The stretch of land between the Gold Coast to Byron Bay is nothing short of geographically blessed! We’ve compiled a list of great stops along the drive to ensure you enjoy the beauty and wonder of that area during your Gold Coast to Byron Bay road trip!
Gold Coast to Byron Bay drive
How long does the drive take from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay? It’s about an hour… or an hour and a 1/4 … or an hour and a 1/2, depending on where you start on the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast to Byron Bay | 20 Cool stops you won’t want the kids to miss!
This scenic drive is full of awe-inspiring natural wonders such as mountains and rainforest, as well as some exceptional cafes and pubs to stop for a refuel. Pack up the car, the kids, the dog and enjoy this road trip with a difference!
1. Mt Tamborine
A gorgeous Gold Coast hinterland pit stop, abundant with crisp mountain air, wineries, cafes and stunning views.
2. Cedar Creek Falls
This local favourite offers a place to cool off in the Summer months or a gorgeous picnic location all year round – a great place to stop to enjoy some natural beauty. The quaint and winding drive is full of beautiful spots like you can see above – lots of lovely photo ops!
3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Need to keep the kids happy with some excitement along the way? Drop into Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to check out some native animals and have a bunch of fun!
4. Nicoll Scrub National Park
745 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley.
Kids eager to stretch their legs? Let them loose and enjoy some fresh air at beautiful Nicoll Scrub National Park.
5. Currumbin Rock Pools
Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley.
Stunning natural rock pools that the kids will love exploring – perfect for spotting fish or yabbies!
6. Freeman’s Organic Fruit Farm
618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley.
Family a bit peckish? Stop by Freeman’s Organic Fruit Farm for some fresh produce or make a quick stop to their traditional roadside Fruit Stall!
7. Elliot Gruner Lookout
Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley.
Sweeping views never get old! Check out Elliot Gruner Lookout for some idyllic valley views.
8. Tomewin Mountain
Tomewin Mountain, Gold Coast Hinterlands.
Picturesque Tomewin Mountain is a beautiful and relaxing pit stop location.
9. Tropical Fruit World
29 Duranbah Road, Duranbah.
Perhaps a “World” you haven’t heard of before but Tropical Fruit World promises to break up the driving boredom! Great fun for the whole family.
10. Red Rattlers Gallery Cafe
385 Tomewin Road, Dungay.
Have you got a train lover in the family? Refuel with a coffee at the top rated Red Rattlers Gallery Cafe – a cafe set in beautiful old train carriages!
11. Murwillumbah
Murwillumbah, NSW.
The small sleepy town of Murwillumbah is worth a stop – stretch your legs and enjoy the slow pace and friendly locals. Pop in to check out their local library for some awesome kid-friendly fun!
12. Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads, NSW
Pause for fish and chips or a look at the gorgeous beaches at surfers’ favourite Tweed Head. If you’re looking for a family meal, one of our absolute FAVOURITE places, the Tabatinga Seagulls Club, has a play space you have to see to believe!
Here are our favourite places to stop for fish and chips en route from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay!
13. Chinderah Tavern
156 Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah
Need to have a longer pit stop to kick back and relax with a lemonade and a hearty lunch? Check out the popular Chinderah Tavern for a rest and a great meal.
14. The Rainforest Information Centre
13 Mckenzie St, Lismore
Complete with an interactive simulator of views from the top of Mt Warning, the Rainforest Information Centre is a fun and educational rest stop.
15. Kingscliff Beach
Kingscliff Beach, Tweed Coast
Hop out at Kingscliff Beach to enjoy the sea air and picturesque beaches. Check out their gorgeous picnic spot and this is another great spot for a family stop off at a well resourced, kid-friendly local library.
If you’re wanting to take an overnight (and we’d recommend it!) check out the Kingscliff North Holiday Park. We reviewed it here!
There are also plenty of awesome places to eat and play. Roll them into one at the famous Kingy Hotel or any of a number of fantastic eateries up and down the main street!
16. Mt Warning
Mt Warning, NSW
Rainforest and crisp mountain air more your cup of tea? Head to Mt Warning to explore! Check out their walking track here.
17. Yamba
Yamba, NSW
The little town of Yamba offers a great place to stretch your legs and have a snack at one of the local cafes or pubs. We’ve reviewed the Yamba Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort here – check out those kiddy pools!
18.Stokers Siding
Stokers Siding, NSW
Stokers Siding is a small pretty town located in the Tweed Shire. Swing by to say hi to the friendly locals and check out the historical buildings or mountain views. It’s pretty close to some of our favourite friendly farm stays for families as well!
19. Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve
Brunswick Heads, NSW
Picturesque and a perfect pit spot towards the end of your Gold Coast to Byron Bay journey! Soak up the natural beauty of Brunswick Heads. Travel on the Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail while you’re nearby!
20. The Farm
11 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay
Stretched over 80 acres right at the entrance of Byron Bay, The Farm offers a fantastic culinary experience for this wanting to stop for a special lunch.
Gold Coast to Byron Bay – a little slice of heaven!
It’s clear from these gorgeous pit stops that it’s about the journey, not the destination! Do you have a favourite stop from Gold Coast to Byron Bay? Check out our favourite things to do in Byron Bay with kids once you get there.
Check out these great children’s books for travelling Australia!
