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

Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

A stay at Park Hyatt

couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room — Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool — Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

The festive stay package

Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

The Summer Kit

branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background — Take home a branded tote bag.

Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

The details

The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

Christmas dining

christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney — Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

“Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

Exploring Sydney

woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney — The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.