Taking a road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay is one of the highlights and must-do ticket items on any backpackers itinerary but let me tell you, whether you're an Aussie local who's made the annual trip down the M1 to the Bae (as the locals like to call it) or you're a first timer we have some hidden gems not to be missed.
Sydney to Seal Rocks
📍 Location: Seal Rocks, NSW
⏰ Time: 3 hours from Sydney, NSW
🗺️ Kilometers: 285kms
Not to dampen the mood, this drive is the classic busy city traffic jam and highway escape route. Pack the snacks, turn up the tunes and get ready to speed out of the big smoke.
We love a stop-in at Newcastle or Newie as the locals call it. Newcastle is about 2 hours out of Sydney and has a lot to offer with cool bars, pubs, cafes, beaches and coastal walks. The Newcastle Memorial Walk is a 450 meters clifftop walk with stunning ocean views.
Seal Rocks is an isolated seaside village with unspoilt beaches. This is an epic surf and snorkelling spot. You can walk up to the lighthouse which is still in use for stunning views. Be sure to book a camp spot before you arrive. This is an Aussie family favourite all year round.
Stop at Blueys Beach
📍 Location: Blueys Beach, NSW
⏰ Time: 25 minutes from Seal Rocks, NSW
🗺️ Kilometers: 24.5kms
While you're at Seal Rocks, make it a point to stop at Blueys Beach. This small coastal town started off as a holiday destination and is fast becoming a fan favourite. Blueys Beach is a 25-minute drive from Seal Rocks.
If you've listened to the podcast, Who The Hell Is Hamish, this is the very Blueys Beach that's featured. One of our fave podcasts on a road trip.
Seal Rocks to Crescent Head
📍 Location: Crescent Head, NSW
⏰ Time: 2.5 hours from Seal Rocks, NSW
🗺️ Kilometers: 200kms
Stop in at Forster for some fish and chips as you wind your way back to the highway and further north to Crescent Head. This is a surf favourite for all NSW locals. If you haven't surfed and camped at Creso, then you're not a local.
With so many beaches on offer, this joint has something for everyone, from the long borders to the mad shredders and the sandcastle builders. Plenty of beach fishing on offer, National Park walks and campsites around.
Be sure to book, particularly during the school holidays. This is one of the go-to meeting spots for families split between Sydney and Byron to meet for a weekend of campfire shenanigans.
Delicate is the only dog-friendly National Park Campground. Otherwise, the Racecourse Beach private campsite is a dog-friendly site we've stayed at before. It's a basic green field with no amenities so be sure to take your Thunderbox with you.
Crescent Head to South West Rocks
📍 Location: South West Rocks, NSW
⏰ Time: 40 minutes from Crescent Head, NSW
🗺️ Kilometers: 50kms
While this is only a short drive out of Crescent Head, we love camping at Footprints In Style. Lucy the owner is the friendliest person you'll ever meet and every time we go, there is something new to explore.
Set up camp on the farmland, with plenty of spots to choose from you don't have to worry about being overcrowded. Take a swim at the lake or walk around the property. It's rustic, homely and best all your doggo is welcome.
To be clear, this is not sponsored. We just love staying here on our trips.
South West Rocks to Minnie Waters
📍 Location: Minnie Waters, NSW
⏰ Time: 2.5 hours from South West Rocks, NSW
🗺️ Kilometers: 204kms
We camped at Diggers Headland Reserve. This place feels secluded and deep in nature. You'll be camping out under the stars, with only a handful of other campers and soaking in the ocean air. An epic spot to watch the full moon rise over the ocean.
You can walk straight down to the beach from the campground or take the bush track around the headland to hit the next beach. The perfect spot if you're not sure which way the swell will be pumping.
Minnie Waters to Red Cliff
📍 Location: Red Cliff, NSW
⏰ Time:1 hour from Minnie Waters, NSW
🗺️ Kilometers: 85kms
Red Cliff offers a large National Park Campground which is our go-to place to stay. It's a rather large campground with drop toilets. You're right on the beach and just a few minutes to town, Brooms Head. The local Kangaroos come out at dawn and dusk, which is a sight that never gets old.
In town, you can play lawn bowls and grab a bite to eat if you're sick if eating camp food. Though food cooked over the fire never really gets old to us. You'll also find a Caravan Park in town which offers some pretty sweet views and flushing toilets.
The National Park Campground can get busy during the holidays so be sure to book.
Red Cliff to Byron Bay
📍 Location: Byron Bay, NSW
⏰ Time: 1.5 hours from Red Cliff, NSW
🗺️ Kilometers: 139kms
Skip the highway and head into Ballina via the Big Prawn before winding your way along the stunning coastline. There are plenty of beaches to take a dip or stop for a surf along the way. Lennox Head is a great little village of shops, cafes and restaurants. Make your way further north towards Byron and take a detour into Broken Head. With an epic headland walk, cool campground and surfing it's a great spot to hang out for a few days. The Broken Head Holiday Park is a summer favourite for surfers and families, be sure to book a spot.
Once you hit Byron Bay, you'll be in paradise. With four campgrounds within walking distance to the famous gramable spots. If you're in desperate need of a flushing toilet and hot shower after weeks on the road, our fave place in the area is Villa Wallah.
It's time to pack your road tripping essentials and hit the road!
