Australia Jan 2016 (19 Days 18 Nights) – Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Newcastle Part 3 of 5

We continue our road trip to Sydney after celebrating New Year Eve in Gold Coast. We made 3 stops before we reach Sydney. I like to always make stops in less popular places before we reach our destination. The smaller cities also have their own beautiful attractions and delicious food too. Day 8 to 10. Australia – Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Newcastle.
I have never been to Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Newcastle. Looking forward to see what these cities offer.

~Day 8~

It was New Year Day when we left Gold Coast. So sad as we leave my favourite Gold Coast. We quickly made our way to Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour City at the north coast of New South Wales in Australia. It is also known for its beaches and the Big Banana monument and amusement park. We also pass by “The Big Prawn” at Ballina. We just grab some Mcdonalds burgers for lunch.

~ABSOLUTE BEACHFRONT OPAL COVE RESORT~

Address:	Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Website:	[View Website]
Book with Agoda:	[View Agoda]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Quick Review:	The room is very spacious and clean. They have a lovely swimming pool. They are also located near a beach. We were had a delicious meal at their restaurant. I think they are great for family with kids.

After having a satisfied meal, we rest for the night.

~Day 9~

We continue to make our journey down towards Sydney. The next stop will be at Port Macquarie.

~ SEALY LOOKOUT~

Address:	Scenic Drive off Bruxner Park Road Korora NSW 2450
Website:	[Visit Website]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Quick Review:	Great View! It is definitely worth the drive. You can also do picnic there.

We pass by “The Big Banana”. It is a tourist attraction and amusement park in Coffs Harbour.

~URBAN ESPRESSO LOUNGE~

Website:	[Visit Website]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Quick Review:	Lovely coffee with nice breakfast. The portions were quite generous too.

When we are in Australia, how can we missed going to farms. So here we are at Ricardoes Tomatoes and U-Pick Strawberry Farm.

~ Ricardoes Tomatoes and U-Pick Strawberry Farm ~

Address:	221 Blackmans Point Road, Port Macquarie, NSW
Website:	[Visit Website]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Quick Review:	I always enjoy visiting farms in Australia. The fruits are so fresh! We had our fun picking strawberries. We also bought tomato soup from them. Delicious!

We finally check into our hotel at Port Macquarie.

~MANTRA QUAYSIDE HOTEL~

Address:	Corner of William and Short Streets, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Website:	[Visit Website]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Book with Agoda:	[View Agoda]
Quick Review:	The hotel room was quite spacious and clean with a kitchenette. Love a kitchenette! The gym looks good too but we didn’t had time for it.

Time for Dinner!

~ZEBU BAR + GRILL~

Address:	1 Hay Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Website:	[Visit Website]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Quick Review:	Great View! We were seated by the window. Great service with quality food!

What a long day! It is time to hit the bed!

~Day 10~

We continue to make our last stop at Newcastle before reaching Sydney.

~ABUNDANCE LIFESTYLE & GARDEN~

Address:	274 Rawdon Island Road, Sancrox, NSW, 2446, Australia
Website:	[Visit Website]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Quick Review:	We came here for a heavy breakfast as we didn’t plan for any lunch place for our trip down to Newcastle. It is so nice to relax and enjoy food inside a plant nursery. It is so chill. The food was also quite delicious. They are also quite popular. A lot of seats were already reserved.

We continue to make our way to Newcastle. Had our home made sandwich for lunch before we reach our apartment. Does it look yummy? Haha

~Crown on Darby Apartment~

Address:	107 Darby Street, Cooks Hill, Newcastle Metro, Newcastle, Australia 2300
Website:	[Visit Website]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Book with Agoda:	[View Agoda]
Quick Review:	A very very spacious and clean apartment. A down side was we need to climb stairs in the apartment. Making it hard to move our luggage.

Time for a good lunch. I already made reservations at FishHeads Restaurant.

~NEWCASTLE MEMORIAL WALK~

Address:	Memorial Drive, Newcastle, New South Wales 2300, Australia
Website:	[Visit Website]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Quick Review:	A very beautiful coastal walk with historical value. You can also jog there. I understand that you may even see Humpback Whales during their migration period.

After a the long walk, we were hungry! We popped into Le Dynasty Vietnamese Restaurant. Good to have Asian food for a change.

~Le Dynasty Vietnamese Restaurant~

Address:	159A Darby St, Cookshill, Newcastle, Australia
Website:	[Visit Website]
Tripadvisor:	[View Reviews from Tripadvisor]
Quick Review:	They were quite popular. We were seated in the alfresco area. I am so glad that we are eating asian food for a change. We enjoyed the Muc Rang Muoi – Salted Squid. The squid was very tender. The food was delicious and flavorful.