Mallacoota to Coolangatta — places to stay and things to see

There are few journeys that capture the Australian spirit quite like a long coastal road trip. The drive from Mallacoota to Coolangatta is one of them — a ribbon of bitumen tracing the edge of the continent, linking wild national parks, quiet fishing towns, surf beaches, coastal cities and, finally, the warm promise of Queensland.

This is not a trip measured in kilometres. It’s measured in swims taken, bakeries discovered, sunsets watched, and conversations had at roadside lookouts. It is, quite simply, the quintessential Australian road trip.

Mallacoota: the wilderness beginning

Mallacoota feels like the edge of the map. Nestled between ocean and forest, it sits within the vast Croajingolong National Park, one of the most unspoilt coastal landscapes in the country.

Things to see and do

• Paddle or fish on the glassy waters of Mallacoota Inlet

• Walk the Genoa Peak track for panoramic coastal views

• Explore quiet beaches where kangaroos often outnumber people

Where to stay

• Waterfront cabins and holiday parks around the inlet

• Self-contained cottages hidden among banksias and eucalypts

Mallacoota sets the tone: remote, calm and deeply Australian.

The Sapphire Coast: Eden and Merimbula

Crossing into New South Wales, the coast becomes dramatic and deeply blue. Eden has a rugged beauty shaped by history and the sea, while Merimbula offers a gentler rhythm of lakes, beaches and family-friendly charm.

Highlights

• Lookouts and cliff-top walks in Ben Boyd National Park

• Fresh seafood straight from the trawlers

• Swimming and paddleboarding on Merimbula Lake

Places to stay

• Beachfront motels with uninterrupted ocean views

• Holiday apartments ideal for longer stays

The NSW South Coast: Narooma to Jervis Bay

This stretch delivers postcard after postcard. Narooma dazzles with turquoise water and rock formations, while Mollymook blends relaxed surf culture with long sandy beaches. Further north, Jervis Bay is famous for its brilliant white sand and clear water.

Don’t miss

• Glasshouse Rocks at Narooma at low tide

• Sunrise swims at Mollymook

• Dolphin cruises departing Huskisson

Accommodation options

• Boutique beach houses and classic coastal motels

• National park campgrounds for a back-to-nature experience

Sydney: city, harbour and coastline

After days of small towns and open coast, Sydney arrives as a lively contrast. It’s worth stopping — if only to appreciate how seamlessly the city integrates with its harbour and beaches.

Best experiences

• Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal track

• Take the Manly ferry for classic harbour views

• Enjoy a night by the water before heading north

NSW North Coast: Port Stephens to Byron Bay

North of Sydney, the climate softens and the lifestyle slows. