On the Road Down Under – The Traveller’s Tweed Heads to Coffs Harbour | Pacific Coast Road Trip Starting right on the Queensland–New South Wales border, this episode of On the Road Down Under – The Traveller’s Guide heads south along the Pacific Coast, deliberately skipping the Gold Coast and slowing things down to explore the towns, beaches and river ports that make northern NSW such a classic road-trip destination. This stretch is all about getting off the M1, following the coast where it matters, and discovering the places that grew because of rivers, fishing, timber, farming and safe harbours — long before highways existed. Along the way, we travel through and past: Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach and Pottsville Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay (history before hype) Ballina, Lennox Head and Evans Head Yamba, Maclean, Iluka, Grafton and Ulmarra Woolgoolga, Red Rock and Moonee Beach Finishing in Coffs Harbour We talk about why these towns exist, early settlers, Indigenous history on Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr Country, and how rivers like the Clarence shaped the entire region. You’ll also get practical road-trip advice, including average drive times between towns, worthwhile detours, caravan parks, places to stay, beaches to walk, and spots worth stopping for food or a break. Peppered throughout the journey are fun Australian facts, light-hearted quizzes (with answers revealed later), and pause points to help you plan the drive at your own pace. The tone is upbeat, family-friendly and relaxed — like travelling with a mate who knows when to take the better road. If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow, give it a like, and share it with your travel mates — it really helps others discover the show. And if you’re new here, check out our other journeys, including: Gympie to Rockhampton Rockhampton to Townsville Townsville to Port Douglas Port Douglas to Bamaga (Cape York) All the places mentioned in this episode — towns, detours, parks and planning resources — are linked below so you can explore further. Safe travels, keep exploring, and remember — every road leads to a new story. 🔗 Episode Notes & Useful Links (Not read aloud) Destination & Planning NSW North Coast travel guide: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast Destination NSW – North Coast region: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/regions/north-coast Indigenous Culture Bundjalung Nation: https://www.bundjalungpeople.org.au/ Aboriginal cultural experiences NSW: https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/aboriginal-culture Indigenous Australia map (AIATSIS): https://www.aiatsis.gov.au/explore/indigenous-australia-map Towns & Regions The Tweed & Kingscliff: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/the-tweed-area Byron Bay area: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/byron-bay-area Ballina & Lennox Head: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/ballina-area Clarence Valley (Yamba, Maclean, Iluka, Grafton): https://www.myclarencevalley.com/ Coffs Harbour region: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area Caravan Parks & Stays Reflections Holiday Parks: https://reflectionsholidays.com.au/ BIG4 Holiday Parks: https://www.big4.com.au/ NRMA Parks & Resorts: https://www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/ Nature & Detours NSW National Parks – North Coast: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/regions/north-coast Solitary Islands Marine Park: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/solitary-islands-marine-park Road Conditions & Safety Live Traffic NSW: https://www.livetraffic.com/ NSW Road Safety: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety
