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 at Lords of Pour in Ettalong, or linger in Terrigal for a long lunch at The Tropic at Terrigal Pavilion, where you can take in panoramic ocean views as you tuck into the coastal-inspired menu of spaghetti vongole, kingfish carpaccio and fresly shucked oysters, or take your taste buds to Italy at Lago Cucina, a contemporary Italian trattoria on Lake Budgewoi. 

If you want to extend your stay, rest your head at the brand new voco Gosford, a 130-room lifestyle hotel boasting a podium-level swimming pool, swim-up bar and five hospitality venues all overlooking the tranquil Brisbane Waters.  

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 morning coffee break at Autumn Rooms on the bustling Darby Street which has perfected the art of traditional cafe fare, 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. 

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.  

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