Road trips
Byron Bay camping: secret spots locals won't share
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Sun-kissed beaches, charming towns, and unforgettable adventures await on the iconic Sydney to Byron Bay road trip. As spring blooms and summer approaches, it's the perfect time to explore this stunning stretch of Australia's East Coast.
Last updated: January 2025
Ready for an unforgettable Sydney to Byron Bay camping road trip that won't break the bank? See more and spend less by hiring an affordable van directly from local owners through Camplify, Australia's largest peer-to-peer van-sharing platform. Choose from a variety of budget-friendly campervans , caravans , and motorhomes offered by Sydney locals.
This comprehensive road trip guide is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, friends planning a festival adventure, or families looking for a beach holiday with a twist. We've curated the best sites, attractions, eateries, and camping spots, with flexibility to suit your schedule.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this guide will help you make the most of your journey as the weather warms and nature blooms along Australia's stunning East Coast. For more inspiration, check out our 10-day Sydney to Byron Bay itinerary or explore other great NSW coast road trips . If you're looking for more adventures in New South Wales, don't miss our guide to the best NSW road trips .
No time to drive back? Try one-way van hire to Byron
For travellers who want to maximise their East Coast adventure without the need to return to Sydney, consider a one-way van hire. This flexible option allows you to pick up your van from an owner in Sydney and drop it off in Byron Bay, perfect if you're planning to fly back from Gold Coast Airport or continue your journey further north. While one-way hires may have limited availability and could incur a one-way fee, they offer a practical solution for those working with limited time or looking to reduce fuel costs by avoiding the return journey. ****
9 Road Trip Stops from Sydney to Byron Bay
Total Distance: 1,000 km
Sydney to Byron Bay Road Trip Time: 12 hr 40 min
Recommended Duration: 3-7 days
Best Time to Visit: Spring (September to November) and Early Summer (December)
1. Sydney
After picking up your campervan hire in Sydney, don’t immediately rush off on your road trip to Byron Bay. Instead, spend the night chilling by the beach at one of the best campsites near Sydney .
Start your journey by exploring the Royal National Park, one of the world's oldest national parks. In spring, you'll be treated to blooming wildflowers and pleasant hiking weather. Take the Wedding Cake Rock Walk (7km / 2-hour return) for Instagram-worthy photos or cool off in the Figure 8 Rock Pools (12km / 8-hour return).
2. Central Coast
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 90 km
The Central Coast is your gateway to coastal bliss. Surfers should head to Norah Head or Soldiers Beach , while families can enjoy swimming and fishing at Terrigal or Avoca Beach.
Don't miss Bouddi National Park, where ancient Aboriginal sites, swimming holes, and secret beaches await. The popular Maitland Bay Track (2km return) takes you through lush rainforests to the remains of an 1898 shipwreck.
Getting hungry? Stop at the famous**Saddles bakehouse** for melt-in-your-mouth beef pies and sweet tarts filled with freshly picked fruit. Then relax in the evening with a glass of garden-grown gin at the Distillery Botanica or an iced-chocolate from the Like Minds Cafe.
Spend the night at Patonga Caravan Park, peacefully nestled on the edge of a tranquil Brisky Bay. Recharge before continuing your road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay, making the most of their family-friendly facilities.
3. Hunter Valley
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 160 km
One of the best Sydney to Byron Bay road trip stops is the Hunter Valley - host to an array of excellent restaurants, wineries and experiences. Spend a night here revelling in luxury before taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
Stay at the Wine Country Tourist Park Hunter Valley, where you can hire push bikes and ride around the nearby vineyards for wine tastings. Swirl and sip on Semillon, shiraz and merlot at famous wineries such as Pepper Tree Wines, Hunter’s Dream Estate and Audrey Wilkinson Cellar Door and Winery.
Afterwards, treat yourself to a locally-sourced meal at the EXP.Restaurant in Pokolbin, famous for its Redgate Farm Quail with plum and beetroot.
4. Newcastle
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 160 km
The next stop on your road trip Sydney to Byron Bay itinerary is the coastal city of Newcastle - a creative hub for artists and foodies, once coveted as one of Lonely Planet’s top ten cities.
Park up by the beach and grab a tasty and healthy breakfast at the beautiful Corner House Cafe. Amble down trendy Darby Street, stopping in at the airy boutiques before making your way back to Merewether Beach.
Follow the coast along the Newcastle Memorial Walk, a 450m long walkway built in honour of the ANZACs. This clifftop stroll offers unbeatable 360° views of Newcastle. Along the way, stop for a swim at the Bogey Hole, an iconic sea bath carved into the cliffside by convicts in 1819.
Stay at NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park, a highly-rated beachfront campground located only 900m away from the Newcastle Ferry.
5. Port Stephens
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 210 km
An hour's drive north brings you to Port Stephens, a water lover's paradise. Cruise along Foreshore Drive , stopping for swims at Dutchmans Beach , Salamander Bay , and Soldiers Point. For breathtaking views, hike up Tomaree Head and explore the World War II gun emplacements.
