Newcastle to Byron Bay road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

Newcastle to Byron Bay drive: Nambucca Heads and surrounds

Nearby Nambucca Heads is a better overnight stay, however. Things to do in Nambucca Heads include whale-watching at the Captain Cook Lookout and kayaking through Gaagal Wanggaan National Park.

In Nambucca Heads, you can stay at the include the roadtripper-tailored Ingenia holiday park, the design-conscious Riverview Boutique Motel and the pool-toting Beach Rooms.

From Nambucca Heads to Coffs Harbour, there are pleasant photo stops at the Oyster Creek Lookout just north of Valla Beach and the Perry’s Hill Lookout. Near the Bellinger River, Raleigh Winery cellar door is usually open for tastings.

Bongil Bongil National Park, meanwhile, offers beaches and rainforest. Keep a keen out for koalas on the walking tracks from the Bongil Picnic Area or Sid Burke Picnic Area.

Next section: Coffs Harbour and Coffs Coast beaches.