Road trippin’: Sydney and Byron Bay
Taking off from the heart of cosmopolitan Sydney, this road trip will take you and your fave mates up to the chill centre of Northern NSW, Byron Bay to experience the life of a relaxation guru.
Stats:
7 days / 6 nightsDrive distance = 1536kms
Travelling time = Just over 17 hours
Key roads = Pacific Highway/A1, State Route 82, State Route 132
Day One – Sydney
If you’re from interstate or just want to be a tourist in your own city then do some sightseeing before you hit the road. If you’re already BFFS with Sydney, skip to day two.
Soundtrack your trip with the lastminute.com.au Spotify playlist located at the bottom of this itinerary.
Before you take off up the coast, spend a day or so exploring Sydney. Beginning in Circular Quay, catch a ferry across the Harbour to Manly to experience the beachside culture that Sydney is famous for. Walk along the corso and then get some lunch and a house-made brew at the Four Pines Brewery, overlooking Manly Wharf. Manly beach is home to some unsuspecting penguin folk so keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready.
If you’re up for a bit of a stroll (walking shoes required), you can trek through native bushland and rainforest and up to the Spit Bridge. The walk will take two to three hours so grab a bus back to Manly afterward to save your feet (and valuable road trip time).
Once back in Manly, jump on a ferry back to Circular Quay and navigate your way up to the historic Rocks district. This area is jam-packed full of history from Australia’s convict past so be sure to get lost in the cobblestone laneways and sandstone settings. From here, you’ll have a pretty good view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Want to climb it? Why not! It’s a fantastic experience for tourists and Sydneysiders alike. Three and a half hours in total, the climb will allow you to see Sydney from a perspective that you won’t have seen before. Check out my review of the climb here.
When your feet are back on solid ground, you’re going to need to fill your tummy. We recommend The Australian Heritage Hotel if you feel like some hearty unpretentious Aussie grub, or Flying Fish for a fancy pants meal that is a favourite of many Sydneysiders.
Fancy a bit of mystery in your life? Book into a secret hotel for the night – you won’t know which hotel you’re booking until it’s confirmed, but believe me, it’s a risk worth taking!
Day Two – Hunter Valley
To make the most of sightseeing in Sydney, drive east to Bondi for a spot of brekkie overlooking the iconic beach. There are loads of great places to take in the scenery and get some great photos too, so enjoy a wander around the esplanade.
Another amazing walk is the Bondi to Coogee if you want to get your blood pumping before jumping in the car. Approximately three hours in length, the walk will take you around the coast, past Tamarama, Clovelly and Bronte. A highlight of the walk is the beautiful Waverley Cemetery, situated on the heights of the cliffs overlooking the water.
The stunning Bondi to Coogee walk
Once you’ve warmed up and are ready to go, pile into the car and pump the driving tunes. A good boogie is essential for a great Aussie road trip.
Pokolbin (you’d know it better as the Hunter Valley) is next on your road trip hit list. Just over two hours North-West on the Pacific Highway (and the State Route 82), Pokolbin has plenty of amazing accommodation options, so find your fave and check in. You won’t be driving again for a little while (did someone say ‘wine’?!).
Treat yourself to a bite to eat at somewhere lush like Muse Kitchen, tucked away inside Keith Tulloch Winery. This well-deserving hatted restaurant provides a vast offering of tastings of the region that will meet all your hunger needs. From here you’ll be able to wander straight up to the cellar door of Keith Tulloch Winery to kick off your wine tasting experience. If you’re more of a ‘someone-else-sort-the-details’ person, don’t worry, there are various tours available for you to sign up to too.
Known mainly for its offerings of the grape descendents, the Hunter Valley is also incredibly beautiful so be sure to have a walk, or cycle around and take in the scenery.
While away the day tasting drop after drop of the Valley’s incredible vino and then roll back to your hotel when ready to hit the hay.
Book a Hunter Valley hotel.
Day Three – Newcastle, Forster
Dare we say it, you’ll need a sleep-in. Then have a stretch and hit the road once again. A short hour’s drive away along the State Route 132 is Newcastle, the second largest NSW centre. Once a colony for Great Britain’s worst-behaved convicts, today Newcastle is one of the top ten cities in the world (according to Lonely Planet). In Newcastle, apart from a few thousand Novocastrians, you’ll find some great beaches, pubs, art spaces and live music scene.
First off, satisfy that grumbling belly of yours on Darby Street. Well known for its breakfast offerings, you won’t be disappointed by the many cafes on this trendy strip, such as The Depot on Darby. After brekkie, indulge in a spot of boutique shopping and discover some quirky pieces that are unique to Newcastle.
Once you’ve scratched that little (or big) shopping itch, it’s time to jump back in the car for a bit more of a drive. From here, you’ll be driving two hours north along the Pacific Highway to Forster.
