Port Macquarie to Byron Bay road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
Attractions between Port Macquarie and Byron Bay: Yamba and Ballina
After the Coffs Harbour to Yamba section of the road trip, Bundjalung National Park is the next highlight of the drive. The Iluka Bluff Lookout is a good bet for a photo stop, and the 6km Jerusalem Creek Peninsula track from the Black Rocks campground is arguably the best walk.
At Woodburn, you can branch off to Evans Head and Broadwater National Park. The Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum tells the story of the town’s massive WWII pilot training base, but most come for the 30km beach that stretches to the north.
But the Pacific Highway runs just west of Ballina, which is one of the main hub towns in the Northern Rivers region. Activities here include private surfing lessons and half day coastal walking tours.
5 Ballina experiences to book in advance
- Go on a dolphin watching cruise – sightings are very reliable.
- Take a guided coastal walk – learning about the natural environment on the way.
- Clink glasses as the sun goes down – on a Richmond River sunset cruise.
- Take a cruise to the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve – with a marine biologist pointing out the dolphins, turtles and dramatic cliffs.
- Learn to surf – on a private surfing lesson.
Well-reviewed Ballina accommodation picks include the riverside Ramada Hotel and Suites, the classic Ballina Heritage Inn and the endearing Ballina Palms Boutique Motel.
Click through for the next section: Tintenbar and Byron Bay.