Byron Bay may be one of New South Wales’ best known holiday destinations, but in this coastal focused itinerary we’ll take you to plenty of lesser-known but no less impressive towns along the way.
Distance: 3 Stops, 766 km total drive distance, Medium Distance
📍STOP 1: FORSTER - TUNCURRY
What’s the drive from Sydney to Forster - Tuncurry?
It will take almost exactly 3.5 hours to travel the 317 km from Sydney to the twin towns of Forster & Tuncurry. The route actually runs slightly inland and given all the best stops are along the coast, you will need to make a slight detour. We often like to head to the Port Stephens area, and particularly like Nelson Bay and Anna Bay.
Where to stay in Forster - Tuncurry?
Twin Dolphins Holiday Park in Tuncurry is our pick of the area. Accommodation wise, you can choose between Cabins and Powered Sites, the Powered Grass Sites are our favourite thanks to their green and shady location.
What to do, eat and drink in Forster - Tuncurry?
The beach here is uniquely divided into two parts. Nine Mile Beach, the main surf beach, stretches along Tuncurry and is ideal for surfing activities. At its southern end, you'll find the Tuncurry Rock Pool, an enclosed swimming area nestled into the breakwall, perfect for kids or those who prefer calmer waters. For fishing enthusiasts, Wallis Lake is a top spot, known for its sizable bream. The extensive waterways are great for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding; if you need equipment, visit Forster Dive Centre in Tuncurry. Thirty Three Degrees, located directly on the Coolongolook River with stunning views of turquoise waters, offers some of the best food in town. This seafood-focused restaurant is perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner, with options for non-seafood eaters too. From your table, you can see the oyster farms that supply the restaurant. If you prefer to cook at the park and didn’t catch anything, visit the nearby Wallis Lake Fishermen's Co-Op for the freshest seafood, especially the local prawns.
What’s the drive from Forster - Tuncurry to South West Rocks?
Roughly 2 hours onward drive and you’ll arrive in South West Rocks. We don’t usually make a stop but if you need to, there’s plenty of options along the way, Port Macquarie being the most well stocked.
📍STOP 2: SOUTH WEST ROCKS
Where to stay in South West Rocks?
NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Park offers resort style, family friendly fun with a long list of facilities that will keep guests of all ages entertained. Little ones will particularly enjoy the pirate ship themed water park area. There’s a broad range of accommodation options to suit all group sizes and budgets including both Powered and Unpowered Sites, Ensuite Sites, Glamping, Cabins and Villas.
What to do, eat and drink in South West Rocks?
The main strip of shops and restaurants is 2.5 km away, but the park features a fantastic On Site Cafe offering great coffee, takeaway meals, and ice cream. The Camp Kitchen and BBQ area are well-equipped and maintained. For a short trip to the town centre, Malt & Honey is great for coffee and breakfast; we love the Eggs Benedict, and the kids enjoy the Waffles & Ice Cream. For dinner, Chop 'n Chill offers a mix of American BBQ and Asian-inspired dishes—the pulled pork sliders are a highlight. It's well worth the short drive to visit the Smokey Cape Lighthouse. Built in 1891, it's one of Australia's oldest lighthouses and offers a great ocean view. While there, explore the Smoky Cape Walking Track, a 4.4 km path through dense rainforest with spectacular cape views. For a swim outside the pool, visit Saltwater Lagoon, accessible through the park. The most popular beach is Horseshoe Bay, with sheltered, gentle waves. South West Rocks offers various water activities, from surfing to fishing to kayaking and SUPs.
What’s the drive from South West Rocks to Byron Bay?
It will take roughly 3.5 hours to cover the 335 km drive between South West Rocks and Byron Bay. There’s plenty of great options to stop, just over an hour into the trip you’ll find the large town of Coffs Harbour, but our preference is to wait a little longer and stop at Yamba, roughly 2.5 hours away from your starting point.
📍STOP 3: BYRON BAY
Where to stay in Byron Bay?
Reflections Byron Bay is one of the best situated Holiday Parks in Australia with absolute beach frontage but still a comfortable 10 minute walk to the Byron town centre. There’s a range of accommodation options to suit all needs, from Powered and Unpowered Sites through to Glamping, Villas and Tiny Homes.
What to do, eat and drink in Byron Bay?
This area is all about beaches and there are plenty of choices whether you’re surfing, swimming or sunbaking. Byron Bay Main Beach and Clarke’s Beach offer a bit of everything, if you’re keen to surf we recommend The Pass. Our favourite spot is the picturesque waters of Wategos Beach, which is a great spot to take the kids thanks to its protected waters. For a different sort of swim, visit Killen Falls in the Byron Hinterland, featuring a beautiful swimming hole surrounded by lush rainforest and a 10-metre waterfall. For a heart-pumping activity on land, take the walk up to the famous Byron Bay Lighthouse, which offers stunning ocean views. For morning coffee or a beach takeaway, Top Shop is our favourite. This local institution is perfect for relaxing on the grass with coffee, snacks, and sunshine. The Bacon & Egg Roll is a must-try. In the late afternoon or before dinner, visit The Beach Hotel for a cold drink and stunning views, considered among Australia’s best. Nearby, The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. serves fresh seafood, great cocktails (try the Spiked Agua Fresca), and of course, oysters.
What’s the onward drive?
Our itinerary ends here.
