Travelling Simply

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Discover Mainz, the beautiful wine capital of Germany

Discover Mainz, the beautiful wine capital of Germany

31/10/2025 / / 0 Comments

Our first day in Germany, and the pick for our first stop on our drive to Koblenz, where we were staying, was Mainz, a short 35-minute drive from Frankfurt Airport. We weren’t disappointed. Discover Mainz, the beautiful wine capital of Germany, with us.

Sitting on the left bank of the Rhine River, Mainz is the official wine capital of Germany and is surrounded by the largest wine-growing area in the country.

The city has more to offer than just wine, though. It has an old city filled with historic buildings and monuments—one of the reasons why we picked the city as our first stop.

Our top things to do in Mainz

Spend time in the Marktplatz

As with any medieval city, the Marktplatz is the hub. Mainz was no exception. It was still early in the day; however, locals had started to emerge, gathering at the cafes in the square for coffee.

Discover Mainz, the beautiful wine capital of Germany. Colourful buildings in the Marktplatz of Mainz in Germany
The colourful buildings in the Marktplatz

A blend of coloured and decorated gabled houses stands opposite the most distinctive building in the square, the Mainz Cathedral.

Marktbrunnen Fountain

We took a closer look at the Marktbrunnen, an ornate three-columned fountain built, like the cathedral, of red sandstone, before we visited inside the cathedral. The fountain sits to one side, in a corner of the square and was built in the 16th century.

Marktbrunnen, the ornate three-columned fountain standing in the Markplatz of Mainz, Germany
Marktbrunnen, the ornate three-columned fountain

The fountain was commissioned by the elector Albert of Mainz and crafted by the Mainz sculptor Hans Backoffen. The Marktbrunnen is one of the first Renaissance fountains in Germany.

The Prince-Elector had the fountain built to commemorate his successful survival of the “Peasants’ War” of 1525 and to seal the deal with the adoption of the 31 articles of grievance that the peasants demanded from their ruler.

Mainz Cathedral

St Martin, the Romanesque cathedral, is over a 1000 years old. The red sandstone building with its six distinguishing towers, including an octagonal tower, dominates the Altstadt.

Mainz Cathedral, Germany
Mainz Cathedral

Built in 975 AD, the interior of the cathedral is as impressive as the exterior. The interior has a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture and ornate tombs of prince-electors and archbishops. The small, well-manicured cloister is also accessible to the public.

The interior of Mainz Cathderal in the German city of Mainz
The cloister of Mainz Cathedral in the German city of Mainz
The pretty cloister

The cathedral also has a museum section with religious artefacts and items from the treasury.

The Gutenberg Museum

The Gutenberg Museum honours the inventor of the printing press, Johannes Gutenberg

Instead of visiting the museum, we opted to explore more of Mainz’s outdoor attractions; however, when researching things to do in Mainz, the museum was highlighted as a great place for book lovers and history enthusiasts. It has two of the 49 remaining Gutenberg Bibles, as well as a working reproduction of Gutenberg’s press.

In 1946, the city’s university, which was founded in 1477, was renamed Johannes Gutenberg University to honour the publisher.

Walk a little further to Schillerplatz

Next, we walked to another significant square, Schillerplatz. Lined with notable palaces, the square is named after the poet Friedrich Schiller, whose statue stands in the centre.

Another notable feature in the square is the Fastnachtsbrunnen fountain standing in the centre of the square. The fountain is decorated with 200 quirky bronze statues celebrating the Mainz Carnival, which starts in the square on 11 November every year.

Schillerplatz in Mainz, Germany
Schillerplatz is surrounded by beautiful, noble houses with the Fastnachtsbrunnen fountain in its centre

With its colourful garden beds and benches under shady trees, the square is the perfect spot to relax and take a breather when exploring the city in the summer.

Old Town (Altstadt)

Mainz’s Old Town is a great place to explore. It’s full of narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and some lovely squares.

St Stephan’s Church

St. Stephen’s Church is located above the old town. We walked up to this Gothic church, renowned for its stunning blue stained glass windows. The nine windows, created between 1978 and 1985, depict scenes from the Old Testament and fill the space with a blue glow.

