Byron Bay To Sydney Road Trip: Top 16 Tips

Note: This guide was last updated 1 year and 27 days ago. If you've spotted anything that seems a bit out-of-date or if you have some killer tips to share, we're all ears! Feel free to leave a comment below.

Byron Bay to Sydney road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the Australia. The 757 km of Byron Bay to Sydney drive takes around 7 hours and 55 mins without stops.

This article includes 16 tips that turn your Byron Bay to Sydney drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney, take your coffee and keep reading!

5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Byron Bay To Sydney

On the Byron Bay to Sydney road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top five hotels on the Byron Bay – Sydney route!

1. Ballina Heritage Inn

Ballina Heritage Inn is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Byron Bay to Sydney road trip. Driving from Byron Bay to Ballina Heritage Inn might take around 28 mins.

The Ballina Heritage Inn offers a luxurious stay in the heart of Ballina, with excellent service to boot. Located across from the highly-acclaimed Ballina RSL Club and within walking distance of local shops and restaurants, this inn is perfectly situated for travelers looking to make the most of their time in the area. The convenience of its central location, combined with the high-quality accommodations, makes the Ballina Heritage Inn an ideal choice for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Check the Ballina Heritage Inn, one of the best hotels in Ballina, New South Wales, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Royal Palms Motor Inn

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Sydney from Byron Bay is Royal Palms Motor Inn. Located in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, the hotel is 231 km away from Byron Bay, and it would take 2 hours and 20 mins to drive.

The Royal Palms Motor Inn in Coffs Harbour offers comfortable guest rooms that are well-equipped for a relaxing stay. Each room comes with convenient amenities like air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a refrigerator, as well as a microwave, toaster, and kettle for those who prefer to dine in. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are spacious, providing guests with everything they need to feel at home. The helpful staff and reasonable prices only add to the overall great experience at this hotel.

If you want to learn more about the Royal Palms Motor Inn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.

3. Sleepy Hill Motor Inn

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Sleepy Hill Motor Inn. Sleepy Hill Motor Inn is located in Raymond Terrace, New South Wales, and it’s 590 km away from Byron Bay. You can arrive there in 5 hours and 59 mins of non-stop driving.

The Sleepy Hill Motor Inn in Raymond Terrace has undergone a recent refurbishment, giving it a fresh and modern feel while still maintaining a charming, vintage atmosphere. The property is conveniently located near both the local bowling and golf clubs, which offer a courtesy bus service for guests looking to enjoy a day out on the green or the lanes. The combination of updated amenities and old-world charm make for a unique and enjoyable stay at this inn.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Sleepy Hill Motor Inn, for more information.

4. Gosford Palms Motor Inn

If you are taking the road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney, Gosford, New South Wales is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Gosford Palms Motor Inn is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 688 km from Byron Bay, and it would take 7 hours and 8 mins to drive.

Gosford Palms Motor Inn is a great choice for travelers looking for a peaceful and serene setting. Located in a quiet, tranquil bushland area surrounded by the Waterview Nature Reserve and the beautiful Brisbane Waters, this hotel offers guests the opportunity to relax and unwind. The amenities are top-notch, with a pool and barbeque facilities available for guests to enjoy. Free parking is also a nice bonus, making it easy for guests to come and go as they, please. Overall, Gosford Palms Motor Inn is a great choice for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.

If you need more info about the price and availability of Gosford Palms Motor Inn, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. Little National Hotel Sydney

Our next hotel is Little National Hotel Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales. It will take 7 hours and 54 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Byron Bay.

Little National Hotel Sydney is a great choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in the heart of the city. The hotel’s location is ideal, making it easy to explore all that Sydney has to offer. The rooms are well appointed and comfortable, with great lighting, a well-planned bathroom, and a very comfortable bed. The rooftop bar is a nice touch, and the option to order meals via Menu Log or Deliveroo is a convenient bonus. The staff at Little National Hotel Sydney are helpful and accommodating, ensuring that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Overall, this is a great choice for travelers looking for a stylish and convenient place to stay in Sydney.

Check the Little National Hotel Sydney on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Little National Hotel Sydney for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Byron Bay to Sydney route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Byron Bay to Sydney. We have six restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

6 Best Restaurants On The Byron Bay To Sydney Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Byron Bay to Sydney road trip. This section lists six restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Ché Bon Restaurant

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Byron Bay to Sydney road trip with Ché Bon Restaurant. Ché Bon Restaurant is located in Ballina, New South Wales, and is 35.0 km from Byron Bay. It would take 28 mins of driving.

ChĂ© Bon Restaurant in Ballina, New South Wales is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff was extremely knowledgeable about the menu. The steaks in particular were a standout, cooked to perfection and full of flavor. Overall, I would highly recommend stopping by ChĂ© Bon Restaurant during your travels through New South Wales – you won’t be disappointed!

For more information about Ché Bon Restaurant, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Ché Bon Restaurant.

2. Urban Espresso Lounge

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Sydney from Byron Bay is Urban Espresso Lounge. Located in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Urban Espresso Lounge is 233 km from Byron Bay and would take 2 hours and 24 mins of driving.

