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Family Coastal Road Trip from Brisbane to Newcastle via Northern NSW

Viewed by 545 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Brisbane

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
Find Hotels in Yamba

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
Find Hotels in Yamba

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
Find Hotels in Nambucca Heads

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
Find Hotels in Nambucca Heads

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
Find Hotels in South West Rocks

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
Find Hotels in South West Rocks

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
Find Hotels in Port Macquarie

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
Find Hotels in Port Macquarie

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
Find Hotels in Newcastle
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