Great Eastern Drive - St Helens to Bicheno

Take the high road, climbing off the coast to St Marys and the unique Cranks and Tinkerers Museum, featuring one man's collection of, well, pretty much everything. St Marys' quirky spirit is tangible over lunch at Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe, which has a gallery of local art and a bric-a-brac shed. But, really, you're here for the homemade soups and rhubarb cake. Return along Elephant Pass Road to the shores and make for Bicheno. If the tide is low, it's often possible to walk across the exposed sand spit to Diamond Island at Bicheno's northern end, or if there's a swell you'll likely find the Bicheno Blowhole doing its thing. The dictionary definition of "fresh seafood " could well be "right beside the boat ramp at Bicheno". That's where you'll find dinner at the Lobster Shack. Stay the night at Bicheno for the chance to view little penguins marching ashore with Bicheno Penguin Tours.