Take the road less travelled along Tourist Drive 14, a 28-km sealed loop that skirts the base of Mt Yarrahapinni, offering many picturesque detours along the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the character-filled villages of Scotts Head, Grassy Head and Stuarts Point and the beaches, forests and countryside that surround them.
1. BREAKFAST IN SCOTTS HEAD
After turning off the Pacific Highway at Warrell Creek, head to the surf-soaked town of Scotts Head and devour a delicious breakfast from Scotts Hub or local coffee hot spot, Oska & Co. Wander down to the calm waters of Scotts Head Beach for a swim or grab your longboard and head over to Little Beach to enjoy gentle and generally uncrowded waves. Take a short walk over the headland where you might be lucky enough to spot humpback whales migrating in season.
2. TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM MT YARRAHAPINNI
Follow the coastal road from Scotts Head, passing seaside banana plantations and littoral rainforest on the way to Mt Yarrahapinni. A turnoff will lead up the mountain, where you’ll be treated to one of the most spectacular views on the coast. On your way backdown, be sure to stop in at The Pines Picnic Area in Yarriabini National Park and walk the short rainforest track, keeping an eye out for goannas and fruit doves hidden amongst palms and flooded gums.
3. DISCOVER THE PRISTINE BEACHES OF GRASSY HEAD
If you’re a beach person, the unspoiled white sands of Grassy Head Beach are unmissable. Take a walk along the beach and around the headland to find your own private rockpool or shady picnic spot under an ancient pandanus palm. Stop for lunch at the Hot Myrtle Kitchen, a quaint little restaurant hidden in the trees that also happens to garner rave reviews!
4. EXPLORE STUARTS POINT
From Grassy Head, drive on to Stuarts Point – a fishing village set on the pristine banks of the Macleay River. Stretch your legs along The River Walk, which follows the riverbank for a couple of kilometres through native bushland. Alternatively, follow the timber footbridge over the river to check out the beach via the ‘Stroll to the Beach’ Walk.
5. TAKE IT SLOW
Re-join the highway via Stuarts Point Road, slowing down enough to savour the drive through avocado and macadamia plantations and pockets of rainforest. Stop in at the Yarrahappini Studio Gallery to view the work of local artists Pamela and Dave Jones or be persuaded to stay awhile at the lovely Yarrahappini Homestead to deepen your exploration of this stunning region!
DIRECTIONS
Tourist Drive 14 is a 30-minute drive along 28 kilometres of sealed road.
Starting from the North end:
- Turn off Pacific Highway 0.4kms south of Warrell Creek bridge on to TD 14
- At 4.4kms cross Way Way Creek.
- At 9.5kms turn right to continue on TD 14 to Grassy Head
- At 15.3kms pass left turn off to Grassy Head
- At 8.6kms turn right on to Stuarts Point Road
- At 20.9kms turn left to continue on Stuarts Point Road
At 28kms re-join the Pacific Highway (turn right to return to Macksville)