Sails Port Macquarie by RydgesCredit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of the Hastings River from Sails Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie.
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Take a relaxing, rewarding road trip along the southern sections of the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive, hugging the picturesque coastline north of Sydney to the beachside holiday destination of Port Macquarie, where laidback locals include heart-melting koalas. With a total driving time of less than five hours, you’ll never spend long in the car as you spend memorable days enjoying pretty beaches, great seasonal food in charming seaside towns and expanses of preserved natural beauty.
Activate holiday mode on the Central Coast
Start your epic drive by rejoicing in a string of beautiful beaches on the Central Coast, an hour’s drive north of Sydney. Refresh with an ocean swim or ease into a relaxed frame of mind with a stroll around the seaside villages of Ettalong Beach and Avoca and the larger beachside town of Terrigal.
Grab an energising caffeine hit — and maybe an exotic street food-inspired snack — at Lords of Pour in Ettalong, or linger in Terrigal for a long lunch at the likes of The Cowrie, where you can take in panoramic ocean views as you tuck into dishes spanning ocean trout tartare to sage and parmesan gnocchi with torched broccolini. Or take your taste buds to the Mediterranean via the Middle East and Asia at Yellowtail, a fabulous fine dining restaurant that offers tantalising lunch and dinner menus.
With an infinity pool spilling into a peaceful bush setting, The Outlook Cabana is a great base to relax and recharge before hitting the road again. The luxury cabin sleeps up to four people, and features an outdoor log fire you can cosy up beside on cool nights.
Embrace the new in Newcastle
Follow the curves of the coast northward for another hour to the vibrant port city of Newcastle. Learn about the changing face of Newcastle as you pedal through alleys splashed with street art on a cycling tour with Newy Rides. Then take a side trip back to your childhood at Mayfield Canteen, a novel café that has revived the roast of the day and other nostalgic takeaway classics, before joining fun-loving locals for an aperitivo at light-filled Humbug, a neighbourhood wine bar where the homemade pasta and noodles warm the soul.
Soak up more Newcastle history along with a slice of urban luxury at the slick QT Newcastle, where chic metallic furnishings reference the city’s mining heritage. Head up to the rooftop bar to bask in the golden glow of sunset with a cocktail in hand, then enjoy a hearty meal of local produce at in-house Jana Restaurant and Bar.
Avoca Beach, Central Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Woman heading out for a morning surf at Avoca Beach on the Central Coast.
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Avoca Beach, Central Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Woman heading out for a morning surf at Avoca Beach on the Central Coast.
Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
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Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
Pair nature with fabulous food in Port Stephens
Get back to nature in a big way in Port Stephens, less than an hour’s drive north of Newcastle. Get a buzz watching wild dolphins frolic in the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park on a cruise with Moonshadow–TQC Cruises, work up a sweat on the 2.2km-return Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, or simply seize the opportunity to laze on picture-perfect Zenith Beach.
Toast to a day well spent with an ice-cold Little Beach Lager at Below Deck marina café and bar. Perched over the azure waters of Nelson Bay and surrounded by bushland, it’s a dreamy location to catch the sunset. Then head upstairs to savour the setting along with contemporary dishes celebrating the region’s bounty at Little Beach Boathouse restaurant.
Retire for the night in luxury at The Anchorage in Corlette, where sweet dreams come easy after an indulgent visit to the hotel’s Spa Lucca.
Breeze along the Barrington Coast
Slow down to fully appreciate the spectacular scenery as you trace the blissful Barrington Coast, north of Port Stephens, perhaps pausing for an invigorating dip at Blueys Beach, one of the region’s prettiest stretches of sand. Or take a longer break to immerse yourself in nature on the 7.3km Booti Hill and Wallis Lake Walking Track in Booti Booti National Park, which pairs inspiring views with sweet swimming spots.
Continue on the coast road to the seaside town of Forster, where the soothing blue waters of Wallis Creek set the tone for a relaxing long lunch at Mediterranean-inspired Isola Riva, housed in a historic boatshed overlooking the water. Or keep it casual with an ultra-fresh fish and chips feast by the water at Wallis Lake Fishermen’s Co-op, just across the Coolongolook River in Tuncurry.
Push on to Port Macquarie for the night, or check into Forster’s Dorsal Hotel, where you can wake up with the sun in its ocean-facing rooms, refreshed and ready for your final leg of the trip.
Peace out in Port Macquarie
Savour the last hour or so of your road trip as you drive past the lush farms, coastal national parks and lazy rivers of the Manning Valley on your way to Port Macquarie. When you arrive, take your cues from resident koalas — which you might be lucky enough to spot along the 1.3km rainforest boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park — and relax.
A leisurely walk along the expansive Lighthouse Beach is a great way to wind down, followed by a moreish seafood meal at Bills Fishhouse and Bar or the iconic Whalebone Wharf, where you can slurp oysters to your heart’s content. Top off your trip with a calming soak in the private outdoor spa pool of your quaint cottage at Telegraph Retreat, just 15 minutes north of town. Or, soak up waterfront views from the sophisticated, Sails Port Macquarie.
Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the coastal views along Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens.
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Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the coastal views along Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens.
Whalebone Wharf, Port Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
The interior of the Whalebone Wharf seafood restaurant with views across Hastings River, Port Macquarie.
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Whalebone Wharf, Port Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
The interior of the Whalebone Wharf seafood restaurant with views across Hastings River, Port Macquarie.
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
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Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
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Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands