Australia’s famed East Coast is one of the most iconic destinations in the world for young travelers. Its great weather, amazing beaches, and vibrant towns and cities make it an ever-popular destination. One of the best stretches along this part of Australia’s exceptional coastline is between Sydney and Byron Bay. This amazing 760 km stretch showcases everything that is good about Australia.
The route from Sydney to Byron Bay provides numerous opportunities to visit the beach, rainforest, quirky towns, and amazing landscapes. Whether your passion and interests are in history, surfing, hiking, nature, or just relaxing, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities along the way. So strap in and read on to find the best routes, places to stop, and the best time to take an amazing road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay.
It’s 760 km between Sydney and Byron Bay when traveling by road along the Pacific Highway, the quickest and most direct route. It’s a journey that requires 8 hours of driving time, which is best spread over several days or longer. With an abundance of attractions and reasons to stop along the way, you can easily stretch this drive out over 2 weeks or longer.
There are two main routes you can travel between Sydney and Byron Bay. The fastest, most direct, and most popular route is the Coastal Route along the Pacific Highway, which closely traces the East Coast. It passes by many stunning beaches, some quirky and fun seaside towns, and several cities, including Newcastle and Port Macquarie.
The alternative route is an inland route that passes through the lush interior of New South Wales. Exiting Sydney to the northwest on the Putty Road, the route takes you through national parks, rolling hills, small farming communities, and some quaint towns. It’s a more scenic route that’s lighter on attractions but offers a more varied landscape and a more laidback drive.
Whichever route you choose to take, you’ll need to stretch the journey out over two days or more. The inland route is both a longer and slower journey, but it will appeal to drivers who like to avoid major highways and get off the beaten track.
Route | Distance | Driving Time |
Coastal Route via Pacific Highway | 760 km | 8 hours |
Inland Route via Tamworth | 907 km | 11 hours 30 minutes |
The drive from Sydney to Byron Bay is probably too far to complete in a single day, but if you’re short on time, you can comfortably complete the journey in two or three days. We’d suggest stretching it out over three days instead of two, as you’ll have a much more enjoyable journey and plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.
Heading north out of Sydney, you’ll join the Pacific Highway, a mainstay of the journey to Byron Bay. Given the short timescales, you’ll skip some early attractions, but we suggest stopping by Lake Macquarie. It’s then just a short hop on to Newcastle, which is a good destination for lunch.
You can see many of the town’s highlights within a couple of hours, or if it’s a hot day, there are a few different beaches where you can swim. Continuing onwards, you’ll come to Pacific Palms, where you’ll stay overnight. If you arrive early enough, we’d suggest heading to Bluey’s Beach for a couple of hours.
On the second day we leave Pacific Palms and return to the Pacific Highway. There’s the opportunity to head inland and visit the spectacular Ellenborough Falls, but this detour will take up much of your day. Alternatively, you can head on to Port Macquarie, which is rich in history and surrounding beaches. It’s also a good location for lunch.
In the afternoon, you can take your pick of Crescent Head with its legendary surf, South West Rocks with its granite formations, or Nambucca Heads as an afternoon stop. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Coffs Harbour, with its excellent range of restaurants and accommodation options.
Our final day sees us make the last leg of our journey to Byron Bay. Setting out from Coffs Harbour, we follow the Pacific Highway as it heads up the coast. This part of the journey is jam-packed with beautiful small coastal towns and beaches.
To break the journey up, we suggest stopping at one of two iconic destinations: Minnie Water or Yamba. Both are excellent choices and are home to fantastic beaches and vibrant coastal communities. Both also have nearby national parks with good hiking trails if you want to get out and stretch your legs.
After Yamba or Minnie Water, it is back to the Pacific Highway for the final leg to Byron Bay.
If you’re not limited by time then you can easily spend 2 weeks or more working your way up the east coast from Sydney to Byron Bay. This is especially true during the warmer summer months when the beaches are at their best and the coastal towns are vibrant and energetic.
Our long trip itinerary stretches the journey out over 14 days, incorporating all the major highlights along the way and allowing you to explore the area in much greater depth.
The first few days can be spent exploring the plentiful attractions just to the north of Sydney. Start by visiting Bouddi National Park before heading to Terrigal for the afternoon and an overnight stay.
