EV road trip: Sydney to Angourie via New England

Drive 70kms north out of Sydney on the M1 before scooting off to the left at Peats Ridge Road. This idyllic country road winds its way through the Hunter Range towards our first charging stop at Hollydene Estate Wines. 

For a hit of colonial history, make a quick stop at Murray’s Run, a convict-built culvert along the way that forms part of the “Convict Trail” that was part of the original Great North Road. After 14km, take a right at Wollombi to explore the quaint pioneer-era village and grab a coffee. 

Exiting the Hunter Range, drive directly through coal country, turning left at Mount Thorley before arriving at Hollydene Estate Wines. Stop for lunch or for a cheeky wine-tasting while the battery gets a thirsty top-up as well! 

Note: This Tesla Supercharger is open to all brands of EVs, pending compatibility. However, we recommend that you check with your EV’s manufacturer as there have been reported compatibility issues with certain models such as BYD and MG. Additionally, EVs that use a CHAdeMO plug, such as Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi PHEVs, cannot use these chargers. 

Heading north out of Tamworth towards Inverell takes you up the Moonbi Range where a curious phenomenon makes water appear as if it is going uphill.  

Known variously as the “Moonbi Anti-Gravity Spot,” or “Gravity Hill,” it can be experienced by following these instructions; be careful to obey road signs and look out for traffic! (Tip: Bring a big bottle of water to pour out on the road!) 

There’s also a stunning view looking south, back towards Tamworth, from the top of Moonbi Lookout viewing platform; it’s not to be missed. 

After Moonbi, navigation apps might try to direct you left at Bendemeer but locals know the better way is through Uralla, avoiding unsealed roads and reducing potential ‘roo collisions.  

Get a bonus for stopping at the local cemetery to visit the grave of Thunderbolt, the famed bushranger after whom many locales are named in the Northern Tablelands. 

For those up for a bit of fossicking, there’s a chance to find a gem at Wooldridge Fossicking Reserve. Alternatively, you can simply stop in town for a seriously good pastry at The Pie Mechanic. 

Head back east up to the top of the tablelands, driving past a bank of statuesque renewable wind farms on the way to Glen Innes. 

Coast into town around to the back of the Town Hall to grab a quick top up from the NRMA EV charger. Slip down the side path to Grey Street and turn left, walking until you get to The Furry Cow in the old bank building. Grab some coffee (and gelato or cake if that’s your thing!) to sip on as you take in the crisp air and colonial heritage architecture. 

After perusing the town’s wares, head east out of town towards the coast – but don’t leave too soon! Turn right at Watson’s Drive, and stop to view the plateau surrounds from the newly opened Highlands Skywalk sitting above the Australian Standing Stones. Enhance your experience via the QR codes on the signs to learn about the First Nation Ngoorabul people and the Celtic settlers that followed. 

From Boundary Falls, it is a two-hour drive along the Gwydir Highway, down the range to reach the goal: the beautiful coastal town of Angourie. If you are still in the mood to take your time, there are several breathtaking lookouts along the way, and if you’re lucky you’ll be met with a choir of bellbirds.

Alternatively, consider stopping in Grafton for a final top up at the NRMA EV charger under the shade of the local library, conveniently located across from the supermarket.

If you’re visiting in late October, you’ll be in for a visual treat: purple jacarandas will be in full bloom, while the town comes to life at its annual Jacaranda Festival with cars on display, an art trail and more.

From there, it’s just a one hour hop skip and jump over to the coast to Angourie, where you can cool down in the refreshing ocean or in the cool Blue and Green Pools. Finally, check in to Angourie Rainforest Resort and have a well-earned cocktail by the sparkling pool waters (don’t forget your MyNRMA membership discount!)