Disappointingly, the church was closed to visitors when we arrived, and we were unable to visit inside. Instead, we enjoyed some of the views over Mainz from the church’s terrace.

Mainz Rhine Promenade

After exploring the sights around the old town, we strolled to the promenade alongside the Rhine River. It’s a beautiful spot to take in the scenery and watch the river and cargo boats go by.

Our conclusion

Mainz is unquestionably a town we would have liked to have had the time to explore further. It’s a city full of history, culture, monuments and landmarks, coupled with picturesque scenery.

A visit to Mainz is a great way to start your exploration of the scenic Rhine Valley vineyards and Castle route.

In case you’re interested

We stayed for several nights in Koblenz to explore the historic city, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Read about this fascinating city through the link below.

Introducing fascinating Koblenz, the one German city you must visit.

Introducing fascinating Koblenz, the one German city you must visit

Introducing fascinating Koblenz, the one German city you must visit

25/10/2025 / / 2 Comments

With a long history, scenic landscape, and surrounded by mountain ranges and vineyards, the city was the first stop on our driving tour of Germany. Introducing fascinating Koblenz, the one German city you must visit.

Koblenz sits conveniently at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. This makes it the perfect city from which to explore the greater Rhine and Moselle valleys.

Koblenz

Koblenz, founded by the Romans and with a history spanning over 2,000 years of various rulers, has evolved into a treasure trove for its visitors.

Our top things to do in Koblenz

Jesuitenplatz

In the heart of Koblenz’s Altstadt is a square named for the Jesuit order. The order was part of the city’s community for almost 200 years, until they were expelled from the city in 1773. The Baroque building and portal on one side of the square, formerly the Jesuit College, is the Town Hall.

Jesuitenplatz, Koblenz, Germany
Jesuitenplatz

Take some time to look out for the small Jesuit Church built in the 1610s, which stands quietly in the corner of the square. It’s easy to miss!

Visit the History Column in Görresplatz Square

Another lovely square in Koblenz’s old town is Görresplatz. Surrounded by beautiful buildings, the square’s main highlight is the History Column.

The History Column in Görresplatz Square, Koblenz, Germany
The History Column in Görresplatz Square

The fountain was built in 1992, marking the 2000th anniversary of the city. A column recounts the city’s detailed history. The scenes depicted on it span from Roman times to the Middle Ages, the Electorate (see the section on the Electorate Palace below), the French occupation, and up to the present day.

Deutsche Eck Monument

Introducing fascinating Koblenz, the one German city you must visit
The Deutsches Eck Monument on the riverfront in Koblenz

The Deutsche Eck Monument celebrates two important features of Koblenz: the spot where the Moselle and Rhine Rivers meet, and the large statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I. It pays tribute to the German emperor, who was the first head of state of a united Germany.

Basilica of St Castor

The Basilica’s twin towers peek out from between the trees a short distance from the Deutsches Eck. It’s the oldest church in Koblenz.

Basilica of St Castor in Koblenz, Germany
Basilica of St Castor

Most of the architecture dates back to the 12th century. Like other parts of the city, some sections of the Basilica were damaged during World War II, but they were reconstructed to their original condition.

Wander around the pleasant gardens in the complex behind the Church building.

The gardens of the Basilica of St Castor in Koblenz, Germany
The gardens of the Basilica of St Castor

Florinsmarkt Square

Another Altstadt square to pass through is Florinsmarkt Square. Formerly the political and economic centre of the city, it houses four historic buildings. Unfortunately, three were in a state of disrepair, boarded up and in need of major renovation when we visited. The only building of significance which has survived the times is the old shopping and dancing hall. It stands proudly at the back of the square.

The shopping and dancing hall building in Florinsmarkt, Koblenz, Germany
The shopping and dancing hall building in Florinsmarkt

Under the tower clock, there’s a small inlay of a knight. The knight’s eyes move back and forth in time with the clock’s pendulum and sticks out its tongue every full and half hour. Legend says he is reminiscent of the robber baron Johann Lutter von Kobern, who was executed on the Florinsmarkt in 1536. Apparently, he twisted his eyes on the scaffold and stuck his tongue out at the spectators.

