These are the best road trip stops along the NSW coast, according to professional adventurer Tyson Mayr
These are the best road trip stops along the NSW coast, according to Tyson Mayr
Shark Dive – South West Rocks (Best Adventure)
The South West Rocks Dive Centre is a world-class dive operator, and the team has been exploring the South West Rocks area for more than 40 years. Their expertise and deep respect for the marine environment are evident in every part of the experience. Coming face-to-face with grey nurse sharks gives you a whole new appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures. Despite having dived in the Galápagos and snorkelled in Antarctica, this still ranks as one of my all-time favourite underwater experiences. As an added bonus, if you camp in the area, you'll likely spot kangaroos on the beach at sunrise.
Bills Fishhouse, Port Macquarie (Best Dining Surprise)
I've often driven through Port Macquarie, but this time I made a detour to visit Hello Koalas, an incredible conservation-focused business that I've followed for years. While there, I asked a local for a food recommendation, and that's how I ended up at Bills Fishhouse and Bar. The seafood was hands down the best I've had in Australia. Their barbecued jumbo QLD prawns with soybean and chilli butter were truly next level. Be sure to ask for their locally baked bread to mop up the delicious sauce on your plate. I'd honestly return to Port Macquarie just for this dish. A close runner-up would be Theo's Social Club in Noosa. It delivered sublime small plates, standout cocktails and a relaxed yet premium vibe.
Yamba (Best Coastal Town Vibe)
Yamba has a true feeling of community and exudes the kind of charm that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. One of the highlights was The Surf Yamba, which offers incredible rooftop views that are perfect for either a quiet morning coffee or an evening of stargazing. Just around the corner is Sandbar, a casual restaurant full of energy and fresh, flavourful dishes. Each morning began at Muse Café, where the combination of locally made treats and warm chats with the staff set the right tone for the day. I also stumbled upon The Nook, a cosy second-hand bookstore filled with treasures – the perfect spot to stock up on beach reads.
Halcyon House, Cabarita (Best Luxury Stay)
Cabarita is easily one of my favourite spots on the East Coast, and Halcyon House captures its charm beautifully. This boutique stay combines laid-back luxury with barefoot beach energy. The highlights included whale spotting from the headland, dips in the heated pool, in-room record players and morning bike rides along the coast. The on-site restaurant Paper Daisy serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients that match the coastal vibe perfectly. One morning, we chose to skip the yoga class to enjoy a sauna followed by a sunrise coffee. It turned out to be the most rejuvenating morning of the entire trip. I'll absolutely be returning for a longer staycation.
Piece of Mind Wholefoods, North Haven (Best Hidden Gem)
This stop began as a quick coffee break and turned into one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. I ended up staying for a nourishing, flavour-packed lunch made entirely from local produce and wholefoods – you could taste the care in every dish. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, with locals playing cards out front and friendly pet dogs wandering by for pats. I left with a boot full of locally made goodies, and yes, I happily tapped my Amex for snacks that I'm still enjoying.
