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.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.