Sydney to Forrest Delicate Nobby and Return in Your EV

If you're ready for an adventurous road trip in an EV, then driving from Sydney to Crescent Head is an ideal option! Crescent Head is just 12 km from Forrest on the sealed Plomer Road, it offers a mix of pristine beaches, charming landscapes, and an escape from the city. Crescent Head is about 450 km from Sydney and a friendly village on the beach and about a 5 hour drive each way. It has some great places to eat and drink. You can visit the Crescent Head Tavern with views overlooking the beach. Or stop in at Barnetts Bakery a family business established in 1934 for the best coffee, cakes, pastries and pies on the north coast. Crescent Head has all the facilities needed to stock up for a stay at Forrest.

Get Your EV Charged and Ready

Here’s a breakdown of this exciting journey, focusing on an eco-friendly travel experience using the Mini Countryman SE All4, an EV with a range of around 330 km at full charge. We’ll go over the best route, charging stations, attractions along the way, and an optional overnight stay to make the trip even more memorable. Make sure you pack your portable wall charger to charge up your EV at Forrest. The house at Forrest is on the grid and has solar power and a battery so that it is not impacted by power outages. A EV CCS2 7Kw charger will be installed at Forrest in 2025 so check back before the journey begins for an update.

The Route: Sydney to Crescent Head

Our journey begins in Sydney, with a plan to take the A1 Motorway (Pacific Highway), the primary route connecting Sydney to the mid-north coast of NSW. This route ensures access to various charging stations, scenic stops, and ample opportunities for a comfortable journey. Given the Mini Countryman SE’s range, we’ll aim to start the trip at 100% charge and target two recharging stops along the way to ensure an arrival with 30% battery capacity at Forrest Delicate Nobby, located at 1024 Point Plomer Road, Crescent Head.

Charging Stations: Wahroonga to Kempsey

Finding the right charging stations along the A1 route is key. The following stations support the CCS charge plugs required by the Mini Countryman SE All4, including Tesla, Evie, Chargefox, and NRMA stations. Here are the recommended stops:

NRMA Charging Station - Heatherbrae
- Location: 1 Motto Lane, Heatherbrae
- Distance from Sydney: Approximately 160 km
- Charging Time: 30–45 minutes for a top-up charge
- Nearby Attractions: Stop by for lunch and enjoy the local scenery before continuing on.
(Optional) Evie Charging Station - Cameron Park
- Location: 119 Stenhouse Drive, Cameron Park
- Distance from Sydney: Approximately 142 km
- Charging Time: 30–60 minutes to reach optimal charge
- Nearby Attractions: Cafes and restaurants close by
Tesla Supercharger - Kempsey
- Location: 33 Smith St, Kempsey
- Distance from Heatherbrae: About 218 km
- Charging Time: Fast top-up with CCS plug support
- Nearby Attractions: Kempsey Riverside Park offers beautiful riverside views, perfect for a brief stop before the final leg to Crescent Head approximately 75kms by the highway. As an alternative to the highway you can take the Settlement Point or Hibbard Ferry to Maria River Road and then to Crescent Head. This is around 50 kms and mostly unsealed but well maintained roads. Estimated drive time a little over one hour. Watch out for wildlife.

With these charging stops, the journey is well within reach of your EV’s range capabilities while allowing some flexibility for detours or scenic stops.

Some alternative routes with A Better Route Planner

Click on image to expand

Suggested Stops and Attractions Along the Way

Taking breaks to recharge your car can be an excellent opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of NSW. Here’s a selection of places to consider:

Hunter Valley Wine District - An Overnight Stop

Suggested Overnight Stay: The Hunter Valley Wine District
Highlight: The Hunter Valley is home to some of NSW’s best vineyards and offers a great overnight break for EV travelers.
Vineyard Lunch: Visit Gartelmann Wines for a memorable lunch at the Deck Cafe paired with local wines. The Deck Cafe has 2 CCS Type 2 22 kW chargers, you need to bring your own charge cable. The Hunter Valley also has multiple EV charging options at nearby hotels and lodges, so you can recharge your car while enjoying the peaceful scenery.

