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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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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

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

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.

Avoca Beach

Hawks Nest

Old Bar

Port Macquarie

Nambucca Heads

Coffs Harbour

Maclean

Yamba

The dreamiest cafes in Yamba for slow mornings

A guide to every picturesque Yamba camping hot spot

Every memory-making stop on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip

15 Yamba Airbnbs for a blissful beach escape

This stretch of Sydney beaches topped the annual Best Australian Beaches list

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.