3 days on the Barrington Coast

Stretching from below Diamond Head to Hawks Nest and inland to Barrington Tops, it’s a combination of unspoilt beaches, high-altitude rainforest, azure lakes and verdant valleys with every shade of green. Spend three days zigzagging between swimming and surfing in clear water, and exploring charming towns with cafes, breweries and live music venues that make the most of the rich variety of produce. With a road trip here, you can’t help but adjust to the easygoing pace and you’ll end the journey revived and ready to return as soon as you can.

Number One Beach, Seal Rocks
 

Day One: Barrington Tops to Old Bar

Start the trip at the Copeland Tops State Conservation Area in Barrington Tops. This gorgeous swathe of nature is the largest area of accessible dry rainforest in the region, with canopies of ancient grey myrtles, red cedar and strangler figs shadowing mossy rocks, staghorn and orchids. Listen keenly and you might hear the rare stuttering frog, the emerald and purple wompoo fruit-dove or the gentle screech of a black cockatoo.

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, Barrington Tops

On the Copeland Tops Twilight Tour, held on the first Friday of the month, you’ll explore the Hidden Treasure Track and historic buildings of Mountain Maid gold mine. Expect to meet some of the wildlife that are active at dusk, including microbats, brush-tail possums and maybe even some glowworms and fireflies.

Guided tour of the Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, Barrington Tops

Hop in the car and continue along Thunderbolts Way. One of the prettiest drives in the state, it crosses lush farmland and clear rivers with spectacular scenery around every corner. Make sure to pull over for a moment in a scenic spot to breathe some of that fresh country air. Refuel with lunch at Bent on Food at Wingham, a locally loved café serving excellent coffee and delightful dishes starring produce from nearby farms. The buttermilk pancake with Rudi’s smoked bacon, cinnamon dukkah and vanilla bean mascarpone, or sticky salmon with caramelised sweet potato, Thai basil and spinach should hit the spot.

Bent On Food, Wingham

Your next stop, Taree, is a historic town situated on the banks of Manning River. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the local architecture on the Taree Heritage Walk. The self-guided tour begins and ends at Fotheringham Park and takes in Manning River, Taree West Conservation Area, churches and 19th century public buildings.

Taree Heritage Walk, Taree

It’s time to settle in for the night but your evening is certainly not over. Drive for just 20min towards the coast to popular surf town Old Bar and the Boogie Woogie Beach House. A boutique hotel with a colourful history and a passion for live music at its heart, it’s much more than accommodation. Choose a roommate like David Bowie, Louis Armstrong or Nick Cave – each room is inspired by a musical legend.

Boogie Woogie Beach House, Old Bar

For dinner, relax at al fresco restaurant Flow Bar with a plate of oysters from nearby Mitchell Island, pork belly tacos and a couple of pizzas. If you’re there on a Friday or Saturday night (or Sunday lunch) you’ll be treated to a night of rocking live music.

Day Two: Old Bar to Forster

This morning, drive south to One Mile Beach near Forster, grabbing takeaway coffee and locally made pastries on the way from Plunge Cafe. Once you dive into the deep blue at this gorgeous beach you’ll feel like a new person. Bennetts Head Lookout, on the north end of the beach, has a great vista for taking a panoramic shot of the area – you might even see a pod of dolphins leaping out of the clear water.

One Mile Beach, Forster

Quench your thirst at The Coastal Brewing Company in Forster, run by friendly, passionate brewers who can take you through a tasting paddle of their current selection. Order in some tucker from a local restaurant or snack on a cheese plate while you try something unique – perhaps the alcoholic ginger beer made with lemons, ginger and honey from nearby farms. Be sure to take a six-pack home for a delicious souvenir.

The Coastal Brewing Company, Forster
 

A visit to Wallis Lake is a must – an azure blue jewel that sits in between the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry. Famous for its pristine waters and excellent fishing, one of the best ways to explore it (and a great workout) is on a stand-up paddleboard. Get a lesson with Jungle Surf, and you’ll quickly get the hang of it and will be exploring the waterways on your own.

Wallis Lake, Forster-Tuncurry

Try your hand at fishing on the lake or if you want to skip ahead, Wallis Lake Fishermans Co-op serves local seafood fresh out of the water. Tuck into a plate of oysters, a bucket of prawns and some Stone & Wood beer-battered fish and chips, and gaze out at the serene expanse of Wallis Lake.

Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry

A memorable way to explore more of the stunning coastline is on horseback. Horse about Tours match you with a horse and offer a range of rides, including a beach and bush ride that takes you through winding forest tracks to the northern end of Nine Mile Beach, a secluded spot known for its surf breaks and scenic rock pool. A twilight Sunset Ride, held on the first Saturday of the month, is a special option which ends with a campfire sausage sizzle.

Horse About Tours on Nine Mile Beach,Tuncurry

Back in Forster for the night, fall asleep to the sound of rolling waves at The Dorsal Boutique Hotel; every room has a balcony with a view of Forster Main Beach.

Day Three: Forster to Hawks Nest

Check the surf report and spend the day beach hopping – it’s almost impossible to pick the best spot on this gorgeous stretch of coast. Whether you’re after a big break or are happy practicing in the shallows, it’s a surfer’s paradise, with clear water and white sand surrounded by wild scrub. Start at Blueys Beach or Elizabeth Beach at Pacific Palms, then make a pit stop at The Good Food Store at Smiths Lake for a hearty breakfast burrito or egg and bacon roll.

Elizabeth Beach, Booti Booti National Park
 

For your second dip of the day, head to Number One Beach at family favourite Seal Rocks. After a surf or a walk along the rocky headland, hop back in the car and drive along the breathtaking scenic route that winds past Myall Lake and through charming rural communities.

Number One Beach, Seal Rocks

There are a number of wineries, cafes, antique stores and walks in national parks to explore along The Bucketts Way tourist drive; stop at Alderley Creek General Store for homewares, baked goods and wine, or Mill Creek Vineyard for a wine tasting. Head onto The Farmer's Wife Distillery in Allworth to try gins made with love and inspired by the gardens on site. Book a tour of the distillery and take a bottle away with you – their Autumn Dry Gin is layered with notes of lemon myrtle, kaffir lime and grapefruit.

The Farmer's Wife Distillery, Allworth
 

Head back to the coast for one last dip at Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest. This 14km strip of sand features a rugged track to the top of Yacaaba Head. Looking out to stunning views of both the north and south, this is the perfect spot to end your journey.