Crystalline water. Warm air. Freedom. If you’re looking for inspiration to find these things, look no further than a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip.
Whilst regular flights abound on this route, the road trip lover will get much more value out of the slower paced drive. It has to be one of the breeziest journeys in Australia. Maybe that’s because the end destination dictates a laid back approach. Perhaps for many Australians it illicits a throwback to our youth and the connection to summer holidays.
For us, this drive does exactly that. Although back in the day this trip was a lot longer, and a lot less enjoyable. Cheers to consistent road upgrades.
We recently did the drive over a couple of days. Picking out a couple of old favourite destinations to revisit. And checking out what has changed along NSW’s northern coastline.
If you’re planning a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip, read on to find out what to expect.
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How long do I need to complete a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip?
A glance at Google tells us that a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip will take in the order of 8 hours with no stops. Obviously this article isn’t about pushing right through. And any journey of this length requires frequent breaks. Firstly for safety. But secondly to take in some of the beautiful sights along the way.
We have completed the trip in a day. But that’s not typically our style, and more out of necessity. To take the pace down a bit, and ensure maximum enjoyment out of your road trip, we’d recommend at least having a night somewhere along the way.
The tricky thing with the Sydney to Byron Bay drive is you can find places along the way where you could easily stay longer. So it will come down to a balance of the pace you want to move at and what you want to see along the way.
A week? A month? There are absolutely towns along the way that you can take heed, chill out and enjoy for longer. We’ll call those out below.
Stops on the Sydney to Byron Bay drive
Heading north out of Sydney
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Sydney in your rear view mirror, it’s time to hit the road. It won’t be too long however before our first stop. Around 40 minutes out of Sydney.
For the seafood lovers (that’s us) we always recommend a visit to Lifeboat Seafoods at Brooklyn. This venue and location always meant ‘holidays’ to us. Our trip beginning and all the nice feelings that go along with that. Drop in here for some fresh prawns and oysters, plucked fresh from the Hawkesbury River. It’s a popular spot, but they do turn people over reasonably quickly. If in doubt, take away is also a great option.
The Central Coast
The Central Coast deserves a dozen blog articles to itself. My family summer holidays were spent annually in a caravan and/or tent at The Entrance. Some of the happiest memories of my youth.
The Coast is packed with spectacular beaches, quiet spots by the lakes and quaint towns.
If you were on the slow journey, we’d absolutely recommend a visit to Terrigal. A tucked away peninsula where you can enjoy a walk or a jog and more than a few hours soaking up the sun and the sand. The lookout from the Skillon deserves a visit too.
Terrigal makes our list of great weekend trips from Sydney. Read on here for more of our weekend recommendations from Sydney.
Check out the pelican feeding at The Entrance
If you can arrange your visit to land you in The Entrance at around 3pm, you can get along and enjoy the pelican feeding. This is a long established, daily ritual. And the pelicans know there are always fish to be eaten. You’ll find them congregated near the Marine Parade Memorial Park at The Entrance.
Onto Newcastle
Continuing your journey north, NSW’s Steel City, Newcastle lies ahead of you. Jam packed with stunning beaches, lookouts and walkways, it’s another place that makes our list of best weekend destinations from Sydney.
Where Newcastle has really come of age is on the food and beverage front. You’ll find any number of excellent restaurants here. Be sure to check out Merewether Surf House for some Italian with excellent views over the beach. Ask for a window seat.
For those who like their beer, the Squire’s Maiden is an excellent option which serves food to match. And Darby Street is home to an endless number of cafes and restaurants too.
Grab a pie for now or for later
As you continue your journey, you’ll see the signs to Heatherbrae Pies. This place is an institution and an absolutely mandatory stop on any journey north. Whether you’re a meat pie fan, or like the sweet taste of an apple or blueberry pie, there will be an option for you. A busy day can see the queues out the door here, so time your visit wisely!
Ahead of you, there are a range of wonderful spots which are incredibly popular over the summer, and for extended periods. Nelson Bay, Anna Bay, Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and Forster are all extremely favoured destinations for family holidays. Perhaps a caravan, a cabin or an Airbnb.
All of these spots are spectacular in their own rights. And if you ask long term return visitors to these locations, they’ll always throw up their bias of which place is best. Enjoy a drive by these spots, or opt to press on for your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip.
The Big Oyster
One of the other defining points of this drive is Australia’s fascination with ‘big’ things. And on this itinerary, you’ll get a few options to take in. Welcome to your first. The Big Oyster is exactly that. A big oyster which you’ll need to have an obligatory photo in front of in the town of Taree.
Today, it sits in a car dealership. Growing up, I’m not sure if this was the case. It felt like Mum was telling me the Big Oyster was ‘coming up’ for near two hours. A way to keep a child entertained and optimistic on a long car trip I guess!
Pure Australiana at its best.
A night at Port Macquarie
On our most recent trip, we spent a night on the return journey in Port Macquarie. One of the biggest towns along the coast, it doesn’t have the small town vibe of a lot of the towns we’ll cover in this article.