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Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
American travels to Wales for first time and her reaction is priceless
American travels to Wales for first time and her reaction is priceless Sierra Noelle recently visited Wales and her reaction was absolutely priceless. She decided to document her travels, and she had a few things to say about our country She was left totally amazed (stock image) (Image: Getty) An American recently visited Wales for the first time and it's fair to say her reaction left people totally floored as it was so priceless. Sierra Noelle documented her journey online, and she had a few things to say about our country following her big adventure on Welsh soil. She shared her review with her followers on TikTok, and it's left people pretty stunned, as she didn't hold back. It turns out Wales really does have something for everyone, and she couldn't wait to tell people her thoughts, leaving Welsh people in total awe of her and her words about our country. In the clip, Sierra admitted she hadn't been able to stop thinking about Wales since she returned home. It turns out, it's easy to fall in love with our beloved nation. Sierra said: "I have one more thing to say. I keep looking back at my photos from my trip to Wales, and it physically pains me that I am so far away it, and I don't know when I'm going to go back. "But, guys, Wales is so cool. Everyone is so nice there and it's so pretty. Castles are really cool. Everyone needs to go, but be respectful and don't mess it up and be nice to the sheep." Content cannot be displayed without consent In a previous video, Sierra admitted she fell in love with Wales after visiting for the first time this summer. She's so obsessed with it now that she fears it's become her "entire personality." Sierra said she adored seeing the castles, as this is something you don't get to see or experience in the US. She thinks they're "amazing" to explore. All in all, she visited around eight because she loved them so much. Even though she had a great time, she advised people to get their travel advice from Welsh people if they're planning a visit, as she thinks this will benefit tourists a lot more. She absolutely loved her time exploring, and clearly can't wait to return, even though she may not be able to for a while. Thousands of people have watched her clips since she shared them, and they were quick to comment too. One person replied, saying: "As a Welsh person, this is so lush to see someone talking about Wales, which people don't speak about enough. We have the most castles in any country on earth and also have some of the best beaches. "Also, Welsh people have been voted the friendliest in the UK. I'm so happy you visited and enjoyed." Article continues below Another wrote: "As a Welsh person, I love this. I feel like Wales is so unknown/underrated both in and outside of the UK. Wales is awesome. Glad you enjoyed." A third replied: "As an Aussie who lived in Wales for seven years, I can't recommend Wales enough. The landscape is so amazing and beautiful." Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: "I love hearing people be excited about the so many castles. Taken for granted when you live here. My local castle is Conwy."
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- The Guardian
How a viral post led to Juurnee, a travel site matching passengers with helpers
It started as a cry for help that went viral. Rachel Crampton was facing a 23-hour flight with three children under the age of five. Unable to recruit a family member or friend to help out, she took to social media and offered a sizeable cash payment – A$1,000 (about £560 at the time) – to someone who would accompany her on the epic London-to-Sydney flight. Crampton, a Briton based in Sydney, was inundated with responses and found an 'amazing Aussie girl' living in London who was homesick but could not afford the flight back to Australia. She has since turned that experience into a business which has just launched in the UK after success in Australia. Her website, Juurnee, matches those who want help on a flight with people willing to be their travel companion. Those needing help could include a parent travelling solo with toddlers, an older person requiring some assistance, someone with a disability, an unaccompanied child, or a nervous flyer. The companion receives a payment that will cover part, or all, of the cost of their flight. At the time of writing there were 30 live requests for help on the site. These included a London-to-Switzerland return flight, where the full cost is offered to someone who can help an older passenger who uses a wheelchair; and a London-to-Sydney return trip, with 50% of the flight cost paid, for someone who can help a mother with her one-year-old (there is an option to help just one way). Crampton says more than 12,000 people have signed up to be a companion and many are qualified teachers, nurses, midwives, childcare workers and others who have clearances to work with children, or qualifications to assist people with disabilities. But she adds: 'You don't need to be a nanny or nurse – just a decent person willing to lend a hand.' People seeking a companion can post their offer for free and don't pay for a successful match. They list the route, the date, the flight details and the sum they are willing to pay someone to travel with them. They can choose their own payment amount, although the website recommends 50% to 100% of a companion's flight cost. Companions sign up for free and can view the offers, but pay a £15-a-year subscription to be able to message people directly to offer their services. They buy their own flights, so, to that extent, the person who needs help is not responsible for them. Once a companion has applied for an offer, the person requesting help has 14 days to accept and match with them. If selected, the companion will be put in touch with the individual needing help. Crampton recommends companions get paid at the end of the trip, and that an escrow service is used to hold the payment from when the agreement is struck until 48 hours after landing. 'At the moment we are recommending our matched travellers use she adds. There is no official 'contract' between the two parties provided by the site – for example, outlining what is expected of the companion – but Crampton says users are free to create one themselves. The website does provide a guide that covers different scenarios. What if the companion doesn't turn up at the airport? 'We haven't had this situation crop up just yet,' says Crampton. If, say, the companion rearranged their flight, they would not be paid their fee. 'Hopefully, they would inform Juurnee, or the person they were meant to be helping, in advance, and then we can find another companion,' she says.