Starving after all that? Fill up on fresh seafood from local eateries such as the Tea Gardens Boatshed, Little Beach Boathouse or Mavericks on the Bay.
Stay at the Halifax Holiday Park, which provides direct access to both Little Beach and Shoal Bay. This campsite has excellent facilities and you’re within walking distance of Nelson Bay town centre. Also, check out our Port Stephens hidden gems article.
6. Diamond Head
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 330 km
Diamond Head in Crowdy Bay National Park offers one of the best beachfront camping experiences on this road trip. En route, detour through Myall Lakes National Park and visit the serene village of Seal Rocks.
There are 75 campsites at the Diamond Head Campground, with the pristine beach on one side and the rainforest in the distance. Around the campsite, you’ll also be joined by the local mob of kangaroos.
Once your campervan is parked up, take one of the hiking trails, such as the Diamond Head Loop (4.3km return) or the Mermaid Lookout Track (1.4km return). Along the way, enjoy panoramic coastal views, wildflower meadows and sights such as Split Rock.
7. Port Macquarie and Bellingen
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 500 km
Today, there are two awesome stops on your road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay today - Port Macquarie and Bellingen.
Port Macquarie is a beach town on the Hastings River, where animal lovers can visit the Koala Hospital and see the furry little marsupials being rehabilitated after rescue. You’ll also want to try the 7m high boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park, which winds its way through the coastal rainforest.
Your next stop is the laid-back town of Bellingen , host to an array of annual festivals and art exhibits such as The Old Butter Factory. Take a day trip to Dorrigo National Park and see the Crystal Shower Falls amongst the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest.
Bellingen is also a foodie’s paradise, churning out delicious organic bites at noteworthy restaurants like creative newcomer Cedar Bar & Kitchen and old favourite 5 Church Street.
After filling your belly, settle on the banks at pet-friendly Bellinger River Tourist Park . With waterfront sites for all sorts of camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes, you can rest easy. Sites from 39 dollars.
8. Yamba and Angourie
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 670 km
As you near your final destination, don't miss the sleepy seaside villages of Yamba and Angourie.
En route, stop for a photo at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. In Yamba, surf alongside dolphins at Turners Beach , admire views from Yamba Lighthouse , and take a refreshing dip in the Angourie Blue Pool.
If you’re in Yamba on a Wednesday morning, head to Whiting Beach Car Park. Here, you’ll find over 30 local farmers and artisans selling fresh produce at the Yamba Farmers’ Market, from brie and honey to bacon burgers - everything you need to create your dream picnic.
Alternatively, opt for some waterfront dining at Yamba Shores Tavern. Don’t leave without ordering the prawns — Yamba’s are some of the freshest on the East Coast. You also won’t want to miss trying the sourdough doughnuts at Irons and Craig.
Set up camp at the highly-recommended Clarence Coast Holiday Park at Brooms Head. This beach hideaway is an absolute treasure, with large RV sites right on the shore.
9. Byron Bay
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 1000 km
You've reached Byron Bay, but the adventure isn't over! Take the scenic coastal route via Ballina and Broken Head. Stop for a coffee break at Lennox Head before arriving in Byron.
Explore the bohemian boutiques on Main Street or ride the world's first solar train to the Arts & Industry Estate. For beach time, choose between clothing-optional Belongil , picnic-perfect Wategos , or secluded Whites Beach with its turquoise waters and rock pools.
End your day with a paddock-to-table style meal at one of the local eateries, such as the Three Blue Ducks restaurant set upon 80 acres of grassy farmland. Alternatively, try the achiote pork tacos at the Latin American bar and eatery, Locura.
Stay at the Byron Bay Reflections Holiday Park, one of the best beachfront caravan parks in NSW. Here, you can enjoy direct access to Byron Bay Beach and you are only a 10-minute walk from the shops and cafés in the town centre.
Road safety tips for the Sydney to Byron Bay route
While you may be familiar with general road safety, the Sydney to Byron Bay route presents some unique challenges. Keep these specific tips in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey:
Be cautious of wildlife crossings , especially between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
Watch for changed traffic conditions through roadwork zones on the Pacific Highway.
Take extra care on winding roads in the Byron Bay hinterland.
Be prepared for heavy traffic during peak holiday periods , particularly around Byron Bay.
Watch for sudden weather changes when driving through the Northern Rivers region.
Be aware of fatigue on the long stretches between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
Exercise caution on narrow bridges along the old Pacific Highway sections.
Be prepared for coastal fog in the early mornings, especially around Byron Bay.
Hire a van for your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip
Ready to hit the road from Sydney to Byron Bay? Camplify makes it easy to find the perfect vehicle for your adventure. Here's how to get started:
Visit Camplify's Sydney van hire page to browse a wide range of privately-owned motorhomes , caravans , and campervans.
Use the filters to find your ideal vehicle based on your preferences and travel dates.
Sign up or log in to your Camplify account, then request to book your chosen van.
Once the owner approves your request, complete the verification process and make your payment.
Get ready for your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip adventure!
For more detailed information about the booking process and what to expect on your trip, see our How It Works page.
Start planning your unforgettable Sydney to Byron Bay road trip!
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.