It’s another popular medium term destination. And packed with restaurants and major shops, it’s a little like a home away from home.
Just like most of our recommendations here, unsurprisingly, Port Macquarie is filled with its fair share of excellent beaches.
Where to stay in Port Macquarie
If you can make the most of your time here, we’d recommend Sails by the Rydges. A great spot with a pool area that overlooks the Hastings River. It’s an excellent place to break up the trip and soak up some rays.
Another pie recommendation
Now depending if you’ve broken up the trip or not, you may want to skip this recommendation. Yes, another pie recommendation! On a road trip, enjoying all the best foods along the way is part of the experience.
Fredo Pies at Frederickton are another institution. If your trip aligns, it’s another option to stop in and refuel. There are all sorts of pies on offer here, but the one they are most known for is their crocodile pie. So if you’re up for something different, you’ll find it here.
Continuing your journey north, you’re blessed with another range of excellent towns to visit.
Dolphins at play at Nambucca Heads
Nambucca Heads is another of those quintessential beachside towns and also popular for longer stays. With rainforests to explore, stunning beaches and a calm estuary, you might even be lucky enough to see some dolphins frolicking in the water.
The Urunga Boardwalk
Another special destination to me is Urunga. Growing up, I was always told stories of how my Mum, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunt spent summers here. We stayed here as a family when I was very young, and it remains one of my most vivid memories.
In particular, the long boardwalk, which as a child seemed never ending. The Urunga boardwalk has been replaced since then – the elements took their toll. But the new boardwalk is still reminiscent of the old one, just a little less shakier to walk on!
A wander along here and amongst the mangroves is an easy way to break up the Sydney to Byron Bay drive. Get out, stretch the legs, and explore where the Kalang river meets the ocean.
The Big Banana – Coffs Harbour
If there is a memory that stands out for anyone who completed the Sydney to Byron Bay road trip as a child – it will be this. Coffs Harbour is home to the Big Banana.
Now maybe you skipped Fredo Pies. Perhaps the Big Oyster was a drive by affair. But I challenge you to simply drive past the Big Banana! A selfie here is an absolute must do. Reliving old memories or making new ones, park the car and spend a few minutes here taking in the ‘nana!
Many might not know that Coffs Harbour has a lot more to offer than just the Big Banana. A great town in its own right, we’d also recommend heading down to the Marina. Grab some fish and chips and sit in the park here amongst the salty air. Be prepared to fight off the highly aggressive army of seagulls here though.
If you’re up for a wander, head out to Muttonbird Island which is joined by a boardwalk. Another great leg stretcher.
Seeking a spectacular view? Sealy Lookout has you covered. Located high behind the harbour, you’ll have stunning vistas at your disposal from up here.
Coffs Harbour is another destination we’ve spent an overnight visit in on this journey.
Where to stay in Coffs Harbour
For a top quality motor inn experience, we’d recommend the CBD Motor Inn. We’ve stayed in many side of the highway inns in our travels. The CBD Motor Inn have put in a lot of effort to modernise this and bring it into the twenty-first century. It’s an extremely comfortable stay and reasonably priced.
Looking for something a little more luxurious? The Pacific Bay Resort is a great option. Given the additional cost and the facilities available, you’ll want to make sure you’ve enough time to enjoy them so arrive early to maximise your time.
Wanting to add another ‘big item’ to your list? As a teenager, I stayed at the Big Windmill Hotel. And I’ll freely admit, I thought it was the best thing in the world. And my friends couldn’t believe I’d stayed in the Big Windmill Hotel that they’d only ever driven past. Aside from the novelty of the Big Windmill, it is – pardon the intentional pun – a run of the mill hotel. Clean, comfortable, and of course with a Big Windmill out the front. So kudos to them for a point of differentiation, and add this to your list if that’s the sort of thing you’re after in your accommodation!
Heading inland to Bellingen
Coffs Harbour is a great place to base yourself for an evening at least, as there is plenty to explore nearby. The laidback beachside town of Sawtell is a great spot for some chill out time. The real gems here however are found inland.
Bellingen is a small, leafy town with a relaxed vibe, stunning architecture and a surprising array of food options. It’s high street is pretty old school, filled with a range of boutique stores and great eateries.
Fun fact for cricket lovers (me!) – Australian legend Adam Gilchrist was born here. See if you can find his statue along the main street.
If you’re hungry, Bello Burgers serve up great takeaway burgers. The Bellingen Swiss Patisserie and Bakery might feel out of place, but offers a range of great snacks and baked goods.
Fennel Seed offers a wide ranging bistro menu that we weren’t able to try on our visit unfortunately. High on the list next time around! Next door however is 5 Church Street, a café with a small, but tasty menu. I highly recommend the bacon and egg roll with hand cut fries. Bonus points too for being a café not located in South Africa serving up rooibos chai. Delish!
Dorrigo National Park
As a child, my grandmother used to regale me with stories of the long and winding road to Dorrigo. So bad were the roads it had clearly given her nightmares long after her last visit. The roads have obviously improved, and well worth traversing today.
