Coffs Harbour to Brisbane road trip: Drive distance & best stops
Coffs Harbour to Brisbane road trip stops: Ballina to Byron Bay
The first section of the Ballina to Brisbane drive is from Ballina to Byron Bay. On this section of the drive, you can marvel at Killen Falls just north of Tintenbar and enjoy the family-friendly wildlife park at Macadamia Castle.
Alternatively, there are fabulous surf spots along the coast. Lennox Head, Whites Beach, Kings Beach, the Broken Head Reserve and Arakwal National Park are all gorgeous. And, compared to Byron itself, massively underrated.
Coffs Harbour to Brisbane drive: Byron Bay attractions
Without such coastal diversions, the Pacific Motorway passes atmospheric Newrybar and food-focused Bangalow. But next up comes Byron Bay, the best place to stop on a Coffs Harbour to Brisbane road trip.
If heading into Byron Bay, leave the highway at Ewingsdale.
Byron Bay hot air ballooning tours lift off from here, at The Farm Byron Bay.
Top Byron Bay activities include brewery tours, art and wine classes and turtle snorkelling tours.
8 amazing Byron Bay experiences worth booking today
- Experience the region’s glorious natural landscapes from above – on a hot air balloon ride.
- Go kayaking with dolphins – and get much closer to them than on a boat tour 🐬.
- Learn to surf – on a half day surf lesson 🏄♀️.
- Discover the local secrets – let a guide show you the hidden beaches and waterfalls 🏖️.
- Go on a three habitat wildlife safari – spotting koalas, kangaroos and flying foxes 🐨🦘.
- See glowworms light up the World Heritage-listed rainforest.
- Explore the Byron Bay hinterland – including the rainforest walk to Minyon Falls.
- Taste craft beers and spirits – on a tour of Byron’s breweries and distilleries 🍻.
- Also try… Skydives | Sea-kayaking | Whale-watching.
For Byron Bay accommodation, consider the beachside Cavvanbah, the Bayview Beachfront Apartments and the Ingenia Byron Bay holiday park.
Click through for the next section: Tweed Coast attractions.