Walk along the riverfront promenade

A walk along Konrad Adenauer-Ufer Kastorhof, gazing up at the fortress on the hill across the river, is the perfect way to savour some downtime in Koblenz.

At the far end, away from Deutsches Eck, you’ll see the imposing Prussian Government Building. It cuts a striking imperial presence on the waterfront. Inside are monumental staircases with vaulted halls and outstanding stonework.

The former Prussian Government Building in Koblenz, Germany
The former Prussian Government Building

Today, the building houses the Presidium of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). The southern part has housed the Koblenz Higher Regional Court since 1993.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

High above on the right bank of the Rhine, looking across over the city, is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. There has been a fortress here since the 11th century.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz, Germany
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the hill overlooking Koblenz

After hundreds of years of changing rulers and destruction, the current fortress was reconstructed by the Prussians and is now the second largest in Europe.

The best way to access the fortress is by taking the scenic cable car ride from the Konrad Adenauer-Ufer Kastorhof promenade. A bonus is the spectacular scenery over Koblenz on the way to and from the fortress.

Views from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz, Germany
Views from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

The fortress buildings are now the site of the Koblenz State Museum. Even if you’re not interested in museums, it’s worth crossing the river for the panoramic view of the city. There’s also a wooden viewing platform which gives expansive views of the city and the rivers.

Electoral Palace

We found the groundkeepers hard at work tending the gardens of the grand building, which is not far from the riverfront promenade.

Prince Clemens Wenceslaus built the Electoral Palace (you’ll find his statue on the street leading to the Palace) over nearly 20 years from 1777 to 1793. The Palace was taken over by the Prussians in 1815 after the Prince was forced to leave Koblenz after the French Revolution. For the next 100 years, it was a residence for Prussian royals for 100 years.

The Electoral Palace, Koblenz, Germany
The Electoral Palace

The building was damaged by a bombing during WWII and rebuilt to its original structure, but it became evident as we moved closer that the building was abandoned. Paint was peeling from the facade, and it no longer looked as majestic as close-up.

One of the groundsmen approached us as we peered through the windows to ascertain the state of the interior. He indicated that we could walk through an entrance from which we could access the gardens on the other side.

The riverfront gardens of the Electoral Palace in Koblenz, Germany
The riverfront gardens of the Electoral Palace

While the building was indeed in a state of disrepair, we are thankful for the encounter with a groundsman who found us peering through the windows into the building. He indicated that we could walk through an entrance into a hallway, from which we could access the beautifully terraced gardens in front of the river

Visit a biergarten

On a hot summer day, after visiting the sights around the city, there is nothing better than enjoying the river breezes while sampling local beer at the biergarten on the Koblenz riverfront. It’s the perfect place from which to watch the riverboats cruise by, people-watch, and have a banter with the locals.

Where we stayed

We booked a charming apartment in the heart of the Altstadt, which was within walking distance of all sights and attractions and close to the river.

The apartment was spacious for the two of us, tastefully decorated, and featured a balcony. Our host met us on-site to provide access and assistance to the garage. The “icing on the cake” was the bottle of local wine that our host had generously left for us to enjoy. A lovely welcome gift for our first night in Germany!

Things to do around Koblenz

Drive the Rhine Castle route. Read more about the highlights of our drive along one of Germany’s most scenic roads through the link below:

You’ll love driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route.

You’ll love driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route

21/10/2025 / / 2 Comments

Fresh off a morning arrival on our flight into Frankfurt, we hopped into our car and headed north. We were driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed route is divided into two parts.

Driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route
The Rhine Castle route

We would drive the first half to Koblenz and stay there for a couple of days before completing the second half to Bonn. Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers in the Upper Rhine Valley, is one of Germany’s oldest cities. The Mitterhein wine region also runs between Bingen and Bonn.

Driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route

The drive from Bingen to Koblenz

Dotted with over 40 castles, the route is also part of the Rhine Valley wine region. The city of Mainz, approximately a 90-minute drive from Frankfurt, serves as the gateway to the wine region, while the Castle route begins from the town of Bingen. Bingen is a sleepy town with a lovely main street with cafes and restaurants. We stopped to have lunch there before continuing.

