The Road Trip You’ll Wish Never Ended

Coastal views, easy stops, seriously good eats and everything in between. If you take your time, this stretch of the east coast is one of the most rewarding road trips in Australia. Here are my favourite stops to help you plan yours!

Leg 1: Sydney → Newcastle

An easy start to the drive. Newcastle tends to get bypassed for the beaches further north , but it's well worth a stop if you've got the time.

Must See:

Redhead Beach
Redhead Beach is the perfect first stop. The red cliffs that frame the beach are stunning and the whole place has a relaxed, local energy.

Glenrock State Conservation Area
If you only do one thing in Newcastle, make it Glenrock. It's an unexpected pocket of bushland just minutes from the city with trails that wind down to secluded beaches most people drive straight past. If the time it right you'll be rewarded with one of the best sunsets of your trip. Golden light through the trees, ocean stretched out in front of you. Just bliss.

Leg 2: Newcastle → Port Macquarie

Here's how to make the most of a few hours in Port:

The Coastal Walk is non-negotiable. The path winds along dramatic rock platforms and past secluded coves… take it slow, it's worth every step.

Miners Beach is tucked away and often quiet (even in peak season.)

In the late afternoon, make your way to the Lighthouse for sunset. Perched above the ocean with 360-degree views, it's one of those spots on the mid-north coast you'll want to end your day with.

Leg 3: Port Macquarie → Coffs Harbour

Coffs is the kind of town that surprises you. And yes, obviously you're stopping at the Big Banana. It's a rite of passage. Don’t forget to take a pic!

Harbourside Markets, if timing aligns with the weekend, don't miss this. Local produce, handmade goods and fresh food.

Grab fish and chips down at the Jetty, find a spot to sit and have a picnic. Simple, local and genuinely one of the best meals of we had on the whole trip. After dinner, take a stroll along the Jetty. Fishing boats bobbing, locals out for their evening walk as the sky turns pink.

Beacon Hill Lookout, save this one for last. Drive up as the light starts to drop and watch the light fade across the coastline in both directions. It's an incredible way to end your time in Coffs and one hell of a view.

Leg 4: Coffs Harbour → Byron Bay

For something slightly off the beaten track, the Look at Me Now Headland Walk near Emerald Beach is a stunning coastal walk that rewards you with the most breathtaking rocky headlands, pounding surf and the kind of coastal landscape that reminds you just how special this stretch of the country is.

Halfway between Coffs and Byron sits Yamba, and it might just be the most underrated town on the entire east coast. Small, unhurried and genuinely beautiful. Stop for a coffee, walk along the coast and soak it all in at the beautiful main beach.

Oh, and don't forget to stop at the Big Prawn in Ballina!

Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk

Byron Bay strikes a balance between understated luxury and coastal ease. Slow mornings, long lunches and time spent by the water. If you lean into the rhythm of the place, it’s very easy to stay longer than planned.

Leg 5: Byron Bay → Gold Coast

Beyond the theme parks and Surfers Paradise strip lies a lively city with world-class beaches, incredible food and a local scene that's worth digging into.

Start your Gold Coast morning at the Burleigh Heads Farmers Markets. Fresh local produce, artisan food stalls, incredible coffee and a crowd of locals.

The Gold Coast's café culture has quietly become one of the best in the country. From Burleigh to Broadbeach, you could spend an entire day café hopping and barely scratch the surface. Whether it's a specialty espresso, a smoothie bowl or a full brunch spread… this city delivers.

For dinner, don’t skip Franc Jr's Pizza, the Gold Coast local's secret and now it's yours. Grab a box, find a spot on the beach and watch the sun go down.

We have a feeling this won't be your last trip up the coast.

Happy road tripping, Kate x