The lower half of the Australian eastern seaboard, filled with ancient forests and endless beaches, is the perfect place to take a self-driving road-trip holiday. I've recently gone on a 2-week road-trip, and would like to share the places that I've been in this post. Hope it could give you some ideas or options for your next adventure within south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Accommodation was the first thing I booked for this trip. I've researched the places that I want to go, as most of them are in clusters, I've chosen my accommodation spots based on that. The idea is I can stay in one place and visit the areas close by before moving onto the next place. You can break this trip up into smaller road trips, if you are time constrained. That's the beauty of this I suppose.
Almost all the Airbnb places that I've stayed, have gone above and beyond my expectation, especially around Armidale, so this actually has turned out to be a better option for me compared to motels or hostels.
My whole trip according to google maps is below in the picture. To summarise:
1. First half of the trip, travelling from Brisbane down south, is beach dominated.
2. Second half of the trip, traveling inland and back up Brisbane, is mountains and history dominated.
3. I organised my accommodation for the whole trip through AirBnB, which turned out to be great.
4. This trip would suit either solo travellers or family groups that are into hiking and beaches.
This 2 weeks trip can be expanded even longer, with more stops and much in-depth exploring. I've barely scratched the surface in some areas such as the Yuraygir National Park in Yamba or Nightcap National Park in Byron Bay.
I will walk you through all the places I've visited by the order of the places where I stayed.
1. Tweed Head
Things to do:
Hiking spots:
- Mount Warning
Expect this to be a busy hiking spot throughout the year. Refer to my previous post for more details.
- Minyon Falls
I've visited this place while I was staying in Tweed Head, but it would be a much shorter drive from Byron Bay. Refer to my previous post for more details.
Beaches:
- Fingal Heads
See my Out of Byron Bay post for more details of the area.
- Point Danger
This marks the border of QLD and NSW. Enjoy the great lookout before heading down to the beach. Expect this to be a busy spot throughout the year.
- Hasting Point
See my Out of Byron Bay post for more details of the area.
Food:
There are lots of food choices in Tweed Heads. I've visited a Vietnamese restaurant at Tweed City shopping centre, which I thought was pretty good. This is located right next to the Coffee Club outside of the shopping centre. A friend of mine recommended Little Malaysia for Asian food, but I didn't check it out due to time constraints. Let me know if you finds it any good.
2. Byron Bay
Things to do:
- Byron Bay
I've separated this one out, because Byron Bay has it all, with a slight side effect of being heavily crowded and hard to find parking.
I've watched the sunrise here and I'm definitely coming back to watch it again. Tips: Watch the sunrise during summer month, and avoid to do it on holidays, especially New Year's Eve. There is a small carpark right before the gate in front of the lighthouse, but get there early.
Hiking spots:
- Nightcap National Park
Minyon Fall is one of the many walking trails that is available at this national park. More information about the trail can be found at the local tourist information centre. See my previous post for more details.
- Killen Falls
This is a short walk with a small steep section before getting to the creek, but there is nothing too difficult. Follow the creek bed upstream and you will end up at this amazing waterhole right under the half moon shaped waterfall. See my previous post for more details.
Beaches:
- Broken Heads
There are a few walking trails that you could choose. The one I went was called the Three Sisters Lookout, which is at the end of Broken Head carpark. After an easy stroll amongst heathland and beaches, you will see the Three Sisters Rock described in the mystical aboriginal tales. Continue along the track, you will reach a little lookout with an expansive view.
- Brunswick Head
Futher information can be found in my Out of Byron Bay post.
Food:
- Fishmonger Restaurant
There are many seafood choices in this Fish n Chips shop. Located only one street over from the beaches, which gives you the option of enjoying the food on the beach. This is a popular restaurant, so keep in mind the wait time during peak hours.
- Kinoko Sushi Retaurant
If you fancy a sushi train, this one is located in Johnson Street, which is where all the night life is happening. The highlight for me, apart from the food, was there is a street Musician singing right outside of the restaurant. He is fantastic, and there was a constant crowd surrounding him and people were dancing and singing along, just like what I would expect in a mini concert. He would stop playing occasionally to encourage and remind people to stick to the pedestrian path and not to go onto the road as his singing draws more and more crowd in. What a legend!
- Kura Japanese Restaurant
This place has great reviews from my research. Unfortunately, it was closed when I was there, so I didn't get a chance to try it out. Please let me know if anyone has been there, as I'm keen to give it a try next time I'm in Byron Bay.
3. Maclean
Things to do:
Lookout and beaches:
- Maclean Lookout
This lookout offers fantastic views all the way to the coast, and it is easily accessible on bitumen road. There are under cover picnic areas at the top of the lookout. If you walk a short distance down the road, you will find an awesome lookout overseeing the Clarence River, and it is only 2km from the township.
- Iluka Bluff
Iluka Bluff Lookout is another lookout that I highly recommend. It is in the Iluka Nature Reserve, with a view of Yamba to your right. Easy access mostly on bitumen road with the last small section driving on packed sand (wet) through the forest/heath. Iluka Bluff is a great fishing spot on top of its great beaches and amazing rock formations. Google Iluka Bluff Lookout and the gps will take you directly there.
