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

Things to do between Newcastle and Byron Bay: Killen Falls and Macadamia Castle

Stick to the highway instead and you skip west of Ballina. Just north of Tintenbar, there are two worthwhile attractions. Killen Falls is a stunner of the waterfall, while kids can get their wildlife encounter fix at Macadamia Castle.

There are only short diversions needed to reach highlights along the coast, such as Lennox Head, Whites Beach, Kings Beach, the Broken Head Reserve and Arakwal National Park.

After passing through charming Newrybar and foodie hub Bangalow, you leave the highway at Ewingsdale. This is home to The Farm Byron Bay, where Byron Bay hot air ballooning tours depart from.

Byron Bay activities include brewery tours, art and wine classes and turtle snorkelling tours.

Byron Bay accommodation choices include the Bayview Beachfront Apartments, the beachfront Cavvanbah and the Ingenia Byron Bay holiday park.

Beach at the end of drive from Sydney to Byron Bay — The beaches make the drive from Newcastle to Byron Bay worth it. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

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.