Big Pacific Coast Trip

If the water is still beckoning, head towards Tuggerah Lake, the largest of three lakes that comprise the Tuggerah Lakes wetland system, where you’ll have the choice of swimming, water-skiing or fishing in the lake or the beach at the front of the town. The Lakes immediate surrounds include the Munmorah State Conservation Area and most of the Wyrrabalong National Park which has been identified as an Important Bird Area, because the shallow waters have seagrass beds which attract large numbers of waterbirds such as sharp tailed sandpipers and chestnut teals.

To stay for a few days, you can overnight in one of the holiday parks or hotels dotting the coastline.

Head out early to make it to Newcastle in time to sample one of the meals Australia does best - brunch. The burgeoning cafe scene in Newcastle will leave you with no shortage of options. Try the decadent fig, pear and yoghurt flatbread at popular brunch spot Three Beans or if you’re after an epic seaside view, head to Merewether Surfhouse for ricotta pancakes or a raw breakfast salad.

It’s time to head back to the coast, towards the 26 sandy beaches and idyllic inlets that make up the holiday resort spot of Port Stephens. First off is a stop at Nelson Bay where you can hop on a dolphin or whale watching cruise, with Moonshadow TQC Cruises, an Advanced Ecotourism operator, to get up close to Port Stephens’ most playful residents. Next pick up a snorkel or your diving gear and head to Fly Point - Halifax Park Aquatic Reserve which is filled with an array of colourful marine life. Fish are so abundant in this spot, you’ll have them swimming around your legs as soon as you enter the water! And each summer juvenile tropical fish appear, including butterfly fish, damsel fish, wrasses and butterfly cod. Venture a little further into the deep blue to see octopus, giant blue gropers, rays or if you’re very lucky, a majestic seahorse. But please remember this is a protected marine reserve so there’s no fishing allowed.

If you’d prefer to head straight for Coffs Harbour, keep on the highway and head towards Port Macquarie for a camel ride along the beach with Port Macquarie Camel Safaris.

Or venture further north to get to the beaches at Crescent Head - a favourite surfing spot for longboard riders from around the world as it’s well known as having one of the best right hand point breaks in the world.

And if you’re here in May you’ll be in time to catch the Malibu Classic. The laid-back coastal town at Crescent Head has plenty of spots where you can hire a board or the instructors at the local surf camp can help you brush up on your skills before you take on the famous right-hand break.

As you get closer towards Coffs Harbour, make a stop at the picturesque old-world town of Bellingen. Wander around the eclectic shops, stop in at an art gallery or enjoy a meal at one of the many organic restaurants lining the main street. On the third Saturday of every month you can catch the Belligen Markets where you can pick up fresh tasty treats straight from the garden or kitchen. The town is also known as an art and culture hot spot, hosting a number of musical and literary festivals throughout the year.

As you drive in to Coffs Harbour, keep an eye out for the Big Banana. It’s not exactly hard to miss and has been stopping traffic since 1964.

If you’re travelling through Coffs Harbour in May to July or September to November, make sure you pack a picnic and head to one of the area’s prime whale watching spots. Muttonbird Island viewing platform or Emerald Beach’s Look At Me Now Headland are both ideal spots to see these majestic giants.

Heading north, stop off at Ballina for a seafood lunch and to see the Big Prawn, one of Australia’s iconic “big things”. Then it’s time to get the surfboard out to catch a wave at Lennox Point, located at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, which is regarded by some as Australia’s best right hand break.

Lennox Head is a great little seaside town with the glorious tree lined Lake Ainsworth just a short stroll from the beach. But the beach itself is a huge draw card as dolphins often join the surfers playing in the waves and between May and November you can spot whales cruising up the coast on their annual migration.