Family Coastal Road Trip from Brisbane to Newcastle via Northern NSW

Day 1: Brisbane to Yamba

Brisbane, QLD to Yamba, NSW on December 7, 2025

7:00am

Depart Brisbane

Start the day early to maximize time on the road and enjoy the coastal drive heading south to Yamba.
AUD0, 0h

9:00am

Breakfast at Blue Door Cafe, Yamba

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a highly rated local cafe with kid-friendly options, perfect to fuel your day ahead.
AUD15 per person approx., 1h

10:00am

Main Beach Yamba

Spend the morning at Yamba’s beautiful main beach, where kids can play in the sand and the family can explore rock pools.
AUD0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Mexican, Yamba

Family-friendly Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and tasty meals that kids will enjoy.
AUD20 per person approx., 1h

2:00pm

Yamba Lighthouse and Clarence River Walk

Easy walk with stunning views of the coast and river, educational and enjoyable for children.
AUD0, 1.5h

4:00pm

Check-in Budget Accommodation in Yamba

Settle into a comfortable, affordable motel or holiday park well suited to families.
AUD100-150 per night, 0h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pacific Hotel Yamba

Relaxed dining with ocean views featuring kid-friendly menu options and hearty meals for the whole family.
AUD25 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Yamba

Yamba, NSW on December 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Time & Tide Cafe

Coastal cafe offering fresh food and coffee with options for kids.
AUD15 per person approx., 1h

9:30am

Angourie Blue Pool

Natural rock pool great for swimming and a fun spot for kids to explore safely, open weekends and public holidays from 8am to 6pm.
AUD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Beach Bums Cafe

Casual beachfront eatery with a variety of burgers, wraps, and options kids love.
AUD20 per person approx., 1h

1:30pm

Day at Yamba Watersports Centre

Try out family-friendly activities such as paddleboarding or kayaking, lessons available, open 9am-5pm.
AUD25-40 per person depending on activity, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Accommodation

Wind down and enjoy amenities at your accommodation.
Included in accommodation cost, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at El Mero Mero

Mexican dining with fresh flavors and family-friendly atmosphere near the beach.
AUD25 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Yamba to Nambucca Heads

Yamba, NSW to Nambucca Heads, NSW on December 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-Out

Grab a quick breakfast in Yamba before heading out to Nambucca Heads. Try a local bakery for fresh pastries.
AUD10-15 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Nambucca Heads

Scenic coastal drive taking about 2 hours along the Pacific Highway with possible stops for photos and short breaks.
AUD0, 2h

11:30am

Arrive and check-in Budget accommodation in Nambucca Heads

Affordable family-friendly accommodation close to the beach and main attractions.
AUD100-150 per night, 0h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Breakwall Cafe

Casual dining overlooking the breakwall with fresh seafood and kid options.
AUD20 per person approx., 1h

1:30pm

Visit Nambucca Headland and Walk the Boardwalk

Easy walk suitable for kids along the coast to enjoy stunning panoramic views, birdwatching and beach time.
AUD0, 1.5h

3:30pm

Little Beach Visit

Spend some relaxed time at one of the local beaches perfect for kids to swim and play.
AUD0, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Captain's Table

Family-friendly dining with seafood specialties and options for children.
AUD25 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads, NSW on December 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Common Ground Café

Relaxed cafe serving healthy and delicious breakfasts, perfect to start the day with family.
AUD15 per person approx., 1h

9:30am

Rides at Nambucca Waterfalls and Warrell Creek

Visit nearby waterfalls and short nature trails ideal for kids to explore and enjoy nature.
AUD0, 2h

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Burrapine Reserve

A scenic park with picnic facilities where you can enjoy lunch outdoors.
AUD0, 1h

1:30pm

Visit V-Wall and Historical Walk

Wall murals and local history exhibitions along the river bank provide an engaging cultural experience.
AUD0, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Accommodation or Visit Local Playground

Rest or let the kids play before dinner at a nearby playground.
AUD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The V-Wall Cafe

Casual dining with a great range of meals and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
AUD20 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nambucca Heads to South West Rocks

Nambucca Heads, NSW to South West Rocks, NSW on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-Out

Start the day with breakfast at your accommodation or a local cafe before departure.
AUD15 per person approx., 1h

9:30am

Drive to South West Rocks

Approximately 2-hour coastal drive past beautiful landscapes, with options for short stops to stretch.
AUD0, 2h

11:30am

Arrive and check-in Budget family accommodation in South West Rocks

Choose an affordable motel or holiday park close to beaches and family attractions.
AUD100-160 per night, 0h

12:00pm

Lunch at Overboard Restaurant

Fresh local seafood and family-friendly menu in a casual setting a short walk from the beach.
AUD25 per person approx., 1h

1:30pm

Visit Trial Bay Gaol

Historic site with lots of space for kids to explore, fascinating stories about the past, open 9am-5pm.
AUD5 per adult, free for kids, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Main Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming, playing, and relaxing on the family-friendly main beach.
AUD0, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Hotel Macleay