- Yamba lighthouse
This is located on the edge of Yamba town centre, easily accessible. I believe you can walk down to the popular beach from the lookout.
- Angourie Pools
This is where the famous blue pools are and they are very popular swimming holes, so please be aware of the crowds. The first pool is near the car park and you will need to walk in a bit further for the second pool. Unfortunately, they were not blue colored when I visited, which was a bit disappointing. However, I've quite enjoyed the beach there, especially the rock causeway that separated the beach sand and sea water! There are lots of sea lives and vegetation to be seen.
Food:
- Barbaresco
This Cafe/Retaurant is across the street from the Angourie Pools. It seems very popular when I passed it by. Let me know if you like the food or not.
- Botero Coffee Restaurant
This little popular cafe is in Maclean, just before you enter the town's business centre. The interior is amazingly decorated and they specialise in many different types of coffee depending on your liking. Do give a try while you pass Maclean. I saw another one in Coffs Harbour, so they must be franchise stores.
4. Coffs Harbour
Things to do:
Hiking spots:
- Dorrigo National Park
Wonga Walk Track: Experience this easy to moderate walk right next to Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. The entire track is fully sealed, I recommend to complete the track anti-clockwise for an easier walk. Finish the walk by walking out to the Dorrigo Skywalk Lookout, and please remember the gold coin donation for it. Experience the pristine rainforest and magical waterfalls one hour away from Coffs Harbour.
Never Never: There are a number of great tracks near here as well. You will need to drive on unsealed road to get here.
- Dangar Falls
Drive pass Dorrigo township, and follow the roadside sign to get here by bitumen road. A cooling swim out to under the waterfall is great on a hot summer day, and it's a relatively short walk. Be careful coming down on the final section due to the steep loose surface.
Lookouts:
- Beacon Hill Lookout
A fantastic spot to watch the sunrise from the sea, and sunset into the mountains.
- Griffith Lookout
Be sure to check this one out, to avoid some crowds. It is situated in between Coffs Harbour and Dorrigo.
I've missed out many other fantastic lookouts, such as the Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout. I will definitely be revisiting Coffs Harbour again.
Note: The below places will snow during winter time. Remember to bring warm clothes if you are planning a visit during that time.
5. Armidale and surroundings/Waterfall Way
Waterfall Way is a tourist drive that connects Coffs Harbour and Armidale. It was given its name because of the numerous waterfalls situated near this drive. It is also the gateway to New England High Country from the Coffs, with Armidale being the capital city of it.
Things to do:
Hiking:
- Cathedral Rock National Park
It feels like entering the realm of giant country, walking in this national park. You are surrounded by giant standing rocks, some of them covered by green moss, as if they are sleeping giants. It is about an hour drive from Armidale towards Coffs Harbour direction. Turn left off the Waterfall Way, and drive to the carpark of Barokee Day Use Area along the gravel road, the track starts at the left hand-side next to the carpark.
- New England National Park
There are many entrance points to this national park, the one I went to is the Point Lookout. Take a walk along Eagles Nest Track starting at Point Lookout, is highly recommended. It showcases some of this ancient land's iconic features. Be sure to take in all of the glorious scenery at the Point Lookout/Eagles Nest Lookout, before diving into the forest.
- Wollomombi Falls
This forms a part of the Oxley Wild River National Park. Take a walk along the 4km return (easy grade) Wollomombi Track, it offers you a closer look at the two waterfalls, the Wollomombi Fall and Chandler Fall. A visit here is highly recommended, as it is only a short drive away from Armidale, and Australia's second highest waterfall, the Wollomombi Fall, is here as well.
Chandler Walk is another option, but the old track that takes you all the way down to the bottom of the gorge is permanently closed due to the reoccurring landslides, so there isn't much to see on the rest of the track that still remain open.
- Aspley Falls
This is a part of Oxley Wild River National Park, but it is the entrance near Walcha. There are two walking tracks, the Gorge Rim Walk (easy 1km loop walk), and the Oxley Walk (Moderate 2.7km return walk). If you are doing the Gorge Rim Walk, be sure to walk down the set of stairs to the Aspley Falls Lookout, to see the magnificent fall up close.
- Aspley Gorge
Once again, this is mostly gravel road all the way to the end. Though, I haven't made it all the way there this time, it does come highly recommended by the Armidale Information Centre.
Lookout:
- Ebor Falls Lookout
There is a small walking track linking the Upper Ebor Falls to the Lower Ebor Falls, be sure to checkout both. It is fully sealed and easy grade walk and it only takes about 15mins to do the walk. I do recommend to do this sometime in the morning, when the spotty thin veils of fogs spitted out by the rainforest are still afloat, it creates a more elusive and grand view this way.
- Falls Lookout - Wollomombi falls
If you are not doing any of the walking tracks, be sure to go to this lookout in the park. You will see both of the waterfalls and the snaky waterfalls as well as the grand-standing gorge formation.
