posted on 7 June 2024
With its stunning coastal views, beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rugged mountains, the Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip makes for an unforgettable journey. There’s plenty to explore on this drive, including restaurants serving fresh, local flavours, and some of Australia’s best seafood!
Ready to experience Coffs Harbour’s banana tree-lined streets? The Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip is a must for anyone in New South Wales.
In this complete guide, we’ll be covering:
- An overview of the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive
- Top tips for driving from Sydney to Coffs Harbour
- Top driving itineraries for the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive
- The top places to stop between Sydney and Coffs Harbour
- How to plan the perfect family road trip from Sydney to Coffs Harbour
- Frequently asked questions about the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive
Plan your drive: An overview of the Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip
- Route options:
- Express route (3 days): 7 hours and 2 minutes, 585 kilometres
- Scenic route (7 days): 8 hours and 14 minutes, 664 kilometres
- Sydney to Coffs Harbour distance and drive time: 5 hours 45 minutes, 525 kilometres (one way, direct)
- Top stops: Royal National Park, Lake Macquarie, Australian Reptile Park, Sydney Opera House, Palm Beach, Japanese Friendship Garden, Shelly Beach, Govetts Leap Lookout, the ocean baths at the Bogey Hole, Blue Mountains, and the Big Banana.
- Best time to drive from Sydney to Coffs Harbour: Summer is peak tourist season, so you can expect roads and attractions to be busier between December and February. We recommend the months of September to November, with spring offering pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds.
What to know before you go: Top tips for the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive
From the sandy shoreline of New South Wales’ top beach spots to rugged mountain forests that promise hiking trails and panoramic views, the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive has something to offer all travel enthusiasts. While the roads are smooth and well-maintained, consider these top tips to maximise your trip.
- Depart early: Avoid driving at peak hours when the roads are likely to be congested. Our tip? Leave before 7 am to ensure you’re not rushed and have time for detours and stops along the way while also beating the traffic!
- What to bring: With many walking trails and sights to see, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for exploring outdoors. Pack sunscreen and a hat to enjoy the countless coastal beaches safely, along with water and snacks. Consider optional add-ons from your Turo hosts, like GPS navigation, beach umbrellas, or camping gear.
- Mobile reception: You can generally expect reliable mobile reception on the drive from Sydney to Coffs Harbour; however, there may be some areas with poor reception when taking scenic detours or exploring national parks.
- Best vehicle to drive: With sealed roads, a small compact vehicle or car will easily get you from Sydney to Coffs Harbour. Whether you want the comfort of a larger SUV or want to trial a sleek EV, on Turo you can easily find the perfect ride to tackle this road trip.
Choose your Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip itinerary
With unbeatable coastal views, charming local towns, and some of Australia’s best fish and chips, the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive is special no matter your itinerary.
Option 1: Express route (3-day road trip itinerary)
- Driving time: 7 hours and 2 minutes
- Driving distance: 576 kilometres
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Sydney to Myall Lakes via Gosford (3 hours 25 minutes, 280 kilometres)
- Day 2: Myall Lakes to Port Macquarie via Forster (1 hour 59 minutes, 152 kilometres)
- Day 3: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour (1 hour 41 minutes, 153 kilometres)
- Best for: Those seeking a weekend getaway that takes in coastal views and the secluded beaches of New South Wales’ stunning coastline.
On your journey to Myall Lakes, turn off the M1 at Gosford, where you can walk to the scenic Norah Head Lighthouse. First built in 1903, it offers panoramic views of the coastline. Then, continue to Lake Macquarie before arriving at Myall Lakes National Park, where you’ll enjoy birdwatching and see native animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Swim, kayak, or lounge on the shoreline as you take in the region’s natural beauty.
From Myall Lakes, you’ll head to Forster Main Beach, with its white sandy beaches and calm waters. Then, you’ll arrive at Port Macquarie, with its charming atmosphere and local restaurants serving up delicious seafood. Kids can enjoy an excursion to the Koala Hospital before you continue to Coffs Harbour.
Be sure to visit the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden with its Japanese Friendship Garden, while nature lovers can stroll the Look at Me Now Headland Walk for unbeatable views before coming back to a sensational fish and chips on the beach.
Top stop: Tucked between rainforest and ocean, Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort is one of Coffs Harbour’s best-kept secrets. Just minutes from the town centre, this beachfront escape offers apartment-style comfort with resort perks—think pools, spa, tennis courts, and private beach access. Whether you’re sipping coffee on your balcony with ocean views or winding down after a day on the road, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay an extra night.