From Bingen onwards is a real treat for anyone wanting to drive this route. The road winds its way alongside the river while riverboats slip gently past. Along the way, there are castles and fortresses on high peaks or set lower amongst the vineyards on both sides of the river. While it isn’t practical to visit all the castles, nor are many open to the public, it was fun driving along, spotting them all. The drive between Bingen and Koblenz should only take an hour; however, to enjoy the scenery, making short stops at designated viewing points and allowing yourself a detour to a castle or two on the way, you should allow at least two to three hours.

Phililppsburg Castle in Marksburg, Rhine Castle route, Germany
The fairytale Philippsburg Castle in Marksburg on the Rhine Castle route

With so many castles and options, we strategically chose a few spots to look out for on the route.

  • Burg Reichenstein
  • Sankt Goar (Rheinfels Castle), from where you can look across to the Lorelei
  • At Boppard, we stopped to look across the river to Sterrenberg Castle
  • After Boppard spotted Marksburg Castle
  • Looked out for Stozenfels Castle just before arriving in Koblenz

A visit to Schonberg Castle

A castle that wasn’t on our list, but we couldn’t resist visiting after seeing it perched on the hillside from afar, was Schonberg Castle. A short distance off the main road in the town of Oberwesel, we wound our way up the hill to the castle’s car park.

Entrance to Schoneberg Castle
Outside Schonburg Castle walls

The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, was built in the 12th century; however, there are records of a dwelling on the site in 900 AD. From the car park, it’s a couple of minutes walk to the small arched entrance into the cobbled carriage path and inside the castle walls, from where a narrower walkway continues into the castle courtyard.

Schonburg Castle courtyard and entrance
Schonburg Castle courtyard and entrance

The Dukes of Schonburg and their families lived in the castle from the 12th century until 1689, when much of it was destroyed by troops during the Nine Years’ War. Partially reconstructed in the late 19th century, it wasn’t until the town purchased it in 1950 that it was completely revived.

The castle is now a 4-star hotel, Burghotel Auf Schonburg, with a museum in the castle tower, which is open to the public. The castle’s gardens are, however, available for only hotel guests to roam. For others, there is a vantage point overlooking the Rhine River, giving you splendid views. The picturesque scenery from above was worth making the small detour and was one of the highlights of our drive.

View from Schonburg Castle lookout
View from Schonburg Castle lookout

There is also a small lookout before entering or after exiting the castle walls, from where there are excellent views of the grapevines of the hills of the valley behind the castle.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz

In Koblenz, we had anticipated taking a morning walk up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress high on the hillside over the city from the other side of the Rhine River. Unfortunately, there was no easy way to cross the river on foot.

Instead, we waited until after we returned from our day excursion to the beautiful town of Cochem, to go across by cable car to look around the fortress. The cable car ride provides fabulous views over Koblenz’s old town.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is a complex of buildings sprawling over a large area of the eastern bank. The fortress buildings are now home to the State Museum, displaying antiques and war memorabilia.

If you’re not a museum-lover, you can take a wander around the extensive fort area, savouring the views, especially from the viewing platform, which is a piece of art itself. The triangular-shaped wooden platform was originally built for a Horticultural exhibition, then repurposed and placed on the fortress’s grounds. From the platform, you get spectacular views of Koblenz, the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.

The Rhine Castle route from Koblenz to Bonn

The Rhine Castle route is determined to run from Bingen to Bonn. However, we were disappointed not to find any noteworthy castles or fortresses on the drive along the Rhine River between Koblenz and Bonn. Maybe they are well hidden from the roadside.

Our opinion

The first section of our drive, between Bingen and Koblenz, mesmerised us with the centuries-old, magnificent castles and fortresses as well as the terraced vineyards on the rolling hills on both banks of the Rhine River. The entire journey is picture-postcard worthy, and we would consider driving again at a much slower pace, making more stops and detours to visit select castles.

Note: Some castles and fortresses charge an entrance fee to visit inside.

In case you’re interested

We stayed in Koblenz, one of the most beautiful and historic cities on the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Read about what this wonderful city has to offer through the link below.

