EV Sydney to Angourie

1 HR 50 MINS | 138 KMS

Drive 70kms north out of Sydney on the M1 before scooting off to the left at Peats Ridge Road. This idyllic country road winds its way through the Hunter Range towards our first charging stop at Hollydene Estate Wines.

For a hit of colonial history, make a quick stop at Murray’s Run, a convict-built culvert along the way that forms part of the “Convict Trail” that was part of the original Great North Road. After 14km, take a right at Wollombi to explore the quaint pioneer-era village and grab a coffee. 

1 HR 5 MINS | 84 KMS

Exiting the Hunter Range, drive directly through coal country, turning left at Mount Thorley before arriving at Hollydene Estate Wines. Stop for lunch or for a cheeky wine-tasting while the battery gets a thirsty top-up as well! 

Note: This Tesla Supercharger is open to all brands of EVs, pending compatibility. However, we recommend that you check with your EV’s manufacturer as there have been reported compatibility issues with certain models such as BYD and MG. Additionally, EVs that use a CHAdeMO plug, such as Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi PHEVs, cannot use these chargers. 

2 HRS 18 MINS | 184 KMS

Tamworth is famously known as Australia’s country music mecca, but it has plenty more to offer too! 

Plug in at the Hands of Fame NRMA EV Charger and head to the West Diggers Club for a bite, or take a walk through the Bicentennial Gardens to see country music sculptures; if you’re lucky, a weekend market might be humming too. 

Further down the street is the Regional Playground, a huge attraction for kids where the little ones can let off some steam – just be careful not to get too carried away and leave the EV plugged in too long! 

Regional Playground (Photo credit: Destination NSW)

Top Tamworth off with a quiet, cool visit to the Regional Art Gallery, to fill your creative cup.

27 MINS | 28 KMS

Heading north out of Tamworth towards Inverell takes you up the Moonbi Range where a curious phenomenon makes water appear as if it is going uphill.

Known variously as the “Moonbi Anti-Gravity Spot,” or “Gravity Hill,” it can be experienced by following these instructions; be careful to obey road signs and look out for traffic! (Tip: Bring a big bottle of water to pour out on the road!) 

There’s also a stunning view looking south, back towards Tamworth, from the top of Moonbi Lookout viewing platform; it’s not to be missed. 

41 MINS | 61 KMS

After Moonbi, navigation apps might try to direct you left at Bendemeer but locals know the better way is through Uralla, avoiding unsealed roads and reducing potential ‘roo collisions.

Get a bonus for stopping at the local cemetery to visit the grave of Thunderbolt, the famed bushranger after whom many locales are named in the Northern Tablelands. 

For those up for a bit of fossicking, there’s a chance to find a gem at Wooldridge Fossicking Reserve. Alternatively, you can simply stop in town for a seriously good pastry at The Pie Mechanic. 

1 HR 23 MINS | 119 KMS

Glide into Inverell after coasting down the range from Uralla to plug in at the NRMA EV charger across from the RSM Club, where you can be sure of a tasty bistro-style lunch.

This down-to-earth country town has something for everyone. You can easily spend a few hours at the Pioneer Village, or visit the National Transport Museum where you can see everything from vintage 1924 Model T Ford Coca-Cola van, to a solar-powered entrant made by UNSW students to the Bridgestone Solar World Challenge. There’s also an original NRMA panel van!

If you’re after another art injection, AK Bellinger Gallery is the place to be. This contemporary art gallery showcases numerous talented Australian artists, whose works range from landscapes, still life and abstract art, to pottery. 

1 HR 40 MINS | 134 KMS

Slip out of town to visit the tiny village of Bingara where the Roxy Theatre opened in 1958 and which has been carefully restored to its former glory.

Take a moment on the way back to Inverell to stop at the Myall Creek Memorial Site and pay respects to the Wirrayaraay people who were massacred in a tragic event that drew the attention of colonial powers for the first and only time. 

51 MINS | 68 KMS

Head back east up to the top of the tablelands, driving past a bank of statuesque renewable wind farms on the way to Glen Innes. 

Coast into town around to the back of the Town Hall to grab a quick top up from the NRMA EV charger. Slip down the side path to Grey Street and turn left, walking until you get to The Furry Cow in the old bank building. Grab some coffee (and gelato or cake if that’s your thing!) to sip on as you take in the crisp air and colonial heritage architecture. 

After perusing the town’s wares, head east out of town towards the coast – but don’t leave too soon! Turn right at Watson’s Drive, and stop to view the plateau surrounds from the newly opened Highlands Skywalk sitting above the Australian Standing Stones. Enhance your experience via the QR codes on the signs to learn about the First Nation Ngoorabul people and the Celtic settlers that followed. 

42 MINS | 62 KMS

After you leave Glen Innes, turn left after about 40 minutes at the Boundary Falls Lookout turn off. The falls can be viewed not far from the car park, and it is a peaceful place to stop of a packed lunch.

For those wanting to get the full nature fix, the walk down to the bottom of the crystal-clear falls is a mere 200 metres and well worth the effort. 

2 HRS 11 MINS | 164 KMS

From Boundary Falls, it is a two-hour drive along the Gwydir Highway, down the range to reach the goal: the beautiful coastal town of Angourie. If you are still in the mood to take your time, there are several breathtaking lookouts along the way, and if you’re lucky you’ll be met with a choir of bellbirds.

Alternatively, consider stopping in Grafton for a final top up at the NRMA EV charger under the shade of the local library, conveniently located across from the supermarket.

If you’re visiting in late October, you’ll be in for a visual treat: purple jacarandas will be in full bloom, while the town comes to life at its annual Jacaranda Festival with cars on display, an art trail and more.

From there, it’s just a one hour hop skip and jump over to the coast to Angourie, where you can cool down in the refreshing ocean or in the cool Blue and Green Pools. Finally, check in to Angourie Rainforest Resort and have a well-earned cocktail by the sparkling pool waters (don’t forget your MyNRMA membership discount!)