an easy way to experience some of the best of coastal NSW.

Many of the beaches, walking trails and outdoor attractions along the route are also dog-friendly, so your four-legged travel companion doesn't have to miss out. All that's left to do is hit the road.