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A road trip from Sydney to Port Macquarie is a classic east coast Australian adventure. Perfect for those who thirst for discovery, this drive takes in some of the country’s most spectacular national parks, cosmopolitan cities, and charming rural and coastal towns rich in history, culture and charm.
The most famous route from Sydney to Port Macquarie is 395 km along the M1 and Pacific Highway, which takes 4 hours and 15 minutes of non-stop driving. Stop-offs include Palm Beach, Terrigal, Newcastle, Stockton Beach and Laurieton.
These are just the tip of the iceberg of all the incredible landmarks, attractions and places you can visit on this journey. So you’ll want to keep reading until the end to learn more about the route and where to stop along the way.
Which Car Rental Companies Offer One-Way Car Hire From Sydney to Port Macquarie?
Changes can occur with suppliers and the availability of their rental packages when it comes to one-way car hire, so it always pays to compare. With Car Hire and Rental, you can instantly compare top car rental companies that service Sydney and Port Macquarie (both city and airport locations), including
- Avis
- Budget
How Far is it From Sydney to Port Macquarie?
When driving from Sydney to Port Macquarie, most people take the M1 and Pacific Highway routes. This route bounds the east coast of New South Wales from the capital city, past the Central Coast and beyond into Northern NSW and Queensland.
If you are into beaches and beautiful scenery, this drive allows you to check out some of Australia’s most pristine stretches of sand and notable surf spots.
Non-stop, the route can take about 4 hours and 15 minutes to drive a distance of 395 kilometres. It means you can leave Sydney after breakfast to arrive in Port Macquarie in time for lunch.
But with so many beautiful places to visit along the way, why not take the opportunity to embark on the journey over a few days? Given all the beautiful things you will see, the ample journey time will be very much worth it.
Why Should You Choose a One-Way Car Hire From Sydney to Port Macquarie?
The driving length and time between the two cities are pretty short for Australian standards. We’ve provided a table below that will help you compare the value of each mode of a pleasant drive from Sydney’s city centre and enable you to pass through a few of New South Wales’ natural landmarks.
A Quick Comparison With Other Forms of Transportation?
We’ve provided a table below that will help you compare the value of each mode of transportation.
| Mode of Transportation | Time Duration | Estimated Price |
| Car Hire | 2 to 3 hours | $248+ |
| By Air | 1 hour | $278+ |
| By Bus | 3 to 4 hours | $55+ |
| By Train | 8 hours and 45 minutes | $54.70 |
The main benefit you will gain by hiring a one-way travel vehicle is the flexibility to travel via different routes. If your travelling group consists of 4 or 5 people, you will save more money by renting a car, and you will surely be able to experience more on your trip.
What Can I See Along the Way?
A road trip from Sydney to Port Macquarie is a terrific drive showcasing incredible scenic views, fascinating places, and attractions. It is an effortless drive to do, as it follows good quality, surfaced roads that are clearly signposted. There are also plenty of opportunities for pit stops which will enable you to take a bathroom break, top up your fuel and grab some food too.
Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf
This third-generation waterfront diner is a must-stop for sustainably sourced, market-fresh seafood. They also boast the finest fish and chips on the Central Coast!
There’s relaxed all-day dining in the contemporary glass and wood dining room that cantilevers over the tranquil waters of this favourite fishing destination. The modern menu offers oysters, classic fish and chips, Szechuan salt and pepper snapper, Singapore-style mud crab, and spicy tuna tostadas.
Prefer to picnic? The takeaway kiosk offers an ample blackboard menu of seafood classics. Get your fish and chips so the kids can burn off steam in the neighbouring Fisherman’s Wharf Playground and observe the pelicans on the water’s edge.
Norah Head Lighthouse
From the M1, take the Gosford exit for the most picturesque route to Norah Head Lighthouse. Built in 1903 to stop shipwrecks along this dangerous stretch of coast. The tower boasts 96 stairs to the 700-lense prism and scenic coastline views. Guided tours operate every half hour between 10 am and 1:30 pm, taking you behind the scenes of what it’s like to be a lighthouse keeper with the abundance of tales of shipwrecks in days gone by.
Terrigal
Situated on the Central Coast, Terrigal is known for its excellent beach, idyllic lagoon and wonderful seaside vibe. It also has a gorgeous esplanade that is lined with Norfolk pines. These serves are the main attraction for the town that is also home to several excellent cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and rooftop bars.
Stockton Beach
Stockton Beach is renowned for its spectacular sand dunes. Blanketing over 4,200-hectare property – some 1,800 of which covers a forest. It also features the most extensive moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. In addition, the beach also highlights the permanent shipwrecks of the Uralla and the MV Sygna.
Crowdy Bay National Park
The Crowdy Bay National Park is one of New South Wales’s most beautiful national parks. Encompassing a clean sweep of coastline which runs along the northern tip of the Barrington Coast, it presents incredible scenic mountain and ocean views and the opportunity to see kangaroos feeding and splashing around the surf on uncrowded beaches every morning at sunrise.
Can’t wait to start your journey? Book your one-way vehicle hire with Car Hire and Rental today!
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