Places to visit/stay between Brissy & Newcastle

Late next week we are undertaking a drive to Newcastle for a relatives wedding. We thought to stop over somewere on the way down, and then after the wedding is over on Saturday do something of interest. We thought this would be a perfect oppurtunity for some permaculture inspiration, so that on return from our journey we would be fired up to finish our strawbale house and continue with the pc gardens.
Does anyone have suggestions for sources of inspiration, maybe places to stay between Brisbane & Newcastle?

 

Shane, you'll be driving through Godzone country, the NSW North Coast, so anywhere you stay will be nice. Bellingen's a great little spot for example, although I don't know what permaculture's going on there (there would be some for sure). Other educational options would be a tour of Diversity Farm at The Channon (see this site's home page). Also, there are a lot of sustainable houses around Taree - they have a tour of them one weekend around this time of year - maybe Taree's tourist info office could help you out with likely contacts. Taree's a boring town (don't tell the tourist people I said that) but is bound to have nice seaside spots in its shire to stay a night.

Mont (former North Coast kid, and hoping to be again some day!)