The best places to stop on a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip

Click on the pins in the map below to see the towns that made our list of the best places to stop on a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip with kids.

If you time your trip well, you’ll stumble upon the Terrigal Markets, held on the first Saturday of every month. Discover local stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, candles, soaps and unique accessories. The kids will love the stalls offering trinkets, scrunchies and toys.

Terrigal Beach offers a wide bay with calm to moderate waves. Paddle your feet along the shore or jump in to cool off. At the south end of the beach, check out Terrigal rockpool, perfect for kids.

Terrigal is a great opportunity for everyone to stretch their legs before continuing on your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip.

There are heaps of parklands around Newcastle too, perfect for grabbing some fresh air and Vitamin D. Walk up to Nobby’s Lighthouse for a view of the harbour.

If you want a longer walk, stroll along the Newcastle Memorial Walk, which pays tribute to those who fought in World War 1. You’ll have uninterrupted views of the ocean along the way.

Jump on the ferry and head over to Stockton. Walk along the Stockton Break Wall for views across the water and towards the main city. Strangely, the popular exercise spot is home to a few stray cats. Although friendly, the cats can be difficult to spot and usually keep to themselves. The Stockton Active Hub offers a multi-faceted playground for kids to expel their energy.

Just outside of Newcastle is Raymond Terrace. Here you’ll find the Proud Rooster, a great chicken shop with a cherry stall out the front. Grab a kilo of the sweet fruit here, we’ve heard they’re the best.

Just 10 minutes north of Port Macquarie, stop in at Ricardoes Tomatoes to hand-pick some delicious fruit. Choose between juicy strawberries or plump tomatoes, which you can buy once they’ve been weighed.

Get up close with some furry animals and wild creatures at Billabong Zoo. Aussie favourites including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, dingoes and emus. For something a little more exotic, check out the lions, meerkats, penguins, monkeys and crocs, amongst others. Listen to a zoo talk, feed the animals or have a personal encounter for a memorable photo.

6. Bellingen

If you want to get away from the coast for a bit, dip off the highway at Bellingen. After all, your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip shouldn’t be all sea-side towns and beautiful beaches. Just under three hours drive from Byron Bay, this small town will help reset your mind after hours of driving.

The central road of Bellingen is a delight. The historic-looking buildings on the main drag sport wide balconies and wooden awnings. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you walk the streets.

For a bite to eat, we recommend Cedar Bar & Kitchen. Conveniently right in the heart of town, this joint sells delicious food in a renovated church. Afterwards, treat the kids with a scoop or two from the Bellingen gelato bar.

10 minutes outside of town, you’ll find Never Never Creek. This secret spot is absolutely perfect to get amongst nature, talk a walk or go for a dip.

The Bellingen Growers Market is also held every second and fourth Saturday of the month at Bellingen Showground. With fresh produce and live music, be sure to time your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip right so you don’t miss it.

On your way out, head back towards the coast and stop off at Urunga. It is home to one of the best boardwalks along the east coast of Australia. Stunning views can be promised the entire length of the walk, which is fully wheelchair accessible.

The Uranga boardwalk starts from the charming town of the same name, along the banks of the Kalang River, to the junction with the Bellinger River and out to the ocean.

7. Coffs Harbour

You’re two and a half hours from your final destination when you stop off in Coffs Harbour. And this is definitely a pit-stop you’ll want to take on your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip.

Coffs Harbour is home to some of New South Wales’ best attractions. One of our favourites is the family-friendly Clog Barn Tourist Attraction. The mini Dutch village has a railway system, coffee house, daily clog-making demonstrations and handmade replicas of real Dutch buildings.

Another essential tourist attraction is the Big Banana. Choose between laser tag, toboggan riding, ice-skating, mini golf and a giant water park for hours of fun. There are also reptile shows, cheese making, an opal centre and a theatre. Don’t forget to grab the kids and snap a family photo in front of the giant yellow banana.