Option 2: Scenic route (7-day road trip itinerary)
- Driving time: 8 hours and 14 minutes
- Driving distance: 655 kilometres
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Sydney to Umina Beach (1 hour 25 minutes, 84 kilometres)
- Day 2: Umina to Myall Lakes (2 hours 57 minutes, 213 kilometres)
- Day 3: Myall Lakes to Forster (40 minutes, 40.8 kilometres)
- Day 4: Forster to Port Macquarie (1 hour 25 minutes, 113 kilometres)
- Day 5: Port Macquarie to South West Rocks (58 minutes, 79.9 kilometres)
- Day 6: South West Rocks to Bellingen (1 hour and 3 minutes, 89.7 kilometres)
- Day 7: Bellingen to Coffs Harbour (32 minutes, 34.6 kilometres)
- Best for: Travel enthusiasts looking for a week-long road trip that takes in the natural beauty of the New South Wales coastline, from rugged mountains and national parks to beachside views and charming coastal towns.
From Sydney, drive to Umina Beach, where you can take detours to Brisbane Water National Park, or walk the Girrakool loop track. Enjoy the laidback charm of the beachside town before making your way to Myall Lakes, where you can explore the wetlands of Myall Lakes National Park or swim in its clear lakes.
Spot dolphins at Forster Main Beach, where you can hire kayaks or go stand-up paddle boarding, or take a slight detour to swim in Wallis Lake’s pristine waters. Then, enjoy the rolling hills and endless views at the picturesque coastal enclave of Port Macquarie, or make a slight detour to the picturesque Hat Head National Park for a hike.
For those who want a taste of history, head to South West Rocks, where you can take a tour of the Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park. The second Saturday of every month, the town holds its Beachside Markets, where you can taste local delicacies and peruse boutique stalls. Then, head to Bellingen, with its charming streets, great cafes, and friendly locals, before finishing your adventure at Coffs Harbour. Be sure to get a picture in front of the Big Banana and visit the banana-themed amusement park.
Top places to stop between Sydney and Coffs Harbour
Best beaches between Sydney and Coffs Harbour
Skip the swimming pool and cool off at these secluded beaches and sparkling swim spots along the East Coast.
- Manly: Known for its laidback atmosphere and excellent surfing conditions, Manly Beach is the perfect place to take to the water for surfing, snorkelling, and swimming.
- Shelly Beach: This hidden gem is quieter compared to your big beaches like Manly, making it the perfect place for families to set up for a picnic, relaxing swim, or some sunbathing.
- Terrigal Beach: With picnic areas, coastal walks, and sandy shores for relaxing, Terrigal Beach is a great destination for those making their way to Coffs Harbour.
- Caves Beach: Located between Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocean in Greater Newcastle, Caves Beach is an idyllic little spot for those looking to relax on the beach or take a stroll along the shoreline. Explore the beautiful caves which give this beach its name.
- Forster Main Beach: Home to ocean baths that you can relax in, Forster Main Beach delivers epic sunsets over the water and calm waters that are ideal for families.
- Town Beach: With great surfing conditions, picnic areas, and BBQ facilities, Port Macquarie’s Town Beach is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Try your luck at fishing, spend time whale watching from the shoreline, or frequent the local shops.
Top stop: For an unforgettable escape on your Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip, consider a stay at Salt at South West Rocks. Surrounded by serene bushland, breathtaking views of the Macleay River, and visiting wildlife, these boutique riverfront villas also feature magnesium-heated pools for ultimate relaxation. Tastefully styled in a chic, modernistic aesthetic, Salt is conveniently located close to the town centre, beautiful beaches, and the heritage-listed Trial Bay Gaol and Smokey Cape Lighthouse, making it the perfect destination to escape, unwind, and reconnect with nature.
Best national parks and hiking trails on the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive
Fancy a hike? Check out these national parks and hiking trails dotted along the drive from Sydney to Coffs Harbour.
- Newcastle Memorial Walk: With breathtaking coastal views, this walk is one that invites you to commemorate the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers, with signage throughout speaking of the history of the ANZACs. Elevated pathways offer panoramic views, while you can also keep an eye out for whales playing in the water.
- Glenrock State Conservation Area: With its coastal rainforest, eucalypt forests, and heathland, this spot is one nature lovers will adore. Enjoy a surf at Dudley Beach or Glenrock Beach, try out your hand with rock climbing thanks to the park’s sandstone cliffs, or enjoy mountain biking along the marked trails.
- Perpendicular Point, Laurieton: Home to a variety of bird species, Perpendicular Point is the perfect spot for birdwatching and exploring the nearby beaches of Dunbogan Beach and Camden Haven Beach. Walking trails offer views of the stunning coastline and surrounding landscapes, with plenty of photo opportunities.
- Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk: This picturesque coastal walk takes in sweeping views of the ocean and coastline. The best part? You can enjoy a refreshing dip in the water along the way.
- Myall Lakes National Park: With a spot on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, this national park boasts an abundance of wildlife and bird species, including white-bellied sea eagles, kangaroos, and koalas. You can swim, kayak, or hike along one of several walking trails.
