For those who are keen to explore nature and some smaller towns along the Mid to Northern NSW coastline, this is the itinerary for you. We've suggested three stops, but there's plenty of other great options along the way.
Distance: 3 Stops, 468 km total drive distance
📍 Stop 1: BOOMERANG BEACH/TIONA
What to do, eat and drink in Boomerang Beach?
This is a secluded spot but that doesn’t mean you’ll be without your morning coffee thanks to Beach House Cafe which is located within the park itself. Nearby Booti Booti National Park is a great place to explore and offers walking trails of varying distances and for all experience levels. When you’re ready to head out into the water, on the beachside of the park you’ll find an incredible stretch of Seven Mile Beach that feels like you are in a remote island location. There is consistent surf here and the beach is not patrolled so be careful particularly if travelling with kids. The lakeside of the park is of course the place to go for those that prefer calmer waters. It’s a perfect place for an easy swim, or if you want to get more active there’s plenty to explore on kayak or SUP.
Where to stay in Boomerang Beach?
Sitting on the edge of a national park and surrounded by water with an incredible white sand beach on one side and a vast lake on the other, Tiona Holiday Park is an exceptional park in an exceptional location. When choosing your accommodation you’ll need to decide between Powered Sites, Glamping, Cabins & Villas but our pick are the Eco Spa Villas which are surrounded by bushland and offer a distinct feel of being connected to nature. We particularly love the indoor/outdoor style bathroom, where you can wind back the large windows and enjoy a bath or shower that whilst indoors, feels like you’re outside. This is a very active and community driven park and if you happen to be here during a school holiday period or weekend there’ll more than likely be a variety of activities being run including group SUP outings, yoga and live music. Be sure to check with the team at reception what’s on during your stay when you arrive.
What's the onward drive?
It will take just over two hours and twenty minutes to travel the 200km needed to reach our next stop in South West Rocks. You'll drive through the twin towns of Forster & Tuncurry as well as Port Macquarie which all make for great additional stops along the way if you wish.
📍 Stop 2: SOUTH WEST ROCKS
Where to stay in South West Rocks?
Located in the perfect spot to enjoy this slice of paradise where rainforest meets the ocean and complete with an extensive number of resort style facilities, NRMA South West Rocks is the pick of places to stay when you’re in this region. Accommodation wise you’ll find Unpowered, Powered and Ensuite Sites as well as Glamping and Cabin & Villa options. Our favourite are the Luxury Lagoon Retreat Cabins, located just a short walk from the Saltwater Lagoon that sits on the inland side of the park. Facilities wise kids will have a ball thanks to a great playground, mini golf, lagoon style swimming pool and even activities run during school holidays.
What to do, eat and drink in South West Rocks?
The main strip of shops and restaurants is 2.5 km away so handily, the park has a fantastic On Site Cafe which serves up great coffee and a range of delicious takeaway meals and ice cream which is perfect for any time of the day, but particularly to fuel up in the morning. To get a sense for the area, hop in the car and make the short drive to Smokey Cape Lighthouse. Built in 1891, it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia and offers a great view over the ocean. If you’re keen to explore the National Park, whilst you’re over at the lighthouse head out on the Smoky Cape Walking Track, a 4.4 km track where you’ll get a sense for the dense local rainforest and spectacular views over the cape. We love the pool at the park but when you’re by the coast you have to have at least one swim at the beach, and our favourite is Horseshoe Bay which is sheltered and generally has gentle waves. No matter what your favourite on water activity is, from surfing to fishing to kayaks & SUPs, there will be somewhere at South West Rocks.
What's the onward drive?
Around three hours to cover 276km on a route that bounces between coastal and inland highways and you'll arrive in Evans Head. Nambucca Heads or the surrounding towns of Coffs Harbour are great options for extra stops along the way.
📍 Stop 3: EVANS HEAD
Where to stay in Evans Head?
Like all Reflections properties, Reflections Evans Head occupies a stunning slice of nature, is exceptionally well maintained and professionally managed. There’s a wide variety of accommodation options including both Powered and Unpowered Sites as well as Glamping, Tiny Homes, Cabins & Villas but our favourite are the Premium Villas. These are newly renovated and located on the Riverside of the park enjoy a location sitting right on the river and are beautifully constructed to maximise your enjoyment of the great views on offer.
What to do, eat and drink in Evans Head?
Flanked by National Parks with a beach on the other side, Evans Head is the perfect place to focus your time on exploring nature. Start your day with a coffee and perhaps something to eat at Stray Espresso then head on out to explore. There’s several walking trails but make sure to prioritise getting up to Razorback Lookout and enjoying the panoramic views over the ocean. If you’re here from May to November it's the ideal spot to do some whale watching. Once you’ve worked up a sweat (or even if you haven’t) find a beach and enjoy this beautiful stretch of coastline. Our favourite is Shark Bay for its protected turquoise waters that are calm enough for swimmers of all experience levels For lunch or dinner we love grabbing takeaway from the Evans Head Fish Centre and then enjoying it at the park or on the beach. If you’re cooking at the park, the BBQ and Camp Kitchen areas at the park are both always clean and very well equipped.
What's the onward drive?
Our itinerary finishes here, but if you wanted to keep heading north, there's plenty to discover in the Northern Rivers and Tweed Coast regions of NSW, our push further onwards to the Gold Coast in QLD.
