Grafton to Byron Bay road trip: Distance, driving time & stops
The Grafton to Byron Bay drive covers a 164km distance in a driving time of around 1h48m. Top road trip stops include Yamba, Evans Head and Killen Falls.
This independent, Australia travel expert-researched guide is aimed at travellers planning a road trip itinerary from Grafton to Byron Bay in New South Wales.
For Grafton accommodation picks, head here.
If you can do just one thing in Byron Bay, make it kayaking with dolphins. The scenery’s beautiful, and you can get much closer to the dolphins than you would on a boat tour. BOOK HERE.
To book Byron Bay accommodation, go here, and to look for the best tours and activities, go here.
To learn more about the Grafton to Byron Bay drive, including the distance, driving time and the best stops along the route, read on…
Planning a Grafton to Byron Bay road trip
The drive from Grafton to Byron Bay takes you from one of the hub towns in NSW’s Northern Rivers region to its undisputed tourism capital. Amongst the many, many things to do in Byron Bay, you can kayak with dolphins, learn to surf and see glowworms in the hinterland.
But you can turn the drive from Grafton to Byron Bay into a little road trip, with several interesting stops along the route.
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.
Grafton to Byron Bay distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Grafton to Byron Bay is 164km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 48 minutes.
Top Grafton accommodation options
The best places to stay in Grafton are:
- For central location: Civic Motel.
- For charm and personal touch: Andavine House Bed and Breakfast.
- For a relatively cheap, good quality motel with a pool: Grafton Lodge Motel.
The initial stretch leaves Grafton along Big River Way, and continues until it joins the Pacific Highway.
The weirdly Scottish town of Maclean is the first town of any interest here. The Bicentennial Museum explains the Scottish heritage and the local art scene comes together at the Ferry Park Gallery.
If you wish to stay in Maclean, the Waterview Motel and Club Maclean are solid choices. However, one of the best potential detours on the Grafton to Byron Bay road trip lies east of Maclean.
Next section: Yamba and Ballina.