The next day, check out Avoca Beach in the morning before heading up the coast on the Central Coast Highway. You’ll pass an abundance of beaches, many of which will be completely deserted. In the afternoon, head to Lake Macquarie and enjoy an afternoon on the water. You’ll also stay here overnight, and we’d suggest the Toronto area of the lake.
On the third day, head to Newcastle after breakfast and spend the day exploring this historic city. While recent times have been hard, the combination of beaches, history, and excellent amenities make this a great stop.
It’s a short hop from Newcastle to Port Stephens, where we’d highly recommend spending the day. Known as the dolphin capital of Australia, it’s a great place to get out onto the water. You should also check out nearby Tomaree National Park if you have the time.
On day five, head up the coast to Seal Rocks for the morning before moving onto Pacific Palms for the afternoon and an overnight stay. Nearby Bluey’s Beach is the pick of the beaches, but you can’t go wrong in this part of New South Wales.
The next day, it’s a change of scene, heading inland to either Barrington Tops National Park or Ellenborough Falls. Both are excellent nature destinations, although Ellenborough Falls probably edges it on the wow factor. If you’re up early enough, you can probably squeeze both in, although we’d suggest picking one or the other. From either destination, you’ll head to Port Macquarie, probably arriving late in the afternoon or the evening. overnight in Port Macquarie.
On day seven you’ll take a break from the road and spend the day exploring Port Macquarie. There’s plenty of history and coastline to explore and many attractions nearby.
Set off from Port Macquarie and make your way to Cresent Head. If you surf, then you need to experience the waves at Little Nobby, which are among some of the best in New South Wales. In the afternoon, head up to South West Rocks for a relaxing afternoon and an overnight stay.
The next morning, we’d suggest a diving or snorkeling trip to Fish Rock Cave before getting back on the road. The destination is Nambucca Heads before heading to Bellingen for the evening. Overnight in Bellingen with its amazing rainforest setting and exceptional organic food scene.
Bellingen is one of our favorite destinations on this trip, and it’s a truly unique place. Therefore, spend day ten exploring the town and the nearby Dorrigo National Park. In the early evening, visit some of the galleries in town before another sensational meal and another overnight stay.
For the last four days of the trip, we’d suggest a nice leisurely pace, visiting just a single destination each day. First up is Coffs Harbour before heading onto Minnie Water on day twelve. It’s just a short hop to Yamba on day thirteen before heading on to the final destination of Byron Bay on day fourteen.
This slower pace of travel allows you to really experience these beautiful destinations. Part of the attraction of this part of the world is the laidback attitude and the more leisurely pace of life. So slow down, breath it in, and just go with it!
There’s an abundance of attractions to see between Sydney and Byron Bay. This beautiful part of the East Coast is blessed with some great cities, beautiful beaches, and quirky towns. Further inland, there are also some excellent national parks and opportunities to get your hiking boots on.
The following stops have been selected by us from the hundreds of different options available. Whether you visit a couple or all of them, we’re certain they’ll leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Just an hour’s drive north of Sydney, Bouddi National Park is located on the Central Coast of New South Wales. This excellent national park is home to spectacular beaches, cliffs, and forests.
Most visitors come to the park to hike or to visit one of the excellent beaches. There are a number to choose from, including Putty Beach, Lobster Beach, and Maitland Bay. All of these beaches are safe for swimming and offer plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun.
If you’re looking for a more energetic activity then give one of the park’s many walking tracks a go. The most popular track is the Bouddi Coastal Walk, which is 8km long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. The track offers stunning views of the coastline and showcases the best of the park’s flora.
If you’re planning on an overnight stop, Bouddi National Park is a great place to go camping. There are three campgrounds in the park, each of which offers a different experience. Putty Beach Campground is the most popular campground and is located close to the beach. Maitland Bay Campground is a smaller campground and is located on a secluded bay. The third campground, The Basin, is located in a rainforest setting.
A few kilometers up the coast from Bouddi National Park is Avoca Beach. Located at the mouth of Avoca Lake, it’s known for its white sand, clear blue water, and chilled atmosphere. The beach is suitable for both swimmers and surfers. The calmer waters close to the beach make it a popular weekend and holiday destination for families.
