Melbourne to Byron Bay road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time
Where to stop between Melbourne and Coffs Harbour: Central Coast
The Central Coast is on the other side of the Hawkesbury Bridge, although beach towns such as Terrigal or The Entrance require a substantial detour.
Stay near the Pacific Motorway, though, and the Broken Bay Pearl Farm in Mooney Mooney shows how pearls are cultivated on its pearl farm tour.
Nearer Gosford, you’ll find the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Australian Reptile Park and Girrakool Loop walking track.
3 experiences to book in Gosford
- Australian Reptile Park day pass – learn (safely) about Australia’s snakes and spiders.
- Try your hand at flying with a jetpack – or try flyboarding instead.
- Soap-making experience – make your own smellies.
Glenworth Valley near Popran National Park, meanwhile, runs activities such as abseiling, horse-riding and quad biking.
Pleasant photo stops before hitting Newcastle include Somersby Falls, Strickland Falls and the Jilliby Lookout. Treetops Adventure Central Coast and Amazement Farm and Fun Park will eat a bit more of your time.
Is it worth staying in Newcastle?
The Melbourne to Byron Bay drive continues between Morriset and Cooranbong, veering west of Lake Macquarie and near the southern end of Watagans National Park.
The motorway goes around the second largest city in New South Wales – Newcastle. But you might wish to make an overnight stop here.
If so, pay a visit to the magnificent ocean baths, such as Merewether Baths.
Other things to do in Newcastle include watching wildlife at Blackbutt Reserve, whale-watching tours and visiting several good quality museums.
Newcastle also offers coastal boat tours, street art walks and evening true crime tours.
9 cool Newcastle experiences you need to book in advance
- An Adventure boat cruise along the Hunter coast – with thrills and scenery.
- A mobile phone-based scavenger hunt – explore the city differently.
- An architecture and street art walking tour – see all the best murals.
- A whale-watching tour – get close to the migrating humpback whales.
- A two hour city highlights tour by bus – get orientated when you first arrive.
- A scenic helicopter flight – see the spectacular coastline from above.
- A three hour craft beer and food-matching tour – get a taste of the drinking and dining scene.
- A food, drink and history walking tour – hear stories and indulge at the same time.
Newcastle accommodation winners include the lavish Crystalbrook Kingsley, the peppy QT Newcastle and the heritage-drenched Grand Hotel.
Click through for the next section: Port Stephens.