Top Family Touring Itineraries: Northern NSW

The North Coast has so much to offer within a day’s drive of Sydney. Coffs Harbour is where the mountains meet the sea and a wonderful campsite is never far away, whether by a river or the deep blue.

From beach driving to stunning rainforest pockets within World Heritage-listed national parks, this part of the world has the lot. The kids will love the safe swimming in the clear waterways while mum and dad can surf, explore on a SUP or kayak up one of the many creeks.

THE ITINERARY

DAY 1: SYDNEY TO COFFS HARBOUR

• Plenty of waterfront camping areas to choose from
• Surfing beaches, safe creeks and plenty of patrolled beaches to get wet at
• Make sure you bring your swimmers, fishing rod and/or a surfboard

DAY 2: EXPLORE COFFS HARBOUR

• Check out the Big Banana
• Visit the Pet Porpoise Pool
• Swim at one of the many pristine beaches
• Go jetty jumping off the jetty
• Walk over Muttonbird Island

DAY 3: COFFS HARBOUR TO NYMBOIDA

• Escape to the hinterland
• Stop for lunch at Ulong at the Old Post Office Cafe
• Explore waterfalls and stunning rainforest
• Riverside camping at Platypus Flats in Nymboida

DAY 4: NYMBOIDA TO DORRIGO

• Head to the Norm Jolly memorial grove
• Walk amongst 800-year-old Tallowwood trees in World Heritage-listed areas
• Stop at Dangar Falls for lunch and a (brave) swim
• Spend time at the Dorrigo Rainforest centre

PIT STOPS

• Traditional ice-creams at Coffs Marina
• Attitude Burgers on the jetty strip
• Dorrigo Rainforest Centre for coffee and cake

KIDS WILL LOVE

• Having fun at the Big Banana
• Jetty jumping or fishing in the harbour off Coffs Jetty
• Riding the rapids on the Nymboida River or spotting platypus

WHERE TO CAMP

• Darlington Park is 110 acres of park-like grounds with plenty of shade and only a short walk to the beach
• Platypus Flats for absolute riverside camping on the mighty Nymboida River