When we moved back to New Zealand we took an entire month to make our way home and it was the ultimate family vacation! We started off with a 17 day RV trip from Sydney to the Whitsundays and I fell completely head over heels for this beautiful country. It is such a huge country that even in 17 days we only got such a small glimpse, but I did months of research to make sure we made the most of our time there. Here are the highlights that can't be missed if you make this roadtrip!
Bouddi National Park
Located just under 2 hours north of Sydney, Bouddi was on my list of "places to go only if we have time", but I'm so glad we made time because this place has an unworldly beauty. And my kids just liked it because it sounds like "booty". The liesegang rings on the sandstone cliffs were unbelievably beautiful, my kids pretended like they were on Mars. We started at Putty Beach and did a portion of the coastal track until we ventured off to a secluded beach where my boys built forts and had sword fights with sticks and I was reminded that this world and their childhood is a magical thing. There are 7 beaches in this national park and 6 of those can only be accessed by foot, which means that any beach you end up at you will most likely have it to yourselves. There are several other walks you can take here. I would highly recommend making a stop!
Dorrigo National Park
Take a little break from the coast and head inland just a little ways and you'll discover a lush World Heritage Rainforest. Start out at the Rainforest Center to learn more about the area, then take a walk out on the Skywalk lookout to see the rainforest from up above before taking a hike down below to experience the heart of the rainforest. We would highly recommend the Crystal Shower Falls walk, I mean the name alone is enticing, but you get a chance to walk behind the waterfall and it is so beautiful and serene. Grab some lunch at the Canopy Cafe or enjoy a picnic at the Never Never Picnic Area. For more information about Dorrigo and other hikes in the area click here .
Coff's Harbour
Coff's Harbour is a great place to get out and stretch legs and enjoy the sea air. It was particularly heavy and salty the day we went, and the skies were just the right kind of ominous, the kind that you just stare out on the horizon until the sky and sea become one and all of the sudden feel so small and insignificant in this great big world. So yeah, I would recommend Coff's Harbor for deep thoughts and introspection ;). Take a walk on the Coff's Harbour Jetty; or hike around Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve for a great view; get up close and personal with Dolphins at Dolphin Marine Magic; take in the magnificent views of the coast at the Forest Sky Pier and hike through the rainforest while you're there; or if you're lucky you can spot a Koala Bear at the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. If you're hungry try some delicious ethnic food at Mana Chita or grab some pizza at Emerald Beach Pizza and Pasta or taste some delicious locally grown food at Twenty46 or enjoy brunch outdoors at Cafe Aqua.
Emerald Beach
This next stop blew my mind. It has always been my dream to see a kangaroo in the wild, so when I heard there was a possibility of a kangaroo sighting at Emerald Beach I was all over that. Everyone else was skeptical but as we pulled into the parking lot and saw a half dozen kangaroos hanging out. Everyone piled into the front seat, heads hanging out the window, feet getting stepped on, ribs getting elbowed, squeals of excitement, fingers pointing and a smug look of "I told you so" on my face with the zoom lens documenting every glorious moment. If I thought the parking lot was amazing, I was only kidding myself. we walked out onto the "Look At Me Now" headland (yes, that's the name) and were met with not only the most breathtaking views, but herds of kangaroos grazing along the steep cliffs. I had to stop and catch my breath which was quickly escaping me as I couldn't believe I was actually standing there in that moment. The pastel sunset and crashing waves was the perfect back drop for these adorable iconic creatures, and being able to share it with my family was definitely a moment for me.
Byron Bay
Our last stop on our roadtrip before getting to the Goldcoast was Byron Bay. I would highly recommend the Lighthouse Trail. Or hit the beach for some surf lessons; or take a wildlife safari through three different habitats where you're guaranteed to see koalas and kangaroos among other animals; interact with a pod of local dolphins on a kayak tour and maybe if you're lucky even spot a whale; or take a walk through subtropical rainforest in Nightcap national park to the swimming pool under the beautiful Minyon Falls. There's something for everyone at Byron Bay!
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Hopefully you found some stops that made it onto your roadtrip itinerary! Next stop Gold Coast!