Wine District Accommodations with EV Charging

Château Elan at The Vintage
Hunter Valley Resort
Wine Country Motor Inn
Spicers Vineyards Estate
Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
Tower Lodge

Beaches and Scenic Spots Near Crescent Head

Crescent Head Beach: Known for its fantastic surf breaks, Crescent Head Beach is a must-visit for beach lovers.
Goolawah National Park: Just south of Crescent Head, this park offers stunning coastal scenery, walking trails, and beachside picnic spots.
Delicate Nobby Beach: Known for its white sand and clear waters, this beach is ideal for relaxation and swimming.

Return Journey: Crescent Head to Sydney

After enjoying the scenic and serene Crescent Head, plan your return journey to Sydney, retracing the route along the A1 Motorway with the same charging stations as before. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider exploring a few new spots on the way back.

Optional Stops for the Return Trip

Port Macquarie: Known for its beaches and the Koala Hospital, which provides a unique opportunity to learn about koala conservation.
Newcastle: With a revitalised waterfront, cultural spots, and beautiful beaches, Newcastle is a great place for a longer rest stop before heading back to Sydney.

EV Road Trip Tips

Download Charging Apps: Use apps like Evie Network, PlugShare, A Better Routeplanner (ABRP), Chargefox, Exploren, BP Pulse or the NRMA app (App Store or Google Play Store) to locate nearby charging stations. The Tesla Supercharger network can also be used but is expensive. Waze app is very good and is more predictive.
Monitor Energy Use: Using eco-driving features on the Mini Countryman SE can help you extend range and reduce charging needs.
Pack Light: Lighter loads mean less energy consumption, helping to maximize your range.

Crescent Head and Surrounds Attractions

Crescent Head, located on New South Wales' Mid North Coast, is renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant surf culture. Here are some attractions in and around Crescent Head:

Surfing at Crescent Head Point Break Recognised as a National Surfing Reserve, Crescent Head offers one of Australia's premier right-hand point breaks, attracting surfers from around the globe. Find out more at Visit NSW.
Killick Beach and Killick Creek Adjacent to the point break, Killick Beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Nearby, Killick Creek provides calm waters suitable for families and paddleboarding.
Crescent Head Lookout Accessible via a short walk through the golf course, this lookout offers panoramic views of the coastline and hinterland. Source - 24 Hours Layover.
Crescent Head Country Club Golf Course This unique six-hole course boasts stunning ocean views, providing a memorable experience for golfers of all levels. Get more information at Backstreet Nomad.
Goolawah National Park Just south of Crescent Head, this park features secluded beaches, coastal walks, and opportunities for birdwatching and camping. Find out more at Visit NSW.
Limeburners Creek National Park North of Crescent Head, this park is rich in Aboriginal heritage and offers pristine beaches, fishing spots, and bushwalking trails. Fimd out more at Visit NSW.
Hat Head National Park Approximately 45 minutes north, this park offers scenic coastal walks, including the Korogoro Track, and excellent fishing and snorkeling spots. Fid out more at Visit NSW.
Crescent Head Foreshore A scenic walking path along the coastline provides picturesque views of the ocean and surfers, with benches shaped like surfboards for relaxation.
Pebbly Beach Located between Big Nobby and Little Nobby, this rocky beach is perfect for watching waves crash against the shore.
Crescent Head Mini Golf Situated at the Crescent Head Country Club, this 18-hole mini-golf course offers fun for the whole family.

These attractions make Crescent Head and its surroundings a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, surfers, and those seeking a relaxing coastal getaway.

With a plan that includes reliable charging stops, scenic views, and even an overnight stay in the Hunter Valley, this EV journey to Crescent Head is both practical and environmentally friendly.

Driving from Sydney to Crescent Head and back in a Mini Countryman SE All4 EV is a delightful experience, combining sustainability with the joy of road travel. By following the A1 motorway and utilising the available recharge stations, you'll enjoy a hassle-free journey through some of New South Wales' most picturesque landscapes. Happy travels!