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.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.