If you’re in need of a caffeine fix or a delicious meal during your travels through Coffs Harbour, look no further than Urban Espresso Lounge. This cafe offers excellent service and plenty of seating options, including a front deck and a cozy backyard courtyard. The menu is diverse, with a range of options including best coffee, Acai bowls, Buddha bowls, vegan menus, gluten-free options, salads, steak sandwiches, burgers, juices, smoothies, and thick shakes. Overall, Urban Espresso Lounge is a fantastic spot to sit back and relax while enjoying some tasty food and drinks.

If you want to learn more about Urban Espresso Lounge, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

3. Kempsey Macleay RSL Club & Freshwater Grill

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Kempsey Macleay RSL Club & Freshwater Grill. It will take 3 hours and 33 mins of car drive to take 338 km from Byron Bay to Kempsey Macleay RSL Club & Freshwater Grill, Kempsey, New South Wales.

The Freshwater Grill at Kempsey Macleay RSL Club is a must-visit for any foodie traveling through Kempsey, New South Wales. The menu is focused on utilizing the freshest local produce and high-quality, tender meat sourced from the Macleay Valley. The result is a delicious, earthy dining experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. The attention to detail and commitment to using only the best ingredients truly sets the Freshwater Grill apart and makes it a standout dining destination in the region.

You can check Kempsey Macleay RSL Club & Freshwater Grill, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Thai at 27

Thai at 27 deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Raymond Terrace, New South Wales.

If you’re in the mood for delicious Thai food during your travels through Raymond Terrace, look no further than Thai at 27. The food here is simply outstanding, and you’ll definitely want to come back for more. The staff are friendly and provide timely service, and the take-away option is a great option if you’re short on time. Overall, Thai at 27 is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine in the area.

Thai at 27 is 591 km from Byron Bay, and it would take 6 hours and 1 min of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Thai at 27, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

5. Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar

If you enjoy dining, Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar, would be an excellent choice in Gosford, New South Wales. It’s 687 km from Byron Bay and would take 7 hours and 9 mins of car driving.

Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar in Gosford is a must-visit for anyone with a love for wine and Italian cuisine. The restaurant was born out of a deep appreciation for the vineyards of Italy and beyond, and this passion is evident in the wide selection of wines available. In addition to the delicious wine, the pizza at Pinocchios is not to be missed. Overall, this is a great spot to unwind and savor some tasty food and drink while celebrating the joys of the vine.

If you want to learn more about the Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

6. Harvest Buffet Sydney

Another restaurant we recommend you to visit on the road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney is Harvest Buffet Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales. It will take 7 hours and 58 mins of driving to reach Harvest Buffet Sydney from Byron Bay.

Harvest Buffet Sydney is a great spot to enjoy a delicious meal while in Sydney. The environment is fresh and pleasant, and the staff are always welcoming and helpful. The chicken curry and duck dishes that I tried were both excellent, and the prices were very reasonable. Overall, I had an awesome experience at this restaurant and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, Harvest Buffet Sydney has something for everyone.

For more information about Harvest Buffet Sydney you can check TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.

This section lists our six restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 757 km journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Sydney road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Byron Bay to Sydney. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Byron Bay To Sydney Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Sydney. However, there are also some unique destinations like Ballina, New South Wales on your road trip. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Sydney route.

1. Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum

Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Byron Bay to Sydney road trip. Located in Ballina, New South Wales, Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum is 35.7 km away from Byron Bay, and it would take 30 mins to drive.

The Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of shipbuilding and naval warfare. The museum features a wide range of models, all of which are incredibly detailed and provide insight into the development of ship types over the centuries. The emphasis on warships is particularly interesting, and the explanations and context provided by the museum give visitors a deeper understanding of the displays. The museum also includes some intriguing details that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Overall, the Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum is a fascinating and educational stop for anyone interested in the history of ships and naval warfare.

If you want to learn more about the Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

2. Dolphin Marine Conservation Park

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Byron Bay to Sydney route. It’s 232 km from Byron Bay, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 22 mins of driving.

If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience during your travels through Coffs Harbour, be sure to visit the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park. The staff at this park are incredibly welcoming and will help you make the most of your time with the dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. I had an amazing experience at the park and was able to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a fun and educational outing, the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is not to be missed.

If you want to learn more about Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.

3. The Slim Dusty Centre

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney is Kempsey, New South Wales. And if you visit Kempsey, New South Wales, we suggest you visit The Slim Dusty Centre. You can arrive at The Slim Dusty Centre after 3 hours and 34 mins of driving.

The Slim Dusty Centre is a must-visit for any fan of the famous Australian singer and songwriter. Located in Slim’s hometown of Kempsey, this multi-purpose facility offers a range of attractions for visitors to enjoy. In addition to the Visitor Information and Retail Shop, the Centre also includes the Nullla Nulla Art Gallery, Dusty’s Dinner Camp Cafe, and of course the Famous Slim Dusty Museum. Whether you’re a fan of Slim’s music or just looking for a fun and educational outing, the Slim Dusty Centre is a great destination.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of The Slim Dusty Centre for more information.

