Skip to main content

Best driving roads near Port Macquarie, NSW

Port Macquarie is the southern edge of NSW's Mid North Coast driving region. Waterfall Way and the Oxley Highway both start within ninety minutes.

Roads scored
20
Median RQS
8.8/10
Total kilometres
128 km
ProfileAllSportsMotorcycleEV4WDCaravan
SurfaceAll surfacesSealedMixedUnsealed
Min scoreAny score6+7+8+
  1. 01

    Helliwells Road

    NSWSecondary3 km117.7 km away8 grey spots
    9.2
    RQS
  2. 02

    Bonvale Close

    NSWUnclassified2 km51.9 km away4 grey spots
    9.0
    RQS
  3. 03

    Ironbark Drive

    NSWUnclassified1 km123.4 km away42 grey spots
    9.0
    RQS
  4. 04

    Idlewoods Crescent

    NSWUnclassified1 km56.9 km away2 grey spots
    9.0
    RQS
  5. 05

    Jackwood Road

    NSWUnclassified1 km127.1 km away3 grey spots
    9.0
    RQS
  6. 06

    Adolphus Drive

    NSWResidential1 km136.3 km away4 grey spots
    8.9
    RQS
  7. 07

    Rainforest Drive

    NSWResidential1 km45.1 km away4 grey spots
    8.9
    RQS
  8. 08

    Rupari Drive

    NSWResidential1 km136.5 km away2 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  9. 09

    Mill Street

    NSWSecondary1 km54.6 km away50 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  10. 10

    Frost Road

    NSWTertiary2 km134.4 km away11 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  11. 11

    Apanie Road

    NSWUnclassified1 km46 km away3 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  12. 12

    Nowendoc Road

    NSWSecondary19 km97.3 km away275 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  13. 13

    Tyringham Road

    NSWSecondary26 km146.3 km away70 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  14. 14

    Coomba Road

    NSWTertiary22 km81.7 km away59 grey spots
    8.7
    RQS
  15. 15

    Upper Warrell Creek Road

    NSWTertiary9 km104 km away28 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  16. 16

    Hanlan Road

    NSWUnclassified1 km137.8 km away2 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  17. 17

    Glenalister Road

    NSWUnclassified2 km144.2 km away5 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  18. 18

    Scone Road

    NSWTertiary30 km69.4 km away116 grey spots
    8.5
    RQS
  19. 19

    Erin Drive

    NSWResidential0 km42.7 km away2 grey spots
    8.5
    RQS
  20. 20

    Fig Tree Drive

    NSWResidential2 km55.6 km away5 grey spots
    8.5
    RQS

The Oxley Highway west from Wauchope is the benchmark local ride - 170 km of continuous corners climbing to Walcha. Waterfall Way north links Bellingen to Armidale with a 30-km climb through rainforest. The Pacific Highway connects the whole coast with beach-access side roads.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best driving roads near Port Macquarie?+

Contour's top three scored roads near Port Macquarie are Helliwells Road (NSW, RQS 9.2/10, 117.7 km away); Bonvale Close (NSW, RQS 9.0/10, 51.9 km away); Ironbark Drive (NSW, RQS 9.0/10, 123.4 km away). All are within a two-hour touring drive of the city.

How far should I drive from Port Macquarie to find a great road?+

The nearest excellent-rated road (RQS 8+) is Helliwells Road, about 117.7 km from Port Macquarie. Plenty of good options sit closer if you don't want the full drive.

Are there good motorcycle roads near Port Macquarie?+

Yes. Helliwells Road scores 9.1/10 for motorcycles and sits 117.7 km from Port Macquarie. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.

What's the best sealed road near Port Macquarie?+

Helliwells Road is fully sealed and scores 9.2/10 for driving quality. It's 117.7 km from Port Macquarie.

Are there any dangerous sections on roads near Port Macquarie?+

Contour has identified grey spots on 20 roads within range of Port Macquarie - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. Helliwells Road has 8. Take extra care in wet conditions.

When is the best time to drive near Port Macquarie?+

Wet-road care December-March; Oxley fog and black ice possible on winter mornings.

Scores are based on road geometry, surface quality, traffic density, and crash history. Always drive to conditions and follow local road rules.