Explore North Coast NSW: Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie with Photographer Garry Norris

I was expecting pristine beaches and I wasn’t disappointed; the coastline was incredible and there are so many beaches that there is always one that you can have to yourself, there’s nothing like sitting on the beach watching the sunrise with your morning coffee. I wasn’t expecting such an amazing rainforest like Dorrigo NP, this place will now be in my memory forever, I can’t wait to return.

The highlight of my trip was visiting Dorrigo National Park, before arriving in Coffs Harbour I had never even heard of it. Driving out from the coast to the misty Dorrigo Mountains was like driving into a different world. I arrived early in the morning just as the national park opened (I was the only person there and I highly recommend this), as I walked down into the park, I felt like I was walking into the Jurassic era - all I could hear was water rushing down the waterfalls and birds chirping… so magical! I wish I had given myself extra time to explore.

Image: Crystal Shower Falls, Dorrigo National Park by Garry Norris

#1 The number one thing to have on a road trip is an epic playlist mine has a bit of everything, from Kenny Rogers to Eminem with a touch of Andrea Bocelli in between.

#2 Camera Bag - This is something I never forget, before I hit the road I always check that the camera is fully charged and the SD cards are in place.

#3 Snacks - I always have a good selection of candy, I keep some in the car and I also hide some in my camera bag for impromptu hikes. Skittles and M&M’s mixed together is my preferred candy mix.

#4 Thongs/Sandals - after a long hike it’s great to get back to the car and get your boots off & pop your thongs on.

Ana Mandara Luxury BnB was amazing. The property is very upmarket, not like an old school BnB, let’s say it’s more like a Luxury Retreat. From the moment I arrived the owners Jenelle & Leo made me feel very welcome, from the welcome drink and nibbles on the balcony while watching the sunset over the Hastings River to the delicious 3 course gourmet breakfast prepared by chef Leo, this place is a MUST stay for a Port Macquarie getaway. After completing the Port Macquarie coastal walk, it was nice to come back to my room and have a relaxing spa. Jenelle and Leo’s eye for detail is top notch. I can’t wait for my next visit!

North Coast NSW has a bit of everything pristine beaches, rainforest, Australian history (Trial Bay Gaol and Tacking Point Lighthouse) and National Parks all within a short drive of each other. One minute you can be standing on the beach in Port Macquarie and then walking through rainforest, the rainforest literally meets the ocean.

Image: Trial Bay Goal, Arakoon by Garry Norris

#1 Don’t be afraid to get off the highway, there are so many little coastal towns with amazing beaches and great food.

#2 Spend a night out in the country away from the coast, the rolling green hills and the mountain ranges are unforgettable.

#3 Plan your drive, make a rough plan before you go but leave some time for an extra night in a town that you have come across that you fall in love with, like Arakoon or South West Rocks.

Next road trip I would like to take in North Coast NSW is Murwillumbah to explore the Northern Rivers and the Border Rangers National Park then head south to Lennox for a relaxing beach vacay.

Having everything booked in the one place is the best part of Trip.com - flights, hire car and accommodation are all in the one place so you don’t have to go searching through emails to find confirmation numbers, I also love the fact that I can find real peoples' reviews in Trip Moments, I will 100% book with Trip.com again.

Image: Aerial of South West Rocks by Garry Norris