Apart from stunning beaches, you can find other great swimming spots around Coffs Harbour. The gorgeous town of Sawtell (10mins  south of Coffs) is one of the best places for a quick swim. Our favourite spots would be the Sawtell Memorial rockpool on the southern headland, Boambee Bay Reserve and Bonville Creek. Whilst here, grab a bite to eat on First Avenue and browse the towns wonderful shops.

If you feel like a surf, head to Diggers Beach. It’s a well-known local surfs spot and has consistent waves. It’s also patrolled so your little ones will be safe.

An hour west of Coffs Harbour you’ll find Dorrigo National Park. If you have the time, we highly recommend heading out here on your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip.

This is the best place to surround yourself with nature and get back to your roots before going wild in Byron. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Dorrigo offers stunning scenery that is millions of years in the making. Discover numerous bushwalking tracks, a variety of animals and stunning waterfalls.

8. Grafton

Another great inland town for you to stop off at during the last leg of your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip is Grafton. This historic town packs a punch, with its Victorian and Edwardian architecture dating back decades.

Every Thursday evening in Market Square, you’ll find the Grafton Twilight Farmers Market. Meet the locals as they sell gate-to-plate, fresh and seasonal produce at over 25 stalls. Grown by regional growers, producers and bakers, you’ll be sure to find something delicious.

If you can, plan your trip between October and November, as this is Grafton’s official jacaranda season. The whole town is spotted with over 7,000 of these gorgeous trees; find the best streets to view them here.

The Grafton Jacaranda Festival is on between Friday 29th October and Sunday 7th November this year. There’s food, live music, dance performances, plantings, stalls and tours. The kids will love the bright purple jacaranda ice-cream.

Speaking of jacarandas, the Jacaranda Park is one of the largest all-inclusive playgrounds in Australia. It is split into three different play zones based on ability and age. Bridges, a water pump, playhouses, sensory play items and slides offer a bit of fun before jumping back in the car.

9. Yamba

Yamba is just over an hour away from Byron Bay. As tempting as it may be to zoom on through, make sure you stop in at Yamba on your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip.

We’re back on the coast with this lazy beach-side town. Yamba is known for its laid-back vibe and gorgeous beaches. Some of our favourites include Whiting Beach, Convent Beach and Yamba Beach, with its huge ocean pool.

For something a little more secret, head 10 minutes south to Angourie. Climb down the steep stairs to Spooky Beach, its wide expanse of sand nestled between rocky headlands.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, trek through the scrub along a small dirt track to find the Angourie Blue Pool. It’s an amazing sight. Walk a little further to find an amazing natural ocean pool. It is filled by the tides formed amongst the huge rocky shoreline.

Yamba is full of kind locals, cafes with tasty food and unique shops. Head to the famous Pacific Hotel around sunset for an unforgettable experience. Have a meal with the family and check out 180-degree views of Yamba Beach and beyond.

10. Ballina

Your last pit-stop during your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip is just an hour from your final destination. Take one last chance to stretch your legs and explore somewhere new before arriving in Byron.

Don’t just swim, ride a horse along the beach with Pegasus Park Equestrian Centre. Kids five years and up can enjoy this experience. If you’ve got little ones and just rather a swim, our favourite spots to cool off include Angels Beach, Sharpes Beach and Lighthouse Beach.

Discover the local’s secret by heading to Killen Falls, about a 15-minute drive north of Ballina. This inland oasis boasts a large fresh water pool, constantly being filled by a glorious waterfall.

Beware, the trek down to the waterfall isn’t for the faint of heart. However, the swimming hole that welcomes you at the end is worth it, and has shallow, gentle spots for kids.

The Ballina market is also a great place to join the locals. Held on the third Sunday of every month, head down to enjoy a wide variety of stalls offering everything from food to fashion.

To explore Ballina up-close, hire a bike from Sunrise Cycles or the Bicycle Emporium and cycle along the 25-kilometres worth of paths around town.

You’re only an hour from your final destination now, meaning your Sydney to Byron road trip has come to an end. Yet, these towns are sure to make the memories last a lifetime.

Once you arrive in Byron, read the best things to do in Byron Bay with kids for the best family-friendly activities.