When it comes to travel experiences, it’s hard to go better than a road trip along the pacific coast north of Sydney. Around the end of January, just after the school holidays have finished, is the time of year that the annual pilgrimage north begins for those crazy travellers we call the grey nomads.
One of the finest regions to explore on the way north is the Mid North Coast Region offering seaside and hinterland towns, green valleys gushing rivers and magnificent beaches.
Why not try a farm stay on a 90 acre property with mountain views at Myalls Away in Quorrobdong, about 12kms off the freeway to Cessnock and the vineyards, where kids can go horse riding, fishing or yabbying in the dam, feed animals and grey nomads can enjoy the solitude and nature in one of the cedar cottages.
The highway runs near the main towns but taking your time and turning off to smaller towns can be the secret to a tour north. How about heading into Port Stephans where a holiday, sans clothes and be experienced at the clothing optional B&B Le Chateau Naturiste offering all facilities with a new sense of freedom.
The resort town of Tea Gardens is a short drive east of the Pacific Highway, a small town of 850 people, famed for its fishing and as a holiday spot for a former P.M.; stop in at the “Tea Gardens County Club” for some refreshment.
Further along the highway winds along through steep curves, so always allow your self a rest stop at Bulahdelah, where a stay at the Bulahdelah Myall Motel is recommended. Take a drive down the lakes way to BoomerangBeach and try the Modern Australian menu at Buddha by the Beach, located in the Moby’s Beachside Retreat. Don’t forget to try the fresh oysters from the clean waters of WallisLake at Graham Barclay Oysters. Have a day of surfing, swimming, walking and fishing in this fine holiday location.
Take a trip into the hinterland through the green hills of the picturesque ManningValley and have a picnic lunch.
Beaches, Beaches everywhere, turn your nomads mobile into Foster and enjoy the Australian summer holiday, in one of the coasts locations, swim, surf, fish or paddle, the choice is up to you. The road runs along the coast from Rainbow Flat to Blackhead and DiamondBeach where you can stay in the stunning Ramada Diamond Beach Resort with it’s restaurant and spa. Stop for a few days while watching dolphins and whales playing in the surf on the long beach.
Blessed as the region is with fine beaches, it is hard to beat “Old Bar”, just up from “DiamondBeach” and only 12 kms from the highway, “Old Bar” is a perfect seaside town. Your pet is welcome to stay here at the “Azalea Cottage” set on acreage its an ideal holiday spot. If you are caravanning or looking for a perfect place to relax, pop into the “WeeroonaHoliday Park” located in 40 acres of natural bushland by the river on Mitchell’s Island at Manning Point, you couldn’t find a better spot. All of these fine beach locations are located near the hub of Taree, where all your services are located; you can stock up on goods here or forget cooking and head to “Club Taree”, for a delightful food in one of their restaurants, or play a round of golf before enjoying the 19th hole!
“The Bank Guesthouse” is one of the more unique places to stay, 12 minutes of the highway in the Wingham area.
A little further along is the picturesque town of Harrington where you could pull the caravan into the”Okley Anchorage Caravan Park, a top place to stay or try the “Harriagns Irish Pub” for its first class dining and accommodation. The valleys and greenery lead all the wayback to the surf Mecca of Crescent Head, here waves wrap around the point, and grey nomad surfers on the long boards ride the long right handlers down the point to the beach.
Most tend to stay a few days and there is no better place than the “Sea Breeze Holiday Units” at Crescent Head, wake up to the breakers crashing on the rocks.
Little DarlingDollMuseum and coffee shop is in the lovely town of Failford just a little west from these beaches, stop in to see something sweet and different. If your towing or you want a caravan or cabin to stay in on the coast HatHeadHolidayPark is the perfect getaway for boaties, nature lover’s and fisherman.
Back down on the coast the historical sites of South West Rocks have grey nomad written all over them. TrialBay Gaol opened in 1886 is a landmark here, relax on your journey at the “Riverside Tavern” a popular drop in spot to meet the locals for a refreshing beverage. Heading back onto the highway Macksville boasts a village atmosphere clost to the coast with the “Nambucca Hotel” being a historic hotel restored to all its glory, stay, and play and dine here. “The Macksville Country Club” offers beer bowls and welcomes visiting golfers to its friendly grounds.
Port Macquarie has long been a favourite on the coastal run, beaches and big town facitiess call grey nomads in from afar.
Nambucca Head is a popular retirement living centre, on the mid north coast, grey nomads are over whelmed for choice with budget cabins, powered sites and fantastic fishing at the “Pelican Caravan Park” where there are plenty of sites for caravans, cabins galore and all the facilities available for a fabulous holiday. Pop into the RSL at Nambucca Heads for a little local fare a refreshing drink and a social atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed.
Whatever your style of journey these is something for everyone on the MID NORTH COAST.
Pic15 – Kempsey
Fresh produce, near Kempsey
1 Comment
My wife and I love touring this region and we love to mix and match where we stay, from the lovely b&bs to a cabin in the camping park ,we try a few each trip[we go 2 to 3 times a year .I like the fishing and my wife likes exploring the bush tracks and sometimes we combine the both, thanks for the additional info each issue, especially on where to grab a drink.