Coast to Country Coast to Country OPEN IN MOBILE Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie Details Open leg route 414.5KM / 257.6MI (Est. travel time 5 hours) From World Heritage-listed rainforest to protected marine reserves, crashing waves and thundering waterfall cascades. This Êve-day adventure oÂers not only nature writ large, but also revealing insights into the state’s indigenous and colonial heritage. Expect historic hinterland towns and laid-back beachside vibes in equal measure. What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 1 of 31 Coast to Country What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 2 of 31 Coast to Country 1 Day 1: Port Macquarie OPEN IN MOBILE A four-hour drive north of Sydney, this waterside town is known for its intriguing penal-colony past dating back to 1821, its brilliant beaches and its abundant wildlife. For proof of the latter, look no further than the Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park, boasting one of the largest koala populations on Australia’s east coast. Dedicated to the Resident koala at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie rehabilitation of injured and endangered fauna, the centre cares for more than 200 exotic and native animals, including the koalas. Cuddly creatures requiring extra attention are nurtured at Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital, which not only provides vital medical aid, but also educates visitors on how best to protect vulnerable species across the country. For wildlife of a diÂerent kind, head to Lighthouse Beach, a 9km stretch of sand hosting a daily camel parade thanks to Port Macquarie Camel Safaris. While you're wandering, keep your eyes GET DIRECTION S peeled for dolphins chasing waves just oÂshore, as well as whales during migration (May through November). Sights & Activities Billabong Zoo: Koala Hospital Koala and Wildlife Park Port Macquarie Camel Safaris What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 3 of 31 Coast to Country Koala Hospital Billabong Zoo: Koala and Wildlife Park Corner Lord Street and Roto Place, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie, Australia, 2444 New South Wales, Australia, 2444 (02) 6584 1522 GET DIRECTION S (02) 6585 1060 [email protected] GET DIRECTION S [email protected] Public Toilet, Non-smoking * Entry is free of charge. Caters for people who use a wheelchair., Public Toilet * General Donations are gratefully Wheelchair Access Admission Birdwatching, Walks $0 AUD* accepted. Public Toilet, Parents Room, Non-smoking, prices from Parking Picnic Area Children to Picnic Area, Cafe, Barbeque, Kiosk Adults The Koala Hospital is in the grounds of Public Toilet $22 ~ $35 AUD* Pensioner/Sen discount Roto House. It is the world's first hospital Parking, Coach Parking Caters for people who use a wheelchair., available dedicated solely to the care and Wheelchair Access, Caters for people who use preservation of koalas. a wheelchair. At the multiple award-winning Billabong Zoo you can get up-close and personal to Australian and exotic animals. You can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 4 of 31 Coast to Country Port Macquarie Camel Safaris Matthew Flinders Drive, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia, 2444 0437 672 080 GET DIRECTION S [email protected] Welcome to the famous Port Macquarie Camel Safaris on Lighthouse Beach. You are invited to enjoy a unique and fun filled experience on Port Macquarie’s What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 5 of 31 Coast to Country 2 Day 1: Crescent Head OPEN IN MOBILE Your 45min drive north crosses the Hastings River, then cuts through Maria National Park – home to an Important Bird Area – en route to Crescent Head. This laid-back town hails some of Australia’s best surf breaks, reliably crashing to shore year-round. If you’re new to the sport, sign up for a lesson at Surfaris Retreat, which helps grommets (young surfers) become comfortable Couple beach camping at Crescent Head on the North Coast - tackling the region’s epic waves. Alexandra Adoncello SurÊng is also on the agenda across Goolawah National Park, a protected stretch of coastline with a popular left-point break alongside a blissful lagoon, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Don Ëippers and a mask to glimpse turtles and Êsh, or trek the rocky coastline on the lookout for dolphins and seasonally migrating whales. Drive inland to spot more of the region’s famed koalas; twitchers will also be excited to glimpse ospreys and tawny frogmouths, among the many Arrive via car from Day 1: local bird species. Crescent Head 64KM / 40MI ~ Approximately an hour GET DIRECTION S Sights & Activities Goolawah Surfaris