The stretch from Yamba to Coffs Harbour is short (just under 1.5 hours), but photo-perfect stop-offs demand a full day of exploration.

Most people drive from Yamba to Coffs Harbour in one stretch because it’s such a short route. But if you fly, pedal to the metal, along the Pacific Highway, it’s far too easy to miss the quaint country towns and beach detours begging to be savoured. Find the time to weave in and out of the northern rivers countryside and back to the NSW North Coast to enjoy every inch of the region’s staggering beauty. Our favourite spots to gawk at on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip are mapped out just below.

Maclean

Yamba to Maclean: 23 minutes

The newly restored pub is housed within a heritage-style estate.

Your first stop outside of Yamba should be in the country town of Maclean. Well, Maclean and Townsend, since they’re right next to each other, but mostly Maclean for its literal crowning glory. Labelled 2024’s best Australian tiny town by Airbnb, the Clarence Valley superstar is also known as the “Scottish town of Australia" so there are plenty of reasons to drop in.

Not that you’ll need further convincing once you immerse yourself in Maclean’s charms. First up: the coffee. On the Bite along River Street is a local’s secret, pouring liquid gold alongside excellent cafe classics from Monday to Friday. There’s also the other local hot spot, Botero Roastery Cafe, which crafts its own beans and stocks them throughout Yamba’s best cafes.

Sanctus Brewery in Townsend is an excellent lunch stop. (Image: Destination NSW)

Let your belly lead you to lunch as the Argyle Hotel, which opened late 2024, provides a beautiful pub meal in an equally striking restored estate dating back to 1894. The reworked 245 Bar & Pizzeria, a popular eatery that reopened with an all-new menu in November 2024, is another delectable option. Keep the indulgence kicking over at Sanctus Brewery Co in Townsend as house ales and experimental picks put smiles on dials.

Organised holidaymakers take note. If you can swing a trip to Maclean around Easter, you’ll catch the annual Maclean Highland Gathering, a celebration of the town’s Scottish heritage that encourages kilt-wearing, games and all the bagpipe-decorated festivities.

Ulmarra

Maclean to Ulmarra: 24 minutes

Or make a pitstop for a quick lunch at the Ulmarra Hotel. (Image: Supplied)

Hop back on your Yamba to Coffs Harbour adventure and scoot past Tyndale before following the signs to Grafton and taking a detour for Ulmarra. The picturesque river port village is steeped in history, plus it’s a dreamy spot for a (non or low alcohol) cold one.

The Ulmarra Hotel is your best pub pit-stop, hydrating locals since the late 1800s. While the facade looks like any other historic pub, the back garden hides a riverside oasis that welcomes dogs. Ulmarra Food Co. is another great spot for a feed, plus it doubles as a produce market so you can take its goodies home with you.

Nibble on a butter croissant with your espresso at Ulmarra Food Co.

Don’t miss an awesome selfie opportunity in front of At the Wood Shop, a custom furniture shop with one helluva cinematic facade to resemble something out of a 1960s Spaghetti Western. There are also Ulmarra Books and Collectables to help you find your next second-hand beach read.

Minnie Water

Ulmarra to Minnie Water: 37 minutes

It doesn’t get any more retro than Minnie Water on your Yamba to Coffs Harbour day escape. You’ll need to steer away from the main route (but don’t miss the cute antique store in Tucabia as you’re leaving Ulmarra) for about thirty minutes, but this place is worth it.

One of the oldest fishing towns in the state, Minnie Water offers a lengthy beach and calm surroundings. In summer, there’s a surf lifesaving crew keeping watch over swimmers in the north, but if you prefer your swims a little more relaxed, jump straight into Minnie Lagoon, just down from the Tree Of Knowledge lookout on the headland.

Minnie Water is a sleepy corner of the world but you can stock up on quality day trip supplies at the Minnie Water General Store on Sandon Road. If you happen to be passing by on a night when they’re flinging pizzas (it happens sporadically), don’t miss out – locals can’t get enough of them.

Corindi Beach

Minnie Water to Corindi Beach: 50 minutes

Corindi Beach is a hidden gem and an ideal snorkelling spot. (Image: Destination NSW)

Snorkellers will love dropping into Corindi Beach on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip, which sits at the very north of Coffs. It has a huge reserve filled with walking trails and picnic areas, so settle in and enjoy a late afternoon filled with nature’s prettiest handiwork.

If you’re done with swimming and surfing for the day, head to the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Culture Centre, a gallery and museum celebrating the Gumbaynggirr people, and there’s a cafe specialising in bush tucker to explore.

Woolgoolga

Corindi Beach to Woolgoolga: 11 minutes

Refuel with a hearty meal at Seaview Tavern.

Woolgoolga, better known as Woopi to locals, crosses into Coffs Coast country (you’re that close to your final destination now) and boasts one of the most lovable village lifestyles around. Once a sleepy hamlet for fishermen, it’s crawling with crafty creatives while still clinging to its laidback roots.

From swims at the beach (some of the best whale watching up this end of the coast is found here) to the pet-friendly Woolgoolga Brewing Co., one of the best spots to find a beer in the region, top-quality time-killers are endless. While we’re talking home-crafted magic to get giggly over, add Critters Distillery and Mogul Beer to your to-do list (again, drink responsibly). Tasty treats of the food variety are best found at the Seaview Tavern on River Street as well as Blue Cow Gelato, which nails traditional Italian sweetness.

Make a beeline for Blue Cow Gelato.

If you’re going to visit Woolgoolga on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip in September, align it to Curryfest – a celebration of local Punjabi heritage, featuring over 100 stalls serving up curries (what else?) alongside other multicultural dishes, entertainment and traditional dance performances.

Emerald Beach

Woolgoolga to Emerald Beach: 8 minutes

Kangaroos grazing on Emerald Beach at sunrise. (Image: Destination NSW)

A stone’s throw from Woopi (see? You’re a local already) is where you’ll find Emerald Beach, a great area for fishing, surfing and swimming as it’s one of the best beaches in Coffs Harbour. It’s also made for kids thanks to easy surf conditions and a playground to help tire out little legs.

North of Fiddamans Creek is a dog-friendly beach area (if your pup stays on a lead), and plenty of eateries to help you score your next bite. Try EB General (the fabulously rebranded local general store) for great coffee and Rattle Restaurant and Bar, home to oceanfront Mediterranean-inspired dining.

Feast on excellent Mediterranean fare at Rattle Restaurant and Bar.

Coffs Harbour

Emerald Beach to Coffs Harbour: 17 minutes

Yaamanga Around Here installation lets you explore the identity and history of the Coffs Coast. (Image: Supplied)

If you’ve made it to the holiday hot spot with ample time to spare, get stuck into the best bits of Coffs Harbour. From falling in love with native creatures at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary to scoring a surprisingly exceptional culture fix at the Yarrila Arts and Museum, your epic things to do in Coffs Harbour list harneses the good life.

And if you’re in need of a last-minute bed for the night, check out our guide to the best Coffs Harbour accommodation for every style of traveller. We wouldn’t be surprised if this quality bunch of options inspired you to linger even longer.

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