Introducing North Coast
The NSW coast tumbles north of Sydney in a ribbon of rugged headlands, separated by vast expanses of buttery beach and flanked by the peaks and troughs of national parks. Inland, green hummocks of farmland ripple at the edges of mountains and ancient rainforest in the beguiling hinterland.
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The unfurling shoreline from Sydney to Tweed Heads is one of the most celebrated road trips in Australia, but the well-trodden tourist path concentrates itself on a select few urban centres. Elsewhere you’ll find a utopian blend of sea and sand, shimmering lakes, sumptuous national parks, dolphins and whales, outdoor activities, and alternative lifestyles. Diversity reigns supreme here, from the vineyards of the Hunter Valley to the wilderness of remote national parks, and from the family fun of Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour to the New Age, ecofriendly lifestyle of Byron Bay. No wonder then that freedom-seeking internationals and jaded Aussies flee to the region’s welcoming milieu, where even the smallest towns are latent gems, winking at you with comely pubs, Mod-Oz cuisine and heritage housing. Regardless of your quest, make sure you fold the map away every now and then, take a few random right-hand turns and stop and smell the native flowers.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Evans Head
by the_unfrocked_vicar 24 July 2011
Bit windy on the coast, Oz. Yes, this decade sees a lot of centenaries along the Northern Rivers. St Coumbia's at Uki celebrated theirs…
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RE: Sydney to Brisbane
by bude 07 July 2011
Some car rental companies (such as Avis) allow you to travel on all formed roads, which includes unsealed roads - others specify sealed…
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RE: Avoid travel between Coffs Harbour and Grafton
by Ozziegiraffe 14 June 2011
Interesting though that we had similar weather in late May last year, to the point that all the schools in the Northern Rivers were closed…
