Road Tripping Guide for Byron Bay to Newcastle Australia

Hi everyone! The east coast of Australia is one of the most popular destinations for travelers. I recently did a road trip with my family in New South Wales and thought it was a wonderful way to experience the east coast. We went to a ton of great beaches and other stops that I wanted to share with everyone. Whether you are roadtripping or backpacking, this guide will be perfect for you! For this guide, I have narrowed down the top 10 best stops between Byron Bay and Newcastle. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Cape Byron Walking Track

Up first on the list is the Cape Byron walking track. This walking track offers some incredible views, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even see some whales in the area. You can access the walking track at multiple points, and you can also stop at some gorgeous Byron Bay beaches to cool off. I also recommend rewarding yourself with a smoothie or sandwich from The Pass Cafe afterwards!

Angourie Blue and Green Pools

Just a 10 minute drive south of Yamba are the Angourie Blue and Green Pools. This spot is beautiful and perfect for all the adventure lovers. The blue pool is a nice calm spot to swim, and the green pool has several cliffs varying in height that you can jump off of.

Minnie Lagoon

Minnie Water is a very small town on the east coast of Australia, but I loved it here! The beach is absolutely gorgeous, and I highly recommend checking out Minnie Lagoon while you’re here. To get there, head to the tree of knowledge lookout and follow the road down to the ocean. This spot is protected by reef, so it is a calm spot to swim and see some sea life!

Woolgoolga Beach

Woolgoolga Beach was one of my favorite beaches we went to on our road trip. Woolgoolga is just north of Coffs Harbour but a lot less crowded! My favorite thing about the beach were all the rock pools. They’re a lot warmer than the ocean and the perfect spot to sit back and relax.

Forest Sky Pier

The Forest Sky Pier in Coffs Harbour is a must if you are in the area. The views are spectacular, and there is also a little cafe right next to it so it’s a great place to stop for lunch. There are also several trails in the area that looked pretty cool, but we didn’t have time to check them out.

Shelley Beach

Shelley Beach in Nambucca Heads is such a great spot! The water here is crystal clear, but if you prefer the shore, this beach offers fantastic beach combing. Make sure to bring a mask and some fins if you want to take a dip because I saw a ton of sea life (including dolphins) while swimming here.

Koala Conservation Hospital

Located in Port Macquarie, the Koala hospital is something you can’t miss. Everyone wants to see Koala’s when they go to Australia, and at the Koala hospital, you can see these amazing animals ethically and responsibly. It is also free to visit, but you can make donations to help support Koala conservation efforts!

Bago Maze and Winery

If you are in Port Macquarie and looking for a unique experience, the Bago Maze and Winery is where you need to go. This place is stunning! The farm is family run and showcases local wine and produce. The maze is also a great activity (if you’re bringing your mom, take note of where the emergency exits are).

Newcastle Ocean Baths

During your stop in Newcastle, I recommend checking out the Newcastle Ocean Baths. There are a ton of ocean baths in Australia, but the Newcastle ones were my favorite because of the art-deco inspired designs. They offer plenty of space to swim and sunbath while taking in some beautiful views.

Bogey Hole

The Bogey Hole is another great swim spot in Newcastle. The history behind this spot is very interesting; if you would like to learn about it, you can click here. It is just a short hike down from the car park, and there are also some great lookout points in the area you can check out as well.

Thank you so much for reading, and if you plan on heading even further down south of the east coast, check out my Sydney Australia itinerary!