Introducing fascinating Koblenz, the one German city you must visit.

Burgos – an unexpected treasure in northern Spain

27/06/2024 / / 2 Comments

We wanted to stop somewhere to break up our drive across northern Spain from southern France to the Douro Valley, Portugal. Burgos looked like a sensible choice. We thought it would be a dusty sleepy town with little to do. Instead, we were surprised to find Burgos – an unexpected treasure in northern Spain!

Burgos Old Town

It was a hot summer afternoon when we arrived. A blast of 43-degree heat accompanied us to our accommodation in the city’s old town. We waited patiently in the shade of a shopfront for our host who arrived 30 minutes later.

After settling in and undeterred by the heat, we went to the Tourist Office. Outside, the streets were still empty. A helpful staff member loaded us with information on everything we could do in the city. She encouraged us to take advantage of the complimentary entrance to monuments on Tuesdays.

Plaza Mayor

Temperatures were still high so the best thing to do was find the city’s Plaza Mayor for a cool beverage. The Plaza is eye-catching with its colourful facades and arcaded buildings including the Town Hall. People had started to emerge for an evening walk and to gather in the square.

Plaza Mayor, Burgos
The colourful buildings in Plaza Mayor

We found a tapas bar in the Plaza to enjoy a thirst-quenching Sangria. A light breeze encouraged us to remain there for our evening meal to enjoy watching people coming and going. However, an alternative had to be found. The bar’s kitchen was closed due to a staff shortage.

Leaving reluctantly, we settled for a simple burger and fries meal at Goiko (they offer vegetarian and vegan options) in another pretty plaza, Plaza Alonso-Martinez.

Plaza Santa Maria and Cathedral de Burgos

Lured by the soothing sounds of the handpan we walked to Plaza Santa Maria after dinner and stared in awe at the stunning Cathedral de Burgos. The Plaza was bustling with locals, Spanish tourists, and Camino de Santiago pilgrims.

Plaza Santa Maria, Burgos, Spain
Locals and pilgrims gather in front of the Cathedral in Plaza Santa Maria

The Gothic Cathedral was built between 1221 and 1567 replacing the original 9th-century church. Inside you’ll find numerous decadent chapels and ornate altarpieces. It is also the burial place of El Cid, a famous Castillian leader during the 11th century

Cathedral de Burgos by night
Cathedral de Burgos by night

The queue to enter was long including plenty of Camino pilgrims who had arrived after an arduous day of walking. The Cathedral is considered one of the five most emblematic churches on the Camino. We decided to forego a visit inside the Cathedral during this visit as we expected to return to Burgos when walking the full Camino de Santiago the following year. Instead, we enjoyed circumnavigating the Cathedral several times admiring its beautiful exterior during our stay.

The following morning, we arrived in the Plaza to find it transformed for the start of the Vuelta a Burgos, an elite annual cycling race. The Cathedral was even more stunning in daylight.

Burgos - an unexpected treasure in northern Spain
The Cathedral de Burgos was the backdrop for the Vuelta a Burgos

Castillo de Burgos

Our next stop was the Castillo de Burgos ruins located at the top of a small hill accessed from behind the Cathedral. The castle was built in the 9th century because of its strategic location. Today visitors walk to the Mirador (lookout) which provides panoramic views over the city, the Cathedral and beyond.

Views from the Mirador at Castillo de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
Views from the Mirador at Castillo de Burgos

The 10-15 minute walk up to the Castillo is along pleasant paved pathways and a roadside surrounded by trees. At the halfway point preparations for the Vuelta competition were being made. The Vuelta cyclists traverse the hill as part of the race course.

Arco de Santa Maria

Returning to ground level, we continued through Plaza Santa Maria to the Arco de Santa Maria. It was one of the twelve original medieval entrances into the old town.

An exhibition space inside the arch hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions.

Arco de Santa Maria, Burgos, Spain
The ornate Arco de Santa Maria

The stone facade on the riverside is the highlight of the archway. The carvings represent some of the city’s noble figures and leaders in history.

