Sydney To Byron Bay Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Sydney to Byron Bay road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the Australia. The 766 km of Sydney to Byron Bay drive takes around 7 hours and 58 mins without stops.

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

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

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

1. Gosford Palms Motor Inn

Gosford Palms Motor Inn is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Sydney to Byron Bay road trip. Driving from Sydney to Gosford Palms Motor Inn might take around 1 hour and 9 mins.

Gosford Palms Motor Inn is a peaceful and serene retreat nestled among the natural beauty of the Waterview Nature Reserve and the gorgeous Brisbane Waters. During my stay, I was able to take advantage of the on-site pool and barbeque facilities, which added to the relaxing atmosphere of the inn. I also appreciated the convenience of free parking, which made it easy to come and go as I pleased. Overall, my experience at Gosford Palms Motor Inn was incredibly enjoyable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway.

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

2. Sleepy Hill Motor Inn

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Byron Bay from Sydney is Sleepy Hill Motor Inn. Located in Raymond Terrace, New South Wales, the hotel is 176 km away from Sydney, and it would take 2 hours to drive.

Sleepy Hill Motor Inn is a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. The inn has recently undergone renovations, resulting in a fresh and up-to-date feel, but still retaining its classic elegance. During my stay, I was able to take advantage of the courtesy bus service offered by the local bowling and golf clubs, which made it easy to enjoy all that the area has to offer. Overall, my experience at Sleepy Hill Motor Inn was wonderful, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a charming and comfortable place to stay.

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

3. Royal Palms Motor Inn

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Royal Palms Motor Inn. Royal Palms Motor Inn is located in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, and it’s 537 km away from Sydney. You can arrive there in 5 hours and 37 mins of non-stop driving.

Staying at the Royal Palms Motor Inn in Coffs Harbour was a great experience. The rooms were well-equipped with everything you could need, including a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. The beds were also extremely comfortable, and the overall size of the rooms was more than satisfactory. In addition to these amenities, the rooms also featured a microwave, toaster, and kettle, which made it easy to prepare meals or snacks during my stay. The staff at the hotel were all very helpful and friendly and made sure that my stay was as comfortable as possible. Overall, I would highly recommend the Royal Palms Motor Inn to anyone visiting Coffs Harbour – the prices are reasonable, and the facilities and service are top-notch.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Royal Palms Motor Inn, for more information.

4. Ballina Heritage Inn

If you are taking the road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay, Ballina, New South Wales is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Ballina Heritage Inn is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 737 km from Sydney, and it would take 7 hours and 41 mins to drive.

The Ballina Heritage Inn was an excellent choice for my stay in Ballina. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the town, just a short walk from the Ballina RSL Club and a variety of shops and restaurants. The luxurious accommodations and good old-fashioned service made my stay even more enjoyable. The hotel is also situated opposite the award-winning RSL Club, which added to the convenience and overall experience. Overall, I was very pleased with my stay at the Ballina Heritage Inn and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

If you need more info about the price and availability of Ballina Heritage Inn, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. Cape Byron Retreat

Our next hotel is Cape Byron Retreat, Byron Bay, New South Wales. It will take 8 hours of car ride o reach this hotel from Sydney.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Cape Byron Retreat in Byron Bay, and it was a truly wonderful experience. The hotel is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from the city center, where you can find everything you need, from supplies to dining options. Despite being so close to the city, the hotel feels secluded and peaceful, with stunning views of the hinterland that create a tranquil setting. I highly recommend the Cape Byron Retreat to anyone visiting Byron Bay – the location is perfect and the views are breathtaking.

Check the Cape Byron Retreat on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Cape Byron Retreat for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay. 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 Sydney to the Byron Bay route.

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

6 Best Restaurants On The Sydney To Byron Bay Road Trip

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

1. Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar

We want to start our restaurant recommendation list on Sydney to Byron Bay road trip with Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar. Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar is located in Gosford, New South Wales, and is 84.6 km from Sydney. It would take 1 hour and 12 mins of driving.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar in Gosford, and I was thoroughly impressed by the restaurant’s deep appreciation for wine. It’s clear that the owners of Pinocchios are passionate about sharing their love of Italian and international vineyards with their customers, and this dedication shines through in the selection of wines offered at the restaurant. In addition to the excellent wine, the food at Pinocchios was also top-notch. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for a unique dining experience that celebrates the joys of wine.

For more information about Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar.

2. Thai at 27

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Byron Bay from Sydney is Thai at 27. Located in Raymond Terrace, New South Wales, Thai at 27 is 175 km from Sydney and would take 2 hours of driving.

