NSW North Coast road trip itinerary: complete guide

From beautiful beaches and tranquil rivers, to rainforests that go on for days and mountains just waiting to be explored. If you’re hoping to see the sites of Australia, then the NSW North Coast is for you. It’s not about the destination, but the journey you take to get there. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a NSW North Coast road trip.

A trip up the coast should be a leisurely experience, full of stopovers and wandering off the beaten track. That’s why there is no better way to explore than with a campervan packed and ready to take you wherever you wish to travel. See our incredible itinerary below.

Stop 1: Coffs Harbour

This tourist hub is a popular stop and one not to be missed on yourmid-north coast road trip. The first stop, of course, is to the famous Big Banana, where you can grab that token photo, and even head into the park for some more fun.Hire a van in Coffs Harbour and travel the sites!

You can take a walk along the Coffs Harbour Jetty, which is an icon of the place. There’s a children’s playground and a picnic spot along the way as well for the whole family to enjoy.

You can head off to one of their amazing beaches for the day, or even take in a spot of shopping while you’re there. With so many amazing cafes and restaurants to choose from you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. There are also some amazing options when it comes toCoffs Harbour camping.

Stop 2: Coffs Harbour to Brooms Head

Travel time: 1 hour and 32 minutes

This small, beachfront town is a treasure trove of pristine beaches just waiting to be explored. The best part is, not many tourists know about this hidden gem, which means you won’t have to fight the crowds to see the sites.

It’s nestled in Yuraygir National Park, and there’s plenty of amazing views to feast your eyes on while you’re there. If you head up to Cakora Point, you’ll be witness to some incredible views of the coastline. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or two while you’re there.

If you’re looking to keep yourself busy, you can also head along to the nearby Lake Arragan, where you’re likely to see some kangaroos hopping around. There’s also plenty of beaches and rock pools to explore while you’re there. It’s a quiet stop but filled with so much to see and do.

Stop 3: Brooms Head to Yamba

Travel time: 37 minutes

Yamba is a great place to enjoy some time on a road trip down the NSW North Coast. It has a great Country Club where you can enjoy a spot of golf, or you can head over to the in-house restaurant for some delicious fresh seafood.

Yamba is well-known as one of the best fishing spots in New South Wales, so make sure you pack your rod and settle back and enjoy the solitude.

Stop 4: Yamba to Evans Head

Travel time: 54 minutes

Keep the relaxed style of the holiday going as you head on to Evans Head. This relaxing town will have you in holiday mode straight away, with stunning views, golden sandy and open waters to be enjoyed.

The thing you’ll love the most is feeling a world away as you settle in with the locals and enjoy the small-town charm that’s on offer. Their caravan park is nestled in prime position, right between the river mouth and the sea along New South Wales’ second-longest beach. It’s definitely worth making the stop.

If you like to get out and enjoy nature, there’s plenty for you to do. Evans Head is surrounded by two national parks: Broadwater and Bundjalung. You’ll find wildflower displays, the Salty Lagoon, sand dunes and more. The perfect place to lose yourself for a couple of hours.

Stop 4: Evans Head to Bryon Bay

Travel time: 53 minutes

It’s time to leave the peace and quiet of small-town life behind and head to one of the most popular tourist destinations. Byron Bay is known for surfing, beaches, and scuba diving. It's a well-loved trendy spot that offers an alternative lifestyle, along with pristine beaches, great food and plenty of fun people.

Whether you’re just passing through, or planning to stop for a couple of days, you might be able to tee it up with one of their famous festivals. Party all day and night and then enjoy a bit of relaxation by taking a hike in their world-heritage rainforests, with plenty of waterfalls to marvel at along the way. One of the most famous is the beautiful Minyon Falls inside Nightcap National Park. It’s well worth the drive! There are a number of different walks you can take around here.

Of course, you can stay in the heart of Byron Bay and spend your time just soaking up all the atmosphere. There’s plenty of music about, with people busking in the streets while enjoying some of the amazing food the area has to offer.

You can also venture out to Byron Bay Lighthouse, which marks the most easterly point of Australia’s coastline. There’s a great coastal boardwalk you can meander along for some great sites. Plenty here to keep you busy for a few days.

Stop 5: Byron Bay to Pottsville Beach

Travel time: 45 minutes

Pottsville Beach is one of many beaches on the Tweed Coast that is worth the stopover. The creeks around Pottsville are perfect for canoeing, fishing and swimming. Better yet, if you have kids, then this area is just ideal. It’s not too rough and kids will love splashing about.

If you happen to plan your visit around the third Sunday of the month, then be sure to check out the Pottsville Beach Markets. They offer local produce and crafts that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

If you’re keen to get up close with nature, then head over to Pottsville Botanical Gardens. There are so many amazing walks for you to choose from, that wind their way through the park and along the banks of the river nearby.

You can also get out and about for a day trip or two and check out some of the other beaches along the Tweed Coast. There’s an amazing art community in the area, and each year, the Murwillumbah Arts Trail showcases more than 30 sites around the town. It’s every creative person’s dream.

Stop 6: Pottsville Beach to Gold Coast

The way you end your NSW North Coast road trip is entirely up to you. You can keep driving north and hit amazing Queensland, extending your trip by checking out some incredible places. Start on the Gold Coasts, which is just one short hour away, and choose from Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh, or take your time and explore them all. The Gold Coast is one of the best holiday destinations in Australia, with beaches, rainforests, theme parks, jet boating, hot air balloons and plenty more.

From here, you can head onto Brisbane or Sunshine Coast to continue taking in the marvellous sites that Queensland has. It’s the perfect way to extend your holiday and get the most from your NSW North Coast road trip. From taking a stroll down Southbank to checking out one of their bustling shopping centres, or enjoying some of the delicious food or sandy white beaches. There’s an opportunity to lose yourself for a week or two while making your way around Brisbane and surrounding areas. If you have the time – why not!

Heading Back to Coffs Harbour

If venturing into Brisbane isn’t on your mind, then you can turn around and head home, checking out a few more sites along the way. If you’re looking for the fastest route, you could do the trip back in a day. It’s 5 hours and 25 minutes long, so as long as you make plenty of stops for a rest along the way, or better yet share the driving, it’s completely doable, especially if you find somefun things to do on a road trip!

If you have a little time up your sleeve, then make a pit stop in Gloucester for the night. You can soak up some history, explore some iconic landmarks and hike through the forest. It’s the ideal way to break up such a long drive. Here are some moreroad trip tips to help you out!

Planning Your NSW North Coast Road Trip

There has never been a better time to grab a campervan and plan your NSW North Coast road trip. With so many incredible places to check out along the way, you’ll make some amazing memories and feel truly rejuvenated by the time you return home.