Head north, the first stop is the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, one of New South Wales best National Parks (especially stunning during the wildflower season). If you’re feeling a bit hungry and it’s a Sunday, why not stop at the Australian Reptile Zoo (Pacific Highway, Somersby) where you can join Eric the crocodile, for a sausage sizzle? A little further north is the coastal town of The Entrance, where the pelicans that flock around the town get an official feeding every afternoon. Next is Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest permanent coastal saltwater lake which measures a whopping four times the size of Sydney Harbour.

On your journey to Nelson Bay stop at Newcastle, Australia’s second oldest and sixth largest city. Take a walk around the chic harbour front markets, to the five kilometre Bather’s Way coastal walk where you can see world famous beaches such as Mereweather and Blacksmiths. If its water activities you’re after, you will love Nelson Bay, where you can fish, scuba dive, and explore the untamed natural wilderness and extensive sand dunes of Stockton Beach. Nelson Bay is also home of the Port Stephens fishing fleet and a departure point for dolphin watch cruises.

Port Macquarie was established as a penal settlement in 1818. For a taste of convict life visit the Port Macquarie Musuem (Clarence Street, Port Macquarie), built in 1836 using convict bricks and labour. Take a camel ride along the beach near Port Macquarie and experience the magnificent beaches from a very different point of view!

Before heading off, drop into the Koala Hospital in Macquarie Nature Reserve, who rescue over 200 koalas a year. The Hospital conducts hand feeding every morning at around 8am. Confirm details at the local information centre. Coffs Harbour is one of the largest regional cities in New South Wales, which also happens to be the biggest producer of bananas, and, of course, is home of the Big Banana (free entry)!

About 20 minutes north of Coffs Harbour is the little coastal town of Woolgoolga, where you can grab a true Aussie hamburger from Woopi Takeaway. Take your burger up to the headland, pull out a blanket and enjoy the 360 degree views. After a couple of hours drive through the sub-tropical forest you will arrive at the quiet seaside resort of Evans Head, fantastic for surfing, fishing, and most importantly, relaxing on the uncrowded, long sandy beaches. Make sure you head to Razorback Lookout, that offers panoramic views of the area. On a clear day look to the north and see if you can spot the Cape Byron Lighthouse!

Continuing towards Byron Bay, take a quick break at Lennox Head and submerge yourself in the waterfall at Kitten Falls, and don’t forget to visit the Macadamia Castle at Knockrow 15 kilometres north of Ballina for all your Macadamia nut needs. Byron Bay needs no introduction – top of the list of things to do is experience sunrise at Cape Byron lighthouse then soak up the vibe at The Buddha Bar & Restaurant, in the famous Old Piggery building.

For some ‘soul food’, take a detour out to Nimbin (approximately 55 kilometres from Byron Bay). In 1973 the town became the focus of national attention with the now famous Aquarius Festival. Out of this a new, alternative community was born. Visitors are treated to a glimpse of the ‘Spirit of Aquarius’ in the main street, with its colourful facade and psychedelic murals. Continue north to the border towns of Tweed/Coolangatta where you can lap up the Gold Coast surf beaches in all their glory and discover the trendy lifestyle in the beach cafes and restaurants. Back onto the highway for the final short trip to Brisbane.