The beach backs onto a wealthy suburb where a number of cafes, restaurants, and shops are located. Avoca Beach is a great place to an afternoon or a day relaxing and enjoying the sun, sand, and relaxed setting.
Just north of Avoca Beach is Terrigal, a popular tourist town with beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The main beach in Terrigal is a long stretch of white sand that is perfect for swimming. There are also a number of smaller beaches in the area, such as The Haven and Little Cove, which are perfect for families with young children.
There are a number of other attractions in town, including the Terrigal Skillion, a large rock formation that is a popular spot for rock climbing and abseiling. There is also the Terrigal Lagoon, a calm waterway that is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The town is home to a good range of hotels, apartments, cafes and restaurants so it’s a good destination for an overnight stay.
Between Terrigal and Newcastle lies Lake Macquarie, a vast coastal lake stretching over 110 square kilometers. It’s a popular destination for wilderness lovers, but it’s also home to a wide range of water sports activities.
For those pursuing Lake Macquarie’s tranquil side, you can take leisurely walks along the trails around the lake’s edge. You can also cast a line into the lake’s depths and try your hand at fishing or relax on the sandy beaches and soak up the sun’s warmth.
If you’re looking for adventure, Lake Macquarie is home to many thrilling water sports. You can glide across the lake’s surface in a kayak or canoe or get an adrenaline rush by trying water skiing or wakeboarding.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Lake Macquarie transforms into a vibrant evening destination. Waterfront restaurants offer fresh seafood and delectable local produce, while cozy cafes and bars provide a warm and inviting atmosphere to unwind after a day on the lake
Newcastle is a historic port city located a 2-hour drive and 163 km north of Sydney. As the second oldest city in Australia, it’s awash with fine historical buildings. One of the best is Fort Scratchley, a 19th-century fort with stunning city views. If you’re interested in the city’s history, then you should visit Newcastle Museum. It’s a large museum that tells the story of Newcastle, from its Aboriginal heritage to its industrial past.
As well as being considered a historic city, Newcastle is also known as a great lifestyle city. It is home to a number of popular beaches, including Newcastle Beach, Nobbys Beach, and Merewether Beach. The surf at some of these beaches is among the best on the East Coast. There are also many parks and gardens in Newcastle, such as Newcastle Memorial Park and Blackbutt Reserve.
If you’re passing by, Newcastle certainly deserves a few hours of your time or an overnight stay if your schedule allows for it.
Located an hour north of Newcastle, Port Stephens is one of the must-visit destinations on this stretch of Australia’s coastline. Proudly proclaimed as the dolphin capital of Australia, a trip out on the water is an absolute must here.
While you can opt for a more laidback dolphin spotting trip, those who delve into the underwater world will be duly rewarded. On a snorkeling or diving excursion, you can witness vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, including playful dolphins, majestic sea turtles, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.
Back on land, the area is home to a number of pristine and rarely visited beaches. If you’re in pursuit of solitude, you’ll absolutely love this area. There’s also the excellent Tomaree National Park, with its variety of hiking trails. The most popular is the ascent to the summit of Tomaree Head, where panoramic views of the coastline and distant mountains await. You can also explore the southern part of the park with secluded coves and hidden beaches.
The small, unassuming town of Seal Rocks is the next stop along the coastline. This beautiful location occupies a sheltered spot on a headland jutting out into the Tasman Sea. The town is known for its excellent beaches and spectacular surf breaks. There are three main beaches; Boat Beach, Number One Beach, and Lighthouse Beach. Outside of the peak summer season, there’s every chance you’ll have the beach and the breaks all to yourself.
The wider area is also great for hiking and one of the best hikes is to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, an iconic landmark that has guided mariners for over a century. There are spectacular panoramic views of the coastline here.
The spectacular district of Pacific Palms is one of the highlights of the East Coast. The area is home to stunning lush rainforests and a selection of beautiful beaches.
There’s a wealth of beaches in the area, with the vast stretch of sand at 7 Mile Beach, the smaller Boomerang Beach, and our personal favorite, Bluey Beach. Each boasts pristine beaches, where soft white sands meet the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean.
