Roadtrip Sydney to Barrington Tops – A Wilderness Journey

Swap the city buzz for coastal and country roads and discover charming towns and stunning landscapes on our Roadtrip Sydney to Barrington Tops. And the closer you get to Barrington Tops, rugged scenery unfolds – ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and peaks that touch the sky. Feel the freshness in the air, the towering trees, and the promise of adventure on every trail.

We’ve included some great Pit Stops and selected Hunter and  North Coast accommodation along the way too. So, gather your crew, load up the car, and hit the road!

Day 1: Sydney to Myall Lakes

• Distance: Approx 252 km
• Ferry time: Approx 2 hrs and 47 min
• Pitstop 1 – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: Explore Aboriginal rock engravings at West Head lookout, hike the scenic Resolute Loop track, or picnic by the picturesque waters of Bobbin Head.
• Pitstop 2 – Palm Beach: Walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for stunning views or along Palm Beach, famously known as the setting for the TV series “Home and Away.
• Pitstop 3 – Gosford: Indulge in fresh seafood at one of Gosfords waterfront scene or try Fahrenheit or Pinocchios Wine Bar and Restaurant. Kids will love the Australian Reptile Park for exciting wildlife encounters feeding kangaroos and watching venomous snake and crocodile shows.
• Pitstop 4 – Norah Head Lighthouse: Spectacular coastal views and rich maritime history of this iconic landmark.
• Welcome to Myall Lakes – land of Myall Lakes National Park. Explore the wetlands, eucalypt forests, lakes, rivers, beaches, and sand dunes. Fish, birdwatch, cruise the waterways, spot pelicans and sea eagles or kayak or canoe mangrove forests to secluded beaches, or 4WD the nearby sand dunes. If you’re a real foodie, follow the Great Lakes Food Trail.

Day 3: Myall Lakes to Bombah Point

• Distance: Approx 39 km
• Drive time: Approx 40 min, via The Lakes Way and Bombah Point Rd or take the ferry (8am -6pm daily)
• Welcome to Bombah Point – land of serene waters. Bush walk, kayak or canoe with a guided kayak tour in the tea tree lakes and enjoy a picnic in a secluded spot. staying at Bombah Point. Have a BBQ under the stars or on the edge of the Myall River. Take a drive to Mungo Brush and hit the spectacular 17 km of pristine beach. (The waves near Little Gibber (or Dark Point Aboriginal Place). Waves are smaller here for a dip. Hole in the Wall has one single picnic bench overlooking the beach, so score it early.
• Discover giant sand dunes littered with ancient Aboriginal middens and tools, surf or snorkel at one of a dozen secluded beaches, then go back and grab some fresh fish & chips.

Day 3: Bombah Point to Barrington Tops

• Distance: Approx 39 km
• Drive time: Approx 40 min, via The Lakes Way and Bombah Point Rd or take the ferry (8am -6pm daily)
• Welcome to Barrington Tops – Explore ancient Gondwana rainforest with a scenic drive, walking trails, and lookout points. Keep an eye out for native animals – the elusive platypus and native birds, and stargaze if you have the chance. Enjoy tranquil kayaking and fishing on the Barrington River, look out for swimming holes and adrenaline pumping mountain bike trails or go visit Gloucester Tops for panoramic views of the park.

Day 5: Barrington Tops to Seal Rocks

• Distance: Approx  km
• Drive time: Approx  min
• Welcome to Seal Rocks – home to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. Soak in the panoramic views of the coastline and tuck into some fish and chips at a seaside cafe. Have as dip at Boat Beach or Lighthouse Beach or explore Seal Rocks Lagoon for kayaking and wildlife spotting. Go for a bushwalk to see the ‘roos and wallabies in the coastal bushland. Enjoy a snorkel, join a fishing charter for your big catch and even a diving adventure on coral reefs and underwater caves. Feeling hungry? Check out Kembali (and grab a jar of their delicious peanut sambal to take home) or head to Mobys. Accommodation is easy here too.

Day 5: Seal Rocks to Forster – Tuncurry

• Distance: Approx  km
• Drive time: Approx  min
• Welcome to Forster – Tuncurry – land of beautiful beaches. First up, cross the iconic Forster Tuncurry Bridge and keep your eyes peeled for our playful dolphin. Swing by Tuncurry Rockpool Café for some freshly shucked oysters and fresh fish and check out your Seal Rocks accommodation. Feeling adventurous? Catch some waves at One Mile Beach or grab a kayak and explore the serene waterways of Wallis Lake. And if you’re there during whale watching season, you’ll be in for a treat. There’s always something to see at the vibrant waterfront precinct and take the Lakes Way for breathtaking views of the Great Lakes region. And if you’re into horses, join a Horse About Tour with gorgeous beach and bush rides!

Day 8: Forster – Tuncurry to Sydney

• Distance: Approx 298 km
• Drive time: Approx  3 hr and 34 min
• Return to Sydney – via Pacific Hwy/A1 and M1. Or take the scenic route – From the Lakes Way (L77) south to Bulahdelah, offering coastal vistas. Continue on the Pacific Highway (A1) to Gloucester, where lush countryside and Barrington Tops National Park. Then, follow the Bucketts Way (B91) to Dungog, across rolling hills and dairy farms. Head towards Wollombi via the Bucketts Way, passing through rural towns and the Hunter Valley wine region. Hunter Valley accommodation may be needed here.
• Finally, take the Tourist Drive 33 to Sydney, winding through the Hawkesbury regions vineyards and sandstone cliffs before joining the M1 motorway into the city.

The Roadtrip Sydney to Barrington Tops is adventure filled for sure! After a toast to the journey, why not gear up for the next adventure ahead. Cheers to roadtrippers and the open road!

If you think these regions sound like amazing holiday destinations, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation in the Hunter  North Coast