The Drive North
The Sydney to Byron Bay road trip is one of Australia's great coastal drives. Heading north along the Pacific Highway, you'll pass through surf towns, rainforest hinterlands, and some of the most beautiful beaches on the NSW coast. At 770 km, it's a manageable drive that rewards those who take their time.
Days 1–2: Sydney to Port Stephens
Distance: 200 km | Drive Time: 2.5 hours
Your first stop is Port Stephens, a stunning natural harbour famous for its resident bottlenose dolphins. Take a dolphin-watching cruise from Nelson Bay — sightings are almost guaranteed. The Stockton Sand Dunes are the longest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere; join a quad bike tour or sandboard down the massive slopes.
For beachgoers, Shoal Bay and Zenith Beach (at the foot of Tomaree Head) are both gorgeous. The walk up Tomaree Head is steep but rewards with panoramic views across the bay and out to the Broughton Islands.
Where to camp: Halifax Holiday Park in Nelson Bay has waterfront sites. Shoal Bay Holiday Park is steps from the beach.
Days 3–4: Coffs Harbour & Bellingen
Distance: 370 km from Port Stephens | Drive Time: 4 hours
Continue north through Port Macquarie (stop at the Koala Hospital if time allows) to Coffs Harbour. Walk out to Muttonbird Island for coastal views and, in season, watch shearwater birds returning to their nesting burrows at dusk.
The real gem is Bellingen, a 30-minute drive into the hinterland. This creative mountain town has exceptional cafes, monthly community markets, and the stunning Dorrigo National Park — a World Heritage rainforest with a canopy skywalk and waterfalls.
Where to camp: Park Beach Holiday Park in Coffs has ocean-side powered sites. In Bellingen, camp by the river at Bellingen Riverside Camping.
Days 5–6: Yamba to Byron Bay
Distance: 200 km from Coffs | Drive Time: 2.5 hours
Stop at Yamba — this fishing village at the mouth of the Clarence River has repeatedly been voted one of Australia's best small towns. The surf at Angourie is world-class, the Blue Pools are magical, and Yamba's pubs and fish and chip shops are genuine treats.
Arrive at Byron Bay and you'll understand why this place has a magnetic pull on travellers. Walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse at dawn for whale watching (June–November) and dolphins playing in the surf below. Explore the Saturday Farmers Market, swim at Wategos Beach, and sample the thriving food and music scene.
Where to camp: First Sun Holiday Park is prime position on Main Beach, Byron Bay. Lennox Head Reflections Holiday Park is a quieter alternative 15 minutes south.
Driving Tips
- The Pacific Highway is now mostly dual carriageway — easy driving for any campervan.
- Tolls apply near Sydney — check your hire company's toll arrangements.
- Byron Bay campsite spots sell out fast in summer — book weeks ahead.
- Consider continuing to Brisbane from Byron Bay (another 170 km) to complete the NSW coast experience.