Paseo de Marceliana Sana Maria

Paseo de Marceliano Santa Maria, Burgos, Spain
The tree-lined Paseo de Marceliano Santa Maria

From the Arco, we continued through a tree-lined park, Paseo de Marceliano Santa Maria running beside the River Arlanzon. It’s a pretty spot shaded by trees and lined with bench seats where locals sit amongst statues of historical figures. It’s the perfect place to stop for a rest on a hot day.

Statue of El Cid and Puente de San Pablo

Further on, we found the legendary Spanish hero El Cid statue standing in the middle of Plaza del Mio Cid. Traffic circles the statue to access the surrounding streets and the grand Teatro Principal stands on one side. The theatre was refurbished and revived in 1997 after being in ruins for 50 years.

Statue of El Cid and Puente de San Pablo, Burgos, Spain
Statue of El Cid and Puente de San Pablo

Puente de San Pablo was a short distance away and is one of twelve bridges crossing the Arlanzon River. Flooding of the river over the centuries has meant that the bridge has been rebuilt many times. On the walk over the bridge we were accompanied by statues of central figures related to El Cid called the Ciclo Cidian.

Museum of Human Evolution

The Museum of Human Evolution is on the other side of Puente de San Pablo. It holds archaeological finds from Atapuerca, where the oldest human remains in Europe were found. We decided to forego a visit and instead walked along the riverside path towards the Miraflores Monastery which is 4km outside of Burgos.

Monasterio de Santa Maria la Real delas Huelgas

The Church of the Monastario delas Huelgas, Burgos, Spain
The Church of the Monastario delas Huelgas, Burgos, Spain

Our morning walk the next day took us through leafy suburbs and to the Monasterio de las Huelgas. The monastery of Cistercian nuns is located 1.5km west of the city. Founded in the 12th century, it’s a beautiful tranquil Romanesque church and monastery complex. The museum houses medieval textiles and royal tombs. The Codex of the Huelgas, a rare musical manuscript dating back to the 14th century is one of the monastery’s prized possessions.

The courtyard of the Monastario de las Huelgas, Burgos, Spain
The courtyard of the Monastario de las Huelgas

Across from Plaza del Compas, we loved the old homes and shopfronts on Calle Alfonso VIII. It felt like we’d stepped back in time. There was not a soul around when we walked along the street.

The beautiful homes and shopfronts on Calle Alfonso VIII across from the monastery complex

Exploring the famous Castilian vineyards

One hour south of Burgos is one of Spain’s greatest wine regions, Ribera del Duero. We drove through the countryside surrounded by vineyards to Bodega Portia, one of the area’s most renowned wineries. Much of the day was spent at the winery and vineyards sampling exquisite wines over lunch in their restaurant.

Whether or not you’re a wine connoisseur, we think it’s worthwhile visiting to see the extraordinary architecture of the wineries in the region.

Bodega Portia, Ribera del Duero, Spain
Bodega Portia

Our accommodation

Our apartment advertised itself as “a special apartment in the historical centre of Burgos” It was large, modern, comfortable, clean and true to the description on a beautiful street lined with shops at ground level and apartments with glass-enclosed patios in the heart of the old town.

Where to sample the best tapas

Calle Avellanos in the heart of Burgos is lined with tapas bars. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at La Comtienda and highly recommend it. We sat outside to journal over pre-dinner drinks where each wine or beer ordered was accompanied by tapas. For dinner, we went inside for a variety of delectable share plates.

Burgos – an unexpected treasure in northern Spain

Our perception that northern Spanish towns are sleepy towns with little to offer was changed by our stay in Burgos. Burgos is an elegant city with a historical centre filled with beautiful 15th and 16th-century buildings to explore, unique regional cuisine and exquisite wines.

With much still left to explore we were excited to be returning while walking the full Camino de Santiago the following year.

If you’re looking for a Spanish destination that remains undiscovered by international tourists, then Burgos is the city to visit. It’s a secret destination that only Spanish tourists know about.

We found Burgos to be an unexpected treasure in northern Spain!

Beachside at Kingscliff, New South Wales
Beachside at Kingscliff

The best places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales

23/04/2023 / / 1 Comment

Our love of leisurely road trips allowed us to break the 10-11 hour drive from southeast Queensland to the Blue Mountains with some stops and a couple of overnight stays. Below are our suggestions for places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales.

