Sydney to Forster road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
The Sydney to Forster drive is 313km in distance, with a Sydney to Forster driving time of 3h25m. A road trip via the Lakes Way takes slightly longer, but offers beach stops at Seal Rocks, Cellito Beach and Blueys Beach.
A Sydney to Forster road trip can make an excellent first leg of a longer journey.
Forster is one of the most appealing towns on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, and is a strong choice for a stop on the drive from Sydney to Byron Bay.
Sydney’s enormous collection of experiences includes all-inclusive sunset dinner cruises, behind-the-scenes tours of the Opera House, jet boat thrill rides and historic walking tours. To get the best deals on Sydney accommodation, book here. To find Sydney tours and experiences that suit your tastes, step this way.
Forster is best known for its beaches, but you can also try hiring a boat to explore Wallis Lake.
Book in advance for the best prices on Forster accommodation.
The drive from Sydney to Forster follows much the same route as the drive from Sydney to Port Macquarie. You just branch off the Pacific Highway a little earlier. The key turn-off is along the Failford Road, just after Nabiac.
Sydney to Forster driving distance and time
The Sydney to Forster drive is 313km in distance, leading to a Sydney to Forster driving time of around three hours and 25 minutes. For an international comparison, that’s roughly the same distance as the Dallas to Austin drive.
The journey starts by going through Sydney’s northern suburbs. The road skirts West Pennant Hills, Wahroonga, Berowra and Cowan. It then crosses the Hawkesbury River to Mooney Mooney and the Central Coast.
On this Sydney to Newcastle leg of the drive, you’ll go past the Australian Reptile Park, Somersby Falls, Ourimbah and Tuggerah. After Wyee and Cooranbong, the Pacific Highway skirts Lake Macquarie on one side and the Watagans National Park on the other. It then goes round the western edge of Newcastle.
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.
Click through to the next section: Newcastle to Forster.