Roadtrip Sydney to Byron, NSW: A Coastal Adventure
Get set to cruise along scenic coastlines on a Roadtrip Sydney to Byron, NSW. You’ll soak in the beauty of the Aussie East Coast, with stunning beaches and quaint beach towns and even delve into the lush hinterland gems like Clunes along the way. Experience the beauty of the Australian East Coast as you traverse through picturesque landscapes, from stunning beaches to lush hinterlands. This trip’s got it all, So, grab your gear and let’s hit the road on a coastal roadtrip from Sydney to Byron Bay!
Sydney to Newcastle:
- Distance: Approx. 160 km
- Drive time: Approx. 2 hrs 10 min
- Welcome to Newcastle – Newcastle Beach is a local favorite. Explore Fort Scratchley historic military site and panoramic views of the coastline, or walk the Newcastle Memorial Walk with a tribute to fallen soldiers. Stroll along vibrant streets, you’ll notice a fusion of old and new.
- Try Three Monkeys, or Autumn Rooms, or have a vegan feast at Momo Wholefoods.
Newcastle to Hawks Nest, NSW
- Distance: Approx. 80 km
- Drive time: Approx. 1 hr
- Welcome to Hawks Nest on your Roadtrip Sydney to Byron – a coastal town with stunning beaches: Jimmys Beach, Bennetts Beach, and Winda Woppa Reserve and Myall Lakes National Park has abundant birdlife to spot as well as tranquil waters for canoeing.
- Visit Hawks Nest Golf Club for a sports game and stunning views, or try sandboarding on the dunes. Hawks Nest has some fantastic cafes and eateries.
- The Benchmark on Booner or Mumm’s Cafe has tasty bites.
- Travellarks accommodation on the north coast is renowned for its quality, comfort, and strategic locations that are meticulously selected to provide guests with a memorable stay on the north coast.
Day 3 Hawks Nest to Port Macquarie
- Distance: Approx. 190 km
- Drive time: Approx. 2 hrs
- Welcome to Port Macquarie on your Roadtrip Sydney to Byron – Get your seafood fix at Stunned Mullet and opt for the Beach House and Grill with killer views. Jump on a Hastings River Dolphin cruise or a lovely Rainforest tour
- If you had extra time and cash, a helicopter ride offers a bird’s-eye view! Kids will love the adorable koalas at Koala Hospital. And for history buffs, head to the Tacking Point Lighthouse – one of the oldest in Australia. Climb up and soak in the views. And if you’re into art, The Glasshouse is a cultural hub with galleries, theatres, regional art gallery, and maybe even catch a live performance while you’re there.
Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour, NSW
- Distance: Approx. 154 km
- Drive time: Approx. 1 hr and 40 min
- Welcome to Coffs Harbour – land of the the iconic Big Banana for rides, activities and deliciously decadent banana splits! But if you want thrills and no calories, skydiving with Coffs Coast Skydivers is thrilling or walk it off at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, or swim with dolphins at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park.
- Dark Arts Cafe and Bar or Palates serve top-notch brews and bites as well as Urban Expresso Lounge or Twenty 46.
Coffs Harbour to Mullaway, North Coast
- Distance: Approx. 30 km
- Drive time: Approx. 24 min
- Welcome to Mullaway – super casual atmosphere here, friendly locals on Mullaway Beach and Bluebottles or Ground Earth. If you love snorkeling, or underwater wonders, a must visit is Solitary Islands Marine Park with a guided snorkeling tour.
- Or trek through the rainforest, join a fishing charter, take surf lessons, whale watch or discover rich indigenous culture of Mullaway with an Aboriginal cultural tour. In Mullaway, make fabulous memories here as it’s a great pit stop between Sydney and Byron, staying at Travellarks handpicked accommodation.
Mullaway to Ulmarra on the Clarence River
- Distance: Approx. 63 km
- Drive time: Approx. 42 min
- Welcome to Ulmarra on your Roadtrip Sydney to Byron – a paradise for angling! The Clarence River is teeming with an abundance of fish species, including Australian bass, flathead, and even the occasional mighty Murray cod. Grab your fishing gear and head out for a day on the water, casting your line from the riverbanks or hire a boat, house boat or head to Travellarks accommodation and iconic pub, The Ulmarra, serving up cold beers and hearty pub fare since 1906 and the publican is a larrikan!
