Andrew Daddo’s favourite family-friendly road trip detours in NSW
Is your summer school holidays break needing a bit of road trippin' action? Why not take a detour off the highway and explore what NSW has to offer.It’s no surprise TV presenter, podcaster, writer and dad of three Andrew Daddo loves to take the road less travelled on family road trips.
“This may sound trite but just going somewhere with the car loaded up and the family on board is the ultimate weekend bonding time. I don’t actually care if we make it to the beach or up the road.”
“Road trips are a great way to find adventure in your own backyard but it can be a rough ride so it is worth investing in a vehicle for the long haul. My favourite car for a long drive with the fam is my Subaru Forester and our favourite family detour changes all the time.”
A Subaru research report revealed 61% are taking more road trips in 2020 yet almost half of people surveyed (45%) said that they bypass the tourist attractions and detour signs on the highways and instead head straight to their destination. As a result, the majority of drivers are missing out on discovering some of the country’s best local attractions and small regional towns.
As we all enjoy a summer break, it is the perfect time to round up the family and head to a destination unknown. To inspire your own local detour these school holidays, Andrew Daddo has listed some of his family's favourite NSW destinations with plenty of space for the kids to run around and explore.
Narooma, Eurobodalla
The coastal town of Narooma is about a five-hour drive down the coast from Sydney. It is great for its beaches, snorkelling with fur seals and child-friendly cultural experiences. On route, we stop off at Batemans Bay and try to bring along a picnic lunch or enjoy fish & chips. In Narooma, you can experience unique South Eastern Aboriginal culture and participate in a traditional welcome ceremony, walk to sacred sites and eat native bush foods. A stop here will add around two hours on your trip.
Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, Port Macquarie
You will see signs on the highway just 10 minutes north of Port Macquarie directing you to Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries. Ricardoes is a fun activity for the whole family that is open all year round and has an onsite cafe. You just have to pay for what you pick and the fruit tastes a thousand times better than what you buy at your local supermarket! It is the perfect excuse to stretch your legs on the mid-north coast of NSW.
Crescent Head, Macleay Valley Coast
If you are travelling from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour, take a detour to Crescent Head. This region is well known for having the best surf in the country, sandy beaches and a six-hole golf course that is great if you want to spoil dad. During the cooler seasons, Crescent Head Lookout and Little Nobby Point are great spots to check out migrating whales!
Blueys Beach, Pacific Palms
Just a 90-minute scenic drive of the main road south of Port Macquarie sits the green palms and blue waters of Blueys Beach. Blueys Beach is a small, quiet, surf beach framed by the beautiful Booti Booti National Park. You can explore the small coastal town of Pacific Palms; its beaches, walking tracks, lookouts and coastal rainforest on a day trip or camp overnight.
Related: Top tips for a weekend drive to Jervis Bay
Related: Five towns near Sydney you should road trip to this weekend
Related: Six cars for surfers and keen beach goers
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