Every unmissable stop along a Sydney to Yamba road trip

Driving from Sydney to Yamba involves hugging the NSW coast but if you stick solely to the Pacific Highway you’ll miss some beautiful beachside secrets.

Yamba is around eight hours north of Sydney, so while you can technically drive there in one day, you’ll be arriving bone-tired and unable to immerse yourself in spectacular sleepy beach towns along the way. A much better Sydney to Yamba itinerary is to meander on and off the Pacific Highway, checking in to crystal-clear beaches and an all-year-round holiday lifestyle without detouring too far.

Here are our favourite sights and towns to visit on a Sydney to Yamba road trip.

Avoca Beach

Sydney to Avoca Beach: 1.5 hours

Around one-and-a-half hours north of Sydney will land you on the Central Coast, and while you might find the busy township of Terrigal a bit too populated for your liking (although it’s filled with great cafes and boutiques), your first dip in the ocean should be at Avoca Beach, one of the best beaches on the Central Coast.

Its yellow sand and sapphire blue ocean waves are always a welcome reprieve from a stuffy car, plus the area has some delicious brekkie options – try Becker & Co for their great coffee, or Avoca Sands Cafe for fresh, light meals. Keen to make a day out of your Sydney to Yamba stopover? Lock down a table overlooking the surf at Avoca Beach House , one of the best bars on the Central Coast, famed for its seafood-drenched menu.

Hawks Nest

Avoca Beach to Hawks Nest: 2 hours

sailing on Nelson Bay — The calm waters of Nelson Bay make it perfect for boating.

If you’re taking it easy, you’ll likely get to Hawks Nest around lunchtime. It’s two hours north of Avoca and around fifteen minutes towards the coastline when you venture off the Pacific Highway. The white sand made famous by Nelson Bay is also found here, so don’t bother taking your swimmers off after your Avoca dip.

Lunch during your Sydney to Yamba pit stop should absolutely be at the Tea Gardens Hotel . It has a large, breezy, pet-friendly beer garden with plenty of shade and, on weekends, stages live music. The pub grub is delicious, and the beers are cold. If you’re staying in Hawks Nest proper, a more convenient pub option is Benchmark on Booner with its own outdoor tables, live music and kids’ play area.

The pizzas are especially rocking here, and it’s right across the road from Reflections Hawks Nest , which continues its extensive refurbishment efforts since kicking them off in December 2023. Meanwhile, the Tea Gardens Boatshed is the ultimate spot for a seafood platter right on the shores of the Myall River.

Old Bar

Hawks Nest to Old Bar: 1.2 hours

the Buyi Espresso Bar at sunset — Head to Buyi Espresso Bar for a sundowner.

Spend the afternoon at Old Bar, one of those quintessential New South Wales beaches that feels totally unchanged from the 1970s. If you’re peckish and can handle it, grab a burger from Blowfish Street Food – they have quite the reputation for their giant servings. Otherwise, Buyi Espresso Bar will keep you pepped for your last leg of the day, and Wallabi Point Coastal Cafe is super kid-friendly and feels like a nostalgic throwback to your youth.

Port Macquarie

Old Bar to Port Macquarie: 1 hour

Couple enjoying a visit to the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Port — Get your nature fix at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. (Image: Destination NSW)

With a plethora of hotels, motels and other accommodation options, Port Macquarie is our pick for your halfway point. Finding one-night accommodation during the high season between Sydney and Yamba can be difficult, so it’s best to stay somewhere busy. Plus, this stunning corner of the world has a laid-back cafe culture for your morning pick-me-up (Bandwagon Cafe is a popular pick, nailing excellent morning elixir), some beautiful beaches (try Lighthouse or Flynns Beach) for an early dip and a lovely walking track in Sea Acres National Park.

For lunch, you’re spoilt for choice, but our ultimate recommendation is Whalebone Wharf where high-quality seafood soars and cocktails might even run into sunset.

the Whalebone Wharf on Hastings River, Port Macquarie — Whalebone Wharf is perched high upon a platform on Hastings River. (Image: Destination NSW)

While you’re dining at this end of town, located closer to the Pacific Highway than Port’s town centre, drop into Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries where you can pluck your own fruit and select outstanding housemade relishes and pasta sauces to take home with you.

Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges is a great pick to rest your head after some well-deserved indulgence, while Flynn’s Beach Resort is a winner if you’ve got the kids in tow.

