From Taree To Port Macquarie Overview

There are two routes from Taree to Port Macquarie, each with its own distinct charm. Beach bums are advised to stick to the Pacific Highway, with a stopover in Crowdy Bay. Joy-riding daytrippers can take the scenic, bumpy 100km Tourist Drive 8, which curves inland before meeting back up with the Pacific Hwy.

Crowdy Bay National Park. Although the drive here is full of potholes, Crowdy Bay is worth every jolt. Crowdy Bay, 40km north of Taree off the Pacific Hwy., is home to some of the area’s most popular beaches, bushwalks, and picnic areas, as well as an abundance of kangaroos. Coralville Rd., at Moorland on the Pacific Hwy., leads into the park’s southern entrance. Wild eastern grey kangaroos live at each of its three campsites: Diamond Head, Indian Head, and Kylie’s Rest Area. There are flush toilets and cold showers at Diamond Head; all other sites have composting toilets. (Campsites adults $10, children $5.) Groups of kangaroos hop within feet of astounded visitors, and whales can be seen off the headlands, but it often takes an expert to spot more elusive koalas at Indian Head and Kylie’s Hut. There are three reasonably tame bushwalks in the park that pass through habitats stunted by exposure to wind and harsh salt sprays. The shortest walk is along the base of the headland cliff, accessible from Diamond Head at low tide. The longer Diamond Head Loop Track (4.8km) links Diamond Head and Indian Head, while a third track goes from Kylie’s to the Crowdy Bay beach (1.2km return). Bring your own water into the park. The roads are 2WD-accessible dirt tracks. (Daily vehicle fee $7.)