On The Road Again

If you’ve got some time to spare, exploring the New South Wales coastline by road is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. There’s many places everyone already has on their must-see lists, but we’ve found some fabulous spots that fly under the radar of most travellers.

You’ll want more than a night at each of the stopovers on this 760km journey from Sydney to Brunswick Heads. So put the radio on, grab a good book (for when you’re not the designated driver) and settle in for some stunning scenery.

Sydney to Hawks Nest (3 hours)

Call into this holiday haven north of Port Stephens for the first leg of your journey. Reflections Hawks Nest is quiet, simple and beautiful. Great for an authentic beach holiday. You’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A stroll from Hawks Nest and a short drive to Tea Gardens you can have it all but feel miles away from everything. You can even take a flatwater ferry ride across to Nelson Bay.

Across from the park, you’ll find a pub and some shops if you’re in need of a little retail therapy.

While you’re here keep an eye out for the local dolphins and any passing whales during their migration. Enjoy a short stroll to the patrolled Bennetts Beach. A great for fishing enthusiasts, drop a line and see what’s biting. You’ll be able to have a round or two at Hawks Nest’s championship-rated golf course or go for a quiet kayak across the waters of the Myall Lakes.

Hawks Nest to North Haven (1 hour and 50 minutes)

As you head north pull into Reflections North Haven and make the most of the wide-open spaces in this nature-lovers utopia. Tucked between Camden Head and Laurieton, the park is an easy drive from Port Macquarie making it a great base for visiting the Greater Port Macquarie region.

Stroll to nearby Grants Beach and make the most of the natural surroundings. Fish the river or the beach, go for a swim, surf or paddle. There’s a golf course next door too if you’ve got time for a round or two.

If wine floats your boat, be sure to visit award-winning Cassegrain Winery for some wine tasting backed by a 30-year heritage of French grape growing and winemaking traditions.

You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to explore the adjacent Dooragan National Park. Challenge yourself to a trek up North Brother Mountain or bring the bike for some pedal powered sightseeing.

North Haven to Red Rock (2 hours and 20 minutes)

Reflections Red Rock is the perfect place to focus on the important stuff, time with loved ones, laughter and relaxation. You’ll be able to sit back and enjoy it all in this coastal paradise.

There’s kilometres of undeveloped coastline and clear water. When you look up at the night sky you’ll be awed by the brilliant stars. The quaint little town of Red Rock will have you enjoy a good old-fashioned beach holiday. There’s no malls and traffic lights here.

You can spend your days fishing, strolling the beaches, swimming, kayaking or riding a bike. Surfing and snorkelling are popular here too. But you won’t feel like you need to do more than sit in a comfy spot with a good book.

Red Rock to Evans Head (1 hour and 30 minutes)

10 minutes off the Pacific Highway, you can’t go past Reflections Evans Head without calling in, at least for a little while. The village of Evans Head is close to Ballina and Byron Bay so you can enjoy everything on offer.

Fish the beach or sandy river flats, take the surfboard out for a spin or kayak the crystal clear waters of the Evans River. A great base for exploring the nearby national parks a stop here will be reinvigorating for every traveller. You’re also near the town’s hotels if you feel like reconnecting with humanity.

Stay in a cabin or on a powered or unpowered site in this big beautiful park and make the most of the park’s facilities including BBQ areas and a camp kitchen.

Evans Head to Brunswick Heads

When you arrive at Brunswick Heads, you’re almost as far north as it gets on the NSW Far North Coast. This holiday town won’t take long to charm you. With great spots to kayak, swim, whale watch, surf and fish you’ll hardly spend a minute inside. There’s also the Brunswick Hotel or one of the many cafes to have a meal at.

At Reflections Ferry Reserve enjoy things at a slower pace, like the waters of the Brunswick River that pass by the park. For easy access to the river be it for fishing, kayaking or boating use the nearby boat ramp. Or stick to dry land and enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic spots or explore on the nearby trails.

Where the grass is greener, Reflections Massy Greene offers a riverside retreat that’ll have you switching off from everyday life. You’re close to everything here- The Brunswick River, beaches, creeks, parks and reserves. A hub for happy holidaymakers you’ll enjoy fishing, swimming and kayaking from this park.

Reflections Brunswick Heads is a seaside sanctuary located in the heart of Brunswick Heads. Stunning and peaceful you’ll be relaxed in no time, if you haven’t finished that book yet- now is your chance. You won’t need to move the car again as you spend your days strolling along the beach, doing some snorkelling and getting the surfboard out while within walking distance of everything.

Before you go

It’s best practice to check that the car is in working order before you begin your road trip. Make sure you’ve packed the first aid kit and are aware of the weather conditions for the drive.

Remember to share the driving when possible and make the most of the rest stops along the Pacific Highway to stretch your legs and take break.