Best foodie destinations between Sydney and Coffs Harbour
From waterfront dining to restaurants serving up the best local produce, we’ve rounded up the top dining destinations to add to your radar when driving from Sydney to Coffs Harbour.
- The Stunned Mullet: If you’re in Port Macquarie, be sure to visit this hatted restaurant. It serves an incredible array of dishes, including seafood, wagyu, and sirloin steaks.
- The Beach House: This pub offers views over the Hastings River and is ideal for those looking to relax and soak up the laid-back charm that defines Port Macquarie. With waterfront views of the surrounding landscape, you’re guaranteed to enjoy this dining experience.
- Great Lakes Paddocks: Offering delicious wine, farm-to-table dining experiences, and unforgettable views of the Great Lakes region and hinterland, this winery is worth visiting when making your way to Port Macquarie. Along with wine tastings and culinary delights, they also hold a range of events throughout the year which are worth checking out.
- Old John’s: This cafe is located on the Jetty Strip in Coffs Harbour and boasts a modern interior with wooden recycled doors. The food is incredible, with the chefs elevating all-time favourites you can expect on a breakfast and lunch menu before turning into a wine bar come sunset.
- Pansabella Provedores: This French-inspired cafe is always thriving, with locals knowing it never disappoints when it comes to good coffee, delicious treats, and hearty lunches.
- Latitude 30: It would be remiss to visit Coffs Harbour and not make the most of the local seafood. At this restaurant, seafood is celebrated with fresh, local flavours complementing every dish.
How to plan the perfect family road trip from Sydney to Coffs Harbour
Travelling with little ones during the school holidays? The road trip from Sydney to Coffs Harbour is perfect for the whole family. We’ve rounded up some top tips to help prepare you for the road, along with the best family-friendly places to stop along to visit along the NSW Coast.
- Pack snacks and water: While you won’t have too many hours on the road, keep the little ones fed and hydrated by stocking up on nutritious snacks like nuts, fruit, crackers, and sandwiches.
- Book accommodation in advance: This is especially important during the peak summer season, as leaving accommodation to the last minute often means fewer options and more expensive rates.
- Plan pit stops at parks or playgrounds: Need to take a break between destinations? There are plenty of parks and kids’ playgrounds to pull into on the way to help tire the kids out during your road trip.
Top kid-friendly places to stop
- Featherdale Wildlife Park: Before leaving Sydney, visit the Featherdale Wildlife Park where kids can be treated to incredible tours of wildlife enclosures and even get up close and personal with native animals including kangaroos and koalas.
- Koala Hospital: The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie is an incredible experience for kids, allowing them to get up close and personal with the animals while also learning more about their conservation efforts and seeing them nursed back to health.
- The Original Ice Creamery: Because who doesn’t love ice cream? Located in the heart of Kiama, this Ice Creamery first opened in 1982 and now stands as something of a historic site, continuing to offer up frozen delights and lollies. For those travelling with a furry companion, you can even treat your dogs to a Doglato!
- Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary: Don’t miss a trip to the marine wonderland that is the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Fun fact: this is the only zoological park in NSW boasting dolphins!
Sydney road trip guide: keep the drive going
Don’t want to hand back the keys to your hire car? Keep the drive going with one of these epic road trip itineraries from Sydney.
- Best road trips from Sydney
- The ultimate East Coast Australia road trip
- Sydney to Adelaide
- Sydney to Brisbane
- Sydney to Melbourne
- Sydney to Gold Coast
- Sydney to Batemans Bay
- Sydney to Jervis Bay
Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive: Frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive in reverse?
Absolutely! Simply reverse the itinerary outlined above and you’re good to go!
How many days does it take to drive from Sydney to Coffs Harbour?
The drive from Sydney to Coffs Harbour typically takes five hours and 30 minutes along the most direct route, so it’s possible to complete the road trip in one day. However, we recommend taking at least three days for this road trip so you can see all the sights along the way.
Can you get a flight from Sydney to Coffs Harbour?
Yes, you can fly from Sydney to Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS), with several airlines offering direct flights including QantasLink, Virgin Australia, and Tigerair Australia. The flight duration is typically around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Is it worth driving from Sydney to Coffs Harbour?
Yes, it certainly is worth driving from Sydney to Coffs Harbour. This adventure-filled journey will allow you to take in charming seaside towns, secluded beaches, and beautiful hiking trails through national parks along the way.
Final advice for the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive of a lifetime
Ultimately, the drive from Sydney to Coffs Harbour is about soaking up the natural beauty of New South Wales’ charming coastal towns, tasting their local flavours, and getting outdoors into nature.
Want to secure the perfect ride for your Sydney to Coffs Harbour road trip? With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Find your drive on Turo.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
