Port Macquarie
Start at Rotary Park or any of the parking areas at the seaward end of the town.
From here you are going to head south along the coast road.
Coast road between Port and Lake Cathie
The end closest to Port Macquarie includes a protected area where the Australian Christmas Bell grows naturally.
Lake Cathie
Pronounced "Cat Eye".
Call it "Cathie" and everyone will know you are a tourist!
Bonny Hills
Go to the headland in the caravan park, opposite the general store, and look back along 27 kms of untouched beach towards Tacking Point. This view is the same now as it was 50 years ago.
Grant's Head
A great beach for "being alone".
North Haven
A nice place to stop, opposite the little park. Good coffee and I recommend the "full breakfast".
Laurieton
If you want to browse into Laurieton it won't take you off the route.
North Brother Mountain
Known locally as "Laurieton" mountain. Take the drive to the lookout and grab a magnificent view of the coast north to Port Macquarie and south towards Taree. Middle Brother and South Brother mountains are also seen from this vantage point.
Kew
The junction with the Pacific Highway. The Kew pub has been there since the dawn of civilisation. Good counterlunch. Head towards Kendall.
Kendall
Named after the poet, Henry Kendall, this town used to be a major rail hub up until the 1970's, the shipping point for timber, milk from the dairy farms and tourists heading to the coast. Now seeing a resurgence as an "arty" town.
Upsall's Creek
This entire area between Kendall and Comboyne was traditionally dairy and timber production. Over the years, whilst still producing milk and fine timber, many "outsiders" have moved in to either retire or become involved in other activities.
Lorne
More a location than anything else. There is a significant Macadamia-nut plantation in this area. Worth visiting.
Comboyne
Like Kendall, seeing a resurgence in popularity and population. The old milk factory has become a boutique cheese factory with some excellent produce.
Oxley Highway
Comboyne Rd. joins the Oxley Highway. Turn right to head towards Wauchope.
Wauchope
Once the centre of a major timber industry, Wauchope has seen better days.
Pacific Highway
If you are feeling like fast-food, there is a Macca's at the service centre, just past the circular junction.
Follow the Oxley Hwy into Port.
Destination - Port Macquarie
The end of the circular route.
I hope you enjoyed it.
