Best Places to Visit on a NSW Mid-North Coast Road Trip
If you're planning on road-tripping across the mid-north coast of NSW, you're sure to enjoy our itinerary. With plenty of activities, sights, and experiences to explore, it's the perfect way for pacific highway road trippers to experience this stunning region in all its glory.
Jimmys Beach
The perfect place to start your road trip adventure, Jimmys Beach is located just south of Port Stephens and has some beautiful beaches to explore. Whether you want to relax on the sand or take a dip in the legendary pacific coast ocean, Jimmys Beach is the perfect place to kick off your journey on a fun and cheerful note.
If you’re looking to stay a short while at the beach, Jimmys Beach Holiday Park will give you moments of connection.
Forster Beach
Drive: 1hr 21 min
Forster Beach is the perfect next stop on this NSW Mid-North Coast Road Trip. Located in Forster, this beach has something for everyone – from surfing and swimming to guided walks along the pristine shoreline. It's also a great spot for families, with shallow waters that make it safe for the little ones.
Bonny Hills
Drive: 1hr 11min
Located just south of Port Macquarie, on the mid-north coast of NSW, Bonny Hills is an ideal spot to explore during any road trip. The town has a number of great attractions and activities, including the fantastic surfer waves on Rainbow Beach and whale-watching from Bonny Hills Holiday Park.
There's also the popular Laurieton Riverwalk Markets held monthly, showcasing a unique and exciting mix of works by local artists as well as live music and free craft workshops. For local road trippers, this means Bonny Hills is a great weekend stop for all travel in the area. Enjoy your stay at Bony Hills at the Bonny Hills Holiday Park.
Port Macquarie
Drive: 20min
Port Macquarie is a great destination for families and groups of friends. The town is filled with plenty of activities to enjoy, including whale watching on the October Whale Cruise (for those visiting during whale season).
For a unique experience, visitors can also take a River Cruise on the Hastings River. The cruise takes you past some of the region's most stunning sights and landmarks and is definitely worth taking time out for during any road trip.
Finally, Port Macquarie is home to Billabong Zoo – a top spot for younger visitors looking to get up close and personal with some of the region's native animals. The east coast area is also surrounded by national parks, making it a great place to visit for nature lovers.
South West Rocks
Drive: 30min
Travelling north past Kempsey, you'll come across the coastal beach town of South West Rocks. This picturesque little place offers up plenty of things to do and places to explore, from diving at Fish Rock Cave to lazing on Trial Bay Beach.
The region is also home to Arakoon National Park and Hat Head National Park, with its stunning trails leading you through lush rainforest, mangroves and estuaries. Here you'll find an array of birdlife, including the endangered sooty oystercatcher and the coastal emu.
Scotts Head
Drive: 42min
The final stop on this NSW Mid-North Coast Road Trip is Scotts Head. This fishing village offers great beachside fun for all visitors, with a number of popular beaches to explore.
The main beach is a great spot for swimming and fishing and provides a stunning backdrop for camping or just relaxing in the sun. You can also take a boat trip out to view the dolphins that call this part of the coast home.