Nambucca Heads

Port Macquarie to Nambucca Heads: 1.2 hours

An hour and a half north of Port Macquarie you’ll come across Nambucca Heads and its sister town, Valla Beach. Both are beautiful, peaceful NSW beach towns worth meandering through, with great cafes like the Nambucca Boatshed and Cafe , a long-adored establishment on the river.

There’s also Matilda’s , a hot spot that slings superb pizzas and weekend barbecues from midday. Get there early because it lights up with local coasties quickly.

the restaurant exterior of Matilda’s — This charming pink cottage serves delicious pizzas.

If it’s a classic pub feed you’re hankering for, you’ve got two killer options. Golden Sands Tavern is chilled and often filled with live entertainment, while V Wall Pavilion throws up soothing water views and equally tasty plates.

Valla is our pick for a swim at this point of your Sydney to Yamba expedition. Slightly north of Nambucca, the town is RV-friendly if you’ve brought the caravan, and the lagoon area near Valla Beach Holiday Park is serene and great for kids with its low depth and calm waters.

Coffs Harbour

Nambucca Heads to Coffs Harbour: 35 minutes

It is practically mandatory to make a stop at Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana, one of Australia’s most iconic Big Things, which you can’t miss along the Pacific Highway. This road trip classic isn’t just a photo op, though – stop into the cafe for a banana split (or a frozen banana to-go) and enjoy everything the Fun Park has to offer, from waterslides to dodgem cars and laser tag.

When tummies rumble, it’s time to check out the best restaurants in Coffs Harbour and the surrounding locales including Stef Beachstone for atmospheric Italian feasting and the Jetty Beach House for one of the most spectacular waterfront dining positions in the region.

You could easily spend the entire day here, but if you want to explore Coffs Harbour a little further, The Clog Barn is a quirky stop with its tributes to Holland, and nature buffs will love the Forest Sky Pier which offers jaw-dropping views over the Coffs Harbour coastline and rainforest walking tracks. For more ideas, take a look at our guide for things to do in Coffs Harbour.

Maclean

Coffs Harbour to Maclean: 1.2 hours

beers at Sanctus Brewing Co., Clarence Valley — Sip refreshing beers at Sanctus Brewing Co. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re almost there! Before turning off to Yamba, explore the beautiful country town of Maclean, rooted in Caledonian heritage that stems back to the 1840s. Grab a coffee at Botero Cafe & Roastery , or check out the nearby Sanctus Brewing Co if beer is more your thing in the afternoon.

There are plenty of boutiques to satiate shopping fans, and five kilometres out in Harwood you’ll find Cardiff Alpacas , where you can entertain the kids with a unique farm experience (and maybe pat a baby alpaca, if you’re lucky).

Sightseeing amid nature’s splendour is also plenty satisfying at this final section of your Sydney to Yamba road trip. Choose from Pinnacle Rock, a striking stacked-rock formation with significant Indigenous history, the Maclean Tartan Power Poles, vividly hued and poking out of lush lawn for a colourful holiday happy snap, or the Maclean Lookout, located just two kilometres out of the town centre and offering magical views of the coastline.

Yamba

Maclean to Yamba: 20 minutes

fishermen by the Clarence River, Iluka — Stop by the small fishing village of Iluka. (Image: My Clarence Valley)

Congratulations, you’ve made it! On your way into town, enjoy the beautiful crossing over Oyster Channel, where the road feels like it’s skimming the water.

Yamba Road runs all the way into the thick of things and along the way, you’ll pass Yamba Fair (where Coles and Kmart are found) and the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-Operative ’s Yamba retail outlet, where freshly caught delicacies will prove far too tempting.

lunch at The Pacific Hotel Yamba — Enjoy pub meals overlooking the beach at The Pacific Hotel Yamba. (Image: Amy Addison, Sea and Stone Studio)

We wouldn’t blame you for zipping right on past it all though as you sniff out an obligatory excellent night’s sleep at the best Yamba accommodation options for any style of traveller. From luxe beachfront digs, like The Surf Yamba , to the warm and welcoming Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort , there’s a soft, fluffy stay with your name written all over it.

In desperate need of a meal beyond whatever’s going at the servo? Head straight to the Pacific Hotel Yamba where pub sessions by the beach are the order of every day. Better still, the Pacific is stocked with clean and contemporary rooms so dropping and flopping is also a very convenient option.

Originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.