The accident, which happened just after 10am, also involved a sedan, just north of the North Arm Cove turn-off.

Initial investigations by Tea Gardens police suggest the bus driver of the mini bus made a late decision to turn right into a driveway.

The bus crossed into the path of the sedan that was overtaking on the highway at the same time. It is understood the driver of the sedan had nowhere to go.

There were several elderly passengers on the bus at the time. Three people suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene before being taken by road ambulance to hospital.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was in the area and paramedics stopped to assist local ambulance officers on scene.

Local Surf Club member, Steve Howell, was one of the first on the scene. He entered the overturned vehicle before emergency services arrived to try and help the injured.

Several of the mini bus occupants remained in the bus for some time until their friends, who were more seriously injured, were assessed and removed by ambulance staff.

Local police, ambulance and rural fire service staff were in attendance.

Other ambulance units from Bulahdelah and Raymond Terrace also attended.

The injured were taken to hospital for precautionary measures and further observations.

The rest of the passengers were picked up by the Tea Gardens Country Club Courtesy Bus and taken back to Tea Gardens.

Traffic was banked up in both directions of the Pacific Highway for around two hours.

Tea Gardens Police are still investigating the accident.