Road trip: NSW North Coast recovery

Head north out of Sydney on the first leg of this endearing cultural road trip along the New South Wales Pacific Highway. After a fairly uncomplicated drive, stay overnight at near by Umina Beach, where you'll find no shortage of cuisine choice. Why not kick off your of road trip with cocktails and snacks by the beach at Margarita Daze, or settle in for a tasty meal at Wandee Thai Restaurant?

After staying overnight in Umina Beach enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch at one of the many café’s in town. Umina Beach Cafe is the place to be to take in the beach before heading off to continue your journey.

Allow yourself to be taken through the spectacular Bouddi National Park with Girri Girra. Begin your day with an Acknowledgement of Country and listen to the creation story of this region. As you wander through the picturesque environment, visit significant sites dotted with rock carvings.

With each step you take, broaden your understandings of First Nations culture and history through the ancient stories and knowledge shared by your cultural guide. Cleanse your mind and body with a traditional smoking ceremony and revel in the natural beauty of this abundant landscape.

- Book the Bouddi Aboriginal Walking Tour

The sun-kissed coastal town of Swansea, is set in the heart of the surrounding Macquarie Lakes region. Known for its ocean beaches, famous sea caves, Swansea is also home to the spectacular Wallarah National Park and the historic mining village of Catherine Hill Bay.

Make your way to Swansea Heads to see one of the more extensive coastal middens along the north coast of Australia. 

This particular site is thought to be at least 8000 years old and represents the intensive and continuous Indigenous occupation of the area. The site features a mass of shells, faunal bones, charcoal, and stone tools. 

Close to the town of Forster, Myall Lakes is a water playground and is part of the wider Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes region is huge network of interconnecting lakes and rivers flanked by some of the best beaches in the state.

Things move at a pretty slow pace in Myall Lakes, so expect lazy days fishing from a houseboat, farm gate hopping along a local food trail and sunset drinks with the best ocean views around.

The rocky headland of Dark Point in the southern area of Myall Lakes National Park has a rich cultural history and has been a gathering place for the Worimi people for over 4000 years.

Walk along Dark Point walking track to the headland see the sweeping views across to Broughton Island. The Worimi people would gather here in clan groups, or nuras, to feast on the abundant seafood. Traditional burial sites, as well as middens, have been known to be found in this area as well!

- Find out more about Dark Point Aboriginal Place

Taree is an historic town on the banks of the beautiful Manning River, and is the vibrant centre of the Manning Valley and is a major town of the region with plenty of accommodation, cafes and restaurants, outdoor activities and cultural experiences. 

The Traditional Custodians of the Taree region know it as “the place where the leaves touch the waters, from the mountains to the sea”. An apt description as the Barrington Coast meanders from the Great Lakes in the south to the lush Manning Valley, encompassing World Heritage-listed wilderness, tranquil lakes and spectacular beaches.

Father and daughter team, Russell and Rachel Saunders are Koori artists from the Biripi people who own and exhibit at Deep Water Shark Gallery. Their works are displayed at the Gallery have the opportunity to view and purchase a wide range of clay sculptures, paintings, didgeridoos and various other arts and crafts. They are a proud New South Wales Aboriginal family business.

- Find out more about Deep Waters Shark Gallery

As you leave the lake region behind, you will discover charming beachside towns dotted along the coast, creating a chain of wide white sandy beaches broken by majestic headlands and secluded bays.

One such beach is Scotts Head, an un-spoilt coastal playground and the perfect place to enjoy a solitary beach walk or a paddle in the water. Be sure to stop by Oska and Co for a coffee and a bite to eat before heading off to your next stop!

Deepen your understanding of Gumbaynggirr culture with the Gaagal Yuludarla (Ocean Dreaming) Tour.

Wander through the picturesque coastal landscape of Scott's Head, making your way to the breathtaking views of Gaagal Wanggaan (Beach South). Breathe in the fresh, salty air as you listen to the Gumbaynggirr people's deep, spiritual connection to Dunggirr Julum (Koala Mountain).

Throughout your day, learn the creation story of the Gaagal (ocean) and the first wave, watch bush tucker demonstrations and learn the wholistic uses for medicinal plants.

- Book an Ocean Dreaming tour

Iluka, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Clarence River on the other, is the definition of a water faring, fishing village.

The town's name is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning "near the sea" and you can see why as it is surrounded by kilometres of pristine beaches.  From fishing and kayaking in the river, to epic surf breaks and long beach walks, Iluka is a relaxed coastal paradise where you can take the chance to slow down and go with the flow. 

Visit Iluka Nature Reserve, an UNESCO World Heritage listed littoral rainforest. One of the few remaining littorial rainforests in the Southern Hemisphere, Iluka rainforest is part of the Coastal group of the Gondwana Rainforests. It contains many different plant species ranging from coastal dune species to tropical rainforest species.

The Iluka rainforest also has a vast range of native animal species ranging from wallabies and kangaroos to wombats and echidnas. Iluka is known as a home for the rare coastal emu. This nature reserve is very popular with bird watchers with over 140 species of birds calling the reserve home. 

- Find out more about Iluka Nature Reserve

On the final leg of this recovery road trip, you will follow the great Northern Rivers, as you wind your way into world famous Byron Bay. Named for the many charming small rivers that run up and down the coast, the Northern Rivers region is only a short distance from the coastal beaches and communities that have become synonymous with Australia's counter culture movement. 

Byron Bay has transformed in recent years, attracting people from all levels of society with its beautiful beaches, multi-million dollar homes, five star dinning and uber trendy bars and cafes. It is a mecca for all things alternative, chic and fabulous having come a long way from the sleepy surfside town it used to be.