Explore Northern New South Wales: Your Road Trip Guide from Sydney

Considering the location of Sydney, the capital of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), the state may be divided into northern, southern, and western regions, particularly for purposes of travel. In area, NSW is twice as large as California, with which it shares the Pacific Ocean, so travelers seeking adventure in the countryside often wonder where to go.

Here’s a guide to northern NSW cities and towns, mostly along the Pacific coast, which are destinations in themselves or convenient stopover locations on longer road trips.

Daytrips North

For visitors with limited time to explore outside of Sydney, three prime day trip destinations north of the city include the Central Coast, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley. The Central Coast is the closest of the three. Travelers can take the Newcastle Expressway or, for a more scenic route, the Pacific Highway to enjoy towns along the way.

The Entrance

The Entrance is located northeast of Gosford on the NSW Central Coast, offering a variety of beachside communities and water activities. It is named for its passage into Tuggerah Lake, a popular fishing area, and is often called the “Pelican Capital of Australia” due to its large pelican population.

Newcastle

Located just about two hours from Sydney’s northern outskirts, Newcastle was recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2011, praised for its surf beaches, subtropical climate, and vibrant dining and arts scene. Furthermore, Newcastle serves as a gateway to the wineries of Hunter Valley to the west and the aquatic adventures of Port Stephens to the northeast. The city shares its name with Newcastle in England.

Port Stephens

The principal town in Port Stephens is Nelson Bay, often used interchangeably when discussing this coastal destination. Named by Captain James Cook in 1770, Port Stephens is a larger natural harbor than Sydney Harbour. Visitors can enjoy whale and dolphin watching cruises.

Hunter Valley

West of Newcastle, the Hunter Valley is Australia’s premier wine region, featuring numerous wineries and vineyards around Cessnock and Pokolbin. A visitor can explore the area with a map from the visitor center or join a guided wine tour. Travelers from Newcastle can head west to Hunter Valley, while those coming from Sydney may want to take a diversion before reaching Newcastle.

Port Macquarie

Situated about four and a half hours from Sydney, Port Macquarie is a favored holiday destination for travelers journeying between Sydney and Brisbane. Located at the Hastings River’s mouth, it boasts extensive beaches and waterways. The city is named in honor of Lachlan Macquarie, the Governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821.

Byron Bay

Located 800 kilometers from Sydney and 100 kilometers from the Queensland border, Byron Bay features stunning beaches and a warm, tropical climate. Notably, it has communities that embrace alternative lifestyles. East of the town, Cape Byron is the easternmost point of Australia, where the sun first rises on the continent. Driving to Byron Bay is easily accessible from the Pacific Highway, with clear signs guiding the way.