The Journey
Port Stephens and the Great Lakes are a wonderland for all things marine and the perfect destinations for boating, fishing or a relaxing houseboat holiday. Port Stephens and the lakes network around Forster are home to some of the best seafood you could imagine – fresh oysters, luscious crab and mouth watering fish.
And there is no better accompaniment than one of the increasing number of local quality boutique wines and beers.
This coastline is also famous for being the ideal place to witness the annual whale migration. There are many excellent vantage points all along the coast between Port Stephens and Coffs Harbour. And if you want to get even closer to nature you can cruise with the dolphins all year round.
For natural beauty of a different kind you may prefer to explore the ancient forests in the Taree hinterland or the majesty of the Comboyne Plateau rising high above the Manning and Hastings valleys. From here you can head to Port Macquarie, which offers a mix of cosmopolitan buzz and a laid back seaside feel. Where else could you take a stroll along coastal rainforests right on a beach but at Sea Acres in Port Macquarie?
Another branch off the highway further north brings you to the historic Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks and the amazing Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Or turn west into the hinterland between Kempsey and the Nambucca Valley into the classic country of Slim Dusty’s homelands. Make sure you stop for a refreshing ale at the Pub With No Beer or explore the delightful heritage village of Bowraville.
Then there is Bellingen, nestled at the base of the Dorrigo Plateau and famous for its friendly and creative community. Further up the scenic Bellinger Valley dramatic escarpments with areas of lush rainforest and dramatic waterfalls create the landscape for the World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park. All of this clings to the cliffs which are the backdrop overlooking the magnificent Coffs Coast. At its heart is Coffs Harbour, an icon of Australian holidays not just for the Big Banana, but the diversity of beaches, trails, and fascinating villages, which make up this northern tip of the Mid North Coast.
Discover the stunning drive east from Tamworth down the Hastings Valley on the Oxley Highway to Port Macquarie or take in the awe inspiring views from one of the rest points on the escarpment of the Waterfall Way between Armidale and the Coffs Coast.
You can also fly and drive your way around the Mid North Coast. It can now easily be discovered by flying into any one of three major airports in the region with services to Melbourne and Brisbane as well as Sydney. Plan your trip around Newcastle Airport near Port Stephens, Port Macquarie in the centre of the Mid North Coast or Coffs Harbour Airport in the north. The choice is yours.