Enjoy a casual dinner with pub-style meals in a friendly atmosphere, with kid-friendly options.
AUD20 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore South West Rocks

South West Rocks, NSW on December 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café on the Rocks

Friendly local cafe with fresh breakfast options perfect for families.
AUD15 per person approx., 1h

9:30am

Beach Activities and Snorkeling at Arakoon National Park

Explore clear waters and marine life with a supervised snorkeling adventure suitable for kids, open all day.
AUD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at RockFresh Seafood

Enjoy the freshest seafood in relaxed surroundings with options for the whole family.
AUD25 per person approx., 1h

2:00pm

Explore Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Take a guided tour of the lighthouse with panoramic views and great photo opportunities, open 9am-4pm.
AUD10 per adult, kids free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at Accommodation

Unwind after a busy day exploring and enjoy family time.
Included in accommodation cost, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Riverside Tavern

Comfortable dining with a variety of meals and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
AUD20 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: South West Rocks to Port Macquarie

South West Rocks, NSW to Port Macquarie, NSW on December 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-Out

Fuel up with a good breakfast in South West Rocks before hitting the road.
AUD15 per person approx., 1h

9:30am

Drive to Port Macquarie

Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes scenic drive hugging the coast with possibilities to stop at lookout points.
AUD0, 1h20m

11:00am

Check-in budget accommodation in Port Macquarie

Choose family-friendly and affordable lodging close to the beach and town center.
AUD120-160 per night, 0h

11:30am

Visit Koala Hospital

Educational visit where the kids can see rescued koalas and learn about wildlife conservation, open 10am-4pm.
Donation-based entry, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Stunned Mullet

Upscale casual dining with a kid-friendly menu close to town center, offers fresh local produce.
AUD25 per person approx., 1h

2:30pm

Tacking Point Lighthouse Walk

Easy walk to the lighthouse with spectacular ocean views and whale watching opportunities during season.
AUD0, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Town Beach

Great beach for families to swim and have fun before dinner.
AUD0, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Latitude 31

Casual dinner with diverse options including kids’ meals, located near the waterfront.
AUD20 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie, NSW on December 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bluebottles Cafe

Popular café offering great breakfast and coffee, suitable for the whole family.
AUD15 per person approx., 1h

9:30am

Visit Billabong Zoo Wildlife Park

Interactive wildlife park where children can see and sometimes feed native animals like kangaroos and wombats, open 9am-5pm.
AUD30 per adult, AUD20 per child, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zebu Bar and Grill

This family-friendly spot offers a variety of meals including vegetarian and kid favorites.
AUD25 per person approx., 1h

2:00pm

Glasshouse Regional Gallery

Art and cultural exhibitions that also include engaging children's programs and workshops.
AUD0, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at Accommodation

Return to accommodation to unwind and perhaps enjoy amenities like a pool or playground.
Included in accommodation cost, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Little Asian Daughter

Casual dining offering Asian fusion cuisine with options appealing to kids and adults alike.
AUD20 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Port Macquarie to Newcastle

Port Macquarie, NSW to Newcastle, NSW on December 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-Out

Enjoy a final breakfast in Port Macquarie to prepare for the next leg to Newcastle.
AUD15 per person approx., 1h

9:30am

Drive to Newcastle

Approximately 3.5-hour scenic coastal drive with possibilities for breaks along the way.
AUD0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Check-in Budget Accommodation in Newcastle

Choose family-friendly budget accommodation close to beaches and city attractions.
AUD120-180 per night, 0h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Edwards

Casual dining with wood-fired pizzas and a relaxed atmosphere good for families.
AUD20 per person approx., 1h

3:00pm

Visit Newcastle Ocean Baths

Iconic sea baths adjacent to the beach offer fun and safe swimming for kids, open 6am-7pm.
AUD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Happy Wombat

Family-friendly pub with a lively atmosphere and good meal options for kids and adults.
AUD20 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Explore Newcastle

Newcastle, NSW on December 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Flour and Stone

Highly regarded cafe with fresh baked goods and excellent coffee, offering kid-friendly food too.
AUD15 per person approx., 1h

9:30am

Blackbutt Reserve

Explore nature trails, picnic spots, and free-entry wildlife sanctuary perfect for kids to see native animals.
AUD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Merewether Surfhouse

Enjoy ocean views and a variety of casual meal options, including kid’s menu at this popular beachfront spot.
AUD25 per person approx., 1h

2:00pm

Visit Newcastle Museum

Engaging exhibits on Newcastle’s history and culture with interactive displays suitable for children, open 10am-5pm.
AUD0, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Nobbys Beach

Spend the late afternoon at the beach playing and watching sunset views.
AUD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Edwards

Finish your trip with wood-fired pizzas and relaxed dining in family-friendly surroundings.
AUD20 per person approx., 1.5h
View Hotel Availability