Dorrigo National Park is home to some stunning walks, rainforest and views. Part of the Gondwana rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, there is a huge variety of animals and birds to be seen here. You might be lucky to spot any number of bird species along your walk.
On even a moderately warm day, expect to work up a sweat under the rainforest canopy. And of course, be sure to keep an eye out for leeches which thrive in the area.
A visit to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre will set you back just $2, and you can find out more about the surrounding here here. You’ll also have a range of options for walking tracks from here too. The Skywalk offers another stunning view out as well.
Next stop, Yamba – the new Byron Bay?
On a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip, it would be rude not to stop at the destination often coined the ‘new Byron Bay’. A sleepy hamlet, it might be argued that its beaches are just as good if not better than anything you’ll find in Byron.
The charm of the town is undeniable, and its lower profile is part of its appeal. The million dollar views from the Pacific Hotel are jaw-dropping.
Yamba is most definitely worth a visit, but you may wonder if it should be your end destination next time around.
The Big Prawn – another big one to tick off the list
Ballina is home to a larger populous, and here you’ll find all the usual suspects you’d find at home in metro Sydney. Including Bunnings. Why is that important? Because opposite the Bunnings car park, you’ll find the Big Prawn.
Now of all the big items on our list for this road trip, this is truly the biggest. Park in the Bunnings car park, and take in the enormous prawn in all its glory. It’s a tricky one to get a photo of given its size and the fact you’ll be admiring it from a car park, but take it for what it is.
And there you have it, four iconic big items ticked off your list on this Sydney to Byron Bay drive!
Heading onto your final destination – Byron Bay
Whether it’s taken you a couple of days or a week to get to this point, your next destination is your final one – Byron Bay.
With its cruisy hipster vibe, linen clothing and shoes optional policy, the best lay ahead of your road trip.
Byron Bay offers the visitor the option to do nothing. Or for those who like to keep active, you won’t be bored either. A visit to the Cape Byron Lighthouse is always a must do for our visits to Byron Bay. We have completed the walk, but the drive is much easier on a hot day. For those who like to test themselves, it’s about as good as a running track as you get. And no need to pay for parking.
Your beach options are far from limited either. Wategos and Main Beach are ever popular.
Don’t fancy getting wet or sand in your shoes? No stress. The Beach Hotel is the perfect spot to take in the Byron Bay vibes. Complete with live music, crisp Stone and Wood and great food, this is what Byron Bay is all about.
READ MORE: Things to do in Byron Bay
If you’re looking for something further afield, Minyon waterfall rainforest is home to some stunning scenery. And for those seeking as little more enlightenment that they’ve heard so much about in this part of the world, Crystal Castle has you covered.
Byron has so many nearby towns which are well worth inspecting. We’ll cover those in a future blog post.
Where to stay in Byron
If you haven’t gotten yourself to Byron in a fried out kombi, you’ll need somewhere to stay.
Byron has an array of accommodation covering all budgets. If you’re willing to part with an above average nightly rate, we have two options for you.
Elements at Byron opened in 2015, and is now seen as the benchmark is affordable luxury. Set a little further out of town, the luxury cabins here are spacious and extra comfortable. An enormous common pool awaits, as well as an adults only pool with cabanas and a swim up bar.
Keep your eye out for the wildlife that wanders around the premises too.
For those looking for more of a rainforest vibe, the Byron at Byron has you covered. This was the gold standard prior to Elements’ construction. However, in our view it offers a different experience than Elements. The properties are located amongst the rainforest and boardwalks. Evenings are stunningly quiet, and you could be in the middle of nowhere. The rooms here are also over sized and incredibly comfortable.
There’s only the one pool at the Byron at Byron, but the rainforest backdrop makes up for that.
Interested in driving NSW’s coast south instead of north? Check out our Sydney to Eden road trip guide here.
Another option for your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip
Our Sydney to Byron Bay drive has hugged the coastline. There are many towns that don’t hug the coast that could be considered on your drive.
On our most recent trip however, we did make a detour on the return trip. And if you’re visiting in November, we’d highly recommend Grafton. For lovers of jacaranda trees, this town is the stunning home of them in NSW. We were there right at the beginning of the season and found it jaw droppingly beautiful.
So if you’re headed north in November, think about making the detour to Grafton.
That’s it for our Sydney to Byron Bay itinerary. Hopefully you found it helpful, have we missed any of your favourite recommendations? We’d love to hear below!
Great to see you’re both still blogging. We miss you on Twitter! Would love to get back to Byron asap after all this COVID lockdown lifestyle.
Keeping up as much as we can this year. Have lots of content, just not so much time. Have gone a bit quiet on the socials to focus that time on a few more articles where we can. Was a fantastic trip up to Byron. Every man and their dog was there (pre-border openings) but an enjoyable trip nonetheless! Hope you guys are both doing well after this crazy year!
Interesting road trip however you missed 2 must stops lunch or a coffee in the park by the Richmond River Woodburn then a drive to Evans Head beautiful beaches and national parks great accommodation overlooking the the river well worth a visit.
Thanks for the tips Gary! Will have to visit both of those on our next trip up 🙂