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.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.