Forster is a small coastal town, home to great beaches, cafes and boutiques. Jump in a kayak and explore the lakes, enjoy the fresh air on a scenic coastal walk or spend some time tasting the local produce. We recommend Sotos Cafe for some relaxed, delicious grub and fantastic coffee that looks beautiful to boot (these guys are famous for their latte art).
Spend the rest of the day in Forster and then find some Zs tonight in a local hotel. Our fave is Sails Luxury Aparments.
Book a Forster hotel.
Day Four – South West Rocks, Coffs Harbour
This morning you’ll be driving to South West Rocks for some more beach action. Around two hours away, South West Rocks is famous for its great beaches so make the most of them. Frolic in the surf or lie on the sand and work on your tan, then head to the tuck shop for a good ol’ burger and chips.
Once you and your travelling buds are ready to get going again, switch on some driving music and find yourself on the freeway to Coffs Harbour, home of the Big Banana. Yep, you heard me right: banana.
Just over an hour away, further north along the Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour is a favourite on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Find a park at the Big Banana and take some obligatory tourist shots with it. After this, you have the option of going tobogganing or ice skating, or BOTH. Then explore the lolly shop inside for some amazing boiled lollies, lolly pops, fudge, candy bananas… The list goes on!
Rest your head tonight in a Coffs Harbour Hotel because you’ll need your energy tomorrow.
Book a Coffs Harbour hotel.
Day Five – Byron Bay
Good morning! Enjoy some brekkie at Water Surf Art Cafe and wake up those limbs of yours.
Jump back in the car and drive approximately three hours north on the Pacific Highway to Byron Bay, a favourite of New South Welshmen and interstate travellers alike.
When in Byron there are a few must-dos: the first being the beach. Walk from the centre of town to the lighthouse and then back across the beach for a dip and cooling off. If you’re a surfer, you may want to borrow a board and catch some waves, or otherwise just enjoy the ocean.
Next, grab some lunch at one of the many amazing cafes or restaurants in the area. Fishmonger’s is a favourite, as well as Dip, on Jonson Street. Take your pick (or try them all).
In the afternoon, settle in at the Beach Hotel and enjoy the coastal view. You’ll be able to easily lose some hours here.
If you’re more of an adventurous type than a sitting-and-drinking type, why not jump out of a plane at 14,000 feet? From the sky you’ll have views to make your friends on the ground jealous. Just make sure you do this before you have a drink.
Find some hot digs here for the night. Check out Abbie’s Byron Bay Villa for a special stay, complete with four poster beds.
Book a Byron Bay hotel.
Day Six – Yamba, Port Macquarie
Take your time this morning exploring Byron Bay; the beach, the town centre, the foodie hot spots. Make like a local and indulge in some yoga at Byron Yoga Centre. That will certainly wake you up!
Drive back down the coast and find yourselves in Yamba, just over 90 minutes away.
Yamba is a small town that survives on tourism from travellers who seek sun, surf and sun, all year long. Adopt this mantra for yourself and spend the morning relaxing on the beach.
Find some lunch at local’s favourite, Beachwood Cafe before preparing for another drive. Port Macquarie is next on the hit list, located just under four hours away along the Pacific Highway.
Beach after beach after beach, Port Macquarie is a coastal town frequented by many Australians on holiday, and for a good reason. In summer, the beaches are second to none, and in winter, the great coastal accommodation provides the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Explore the heart of Port Macquarie. Drive to the lighthouse, at Lighthouse Beach (who’d have thought?) and then take the Doctor’s Walk through various beaches and into town. There are frequent dolphin and whale (in the right season) sightings in Port Macquarie, so keep your eyes peeled.
Later on, enjoy a delicious meal and glass (or bottle) of wine at The Stunned Mullet, overlooking Town Beach, before hitting the hay at one of Port Macquarie’s fine properties.
Book a Port Macquarie hotel.
Day Seven – Harrington, Sydney
Today is the final day of the trip, which means that it’s time to head back to Sydney along the Pacific Highway/A1. To break up the drive, be sure to stop in at Harrigan’s Irish Pub, situated in the small town of Harrington.
Harrington is around one hour’s south of Port Macquarie just off the Pacific Highway and is a secret held close to the hearts of many residents of the surrounding suburbs (including me – enjoy!).
Next up: Sydney, your final destination. The trip is just over 300 kilometres and will take around three and a half hours so break it up however you like, checking out some sights that you missed earlier.
Make sure you don’t miss out – enter the competition here!
Have we missed anything? Add your tips in the comments below!
Byron is my favorite place. Love it.
Hi Faye,
Byron is beautiful isn’t it! I wish I could visit more often.
What’s your favourite part about it?
Shauna