Townships and Surroundings:
- Armidale
One of the highest city in Australia. With so much culture and architectures, yes you saw right, architectures, this town has everything. Be sure to check out all the different churches, the old teacher's college turned music conservatory for the New England University, and Saumarez Homestead.
- Uralla
About half an hour away from Armidale, lies this little town. There is a lot of historical information about Captain Thunderbolt, the famous/infamous highway robber. There was his statue on the town's main road and the museum, too. You will see lots of his hideouts etc. if you've taken the drive between here and Tenterfield.
The other great photo spot is the Gostwyck Chapel, even if you may not be able to go inside.
- Walcha
Great little scenic town, with lots of war memorabilia along the street. It is also the place you will go pass to go to Aspley Falls, Oxley Wild Rive National Park.
Food:
- Two Goats Cafe & Baa
Located across the street from the Armidale Information Centre. I would recommend their home-made cakes and Prawn fettucine in chilli, garlic & white wine sauce.
- Armidale Pizza
Local pizza shop with a descent price and food quality. There are Pizza Capers and Dominos in Armidale as well for your reference.
- Ming Hing Chinese Restaurant
If you want to have Chinese food, this is a good one. Price is good with the food size and the restaurant is centrally located.
- Michael's Cafe
Be sure to check out their wonderful garden in the back while you enjoy your breakfast there. There are many other cafes and pubs along the same street as this in Uralla.
6. Tenterfield and surroundings
Things to do
Hiking:
- Gibraltar Range National Park and Washpool National Park
There are so many walks and areas to explore in these national parks, it's probably worth to spend a few days here. Having stayed in Tenterfield, I do feel it is a bit too far away from these two locations. Staying in either Glen Innes or Grafton is a far better option, halving the travel time. Please note there are day use entry fees to these two parks. The below are the walks and lookout that I've driven to while I was there:
1. Boundary Fall
This fall is tucked away just off Gwydir Highway. The temperature is surprisingly cool near the waterfall, even though it is surrounded by dry and open eucalyptus forest. You will see the sign post along the highway marking the turn off point. After a short drive on gravel road, you will reach a day-use car park, and Boundary Fall is about 5 minutes walk down the stairs from there. There is toilet facility at the carpark and the camping area is right next to here, making everything very convenient. Kids would be able to enjoy this walk, too.
2. Raspberry Lookout
Yes, a lookout with a fruit in its name. However, don't be fooled by it. The expansive views from the lookout is a sight not to be missed.
3. The Needles
This location is closer to Grafton. It is a longer drive through dirt road, however, it is mostly sandy and smooth. Drive all the way to the Mulligans Campground car park, and you will see sign posts that direct you to the Needles track. The first half of the track is through open forest, while the other half is shady rainforest. You can also observe traces of mankind's effort to tame this wild land here. Do enjoy a swim after your hike at the creek next to the bridge.
- Bald Rock National Park and Girraween National Park
They are both great options to explore some of Queensland best rock formations and rocky peaks, with Bald Rocks being closer to Tenterfield township. They both have their unique fortay, that I recommend to do both parks.
Townships and surroundings:
- Guyra
The fifth highest town in Australia, it is located at the crater of an extinct volcano. A great place to stop for a coffee on your way from Armidale to Tenterfield.
- Stonehenge
This is like an Australian version of the Easter Island, except these don't look like humans' faces. Here, you will find so much mystery around these strangely aligned standing stones. Another great stop over to stretch your legs while driving to Tenterfield.
- Glen Innes
Visit the Australian Standing Stones just outside the town centre, which serves as a monument to commemorate the Celtic (Scottish) history. The ring of 24 stones represent 24 hours in a day, with 6 of the slligned stones marking the sunrise point of the shortest day in the calendar year. Lots of the buildings in this town are heritage listed, and there are some great cafes and restaurants along the main streets of the town.
- Tenterfield
Be sure to visit Mckenzie Lookout, Stannum House while you are in Tenterfield. There are also heritage walks that you can find more information on in the Tenterfield Information Centre.
Food:
There are so many Cafe choices in any of the above townships, it's definitely worth taking a nice stroll along the main street in town, and decide what you favour.
I've tried Cruisine Cafe in Glen Innes, which was pretty good. It's right along the main street, I think it's not too far from the Town Hall building.
The other one that I found out at Tenterfield, is called Stannum House. It's an accommodation combined with buffet breakfast and lunch. You can also just do breakfast and lunch, without staying there. The building itself has got a fascinating history and all the rooms are vantage, so if you are into it, it's worth staying here. If you are just having some food, the staff here will also show you around this heritage listed building afterwards.
There is also another place, called The Bramble Patch near Stanthorpe. I've seen a lot of great reviews via different websites, so will give it a try next time I visit. I think most of their food/desert ingredients are fully made on site, which is great. They also sell jams, marmalades etc. which you can buy as a gift for family and friends.
This is it, guys! There are all the spots that I've been to or find interesting during my trip. Hopefully this gives you some ideas for when you are travelling down-under.
Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any places that I've mentioned in this post.
