Every unmissable stop along a Sydney to Yamba road trip

Driving from Sydney to Yamba involves hugging the NSW coast but if you stick solely to the Pacific Highway you’ll miss some beautiful beachside secrets.

Yamba is around eight hours north of Sydney, so while you can technically drive there in one day, you’ll be arriving bone-tired and unable to immerse yourself in spectacular sleepy beach towns along the way. A much better Sydney to Yamba itinerary is to meander on and off the Pacific Highway, checking in to crystal-clear beaches and an all-year-round holiday lifestyle without detouring too far.

Here are our favourite sights and towns to visit on a Sydney to Yamba road trip.

Avoca Beach

Sydney to Avoca Beach: 1.5 hours

Around one-and-a-half hours north of Sydney will land you on the Central Coast, and while you might find the busy township of Terrigal a bit too populated for your liking (although it’s filled with great cafes and boutiques), your first dip in the ocean should be at Avoca Beach, one of the best beaches on the Central Coast.

Its yellow sand and sapphire blue ocean waves are always a welcome reprieve from a stuffy car, plus the area has some delicious brekkie options – try Becker & Co for their great coffee, or Avoca Sands Cafe for fresh, light meals. Keen to make a day out of your Sydney to Yamba stopover? Lock down a table overlooking the surf at Avoca Beach House , one of the best bars on the Central Coast, famed for its seafood-drenched menu.

Hawks Nest

Avoca Beach to Hawks Nest: 2 hours

sailing on Nelson Bay — The calm waters of Nelson Bay make it perfect for boating.

If you’re taking it easy, you’ll likely get to Hawks Nest around lunchtime. It’s two hours north of Avoca and around fifteen minutes towards the coastline when you venture off the Pacific Highway. The white sand made famous by Nelson Bay is also found here, so don’t bother taking your swimmers off after your Avoca dip.

Lunch during your Sydney to Yamba pit stop should absolutely be at the Tea Gardens Hotel . It has a large, breezy, pet-friendly beer garden with plenty of shade and, on weekends, stages live music. The pub grub is delicious, and the beers are cold. If you’re staying in Hawks Nest proper, a more convenient pub option is Benchmark on Booner with its own outdoor tables, live music and kids’ play area.

The pizzas are especially rocking here, and it’s right across the road from Reflections Hawks Nest , which continues its extensive refurbishment efforts since kicking them off in December 2023. Meanwhile, the Tea Gardens Boatshed is the ultimate spot for a seafood platter right on the shores of the Myall River.

Old Bar

Hawks Nest to Old Bar: 1.2 hours

the Buyi Espresso Bar at sunset — Head to Buyi Espresso Bar for a sundowner.

Spend the afternoon at Old Bar, one of those quintessential New South Wales beaches that feels totally unchanged from the 1970s. If you’re peckish and can handle it, grab a burger from Blowfish Street Food – they have quite the reputation for their giant servings. Otherwise, Buyi Espresso Bar will keep you pepped for your last leg of the day, and Wallabi Point Coastal Cafe is super kid-friendly and feels like a nostalgic throwback to your youth.

Port Macquarie

Old Bar to Port Macquarie: 1 hour

Couple enjoying a visit to the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Port — Get your nature fix at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. (Image: Destination NSW)

With a plethora of hotels, motels and other accommodation options, Port Macquarie is our pick for your halfway point. Finding one-night accommodation during the high season between Sydney and Yamba can be difficult, so it’s best to stay somewhere busy. Plus, this stunning corner of the world has a laid-back cafe culture for your morning pick-me-up (Bandwagon Cafe is a popular pick, nailing excellent morning elixir), some beautiful beaches (try Lighthouse or Flynns Beach) for an early dip and a lovely walking track in Sea Acres National Park.

For lunch, you’re spoilt for choice, but our ultimate recommendation is Whalebone Wharf where high-quality seafood soars and cocktails might even run into sunset.

the Whalebone Wharf on Hastings River, Port Macquarie — Whalebone Wharf is perched high upon a platform on Hastings River. (Image: Destination NSW)

While you’re dining at this end of town, located closer to the Pacific Highway than Port’s town centre, drop into Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries where you can pluck your own fruit and select outstanding housemade relishes and pasta sauces to take home with you.

Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges is a great pick to rest your head after some well-deserved indulgence, while Flynn’s Beach Resort is a winner if you’ve got the kids in tow.