Thai at 27 in Raymond Terrace is a must-visit spot on any Sydney to Byron Bay road trip. The food is delicious and it’s the kind of place that you’ll find yourself wanting to come back to again and again. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is top-notch. The takeaway option is also a great choice for those who are short on time or just want to enjoy their meal in the comfort of their own space. All in all, Thai at 27 is a fantastic spot for authentic Thai cuisine and excellent service.

If you want to learn more about Thai at 27, 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 4 hours and 33 mins of car drive to take 428 km from Sydney to Kempsey Macleay RSL Club & Freshwater Grill, Kempsey, New South Wales.

If you’re looking for fresh, locally-sourced cuisine on your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip, the Freshwater Grill at Kempsey Macleay RSL Club is a must-visit destination. The menu is focused on showcasing the best of the Macleay Valley’s produce and meats, resulting in a truly delicious and earthy dining experience. The emphasis on using high-quality, tender ingredients shines through in every dish, making this restaurant a true taste sensation. So if you’re in the Kempsey area and want to treat your taste buds to something special, be sure to stop by the Freshwater Grill at Kempsey Macleay RSL Club.

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

4. Urban Espresso Lounge

Urban Espresso Lounge deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales.

If you’re searching for a fantastic cafe during your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip, the Urban Espresso Lounge in Coffs Harbour is a must-visit destination. This cafe offers excellent service and a wide variety of seating options, including a front deck and backyard courtyard. The menu is truly impressive, with something for everyone – whether you’re in the mood for a delicious coffee, a refreshing acai bowl, a hearty buddha bowl, a vegan option, a gluten-free choice, a filling salad, a savory steak sandwich, a juicy burger, a revitalizing juice, a creamy smoothie, or a decadent thick shake. In short, the Urban Espresso Lounge is a one-stop-shop for all your cafe needs and is not to be missed during your travels.

Urban Espresso Lounge is 536 km from Sydney, and it would take 5 hours and 35 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Urban Espresso Lounge, you can check it out on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

5. Ché Bon Restaurant:

If you enjoy dining, Ché Bon Restaurant would be an excellent choice in Ballina, New South Wales. It’s 739 km from Sydney and would take 7 hours and 43 mins of car driving.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ché Bon Restaurant in Ballina and was thoroughly impressed by the delicious food and exceptional service. The employees were incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and recommended some amazing dishes, including the mouthwatering steaks that were cooked to perfection. Overall, I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

If you want to learn more about the Ché Bon Restaurant you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

6. The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co

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

The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co did not disappoint! The restaurant’s location is stunning and the ambiance is really pleasant. The service was friendly and efficient – our food was served promptly and it was all cooked to perfection. I especially enjoyed the oysters and the steak, but the pork and pasta were also cooked perfectly. All in all, it was a great dining experience and I would highly recommend this restaurant to others.

For more information about The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.

This section lists our six restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 766 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 Byron Bay 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 Sydney to Byron Bay. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Sydney To Byron Bay Drive

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

1. Gosford Regional Gallery

Gosford Regional Gallery will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Sydney to Byron Bay road trip. Located in Gosford, New South Wales, Gosford Regional Gallery is 86.3 km away from Sydney, and it would take 1 hour and 13 mins to drive.

The Gosford Regional Gallery is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to experience some local culture and education. Not only is it a valuable resource for the community, but it is also a great family-friendly attraction. The gallery offers a wide variety of exhibits and programming that are sure to appeal to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a resident of the area or just passing through on a road trip, be sure to stop by the Gosford Regional Gallery and see all it has to offer.

If you want to learn more about the Gosford Regional Gallery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

2. The Slim Dusty Centre

The Slim Dusty Centre, Kempsey, New South Wales is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Sydney to Byron Bay route. It’s 423 km from Sydney, and it’ll take about 4 hours and 26 mins of driving.

Suppose you’re a fan of Slim Dusty or just looking for a unique destination while on your road trip, the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey is worth a visit. This multi-purpose facility offers a wide range of attractions, including a visitor information center, a retail shop, an art gallery, a cafe, and of course, the famous Slim Dusty museum. Located in Slim’s hometown, the Centre is a must-see for any fan of the legendary Australian country singer. So why not stop by and learn more about this important figure in Australian music history while enjoying a meal at Dusty’s Dinner Camp Cafe?

If you want to learn more about The Slim Dusty Centre, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.

3. Dolphin Marine Conservation Park

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay is Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. And if you visit Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, we suggest you visit Dolphin Marine Conservation Park. You can arrive at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park after 5 hours and 36 mins of driving.

