Points of Interest between Byron Bay, New South Wales to Sydney, New South Wales

picture of Byron Bay, New South Wales

Roadtripping from Byron Bay to Sydney

Are you ready for an adventure? If you're planning a road trip from Byron Bay, NSW, to Sydney, NSW, we've got you covered. From beautiful beaches to historic landmarks, this coastal drive is filled with exciting places to visit.

Fun fact: the coastal drive from Byron Bay to Sydney is around 772km long and typically takes anywhere from 9 to 11 hours to complete depending on traffic and stops.

Halfway point: Laurieton, NSW.

The length of the trip is a little over 700km, or roughly 9-11 hours of driving time. However, we highly recommend taking your time and making stops along the way to fully experience all the attractions and locations.

Top Five Places to Visit:

  1. Coffs Harbour: Located approximately 150km from Byron Bay, this coastal city is known for its stunning beaches and beautiful weather. We recommend stopping by the Big Banana, an iconic landmark that offers fun for the whole family (think waterslides, a mini-golf course, and ice-skating, to name a few).

    Excellent pitstop: the Coffs Harbour Jetty Marina. Take a stroll along the wharf and dine in one of the many delicious seafood restaurants while overlooking the ocean.

  2. Port Macquarie: About 400km from Byron Bay, this coastal city is a must-stop destination for history buffs. Visit the Koala Hospital and see these adorable creatures up close, or stop by the Tacking Point Lighthouse for breathtaking views.

    Don't miss: the Port Macquarie Historic Courthouse. Built in 1869, this courthouse offers tours and is a significant location in the town's history.

  3. Forster-Tuncurry: Situated about 530km from Byron Bay, this twin town offers a range of attractions. From water sports to outdoor activities, there's something for everyone. Check out Booti Booti National Park for scenic views and hiking trails.

    Highlight: the Cape Hawke Lookout. This scenic point offers stunning views of the town, the national park, and the ocean.

  4. Newcastle: About 800km from Byron Bay, this thriving city offers many exciting things to see and do. Among its top attractions, we recommend visiting the ANZAC Memorial Walk, the Newcastle Museum, and the Merewether Baths for a refreshing swim in the ocean.

    Noteworthy attraction: the Bathers Way. This scenic walk stretches from Nobbys Lighthouse to Merewether Baths and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.

  5. Sydney: The final destination is around 770km from Byron Bay, but the city of Sydney is well worth the drive. See the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House, visit Bondi Beach for sun and sand, or stroll the streets of The Rocks for a taste of history and culture.

    Must-see attraction: the Royal Botanic Garden. Located in the heart of the city, this garden features a range of horticultural delights and offers impressive views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Point of Interest Recommendations:

  • Cameron's Corner: This unique location is where the states of New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia meet. While not exactly on the route from Byron Bay to Sydney, it's worth the detour if you're interested in visiting a unique landmark.

  • South West Rocks: This charming town offers great views of the ocean and the option to take a dive into some of the best diving spots in the country at Fish Rock Cave.

  • Seal Rocks: Located between Forster-Tuncurry and Newcastle, this small village offers some of the most extensive and quiet beaches with the chance for waves perfect for surfers.

  • Lake Macquarie: With over 30km of shoreline, this lake is the largest coastal saltwater lake in New South Wales and offers plenty of options for water sports and relaxing lakeside walks.

  • Blue Mountains: Located a short distance from Sydney, this World Heritage site offers stunning views of the iconic Australian landscape. Take a hike on one of the many trails or visit the Three Sisters rock formation for a picture-perfect moment.

In conclusion, the drive from Byron Bay to Sydney offers plenty of exciting places to see and visit. While it may take upwards of 10 hours, the journey is well worth it to experience the beauty and diversity of the New South Wales coastline. Don't forget to take your time and enjoy the journey!