- After lunch, hit the Ulmarra Heritage Walk or take to the water with a kayak and paddle or explore more scenic hiking trails winding through nearby bushland. And then there’s the shopping…
Ulmarra to Yamba
- Distance: Approx. 50 km
- Drive time: Approx. 41 min
- Welcome to Yamba – with some of the most pristine beaches on Australia’s east coast! Main Beach or Turners Beach has awesome surf and swimming.
- Yamba serves the freshest seafood, don’t miss the famous Yamba prawns! Try Sandbar, Bean Scene, Beachwood or a cup of brew at Botero Roastery. Visit to the iconic Yamba Lighthouse for breathtaking ocean views or head out on the Clarence River for fishing, kayaking, or dolphin-spotting tours. And if you’re up for exploring beyond Yamba, join a guided tour to nearby national parks or some very quaint hinterland towns. Just look at that ocean pool…
Yamba to Lennox Head
- Distance: Approx. 111.5 km
- Drive time: Approx. 1 hr and 14 min
- Welcome to Lennox Head on your Roadtrip Sydney to Byron, land of sun-soaked beaches and awesome waves. Relax, swim, learn to surf or stroll the Lennox Head Coastal Walk. Get your heart racing with cliff diving at Lennox Head Point, then refuel at Quattro Café for great coffee or Pacific Bistro for ocean-view meals. Add adventure to your Lennox Head pit stop with snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking or SUP tours. Thrill-seekers can soar with hang gliding or paragliding.
- Visiting between May and Nov? Don’t miss whale watching at Lennox Head when the humpback whales migrate along the coast.
Lennox Head to Byron Bay Hinterland – Clunes
- Distance: Approx. 80 km
- Drive time: Approx. 29 min
- Welcome to the Byron Hinterland – Clunes – with picture-perfect rolling hills, rainforests, and panoramic views await roadtrippers and hikers. Enjoy the historic charm of Clunes Village with its antique centre, the fun of the Macadamia Castle (celebrating Australia’s beloved macadamia nuts with a mini zoo of kangaroos, koalas, and more). Then there’s the mystical vibes at the Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens.
- Minyon Falls rainforest tours and there’s Bangalow and Newrybar for boutique shopping and delicious eats. Keep an eye out for farm gates selling fresh goodies and hidden gems in Nightcap National Park. Indulge in a farm-to-table experience at The Farm in Ewingsdale, where you can dine at their restaurant, savour treats from the bakery, and even pick your own flowers at the flower shed. Also try Federal Doma – 3/6 Albert street, Federal, The Bank Cafe, Woods in Bangalow, Bangalow Patisserie and Clunes Store and Cellar, Main Street and Harvest NewryBar for a road tripping breaky or brunch. For chic fashion finds, explore designer boutiques dotted around the Hinterland.
Byron Bay Hinterland to Byron Bay
- Distance: Approx. 30 km
- Drive time: Approx. 29 min
- Welcome to Byron Bay – Paddle with dolphins or skydive over the bay and wander into the Byron hinterland for lush rainforest trails and stunning waterfalls.
- Byron’s also big on wellness and slow living, so roll out a mat for yoga, browse Byron Bay markets for handmade finds and live music, or head to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for amazing coastal views. From May to Nov, keep an eye out for whales as they pass the headland.
- For eateries, you’re spoilt for choice, try Manna Haven, Folk, Yulli’s, Roadhouse, Dip, Bayleaf, Combi, Three Blue Ducks and The Balcony Bar & Oysters.
- We love yum cha at Red Ginger Tea House, and the gorgeous hand made crafts at Beachside Markets, and meeting the farmers at Byron Farmers Market. (It’s one of Australia’s longest running farmers market).
This Roadtrip Sydney to Byron offers plenty to see and do, making it a memorable journey.
Looking for Travellarks handpicked accommodation on the North Coast, NSW?
If you think the North Coast sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.