The Dolphin Marine Conservation Park in Coffs Harbour was an absolute highlight of our road trip. The staff were incredibly welcoming and made our visit truly special. We had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the dolphins, sea lions, and penguins, and it was an experience we will never forget. It was amazing to see these beautiful animals up close and learn more about their habitats and behaviors. All in all, a visit to the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is a must for anyone traveling to the area – you won’t be disappointed!

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Dolphin Marine Conservation Park for more information.

4. Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum, Ballina, New South Wales on the Sydney to Byron Bay road trip. Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum is 738 km from Sydney, and you can arrive there after the 7 hours and 44 mins of drive.

The Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of ships and naval warfare. The museum boasts an impressive collection of models, each carefully crafted with exquisite detail. The exhibits trace the evolution of ship design over the centuries, with a particular focus on warships. The displays are accompanied by informative explanations that provide context and highlight some of the most interesting details. Overall, the Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum is a fascinating and educational experience for anyone visiting the area.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum before going there.

5. Cape Byron Lighthouse

Located in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Cape Byron Lighthouse ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay. You must take 8 hours of driving to arrive at Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Located at the easternmost point of Australia, the Cape Byron Lighthouse serves as a beacon for ships passing through the area. The walk up to the lighthouse is quite enjoyable, and the small trails on the other side offer stunning views of the coastline and the lighthouse itself. It’s a great spot for a stroll and for taking in the natural beauty of the region. The Cape Byron Lighthouse is worth a visit if you’re in the area.

If you want to learn more about Cape Byron Lighthouse, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Sydney to Byron Bay

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

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

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Sydney to Byron Bay road trip takes approximately 7 hours and 58 mins to drive. The driving distance between Sydney to Byron Bay is 766 km.
• If you want to make the Sydney to Byron Bay road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be 1 day and 16 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Sydney-Byron Bay route, then you will have to walk for 6 days and 8 hours.

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

There are many beautiful pits stops along the way to Byron Bay. You can visit Gosford, New South Wales; Raymond Terrace, New South Wales; Coffs Harbour, New South Wales; Ballina, New South Wales; Byron Bay, 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 Sydney to Byron Bay journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Sydney To Byron Bay Road Trip.

1. Gosford Regional Gallery: 86.3 km / 1 hour and 13 mins to drive from Sydney | 690 km / 7 hours and 11 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
2. The Slim Dusty Centre: 423 km / 4 hours and 26 mins to drive from Sydney | 343 km / 3 hours and 33 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
3. Dolphin Marine Conservation Park: 537 km / 5 hours and 36 mins to drive from Sydney | 232 km / 2 hours and 24 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
4. Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum: 738 km / 7 hours and 44 mins to drive from Sydney | 31.0 km / 32 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
5. Cape Byron Lighthouse: 768 km / 8 hours to drive from Sydney | 3.5 km / 10 mins of driving to Byron Bay.

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

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay. 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 Byron Bay From Sydney section.

• Gosford Palms Motor Inn: 83.3 km / 1 hour and 9 mins to drive from Sydney | 688 km / 7 hours and 8 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
• Sleepy Hill Motor Inn: 176 km / 2 hours to drive from Sydney | 590 km / 5 hours and 59 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
• Royal Palms Motor Inn: 537 km / 5 hours and 37 mins to drive from Sydney | 231 km / 2 hours and 22 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
• Ballina Heritage Inn: 737 km / 7 hours and 41 mins to drive from Sydney | 37.3 km / 30 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
• Cape Byron Retreat: 770 km / 8 hours to drive from Sydney | 4.2 km / 6 mins of driving to Byron Bay.

Where To Eat Between Sydney to Byron Bay?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Sydney to Byron Bay 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 Sydney To Byron Bay Road Trip.

1. Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar: 84.6 km / 1 hour and 12 mins to drive from Sydney | 688 km / 7 hours of driving to Byron Bay.
2. Thai at 27: 175 km / 2 hours to drive from Sydney | 591 km / 6 hours of driving to Byron Bay.
3. Kempsey Macleay RSL Club & Freshwater Grill: 428 km / 4 hours and 33 mins to drive from Sydney | 339 km / 3 hours and 34 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
4. Urban Espresso Lounge: 536 km / 5 hours and 35 mins to drive from Sydney | 233 km / 2 hours and 25 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
5. Ché Bon Restaurant: 739 km / 7 hours and 43 mins to drive from Sydney | 35.7 km / 30 mins of driving to Byron Bay.
6. The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co: 766 km / 7 hours and 58 mins to drive from Sydney | 0.2 km / 1 min of driving to Byron Bay.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay. We have listed five hotels, six restaurants, and five places to visit on the Sydney to Byron Bay 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 Sydney to Byron Bay as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Sydney to Byron Bay 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 Sydney to Byron Bay and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.