Nambucca Heads

Port Macquarie to Nambucca Heads: 1.2 hours

An hour and a half north of Port Macquarie you’ll come across Nambucca Heads and its sister town, Valla Beach. Both are beautiful, peaceful NSW beach towns worth meandering through, with great cafes like the Nambucca Boatshed and Cafe , a long-adored establishment on the river.

There’s also Matilda’s , a hot spot that slings superb pizzas and weekend barbecues from midday. Get there early because it lights up with local coasties quickly.

the restaurant exterior of Matilda’s — This charming pink cottage serves delicious pizzas.

If it’s a classic pub feed you’re hankering for, you’ve got two killer options. Golden Sands Tavern is chilled and often filled with live entertainment, while V Wall Pavilion throws up soothing water views and equally tasty plates.

Valla is our pick for a swim at this point of your Sydney to Yamba expedition. Slightly north of Nambucca, the town is RV-friendly if you’ve brought the caravan, and the lagoon area near Valla Beach Holiday Park is serene and great for kids with its low depth and calm waters.

Coffs Harbour

Nambucca Heads to Coffs Harbour: 35 minutes

It is practically mandatory to make a stop at Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana, one of Australia’s most iconic Big Things, which you can’t miss along the Pacific Highway. This road trip classic isn’t just a photo op, though – stop into the cafe for a banana split (or a frozen banana to-go) and enjoy everything the Fun Park has to offer, from waterslides to dodgem cars and laser tag.

When tummies rumble, it’s time to check out the best restaurants in Coffs Harbour and the surrounding locales including Stef Beachstone for atmospheric Italian feasting and the Jetty Beach House for one of the most spectacular waterfront dining positions in the region.

You could easily spend the entire day here, but if you want to explore Coffs Harbour a little further, The Clog Barn is a quirky stop with its tributes to Holland, and nature buffs will love the Forest Sky Pier which offers jaw-dropping views over the Coffs Harbour coastline and rainforest walking tracks. For more ideas, take a look at our guide for things to do in Coffs Harbour.

Maclean

Coffs Harbour to Maclean: 1.2 hours

beers at Sanctus Brewing Co., Clarence Valley — Sip refreshing beers at Sanctus Brewing Co. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re almost there! Before turning off to Yamba, explore the beautiful country town of Maclean, rooted in Caledonian heritage that stems back to the 1840s. Grab a coffee at Botero Cafe & Roastery , or check out the nearby Sanctus Brewing Co if beer is more your thing in the afternoon.

There are plenty of boutiques to satiate shopping fans, and five kilometres out in Harwood you’ll find Cardiff Alpacas , where you can entertain the kids with a unique farm experience (and maybe pat a baby alpaca, if you’re lucky).

Sightseeing amid nature’s splendour is also plenty satisfying at this final section of your Sydney to Yamba road trip. Choose from Pinnacle Rock, a striking stacked-rock formation with significant Indigenous history, the Maclean Tartan Power Poles, vividly hued and poking out of lush lawn for a colourful holiday happy snap, or the Maclean Lookout, located just two kilometres out of the town centre and offering magical views of the coastline.

Yamba

Maclean to Yamba: 20 minutes

fishermen by the Clarence River, Iluka — Stop by the small fishing village of Iluka. (Image: My Clarence Valley)

Congratulations, you’ve made it! On your way into town, enjoy the beautiful crossing over Oyster Channel, where the road feels like it’s skimming the water.

Yamba Road runs all the way into the thick of things and along the way, you’ll pass Yamba Fair (where Coles and Kmart are found) and the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-Operative ’s Yamba retail outlet, where freshly caught delicacies will prove far too tempting.

lunch at The Pacific Hotel Yamba — Enjoy pub meals overlooking the beach at The Pacific Hotel Yamba. (Image: Amy Addison, Sea and Stone Studio)

We wouldn’t blame you for zipping right on past it all though as you sniff out an obligatory excellent night’s sleep at the best Yamba accommodation options for any style of traveller. From luxe beachfront digs, like The Surf Yamba , to the warm and welcoming Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort , there’s a soft, fluffy stay with your name written all over it.

In desperate need of a meal beyond whatever’s going at the servo? Head straight to the Pacific Hotel Yamba where pub sessions by the beach are the order of every day. Better still, the Pacific is stocked with clean and contemporary rooms so dropping and flopping is also a very convenient option.

Originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.