Time Out
12 hours ago
- Time Out
These are the best road trip stops along the NSW coast, according to professional adventurer Tyson Mayr
If the great Aussie road trip is top of your travel bucket list, you're not alone. With magical swimming spots and charming towns dotting the coastline, the eastern edge of NSW is a go-to road trip route for overseas travellers looking for an immersive Aussie experience, as well as locals looking for a deeper understanding of their state. According to a travel trend report by Amex, 81 per cent of Australian travellers value supporting local businesses when travelling, and we all have our go-to stops up and down the coast. If you ask me, it's the old-school bakeries that are worth stopping the car for, but if you're keen for recommendations from a real-life adventurer, read on. Tyson Mayr, an ultra-adventurous photographer and filmmaker who's worked with the likes of National Geographic, along with a heap of other platforms, has put together a guide to the best road trip stops along a 1,100-kilometre road trip from Sydney to Noosa. These are the best road trip stops along the NSW coast, according to Tyson Mayr Shark Dive – South West Rocks (Best Adventure) The South West Rocks Dive Centre is a world-class dive operator, and the team has been exploring the South West Rocks area for more than 40 years. Their expertise and deep respect for the marine environment are evident in every part of the experience. Coming face-to-face with grey nurse sharks gives you a whole new appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures. Despite having dived in the Galápagos and snorkelled in Antarctica, this still ranks as one of my all-time favourite underwater experiences. As an added bonus, if you camp in the area, you'll likely spot kangaroos on the beach at sunrise. Bills Fishhouse, Port Macquarie (Best Dining Surprise) I've often driven through Port Macquarie, but this time I made a detour to visit Hello Koalas, an incredible conservation-focused business that I've followed for years. While there, I asked a local for a food recommendation, and that's how I ended up at Bills Fishhouse and Bar. The seafood was hands down the best I've had in Australia. Their barbecued jumbo QLD prawns with soybean and chilli butter were truly next level. Be sure to ask for their locally baked bread to mop up the delicious sauce on your plate. I'd honestly return to Port Macquarie just for this dish. A close runner-up would be Theo's Social Club in Noosa. It delivered sublime small plates, standout cocktails and a relaxed yet premium vibe. Yamba (Best Coastal Town Vibe) Yamba has a true feeling of community and exudes the kind of charm that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. One of the highlights was The Surf Yamba, which offers incredible rooftop views that are perfect for either a quiet morning coffee or an evening of stargazing. Just around the corner is Sandbar, a casual restaurant full of energy and fresh, flavourful dishes. Each morning began at Muse Café, where the combination of locally made treats and warm chats with the staff set the right tone for the day. I also stumbled upon The Nook, a cosy second-hand bookstore filled with treasures – the perfect spot to stock up on beach reads. Halcyon House, Cabarita (Best Luxury Stay) Cabarita is easily one of my favourite spots on the East Coast, and Halcyon House captures its charm beautifully. This boutique stay combines laid-back luxury with barefoot beach energy. The highlights included whale spotting from the headland, dips in the heated pool, in-room record players and morning bike rides along the coast. The on-site restaurant Paper Daisy serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients that match the coastal vibe perfectly. One morning, we chose to skip the yoga class to enjoy a sauna followed by a sunrise coffee. It turned out to be the most rejuvenating morning of the entire trip. I'll absolutely be returning for a longer staycation. Piece of Mind Wholefoods, North Haven (Best Hidden Gem) This stop began as a quick coffee break and turned into one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. I ended up staying for a nourishing, flavour-packed lunch made entirely from local produce and wholefoods – you could taste the care in every dish. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, with locals playing cards out front and friendly pet dogs wandering by for pats. I left with a boot full of locally made goodies, and yes, I happily tapped my Amex for snacks that I'm still enjoying.
