Taking a road trip is fun. In this fast paced world, everyone seems to want to do everything as quickly as possible, looking in front of them and never around them, and to be honest, there are so many beautiful things around you to do, if only you look up. This guide will try to suggest the perfect interstate trip - from Queensland to New South Wales.
Stock up on fuel and snacks at Byron Pacific Highway Fuel Stop
As you leave Gold Coast, you will follow the M1 to New South Wales. If you want to make a fuel or rest stop, there is a fuel station called Byron Pacific Highway Fuel Stop around one hour into the journey (about 80km). After getting what you need here, you will have a forty-three-minute drive to your first location, the F111 Museum.
The F111 Museum
Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum. Situated in Evan’s Head, this museum is run solely by volunteers who are passionate about aviation. Explore some of Australia's military history if you decide to stop here, which features a collection of vintage aircraft including the General Dynamics F-111 fighter bomber and the Caribou DHC-4. If you are into getting souvenirs, the museum has a shop where you can get some apparel, as well as gifts and model planes.
An aeroplane model displayed at the iconic F111 Museum.
Whales at Razorback lookout
Still in Evan’s head, about 5km away, you can get some rest and fresh air before continuing your journey at Razorback lookout. During whaling season, whales can be seen from this area, as well as some amazing scenic views of the Pacific, where surfers tend to flock. This is a good place to eat some packed lunch and just watch the waves before the two-hour journey ahead.
BP Coffs Harbour at 136 Pacific Highway to rest the legs
At around 177km away from Razorback Lookout, you will find a BP stop. Two hours is a long time to be driving, so here you can rest your legs, pick up a snack, fill up your car, and be on your way. You have another two-hour drive ahead of you,so be sure to rest your legs and use the restroom.
Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery and Little Palms Cabins
There is this cute vineyard and art gallery called Long Point Vineyard on your route to Sydney, which might make a great stop to get some wine and beer (for those who aren’t driving!). They show some amazing artwork from the local area, but they don’t have a restaurant on their site, so keep this in mind.
The gallery available for public viewing.
If you want to stop in this area overnight, there are good lodging options in the area. Little Palms Cabins is a cute little spot about 10km away from Long Point Vineyard, which offers a range of room options for your needs. Depending on the room you get, you potentially have access to a seating area with TV, wifi, showers, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. This spot is very close to the beach, so if you want to go down for a swim, it's on the table as well!
Whether you did an overnight trip or wanted to shoot straight through on your journey, make sure to use the restrooms and fill up with water because the next stop is going to be an hour (around 80km) away.
Get a coffee at the Talawahl rest area
Talawahl is a rest area around 300km away from Sydney. The people that run it sell coffee and pies in their kiosk, so that's available if you want to go down for a quick snack. There’s plenty of parking, as well as restrooms if you do need them.
Learn Horticulture at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
The final stop before getting to Sydney is the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. This award-winning prides itself on offering horticultural education to students and tourists alike, and there are always events planned there, so if you are lucky, you can probably catch something interesting. They have a cafe if you want to grab a bite, and if you just want to enjoy nature, you can walk through the grounds and see the plant life on display.
This is your last stop before reaching your destination, and there is a two-hour (160km) journey ahead of you before reaching Sydney.
It is our hope that this guide shows that you can do so many things on a road trip, especially one that can last up to nine hours if done in one go. Rather than rushing, take your time, experience Australia, as most of us tend to see other countries before we explore our own. There is so much around us. Remember that.
