Melbourne to Byron, a road trip.
A worth mentioning guide to my favourite stops along this quintessential Aussie, city‑to‑coast road trip.
This list of stops takes you on a one-way route that veers inland through the Blue Mountains, consciously avoiding the Sydney traffic, then pops you out on the coast just above New Castle. Allow 4‑5 days to enjoy all that there is along your drive to Byron Bay.
As much as I love the town of Byron Bay, this guide highlights the places on the journey to Byron, and the surrounding areas. I often find that the smaller, lesser known places are where the gems are.
Fancy a Google Maps list of all the spots (and a couple more) mentioned in this guide? Click here.
Outdoor dining and garden of The Sir George gastro pub
First pit stop…The Sir George.
After about 5 hours driving, you’ll be ready for a pint and a feed at this whimsical historic pub, located in the country town of Murrumbidgee.
Trader and Co Coffee spot in Yass
Coffee refuel in Yass.
The next day, hit the road early and head to the small town of Yass. Pick up a coffee (and breakfast) from @traderandco, then take a wander around Ross’s Relics…you never know what you might find.
Homewares & Lifestyle store, Jumbled in Orange
Stay & shop in Orange.
Orange is a great halfway, overnight stop for your East Coast road trip. Wander the streets, and chances are you’ll end up at @jumbledonline store, getting lost browsing all the homewares, art and fashion. We then enjoyed dinner at @unionbankorange.
The barn at Heifer Station winery.
Visit a winery (or three).
We stopped at @heiferstationwines to enjoy wine tasting and a cheese platter in this v-cosy, rustic barn. If you have the time, I’d highly recommend a winery hop. @philipshawwines & @swingingbridgewines are also apparently both stand outs.
Grand Canyon Trail in the Blue Mountains. Image by Frugal Frolicker
Walk up a sweat on the Grand Canyon trail.
Honestly, this place is like stepping onto the set of Jurassic park. A must do when passing through the Blue Mountains. After a hike head to one of the nearby mountain towns for some lunch.
Alfresco dining at Thirty Three Degrees in Foster
Stop for oysters in Foster.
Deviate off the high way for lunch at @_thirtythreedegrees seafood restaurant with a sun soaked deck.
Recharge in Bellingen.
We stayed a night in Bellingen after a visit to Waterfall Way. The @bellingenbrewingco is a great spot for a pint and pizza.
Photo by @newrybarmerchants
Stroll the street of Newrybar.
Coffee, lunch at @harvestnewrybar and a bit of shopping. This tiny town is the perfect place to spend an arvo.
Interior fit out at pizza restaurant Ciao Mate in Bangalow
Ciao, Bangalow
Bangalow would have to be one of my favourite spots in the Byron Hinterland region.
We were lucky enough to dine at @ciaomate on their opening night. The pizza was bellissimo, along with the interior fit out.
Breakfast at Woods
Best banana bread EVER. Come early and soak up the sun with your coffee in the courtyard.
Lunch at Doma Cafe in Federal
Lunch in Federal
Another cute little town outside of Byron, Doma cafe offers a menu that I can only describe as brunch style aussie‑japanese fushion. A perfect spot to visit after a waterfall walk.
Beer Paddle at Stone & Wood Byron Bay Brewery
Share a paddle at Stone & Wood Brewery.
This huge open air brewery, is tucked away in Byron’s Industrial estate. Pop in and enjoy the vibes, bites and of course, some brews.
Rowie the Label’s Byron Bay store
Fashion faves
There are an array of Byron born, iconic fashion labels. My favourites to browse are @rowiethabel for a beaut collection of effortless apparel and accessories. @zuluandzephyr are known for thier casual cool styles. And @templeofthesunjewellery has a range of stunning handcrafted jewellry.
The ultimate relaxation station at Comma Spaces.
After all that driving, eating, drinking and shopping you’ll be ready for a tranquil trip to Comma for a massage or soak. (You can also checkout their Melbourne location).
Fancy a Google Maps list of all the spots (and a couple more) mentioned in this guide?
