Lismore to Byron Bay: Distance, driving time & road trip stops

The Lismore to Byron Bay drive covers a 45km distance with a driving time of around 41 minutes. The best road trip stops to add to an itinerary are the Bexhill Quarry and Bangalow.

This independent, Australia travel expert-researched guide is aimed at travellers planning a road trip itinerary from Lismore to Byron Bay in New South Wales. To just book Byron Bay accommodation, go here, and to look for the best tours and activities, go 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 learn more about the Lismore to Byron Bay drive, including the distance, driving time and the best stops along the route, read on…

Planning a Lismore to Byron Bay road trip

The Lismore to Byron Bay drive connects one of the largest towns in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales to its undisputed tourism hub.

Book in advance for the best Byron Bay accommodation deals.
and reserve your place on the top byron bay tours and experiences.

Chances are, most visitors will be heading up or down the coast straight to Byron Bay, but if coming from inland, there are a few pretty little stops to add to the road trip itinerary.

Lismore to Byron Bay distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Lismore to Byron Bay is 45km. That makes for an estimated driving time of around 41 minutes.

Leaving Lismore along the Bangalow Road – or B62 – passes through Bexhill. The main attraction here is the Bexhill Quarry, a former quarry site turned into a park. The pool in the middle is known for its almost unnatural bright blue water.

Lismore to Byron Bay drive: Clunes and Booyong Nature Reserve

The next small town along the Bangalow Road is Clunes, which hosts a handful of handsome old churches and some charming, crafty shops.

You can also turn off here for the Booyong Nature Reserve, where you can go for a rainforest walk.

Lismore to Byron Bay road trip stops: Bangalow attractions

But the best stop on the Lismore to Byron Bay drive is Bangalow, which has become something of a foodie escape. Bangalow’s main street brims with cafés and restaurants, most proudly specialising in local produce. There are also plenty of hip shops among the century-old Federation-style buildings, with a focus on design and bohemian fashion.

You’ll also find Common People Brewing in Bangalow if you fancy a brewery fix.

The Bangalow Road continues into the southern side of Byron Bay. It runs alongside Arakwal National Park and Tallow Beach as it enters the town centre.

Things to do in Byron Bay include sampling at the Stone and Wood brewery, nude bathing at Belongil Beach, dolphin kayaking tours and learning to surf.

Byron Bay accommodation possibilities include the spacious Bayview Beachfront Apartments, the beachside Cavvanbah and the family-focused Ingenia Byron Bay holiday park.

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.