Route options

With several route options available, our road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales was to be on the inland route with two overnight stays. The first was in the inland Scenic Rim town of Stanthorpe, and the second was in Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth.

Our plans rapidly changed when an oil tanker rollover blocked the highway. After sitting in a traffic jam for several hours, a quick decision was made to re-route and take the coastal road.

Phone calls were made on the go to cancel and make new accommodation bookings. We were glad to have taken the “Free cancellation” option on our original bookings

More traffic delays and we finally arrived at our overnight destination seven hours after leaving home. The drive would usually take two hours!

Hint: Travelling teaches you to be flexible and agile and enjoy the experience, even if it’s not what you expected.

The best places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales

An overnight stay in Kingscliff

Only a couple of hours of relaxed driving from Brisbane and just over the Queensland border is the coastal town of Kingscliff.

Kingscliff is not just a place to stop over on the way south, it’s a beautiful holiday destination in its own right and perfect for short or long stayovers. We have enjoyed short stay breaks in the laidback atmosphere that comes from one street town.

Kingscliff
Pretty parklands across from Kingscliff’s main street

The “welcome drinks” at Peppers Salt Resort were extremely welcome and within moments of check-in, we had put the day behind us, were relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening.

A short stroll to the adjoining Salt Village and we are spoilt for choice by the dining options: Asian, Mexican, Italian, or simple fish and chips. For those staying for a few days, treat yourself to the spa or shop in the boutiques. Then, of course, there’s the beach!

Beachside at Kingscliff, New South Wales
Beachside at Kingscliff

Our misfortunes of the day changed to a fortune of a relaxed evening at the resort.

Hint: When you leave Kingscliff, drive south along the scenic coast road through Cabarita Beach, a small beachside village.

Stretching out legs at Nambucca Heads

The highway has dramatically improved. over the years. There is no longer the need to drive through small towns at limited speeds. Now you can pick and choose which towns you wish to detour into or turn on cruise control and keep driving.

We choose to stop at the scenic Nambucca Heads for lunch. We discover Gordon Park on the river. It’s a peaceful spot to stretch your legs and grab lunch and coffee—a fantastic place to take a break.

Gordons Park, Nambucca Heads. New South Wales, Australia
Tranquil Gordons Park, Nambucca Heads

Overnight stay in Port Macquarie

We arrived in Port Macquarie with fond memories of a stay during another road trip many years ago when we had arrived fresh from New Zealand to make our home in Australia. Arriving in the early afternoon allowed us time to do a little exploring. The best way was on foot.

We began our brisk walk from the town centre along the Coastal Walk. The painted rocks at the breakwall capture our intention. The painted rocks started as an art competition in 1995. and have become a gallery of sorts: tributes to loved ones who have passed away; celebrations of love and; anniversaries amongst others. Our walk is slowed down to a stroll as we stop, read, and admire the artwork.

At Town Beach, the artwork ends and our pace quickens. We aim to walk to the Lighthouse, but time is not on our side and we turn back at Nobby Head after a walk of breathtaking rough and rugged scenery.

Views on the Coastal Walk, Port Macquarie, Australia
Views on the Coastal Walk

After several hours of exploring we are back at our hotel to shower and enjoy a drink at the bar before walking the short distance into the town centre to choose somewhere for dinner. Again, we are spoilt for choice and decide on a simple pizza dinner.

The Blue Mountains

A World Heritage area, Blue Mountains National Park is one of Australia’s icons. You’ll be enchanted by its natural wonders. Explore the endless hiking trails around cliffs, canyons, waterfalls and lush forests of the national park by spending a few days in the area.

Views from the Skyway across the Jamison Valley, Blue Mountains
Views from the Skyway across the Jamison Valley, Blue Mountains

Read our post for more details on the things you can do in the Blue Mountains.

Other places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales

Of course, depending on how much time you have, there are numerous stops and stays to make on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales. A few suggestions are below. We stayed at a couple on our return journey.

  • Byron Bay
  • Ballina
  • Yamba
  • Coffs Harbour
  • Port Stephens and Nelson Bay
  • The Hunter Valley
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