Every memory-making stop on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip

The stretch from Yamba to Coffs Harbour is short (just under 1.5 hours), but photo-perfect stop-offs demand a full day of exploration.

Most people drive from Yamba to Coffs Harbour in one stretch because it’s such a short route. But if you fly, pedal to the metal, along the Pacific Highway, it’s far too easy to miss the quaint country towns and beach detours begging to be savoured. Find the time to weave in and out of the northern rivers countryside and back to the NSW North Coast to enjoy every inch of the region’s staggering beauty. Our favourite spots to gawk at on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip are mapped out just below.

Maclean

Yamba to Maclean: 23 minutes

the exterior of Argyle Hotel — The newly restored pub is housed within a heritage-style estate.

Your first stop outside of Yamba should be in the country town of Maclean. Well, Maclean and Townsend, since they’re right next to each other, but mostly Maclean for its literal crowning glory. Labelled 2024’s best Australian tiny town by Airbnb, the Clarence Valley superstar is also known as the “Scottish town of Australia" so there are plenty of reasons to drop in.

Not that you’ll need further convincing once you immerse yourself in Maclean’s charms. First up: the coffee. On the Bite along River Street is a local’s secret, pouring liquid gold alongside excellent cafe classics from Monday to Friday. There’s also the other local hot spot, Botero Roastery Cafe, which crafts its own beans and stocks them throughout Yamba’s best cafes.

al fresco dining at Sanctus Brewery Co, Clarence Valley — Sanctus Brewery in Townsend is an excellent lunch stop. (Image: Destination NSW)

Let your belly lead you to lunch as the Argyle Hotel, which opened late 2024, provides a beautiful pub meal in an equally striking restored estate dating back to 1894. The reworked 245 Bar & Pizzeria, a popular eatery that reopened with an all-new menu in November 2024, is another delectable option. Keep the indulgence kicking over at Sanctus Brewery Co in Townsend as house ales and experimental picks put smiles on dials.

Organised holidaymakers take note. If you can swing a trip to Maclean around Easter, you’ll catch the annual Maclean Highland Gathering, a celebration of the town’s Scottish heritage that encourages kilt-wearing, games and all the bagpipe-decorated festivities.

Ulmarra

Maclean to Ulmarra: 24 minutes

Hop back on your Yamba to Coffs Harbour adventure and scoot past Tyndale before following the signs to Grafton and taking a detour for Ulmarra. The picturesque river port village is steeped in history, plus it’s a dreamy spot for a (non or low alcohol) cold one.

The Ulmarra Hotel is your best pub pit-stop, hydrating locals since the late 1800s. While the facade looks like any other historic pub, the back garden hides a riverside oasis that welcomes dogs. Ulmarra Food Co. is another great spot for a feed, plus it doubles as a produce market so you can take its goodies home with you.

butter croissants at Ulmarra Food Co — Nibble on a butter croissant with your espresso at Ulmarra Food Co.

Don’t miss an awesome selfie opportunity in front of At the Wood Shop, a custom furniture shop with one helluva cinematic facade to resemble something out of a 1960s Spaghetti Western. There are also Ulmarra Books and Collectables to help you find your next second-hand beach read.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Minnie Water

Ulmarra to Minnie Water: 37 minutes

It doesn’t get any more retro than Minnie Water on your Yamba to Coffs Harbour day escape. You’ll need to steer away from the main route (but don’t miss the cute antique store in Tucabia as you’re leaving Ulmarra) for about thirty minutes, but this place is worth it.

One of the oldest fishing towns in the state, Minnie Water offers a lengthy beach and calm surroundings. In summer, there’s a surf lifesaving crew keeping watch over swimmers in the north, but if you prefer your swims a little more relaxed, jump straight into Minnie Lagoon, just down from the Tree Of Knowledge lookout on the headland.

Minnie Water is a sleepy corner of the world but you can stock up on quality day trip supplies at the Minnie Water General Store on Sandon Road. If you happen to be passing by on a night when they’re flinging pizzas (it happens sporadically), don’t miss out – locals can’t get enough of them.