In terms of water-based activities, some of the best surfing breaks along the coast can be found here, while kite surfing is also popular. If you fancy a more sedate experience, the calm waters of nearby Wallis Lake are ideal for kayaks or canoes. You won’t need to venture far to find hidden coves and secluded beaches.
The other side of Pacific Palms is the lush rainforests that surround the area. Much of this is within Booti Booti National Park or the larger, but slightly further afield, Wallingat National Park. These parks are home to verdant trails that wind their way through ancient trees and vibrant ferns. In the parks, there are hidden waterfalls, crystal-clear creeks, and varied wildlife.
The area is a perfect overnight stop, although we’d strongly recommend that you stay for longer if you can.
If you’re a fan of waterfalls, then Ellenborough Falls should be high on your list of stops between Sydney and Byron Bay. Nestled amidst the lush rainforests of New South Wales, the falls stand at 200 meters in height. This makes them the highest falls in NSW and the second-highest single-drop waterfall in Australia.
The falls are located around 60 km inland, but the detour from the Pacific Highway is certainly worth the added effort. You’ll arrive at the falls via a scenic drive along winding roads through picturesque countryside. It’s a short walk from the car park to the viewing platform at the top of the falls. The views here are spectacular as you see the sight of cascading waters plunging 200 meters into the emerald depths of the rainforest below.
There are a total of four different viewing platforms from which you can view the falls. Probably the most spectacular but least accessible is the viewing platform at the foot of the falls, reached via a series of 641 steps carved into the hillside. While it’s a hard slog coming back up the steps and you’ll get a fair drenching from the spray, it’s a rewarding experience to see the falls from the top and the bottom.
Port Macquarie is another coastal city with a rich maritime history. While tourism is the main business in town nowadays, there are plenty of reminders of yesteryear, including a couple of excellent museums.
Set on the Hastings River, Port Macquarie is a mecca for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. If you don’t want to run the risk of getting wet, you can also take a leisurely cruise on the river.
If you’re looking for a beach fix, Port Macquarie also has plenty to offer. There are over 17 km of coastline to explore, with beaches to suit all tastes. Families will love the patrolled beaches at Town Beach and Flynn’s Beach, while surfers head to Lighthouse Beach and Rainbow Beach for some excellent breaks.
Other attractions in or near the city include a number of parks and gardens, the Koala Hospital, and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. The Koala Hospital is a world-renowned facility that cares for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas. You can tour the hospital and see the koalas up close. The Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is home to various native plants and animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. You can take a walk through the rainforest and learn about the importance of these unique ecosystems.
It’s a short 63 km drive from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head, but it’s one that you absolutely have to to make if you’re a surfer. The renowned waves at Little Nobby are among the very best on the East Coast.
Beyond the excellent beaches and surf, there are a number of walking tracks in the Crescent Head area. The most popular track is the Crescent Head Point Walking Track, which is a 2.5-kilometre loop track that takes about an hour to complete. The track offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding areas.
South West Rocks lies the other side of Hat Head National Park from Crescent Head. It’s another coastal town with pristine beaches, but it also has its characteristic towering granite rock formations.
The curving beach at Trial Bay lies at the heart of the town, but many visitors head to the Trial Bay Gaol Beach at the eastern end. Sheltered by a large headland, it’s calm waters are a great place for a swim. The gaol itself is also well worth a visit. Now a museum, the building dates back to the 1880s and tells the fascinating story of the building.
South West Rocks is one of the finest places in New South Wales for scuba diving and there are several excellent dive operators in town.The vibrant underwater world of South West Rocks is home to an array of marine life, including playful dolphins, turtles and nurse sharks. The most popular local dive spot is Fish Rock Cave, which is a site that also offers excellent snorkelling.
A little further along the coast is Nambucca Heads, set alongside the vast estuary of the Nambucca River. While the town can be a little dated, there’s no disputing its sensational location. The beaches in the area stretch for miles and miles, with the best situated in the Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, which lies to the south of town. It’s a lovely spot, but on a coast of lovely spots, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd.
After a string of splendid coastal towns and excellent beaches, Bellingen provides something a little different. The town is situated inland, above the Bellinger River, and nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush rainforests.
