Every stop to make on a Yamba to Byron Bay road trip

Surf beaches, nostalgic coastal towns and dense tropical wilderness – the road trip from Yamba to Byron Bay has it all.

If you’re visiting Yamba for a lazy beach holiday, it’s worth spending one of its endless sunny days taking a road trip from Yamba to Byron Bay. Traversing the North Coast of NSW will see you dropping into some of the most quintessentially Aussie towns with turquoise blue waters, chowing down on classic hamburgers for your post-swim lunch and winding through rainforests high up in the hinterland. Here’s our guide to the best places to stop on the drive from Yamba to Byron Bay.

Iluka

Yamba to Iluka: 30-40 minutes

Only a little off-route? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. The ferry from Yamba to Iluka might take 30 minutes (and runs regularly every day of the week), but the drive isn’t too bad – less than an hour will land you in a town where time feels like it stopped in 1975. There’s one row of boutiques and cafes, but if you’re there after 11.30am you absolutely must visit Sedgers Reef Hotel ’s bistro. Inside a ramshackle old coastal pub, the food is top-notch, the outdoor seating is breezy and pet friendly, and the interiors are so Australiana it hurts.

There’s also a particularly memorable experience to be had at Chez Basho Boatshed Cafe , located on Charles Street right off the water, as super authentic Japanese-inspired fare keeps locals smiling. The team introduced a selection of cocktails to the menu in October 2024, so lunch is officially more festive than ever.

Nature lovers can get amongst their preferred poison as the Iluka Bluff Lookout and Iluka Rainforest Walking Track dish up exceptional vistas of the NSW coastline. Following the path to Frazers Reef will also uncover a spectacular hidden beach. Don’t miss any of it during your Yamba to Byron Bay journey.

Evans Head

Iluka to Evans Head: 50 minutes

coffee and breakfast at Stray — Stray serves up coffee and indulgent breakfast plates.

Your next detour along a Yamba to Byron Bay expedition is Evans Head. Busier than Iluka but not as popular as nearby Lennox Head (more on that gem soon) and Yamba, Evans Head has a great surf break (hire a board at Evans Head Surf Shack during summer) and a laid-back feel.

If it’s lunch, punch 14 Oak Street into your Maps and prepare to salivate. Chippa is Evans Heads’ go-to fish-and-chippery and the fruits of its labour are downright delicious. Think all the classics like a Fisherman’s Basket, Chicko Roll and battered local catches, plus burgers and salads tossed with finesse.

Muzza’s Milk Bar is ideal for stocking up on road trip snacks (the milkshakes are also a must-try), or if you skipped past Iluka and need lunch, The Sandpit Cafe is right on the beach and does a good feed. There’s also Stray on Woodburn Street for serious coffee nuts (the barista skills here are top-shelf) and those in the market for homemade sausage and egg muffins before returning to the road.

Lennox Head

Evans Head to Lennox Head: 40 minutes

Made famous when the Hemsworth brothers nabbed gigantic properties to lay the groundwork for ‘Hemsworth Hills’ just outside of town, Lennox Head is a huge hit with surfers who cruise the coast looking for perfect breaks.

As a result of its frothy street cred, the town has plenty to offer tourists including stylish eateries like Shelter and Williams Street , nestled alongside feed-me stalwarts like Fishy Fishy which nails takeaway fish and chips.

fine dining setup at Baraka — Savour the art of fine dining at Baraka.

Fine dining also makes waves around here with Baraka , home to Middle Eastern masterpieces, and Quattro Beachfront Italian mastering flavour-packed dishes and special-occasion ambience.

Meanwhile, the party force is strong over at Chido Cantina , where Mexican-laced mayhem often attracts thick crowds.

Head up to Pat Morton Lookout during your Yamba to Byron Bay getaway to really soak up the region and pick up a handmade gelato from Lennox Gelato and Coffee Co before getting back on the road.

Newrybar

Lennox Head to Newrybar: 15 minutes

From Lennox Head you’ll want to wind into the Byron Bay Hinterland as opposed to following the coast. Additionally, Suffolk Park, right near Crystalbrook Byron, one of the best Byron Bay accommodation picks, is also worth a pit stop, flowing with the same dense rainforest and hippie energy.

Grab a coffee and a pastry from The General Store while you peruse the locally sourced produce, gifts and supplies.

a woman relaxing at Gaia Retreat & Spa — Take in the breathtaking Bundjalung Country hinterland of Byron Bay at Gaia Retreat & Spa.

If you have time (and extra cash) along your Yamba to Byron Bay adventure, book into the nearby Gaia Retreat & Spa . Founded by the late Olivia Newton-John, its peaceful, tranquil surroundings and extensive self-care offerings will help you shed a year’s worth of stress.

Before you continue to your final destination descent, drop into the Newrybar Merchants for some retail therapy. The quaint collective of killer boutiques is a haven for one-of-a-kind homewares, fashion, kids’ gear and accessories.

Bangalow

Newrybar to Bangalow: 10 minutes

Savvy travellers in search of a Byron experience along the Yamba to Byron Bay track without the fuss, zero in on Bangalow. A beautiful, historic country town filled with cafes, restaurants and the region’s signature luxe-boho shops, it’s a winner on every level.

Island Luxe and Rowie speak fluent fashion, while Our Corner Store will see you picking up everything from local produce to handmade mugs and plates.

the pub interior of You Beauty — You Beauty has turned regular pub classics into refined meals. (Image: Kenny Smith)

The restaurant scene overachieves too with You Beauty , slicking up your regular corner pub via ultra-refined dishes and sensational drinks, and Ciao, Mate! , owned by renowned Melbourne chef Nick Stanton and lighting up a restored historical building. BYO stretchy pants for the latter pick especially as seasonal pastas, woodfired pizzas and traditional desserts fulfil universal Italian feasting dreams.

Eyes firmly fixed on the prize of caffeine? Zip straight to Butcher Baker where cafe life is expertly crafted.

Byron Bay

Bangalow to Byron Bay: 15 minutes

Your Yamba to Byron Bay road trip has drawn to a close — but the fun’s only just beginning. If you’re arriving in the evening, head down to The Rails Hotel for a nightcap as there’s often a band playing in the outdoor bar.

If there’s still time for a swim, Wategos Beach (and the glamorous Raes on Wategos dining room, destined for post-swim indulgence) is less busy on a late afternoon. Park further up the hill and walk down as there are usually easier parallel parks along the side of the road than those in the car park.

waterfront views at Raes on Wategos — Raes on Wategos is best for waterfront dining. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)

Keen to sample the newest kids on the block? Hotel Marvell has slam-dunk five-star perfection since its opening at the end of 2023, serving as one of the most luxe accommodation offerings in Byron Bay.

Additionally, it’s home to the Byron Bay Oyster Bay & Seafood Restaurant , which opened in October 2024 and oozes big summer energy — the perfect reward for a road trip well-conquered.

This article was originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .