If the great Aussie road trip is top of your travel bucket list, you’re not alone. With magical swimming spots and charming towns dotting the coastline, the eastern edge of NSW is a go-to road trip route for overseas travellers looking for an immersive Aussie experience, as well as locals looking for a deeper understanding of their state. According to a travel trend report by Amex, 81 per cent of Australian travellers value supporting local businesses when travelling, and we all have our go-to stops up and down the coast. If you ask me, it’s the old-school bakeries that are worth stopping the car for, but if you’re keen for recommendations from a real-life adventurer, read on. Tyson Mayr, an ultra-adventurous photographer and filmmaker who’s worked with the likes of National Geographic, along with a heap of other platforms, has put together a guide to the best road trip stops along a 1,100-kilometre road trip from Sydney to Noosa.
These are the best road trip stops along the NSW coast, according to Tyson Mayr
Shark Dive – South West Rocks (Best Adventure)
The South West Rocks Dive Centre is a world-class dive operator, and the team has been exploring the South West Rocks area for more than 40 years. Their expertise and deep respect for the marine environment are evident in every part of the experience. Coming face-to-face with grey nurse sharks gives you a whole new appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures. Despite having dived in the Galápagos and snorkelled in Antarctica, this still ranks as one of my all-time favourite underwater experiences. As an added bonus, if you camp in the area, you’ll likely spot kangaroos on the beach at sunrise.
Bills Fishhouse, Port Macquarie (Best Dining Surprise)
I’ve often driven through Port Macquarie, but this time I made a detour to visit Hello Koalas, an incredible conservation-focused business that I’ve followed for years. While there, I asked a local for a food recommendation, and that’s how I ended up at Bills Fishhouse and Bar. The seafood was hands down the best I’ve had in Australia. Their barbecued jumbo QLD prawns with soybean and chilli butter were truly next level. Be sure to ask for their locally baked bread to mop up the delicious sauce on your plate. I’d honestly return to Port Macquarie just for this dish. A close runner-up would be Theo’s Social Club in Noosa. It delivered sublime small plates, standout cocktails and a relaxed yet premium vibe.
Yamba (Best Coastal Town Vibe)
Yamba has a true feeling of community and exudes the kind of charm that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. One of the highlights was The Surf Yamba, which offers incredible rooftop views that are perfect for either a quiet morning coffee or an evening of stargazing. Just around the corner is Sandbar, a casual restaurant full of energy and fresh, flavourful dishes. Each morning began at Muse Café, where the combination of locally made treats and warm chats with the staff set the right tone for the day. I also stumbled upon The Nook, a cosy second-hand bookstore filled with treasures – the perfect spot to stock up on beach reads.
Halcyon House, Cabarita (Best Luxury Stay)
Cabarita is easily one of my favourite spots on the East Coast, and Halcyon House captures its charm beautifully. This boutique stay combines laid-back luxury with barefoot beach energy. The highlights included whale spotting from the headland, dips in the heated pool, in-room record players and morning bike rides along the coast. The on-site restaurant Paper Daisy serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients that match the coastal vibe perfectly. One morning, we chose to skip the yoga class to enjoy a sauna followed by a sunrise coffee. It turned out to be the most rejuvenating morning of the entire trip. I’ll absolutely be returning for a longer staycation.
Piece of Mind Wholefoods, North Haven (Best Hidden Gem)
This stop began as a quick coffee break and turned into one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. I ended up staying for a nourishing, flavour-packed lunch made entirely from local produce and wholefoods – you could taste the care in every dish. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, with locals playing cards out front and friendly pet dogs wandering by for pats. I left with a boot full of locally made goodies, and yes, I happily tapped my Amex for snacks that I’m still enjoying.