Crescent Head to Port Macquarie

Submitted: Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 19:55

ThreadID: 47929 Views:6827 Replies:6 FollowUps:7

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Patrol22

Folks - can anyone tell be what the road/track from Crescent Head to Port Macquarie NSW via Point Plomer and North Shore Beach is like. I understand you can get alll the way through to Pt M using a ferry to cross the Hastings River close to town. I will be towing a Kanga Campertrailer (1.4 tonnes).
Thanks
Pete

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Reply By: Philip A - Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 20:55

Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 20:55

Last time I went on it about 8 years ago it was TERRIBLE. It is an old gravel road not maintained for twenty or so years., like the one from Myall lakes north.
Its not a track, just a sh1t rough road.
I was up at Delicate Knobby about 4 weeks ago, and the 6km of dirt from Crescent head is bad enough.To give an idea an on road camper had lost its axle over the 6Km.
When I go to Port Macquarie , I take the road that starts on the first hill of the range on the road to Kempsie from Crescent. It runs roughly parallel to the highway, is part bitumen and good dirt and also comes out near the ferry.(and is quite scenic if you like farms)
Regards Philip A

AnswerID: 253625

Reply By: brett - Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 22:36

Friday, Jul 20, 2007 at 22:36

After the ferry you can take the track to point Plomer or the beach, after doing both I'd recommend the beach. Was up there last year just for a look and after going up the beach and having a bit if a look around then decided to come back via the track I met a car that left the ferry the same time as me coming out of the track. It's about 30mins quicker and smoother up the beach.

AnswerID: 253647

Reply By: Member - DOZER- Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 07:05

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 07:05

The road is ok...plenty of corrigations, plenty of interesting things to break the journey. The trailer will pose no problem, there are a few camping spots up there. The road is dirt, and 2 lanes wide all the way a bit rough with the corrigations if it has not been graded lately

AnswerID: 253660

Follow Up By: Patrol22 - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 09:55

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 09:55

Dozer - on the map (1:250k) I'm looking at there appears to be two routes from Crescent Head to Pt Mac east of the Pacific Highway. One is about halfway between highway and beach and the other seem to follow the beach. Do you know if the latter one is actually on the beach or is it a gravel track?
Thanks
Pete

FollowupID: 514734

Reply By: Patrol22 - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 09:51

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 09:51

Thanks everyone - seems its just like most tracks around the country really depends on when the last grading was. I think I'll give it a go.
Thanks again
Pete

AnswerID: 253678

Follow Up By: Steve - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 11:12

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 11:12

I don't ever remember it being graded although you'd think it would be occasionally. Last time I did it from the ferry was about 3 years ago and it was pretty rough, sandy with potholes but if you take your time, as usual, it should be ok. The beach idea sounds pretty good providing entry/exits are ok but I don't see much to be gained by doing it to be honest. I know it looks a long way around on the map but I do think you're better off going all the way to Kempsey (just before, actually) and swing a R to Crescent head then turn R again just before CH. You'll soon hit the gravel which is pretty corrugated for only a few ks but far easier than coming from the ferry. It gets better further on. I know the other road you mean but don't know anyone who's been on it. The only feedback I've ever had is that it's pretty neglected and/or the worse of the three options.

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Follow Up By: Patrol22 - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 12:30

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 12:30

Thanks Steve. We're not in a hurry and haven't ever been through this part of the world so thought we might have a look. We will be on the way home after 6 weeks further north and west - in the gulf and cape country.

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Reply By: Member - DOZER- Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 12:09

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 12:09

I am not sure...i know of a track that follows beach behind the dunes from Cresent to Hat head...did not know of one south of Cresent....i will check on my oze explorer disc :)

AnswerID: 253692

Follow Up By: Patrol22 - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 12:31

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 12:31

Thanks Dozer - like I said above I'm not in a hurry but it would be good to know that these roads are still open.
Cheers
Pete

FollowupID: 514765

Reply By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 13:08

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 13:08

Hi Pete,
I did the road from Port Mac to Plomer right at the back of the dunes about 6 years ago in a Commodore wagon. Wasn't easy but we did it, my wife was bleep ting blue lights most of the way and muttering stuff about cities and coffee and never living to tell the tale.

I'd give it a go in your rig.

Oh, the Commodore was as good as a Hummer, it was a company car!!

Geoff

Geoff,

Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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AnswerID: 253708

Follow Up By: Patrol22 - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 13:14

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 13:14

Thanks Geoff - the plan also includes hugging the coast a much as I can all the way down to Newcastle through Myall Lakes NP to Hawkes Nest - thought it about time I had a look at these places you never know I might find that perfect retirement spot I'm looking for.

FollowupID: 514768

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 13:45

Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 at 13:45

Pete,
There are some absolutely beautiful retirement spots on that journey,
Tricky part is either paying for it or convincing the National Parks to let you build a house there.

Geoff

Geoff,

Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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FollowupID: 514769