Corindi Beach

Minnie Water to Corindi Beach: 50 minutes

Snorkellers will love dropping into Corindi Beach on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip, which sits at the very north of Coffs. It has a huge reserve filled with walking trails and picnic areas, so settle in and enjoy a late afternoon filled with nature’s prettiest handiwork.

If you’re done with swimming and surfing for the day, head to the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Culture Centre, a gallery and museum celebrating the Gumbaynggirr people, and there’s a cafe specialising in bush tucker to explore.

Woolgoolga

Corindi Beach to Woolgoolga: 11 minutes

hands grabbing pizza slices at Seaview Tavern — Refuel with a hearty meal at Seaview Tavern.

Woolgoolga, better known as Woopi to locals, crosses into Coffs Coast country (you’re that close to your final destination now) and boasts one of the most lovable village lifestyles around. Once a sleepy hamlet for fishermen, it’s crawling with crafty creatives while still clinging to its laidback roots.

From swims at the beach (some of the best whale watching up this end of the coast is found here) to the pet-friendly Woolgoolga Brewing Co., one of the best spots to find a beer in the region, top-quality time-killers are endless. While we’re talking home-crafted magic to get giggly over, add Critters Distillery and Mogul Beer to your to-do list (again, drink responsibly). Tasty treats of the food variety are best found at the Seaview Tavern on River Street as well as Blue Cow Gelato, which nails traditional Italian sweetness.

a cup of Blue Cow Gelato — Make a beeline for Blue Cow Gelato.

If you’re going to visit Woolgoolga on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip in September, align it to Curryfest – a celebration of local Punjabi heritage, featuring over 100 stalls serving up curries (what else?) alongside other multicultural dishes, entertainment and traditional dance performances.

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Emerald Beach

Woolgoolga to Emerald Beach: 8 minutes

kangaroos grazing on the beach — Kangaroos grazing on Emerald Beach at sunrise. (Image: Destination NSW)

A stone’s throw from Woopi (see? You’re a local already) is where you’ll find Emerald Beach, a great area for fishing, surfing and swimming as it’s one of the best beaches in Coffs Harbour. It’s also made for kids thanks to easy surf conditions and a playground to help tire out little legs.

North of Fiddamans Creek is a dog-friendly beach area (if your pup stays on a lead), and plenty of eateries to help you score your next bite. Try EB General (the fabulously rebranded local general store) for great coffee and Rattle Restaurant and Bar, home to oceanfront Mediterranean-inspired dining.

the menu at Rattle Restaurant and Bar — Feast on excellent Mediterranean fare at Rattle Restaurant and Bar.

Coffs Harbour

Emerald Beach to Coffs Harbour: 17 minutes

guests browsing the artworks on display at Yarrila Arts and Museum — Yaamanga Around Here installation lets you explore the identity and history of the Coffs Coast. (Image: Supplied)

If you’ve made it to the holiday hot spot with ample time to spare, get stuck into the best bits of Coffs Harbour. From falling in love with native creatures at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary to scoring a surprisingly exceptional culture fix at the Yarrila Arts and Museum, your epic things to do in Coffs Harbour list harneses the good life.

And if you’re in need of a last-minute bed for the night, check out our guide to the best Coffs Harbour accommodation for every style of traveller. We wouldn’t be surprised if this quality bunch of options inspired you to linger even longer.

Originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Every memory-making stop on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip

The stretch from Yamba to Coffs Harbour is short (just under 1.5 hours), but photo-perfect stop-offs demand a full day of exploration.

Maclean

Ulmarra

Minnie Water

Corindi Beach

Woolgoolga

Emerald Beach

Coffs Harbour

The dreamiest cafes in Yamba for slow mornings

A guide to every picturesque Yamba camping hot spot

15 Yamba Airbnbs for a blissful beach escape

The best Yamba accommodation for a coastal getaway

Your guide to a summer staycation in Sydney

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.