The town has a very unique identity with a vibrant cafe culture and an excellent arts scene. There are many galleries in town, which showcase both local and international artists’ work. Wandering around this eclectic town is one of its real joys, with a number of heritage-listed buildings adding to the ambiance. The Bellingen Courthouse and Bellingen Museum are two of the finest.
If you want to venture out of town (and we recommend you do), you’ll find a verdant and lush rainforest. There are a number of good hiking trails in the area, although a leisurely stroll along the riverfront seems to satisfy most visitors to the area.
The town is also known for its excellent organic locally sourced produce and this is best sampled in one of the many restaurants in town.
Further inland from Bellingen, you’ll come across Dorrigo and the nearby Dorrigo National Park. Part of the larger Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, the park is an excellent destination to experience the rainforest on a number of different levels. Most visitors flock to the Skywalk, which cuts through the canopy of the rainforest and provides spectacular views over the rainforest and valleys below.
If you’re the active type, we’d strongly suggest taking in one of the park’s hiking trails. The best is the 6.6 km long Wonga Walk loop that takes you through the heart of the rainforest. Traveling across bridges, behind waterfalls, and close to nature, it’s a stunning experience for adults and kids.
Returning to the coast, Coffs Harbour is the next prominent destination on the way. This laidback coastal city is located on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. Some 540 kilometers north of Sydney, it’s the largest city before you reach Byron Bay. Like many other destinations in the area, the city is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and family-friendly atmosphere.
The main beach in Coffs Harbour is the aptly named Coffs Harbour Beach. This long stretch of golden sand is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, try one of the other beaches in the area, such as Diggers Beach, Boambee Beach, or Park Beach.
If you’re looking for alternatives to the beach then there are a few good options in Coffs Harbour. You can visit the Big Banana, a towering yellow sculpture in the center of town. Another option is to take a walk through the Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens or you could visit the Coffs Harbour Heritage Centre, which is housed in a former convict-built gaol.
The popular fishing town of Yamba is the final destination before reaching Byron Bay. It’s unquestionably one of the most popular on this stretch of coast and often draws favorable comparisons with Byron Bay of yesteryear. Located at the mouth of the Clarence River, the town occupies a great location. There are several good beaches in town, including Yamba Beach, Convent Beach, and McKittricks Beach.
Barrington Tops National Park is much like Dorrigo National Park and is part of the larger Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Area. It’s an exceptional area for hiking and bushwalking, with the park home to a vast and varied ecosystem. While much of the park is rainforest, you’ll also find kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies.
Some of the best hikes in the park include the Rainforest Walk and the Waterfall Walk. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, you can try the Mount William Walk. This hike is a 10-kilometre return trip that takes you to the summit of Mount William, the highest peak in the park. The views from the summit are stunning.
One of New South Wales’s most spectacular parks, Warrumbungle National Park, encompasses the spectacular Warrumbungle Range. The park has ancient rock formations, varied landscapes, and some excellent hiking trails.
Many of the park’s hiking trails traverse the spectacular rock formations, which are remnants of ancient volcanoes that once towered over the landscape. You can witness the majestic Breadknife, a towering sandstone escarpment, on the Breadknife and Grand High Tops hike, one of the finest hikes in the state. Alternatively, you can marvel at the beauty of the Belgouery Spire, a natural obelisk piercing the sky, from the Spirey View Lookout.
The park’s lush bushland is also home to various trails that wind through ancient forests, and vibrant wildflowers carpet the ground. There are hidden waterfalls, crystal-clear creeks, and rich wildlife to discover as you explore the park.
The best time to do a road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay is typically during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). This is when the weather is warm and sunny, with plenty of daylight hours for driving. The roads are also less crowded during these times, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable trip. Prices are also lower than during the peak summer season.
While spring and autumn are typically the best times for this road trip, each season has its pros and cons. Here is a breakdown of what to expect during each season:
Summer (December to February)
Autumn (March to May)
Winter (June to August)
Spring (September to November)
Ultimately, when to undertake a road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay depends on your personal preferences. While spring and autumn offer the best all-round experience, if you’re looking for warm weather and a lively atmosphere, then summer will be a better option. If you’re on a budget, autumn or winter is the best choice. And if you want to avoid crowds, spring or autumn are again the best times to go.
No matter when you decide to go, you will enjoy a memorable road trip along the beautiful New South Wales coast.
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