8 days in North Coast of New South Wales Itinerary

Named after Lord Byron's grandfather, Byron Bay is not only famous as the easternmost point of Australia, but even more so as one of the liveliest vacation spots in the country.

Byron Bay is known for adventure, historic sites, and wildlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: enjoy the sea views from Cape Byron Lighthouse, admire the natural beauty at Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, trek along Cape Byron Walking Track, and indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To see reviews, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read Byron Bay trip planner.

Brisbane to Byron Bay is an approximately 2-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. Traveling from Brisbane in November, expect a bit cooler with lows of 18°C in Byron Bay. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Fri) to allow time to fly to Newcastle.

While Newcastle is known for its coal exports, it's also made a name for itself with a cultural boom.

On the 19th (Sat), make a trip to Gan Gan Lookout and then get close to the beloved marine mammals with Dolphin Swim Australia. On the 20th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: let the kids burn off some steam at Blackbutt Reserve, kick back and relax at Nobbys Beach, then take in the pleasant sights at Newcastle Memorial Walk, and finally take some stellar pictures from Strzelecki Scenic Lookout.

For photos, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Newcastle tour itinerary planning website.

You can fly from Byron Bay to Newcastle in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 30°C in November, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Forster.

Forster is a coastal town in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, in the Mid-Coast Council LGA, about 308km north-north-east of Sydney. Kick off your visit on the 21st (Mon): enjoy the sand and surf at One Mile Beach, sample the tasty concoctions at The Coastal Brewing Co, then relax and rejuvenate at Forster Yoga Studio, and finally take a tour by water with Amaroo Cruises.

For traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read our Forster online trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Newcastle to Forster in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Forster can reach 30°C, while at night they dip to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Port Macquarie.

Known for its numerous beaches and resident koala population, Port Macquarie offers visitors a welcoming environment in which to unwind.

On the 22nd (Tue), examine the collection at Roto House, then look for all kinds of wild species at Koala Hospital, then hike along Coastal walk, and finally make a trip to Breakwall Waking Path. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the awesome beauty at North Brother Mountain, then experience rural life at Ricardoes Tomatoes and U-Pick Strawberry Farm, and then see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To see maps, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Port Macquarie day trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Forster to Port Macquarie takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. When traveling from Forster in November, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Port Macquarie: temperatures range from 23°C by day to 20°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) early enough to fly back home.