4. Gosford Regional Gallery

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Gosford Regional Gallery, Gosford, New South Wales on the Byron Bay to Sydney road trip. Gosford Regional Gallery is 690 km from Byron Bay, and you can arrive there after the 7 hours and 12 mins drive.

Gosford Regional Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture. The gallery provides an important cultural and educational resource for the community, and is also a great family attraction. With a wide range of exhibitions and events, there is always something new and interesting to see and experience at the Gosford Regional Gallery. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a fun and educational outing, this gallery is a great choice.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Gosford Regional Gallery before going there.

5. Sydney Opera House

Located in Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney. You must take 7 hours and 56 mins of driving to arrive at Sydney Opera House.

The Sydney Opera House is an iconic landmark that should not be missed during a visit to Sydney. The building is especially beautiful at night when it is lit up with colorful projections, and tours of the Opera House can be scheduled in advance. In addition to the Opera House itself, there are also some amazing restaurants, coffee houses, and shops located nearby. The Opera House is conveniently located next to a ferry terminal, making it easy to access and explore. Overall, the Sydney Opera House is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Sydney.

If you want to learn more about Sydney Opera House, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Byron Bay to Sydney

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Byron Bay to Sydney drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Byron Bay To Sydney?

  • With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Byron Bay to Sydney road trip takes approximately 7 hours and 55 mins to drive. The driving distance between Byron Bay to Sydney is 757 km.
  • If you want to make the Byron Bay to Sydney road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be 1 day 16 hours.
  • If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Byron Bay-Sydney route, then you will have to walk for 6 days 8 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Byron Bay To Sydney?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Sydney. You can visit Ballina, New South Wales; Coffs Harbour, New South Wales; Raymond Terrace, New South Wales; Gosford, New South Wales; Sydney, New South Wales; Kempsey, New South Wales; ; ; ; on the road. Here we list five places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Byron Bay to Sydney journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Byron Bay To Sydney Road Trip.

  1. Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum: 35.7 km / 30 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 730 km / 7 hours and 41 mins of driving to Sydney.
  2. Dolphin Marine Conservation Park: 232 km / 2 hours and 22 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 528 km / 5 hours and 34 mins of driving to Sydney.
  3. The Slim Dusty Centre: 345 km / 3 hours and 34 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 415 km / 4 hours and 25 mins of driving to Sydney.
  4. Gosford Regional Gallery: 690 km / 7 hours and 12 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 77.7 km / 1 hour and 9 mins of driving to Sydney.
  5. Sydney Opera House: 759 km / 7 hours and 56 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 1.7 km / 9 mins of driving to Sydney.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Byron Bay To Sydney?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Sydney From Byron Bay section.

  • Ballina Heritage Inn: 36.4 km / 28 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 729 km / 7 hours and 39 mins of driving to Sydney.
  • Royal Palms Motor Inn: 231 km / 2 hours and 20 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 529 km / 5 hours and 35 mins of driving to Sydney.
  • Sleepy Hill Motor Inn: 590 km / 5 hours and 59 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 168 km / 2 hours and 2 mins of driving to Sydney.
  • Gosford Palms Motor Inn: 688 km / 7 hours and 8 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 75.1 km / 1 hour and 6 mins of driving to Sydney.
  • Little National Hotel Sydney: 757 km / 7 hours and 54 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 0.7 km / 4 mins of driving to Sydney.

Where To Eat Between Byron Bay to Sydney?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Byron Bay to Sydney drive, you can consider the six restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 6 Best Restaurants On The Byron Bay To Sydney Road Trip.

  1. Ché Bon Restaurant: 35.0 km / 28 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 729 km / 7 hours and 39 mins of driving to Sydney.
  2. Urban Espresso Lounge: 233 km / 2 hours and 24 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 527 km / 5 hours and 33 mins of driving to Sydney.
  3. Kempsey Macleay RSL Club & Freshwater Grill: 338 km / 3 hours and 33 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 420 km / 4 hours and 32 mins of driving to Sydney.
  4. Thai at 27: 591 km / 6 hours and 1 min to drive from Byron Bay | 167 km / 2 hours and 0 mins of driving to Sydney.
  5. Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar: 687 km / 7 hours and 9 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 76.2 km / 1 hour and 8 mins of driving to Sydney.
  6. Harvest Buffet Sydney: 760 km / 7 hours and 58 mins to drive from Byron Bay | 2.1 km / 6 mins of driving to Sydney.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney. We have listed five hotels, six restaurants, and five places to visit on the Byron Bay to Sydney drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Byron Bay to Sydney road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Byron Bay to Sydney and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Sydney Road Trip – Travel Guide

In this video, you can find an extensive travel guide to Sydney.




Tolga

Hi, I'm Tolga. Your guide for unforgettable road trips across the USA, Europe, and Australia. I offer destination insights, tips, and occasionally use AI for added accuracy. Let's explore the world one road at a time!

Leave a Comment