Stretching around 800 kilometres between Sydney and Byron Bay, this epic Pacific Coast road trip boasts surf beaches, national parks, green hinterlands, charming cities and towns, and spectacular scenery.
Although you can drive this in one long day, this route is worthy of its own six-day itinerary. Of course, make sure to leave a few extra days at the end to enjoy Byron Bay itself.
Here’s how to road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay in six days:
Leave the hustle and bustle of Sydney behind and take the scenic route to Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest saltwater lake. If you’ve never visited the Central Coast before, driving through the beachside towns of Terrigal, The Entrance and Ettalong Beach before arriving at Lake Macquarie is worth your time.
Once you’ve arrived at Lake Macquarie, make your way to Caves Beach to explore the sea caves and rock pools. This will be the first highlight of many on your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip. Those with a bike may like to cycle the Watagans Cycle Track between Speers Point and Warners Bay. Alternatively, launch your kayak or SUP from Speers Point, Marmong Point, Warners Bay Jetty or Eleebana Boat Ramp.
The distance might be short, but there’s much to see and do on this short stretch of your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip. After departing early from Lake Macquarie, make a beeline for Newcastle and its most famous beach, Merewether Beach. After a swim at the beach or Merewether Ocean Baths, grab brunch from one of the cafes in the CBD. Newcastle has a great heritage, arts and foodie scene, so make the most of it before heading to Port Stephens.
Once you arrive at Port Stephens (around an hour from Newcastle), choose from no less than 26 beaches to while away the afternoon. Still got energy? Consider tackling the short but steep Tomaree Head Summit Walk for fantastic coastal views.
If you can’t stretch your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip plans to spend a few extra days here, you’ll probably make a mental note to come back another time to explore the area. Particularly those wanting to check out the 4WD action on Stockton Beach!
Start early to drive around 2.5 hours to Port Macquarie on NSW’s Mid-North Coast, a pleasant coastal town with beautiful beaches at the mouth of the Hastings River. You can break up this stretch of the drive by taking the scenic detour on The Lakes Way halfway between Port Stephens and Port Macquarie. Here you can swim at Blueys Beach before returning to the Pacific Highway en route to Port Macquarie.
This is another region you’ll wish you had more time for on your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip!
After a break at Port Macquarie to fill your belly and check out the coastline, jump back in the car for the one-hour drive through to South West Rocks.
South West Rocks is particularly picturesque, with idyllic beaches and Norfork Pines. If you’re up for a hike, tackle the Smoky Cape Walking Track or, alternatively, relax on a deserted beach or bask in mother nature at Arakoon National Park. If you can’t go past a lighthouse without taking a peek, you’ll want to check out Smoky Bay Lighthouse, built in 1891.
It’s only a short drive on today’s stretch of your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip, but it’s worth leaving early to make the most of it. After all, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to spend some time at the Big Banana Fun Park and snap a photo beside the iconic banana.
For photos of the scenic kind, head to Sealy Lookout for a panoramic scene stretching from the mountains to the coast. Those wishing to hit the beach can choose from many, but the patrolled Woolgoolga Beach is a great all-rounder with surfing, snorkelling, fishing and tidal rock platforms. It’s also a top spot to spy the whales between June and October.
Adventure seekers might like to head out with Jetty Dive Centre and explore the Solitary Islands Marine Park, and those wanting to keep their feet on solid ground can enjoy the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, home to 400 beautiful butterflies.
Today you’re heading to Australia’s most easterly point, Byron Bay. It’s worth visiting Bundjalung National Park on the drive there for its freshwater lagoons, fishing, river views and secluded beaches. But if not, make a beeline for Byron Bay and embrace the boho. Here you can enjoy the cafe scene, kayak through clear waters, get up close with dolphins and turtles, hit the surf or spend up at the markets.
Locals flock to the Byron Farmers Market every Thursday morning, and the Byron Community Market features at Main Beach foreshore on the first Sunday of every month. The hinterlands boast their own markets in nearby Bangalow and Mullumbimby as well.
If you’re keen to start the last day of your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip with some exercise, lace up your shoes on day six and follow the five-kilometre Cape Byron Walking track. After that’s out the way, spend the day enjoying Byron Bay, the beaches and the hinterlands.
Did you allow an extra few days in Byron Bay? Woohoo good on ya! Take a 40-minute drive out to Husk Farm Distillery to learn how Husk Rum and Ink Gin are made on this beautiful 150-acre family farm, which also boasts incredibly picturesque grounds and a kitchen/restaurant that overlooks them.
Sadly, this is the end of your epic Sydney to Byron Bay Pacific Coast road trip. Hopefully, you’ve got a few extra days up your sleeve to enjoy Byron Bay and its surroundings. But if not, make sure to drive safely as you hightail it back to Sydney.
