19 Reasons You Need To Drive From Sydney To Byron Bay Once In Your Life

Why drive for nine hours straight when you can turn it into an adventure?

1. First stop: Pelican feeding.

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There's nothing like watching hungry pelicans get fed! Locals have been feeding pelicans at The Entrance waterfront for 20 years. They do this to keep an eye on the pelican's wellbeing and medical conditions. It's quite the spectacle!

2. Look out for kangaroos close to sunset.

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In the late afternoon, you can spot kangaroos at Nelson Bay Golf Club. You can either walk or ride in a golf cart, while learning about kangaroos and other wildlife from an experienced local.

3. Go on a dolphin watching cruise.

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You pretty much have a 99% chance of spotting dolphins in Nelson Bay. Moonshadow TQC have a bunch of cruise options. You can take a dip in the water, go on their water slide (which is attached to the boat!), or just sit back and witness some breathtaking sights along the way.

4. Visit the Point Stephens Lighthouse on Fingal Island.

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Fingal Island is accessible by walking across the spit from Fingal Beach in low tide, or you can take a boat. The views from the lighthouse are just as awesome as the journey there! 😅

5. Take a scenic walk to the summit of Tomaree Head.

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The views of Port Stephens are incredible.

6. Take a stroll along One Mile Beach in Port Stephens.

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Or if you're up for it, grab a surfboard or body board and get active!

7. Try quad biking or sand boarding.

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This is perfect if you're an adrenaline junkie. You can take a guided tour with Sand Dune Adventures.

8. Stay a night at the Boogie Woogie Beach House.

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Once you stay at this quirky, music-themed hotel, you won't want to book regular accommodation ever again.

9. Visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.

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Volunteers and professionals at the Koala Hospital rescue, treat, and rehabilitate sick koalas. Once they're ready, the hospital then releases the koalas back into the wild.

10. Take a load off by having a dip in the ocean followed by local fish and chips for lunch.

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Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie is the perfect place for this classic Aussie summer activity! The water is generally quite calm, and you can hit up Asty's Takeaway for a feed.

11. Go on a peaceful rainforest walk.

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The one at Sea Acres National Park will take your breath away.

12. Take in the breathtaking views at the various lookout points along Port Macquarie's many beaches.

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13. Or marvel at the ocean from Crescent Head Lookout.

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The town is also known as a great place to surf, if you're down for that.

14. Capture the views at Smoky Cape Lighthouse.

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If you're feeling extra, you can even stay a night at the keeper's cottage.

15. Watch the sunset from Trial Bay in South West Rocks.

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Since it faces west, Trial Bay is one of the few places in NSW where you can watch the sun set over the ocean.

16. Check out an outdoor gallery for graffiti artists in Nambucca Heads.

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The view of the ocean isn't bad either.

17. Cool off in the watering holes in Dorrigo National Park.

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With waterfalls, lookout points, and casual walking tracks, this place is pretty magical.

18. Go on a canoe tour at sunset.

Bellingen Canoe Adventures

Bellingen Canoe Adventures offer canoe hire as well as guided tours. On the sunset tour, you can admire the wildlife, marvel at the serenity, and toast the end of the day with a glass of champagne!

19. And build your own didgeridoo.

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Once you arrive at Byron Bay, head over to the Arts Factory Lodge where you can build your own didgeridoo from scratch!

Travel was provided by Tourism Australia. BuzzFeed writers do not guarantee coverage.