Romantic drives … Coffs Harbour to Crystal Castle, Byron Bay

While Coffs Harbour and surrounds offer some wonderful sites, attractions and lovely beaches, take the time to head up the Pacific Highway for a coast-hugging journey of four hours or so to one of the most peaceful places in Australia – Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby.

Though the trip is easy on the eyes, it’s the final destination that truly treats all the senses. This beautiful place in the Byron hinterland is ideal to enrich your own spirit and that of your partner’s, so make sure you plan to spend a good day there. In a nutshell, simply get on Park Beach Rd on the way out of Coffs and pick up the Pacific and head north.

While a direct route with no stops will get you there in about 3 and a half hours, for road-tripping romantics it might pay to set up a seven-day campervanning itinerary that takes in a few stopovers along the way, such as Grafton, Yamba, Lennox Head and Byron Bay. For us on this trip however, we picked up a Rental Car in Coffs Harbour from DriveNow and headed north.

Certainly stay a night or two in gorgeous Byron Bay and we suggest getting up bright and early one morning, head into town and load up on some energy with a scrumptious breakfast at funky cafe, Twisted Sister. The juice, the coffee, the eggs, the everything about this little eatery is A+. From here, it’s time for an enchanting visit at Crystal Castle, about half an hour from Byron and nestled in the hinterland.

Crystal Castle has a breathtaking landscape like no other in Australia, with an ancient labyrinth walk amidst mystical statues, giant crystals, gardens and refreshing rainforest. In the Castle itself there are tons of exquisite crystals and jewellery, books, aura photos, tarot readings, and a Lotus Cafe with an excellent laid-back menu. It really is a peaceful part of the world to recharge your batteries, go for a romantic stroll and simply “be”.

AUSTIN BONHAM

Romantic drives … Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie

THERE are some places in Australia where the weather has obviously been designed with romantics in mind – count this part of the world along the lower north coast of NSW as one such place where the sun always shines and where there are plenty of beaches to worship the rays or have a dip and ample charming little hamlets to explore.

A great place to park your camper is Emerald Beach Holiday Park, just 10 minutes up the road from the Big Banana (warning: the banana is overrated and will kill any notion of romance, so skip it – though there is a cool little puzzles shop attached for those with an interest, but better suited to couples with kids in tow). This Big4 venue set on a gorgeous beachfront with wildlife everywhere, great beach walks and fishing nearby. The accommodation options are diverse, from 5 star villas to budget cabins, and “convenient shady and peaceful unpowered, powered and ensuite sites for caravans, motor homes and camping”.

Whether it’s a morning or afternoon cruise, it doesn’t matter, as you wind your way down to beautiful Port Macquarie – about 2 and a half hours drive direct, but you will want to absorb some of the sights, walks and tastes along the way including nature trails and world heritage areas inland and along the coastline.

Make a stop in the coastal hotspots of Urunga and Mylestom where  you can avoid the crowds and  find some serious sunshine at Urunga’s gateway to a tidal lagoon and an array of beautiful beaches. This seaside hamlet is found at the join of the Bellinger and Kalang rivers, while beaches can be reached on an almost 1km long boardwalk across the Urunga lagoon. Don’t be surprised if a dolphin pops up to say hello.

Further along, Nambucca Heads is a sleepy seaside town with great views while you are encouraged to make a detour off the main road and head for South West Rocks for some spectacular sights at Smoky Cape Lighthouse (pictured), set on cliffs high above the ocean. Also spend a bit of time at Trial Bay Gaol and discover it’s amazing history. Scoot along for another 20 minutes and enjoy some beachcombing at Hat Head National Park before making the journey to the final destination, Port Macquarie.

If planning to stay overnight, our accommodation recommendation is Jacaranda Caravan Park, offering splendid powered sites on its six acre base of sub tropical setting. At night, either indulge in a river cruise or soak up the sparkling views across Hastings river as you wine and dine at Whalebone Wharf Seafood restaurant.

AUSTIN BONHAM

Driving holidays – Sydney to Coffs Harbour (NSW)

The great thing about cruising in a campervan to Coffs Harbour is that you can either do it from Brisbane or Sydney, therefore offering two very different journeys to enjoy. For us, we chose the Sydney option and while it would take about seven hours maximum with no stops, we spent five days negotiating the route along the Pacific Highway, a great option for some diverse stop-overs along the way.

Newcastle

First port of call was Newcastle after a leisurely two hour cruise. This city is one of extremes – a rougher element stemming from its early days as a shipping and commercial centre, with iron and steel mills built. While some parts of town are eyesores, the rest is beautiful, including some amazing beaches such as Stockton, Nobbies and Mereweather, while the Honeysuckle Boardwalk – an area that was a once derelict harbour area – now boasts funky restaurant-bars, a brewery and a great walk.

Forster

Second port of call the was Forster Beach Caravan Park, another two hour drive. (We find the two hour stints work best, especially if you have kids!). We caught an amazing sunset and also had the good fortune of witnessing some dolphins putting on a show after arriving. If you have time, take stroll along the Bicentennial Coastal Walk and providing your journey is around Spring you should be able to take in a whale watching cruise. Check out the Big Buzz Fun Park and car lovers will enjoy the car museum.

Coffs Harbour

Last but not least we arrived in Coffs Harbour, the highlight of our journey. This place has a to-die-for climate, sunny days most of the time (though locals told me it can get quite wet and sticky with high humidity). Though a little overrated, check out the Big Banana and slip behind this major tourist attraction for either a Harley ride or a big super slide adventure. While in Coffs there are loads of attractions but one that must be factored in is a visit to the Pet Porpoise Pool. Alone, it’s worth the drive in your campervan along the Pacific Highway from Sydney to Coffs Harbour. Dolphins, seals, whales, barbecue, gift shop, shady areas – this one has the lot for families.

SCOTT PODMORE