Surf National Park Camp What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 6 of 31 Coast to Country Goolawah National Park Surfaris Surf Camp Goolawah National Park, Crescent 271 Loftus Road, Crescent Head, New Head, New South Wales, Australia, South Wales, Australia, 2440 2440 0408 561 046 GET DIRECTION S GET DIRECTION S [email protected] Picnic Area Picnic Area 14 rooms Camping, Four Wheel Driving, Snorkelling, Surfing, * Twin Queen Economy- Laundry Facilities, Swimming Pool Swimming AUD170 Family Economy - Cafe, Barbeque Fireplace AUD190 King Suite- For beach camping near Kempsey and Games or Recreation Room, WiFi AUD220 Deluxe Family $160 ~ $350 AUD* Parking Suite -AUD290 Crescent Head, head to Goolawah National Park. You can go surfing, fishing, Surfaris Surf Camp offers motel and birdwatching and even whale watching backpacker accommodation, with in from the house kitchen facilities, licensed bar, volley ball court, internet, meals on offer, swimming pool. There What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 7 of 31 Coast to Country 3 Day 1: Kempsey OPEN IN MOBILE Your journey northwest is a brisk 20min drive, skirting Maria National Park again before landing in Kempsey. Set on the banks of the Macleay River, this town is the traditional home of the Dunghutti people, whose lifestyle is celebrated at the Wigay Aboriginal Culture Park. Covering three hectares, the grounds here are planted with an astounding collection of native Kempsey - Macleay Valley Coast trees, shrubs and plants, most of which Indigenous communities have used for millennia as a source of food and medicine. Join tasty ‘bush tucker’ tours to learn which Ëora you can eat, and what to avoid. Or simply stroll the aromatic gardens – replete with wetlands, woodlands, rainforest and tropical plants – at your own pace. Be sure to end your experience here with damper slathered in native jams, and a side of lemon myrtle billy tea. Arrive via car from Day 1: Sights & Activities Kempsey 21KM / 13MI ~ Approximately 19 minutes GET DIRECTION S Wigay Aboriginal Culture Park What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 8 of 31 Coast to Country Wigay Aboriginal Culture Park Wigay Cultural Park_Macleay Valley Coast 58 Sea Street, West Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia, 2440 1800 642 480 GET DIRECTION S [email protected] Public Toilet, Picnic Area Picnic Area Public Toilet Parking Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park in Kempsey provides a unique opportunity to experience local Aboriginal culture and learn about traditional foods, all within a natural parkland What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 9 of 31 Coast to Country 4 Day 1: Eungai OPEN IN MOBILE Another short drive north and you’re in Eungai, the approximate halfway point between Sydney and Brisbane. You’ll see your destination long before you arrive, the town characterised by 498m Mount Yarrahapinni. Drive along roads cloaked in rainforest toward the summit, oÂering stellar views over the Nambucca and Macleay valleys, and across national parkland, creeks Buffalo from Eungai Creek Buffalo farm and rivers to the PaciÊc Ocean. You’ll also likely glimpse today’s next destination: Eungai Creek BuÂalo. For four decades this working farm has been producing world-class dairy products, from Persian fetta to labna (a type of cream cheese), pecorino, haloumi, gelato and yoghurt. Purchase goods to take away, or linger and truly appreciate this buÂalo-milk bounty at the on-site café, where the menu features buÂalo burgers, arancini rice balls with house-made mozzarella, or tasty labna and smoked salmon atop toasted Turkish bread. Arrive via car from Day 1: Eungai 37KM / 23MI ~ Approximately 26 Sights & Activities minutes GET DIRECTION S Eungai Creek Buffalo Cafe What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 10 of 31 Coast to Country Eungai Creek Buffalo Cafe 50 Elliots Road, Tamban, New South Wales, Australia, 2441 (02) 6569 9448 GET DIRECTION S [email protected] Non-smoking Australian, Gluten Free Available, Hamburgers, Light Meals, Mediterranean, Pizza or Wood fired Pizza, Private Dining, Takeaway WiFi Parking, Coach Parking Set overlooking beautiful rolling farmland and lush paddocks our working farmproduces a variety of delicious cheeses, gelato, yoghurt and buffalo meat products. Our new cafe What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 11 of 31 Coast to Country 5 Day 1: Macksville OPEN IN MOBILE Your penultimate stop for the day is just 20km north, your route weaving through 2,100-hectare Yarriabini National Park. Pull on hiking boots to explore rainforest trails leading to Yarriabini lookout, with views over the Macleay Valley and Trial Bay.