Sydney to Kingscliff road trip: Distance, driving time & best stops

The Sydney to Kingscliff drive covers a distance of 804km in a driving time of approximately 8h19m. Top road trip stops include Newcastle, Forster, Coffs Harbour and Yamba.

A Sydney to Kingscliff road trip takes you from the New South Wales capital to the Tweed Coast, just south of the Queensland border. But it’s not really about the start and end points. This epic adventure up the New South Wales coast is about the stops you choose to make along the way.

Sydney brings harbour cruises on romantic tall ships, historic pub tours and behind-the-scenes visits to the world’s most famous Opera House. To get the best deals on Sydney accommodation, book here. To find Sydney tours and experiences that suit your tastes, step this way.

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Sydney to Kingscliff distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Sydney to Kingscliff is 804km. This makes for a driving time of around eight hours and 19 minutes.

The best road trip stops between Sydney and Kingscliff include Newcastle, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.

There are, however, smaller spots such as Seal Rocks, Crescent Head and Yamba that may provide the happiest memories.

Sydney to Kingscliff road trip: To the Hawkesbury River

The first section of the Sydney to Kingscliff road trip is from Sydney to Newcastle. This is a 170km drive.

There are some stops in Sydney’s northern suburbs that are worth a look if you’ve got time. Lane Cove National Park, Cumberland State Forest in West Pennant Hills and the architecturally-important Rose Siedler House in Wahroonga are all worthy of consideration.

Also consider short detours to the beautiful Bobbin Head picnic ground in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park or Galston Gorge in Berowra Waters National Park.

Before crossing the Hawkesbury River in Brooklyn, you can hop on board the Riverboat Postman cruise. This postal boat invites tourists along as it delivers mail to river communities such as Dangar Island.

Sydney to Kingscliff drive: Central Coast

After crossing the bridge, you’re on the Central Coast. However, the beach towns such as Terrigal or The Entrance require a significant detour.

There’s plenty to do near the Pacific Motorway, though, starting at Mooney Mooney. Here the Broken Bay Pearl Farm shows how pearls are cultivated on a pearl farm tour.

A little further north near Gosford are the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Australian Reptile Park and Girrakool Loop walking track.

Meanwhile, Glenworth Valley near Popran National Park offers activities such as abseiling, horse-riding and quad biking.

Photo stops before reaching Newcastle include Somersby Falls, Strickland Falls and the Jilliby Lookout. Treetops Adventure Central Coast and Amazement Farm and Fun Park will take a bit more time.

Build in a Newcastle stopover?

The Sydney to Kingscliff drive then threads between Morriset and Cooranbong, while gliding west of Lake Macquarie and close to the southern end of Watagans National Park.

The motorway goes round Newcastle, New South Wales’ second largest city. But you might wish to pay a visit to the famous ocean baths, such as Merewether Baths.

Other things to do in Newcastle include wildlife-viewing at Blackbutt Reserve, whale-watching tours and visiting multiple museums.

Newcastle also offers boat tours along the coast, street art walks and evening true crime tours.

Newcastle accommodation superstars include the plush Crystalbrook Kingsley, the sassy QT Newcastle and the heritage-ladled Grand Hotel.

Click through for the next section: Port Stephens activities.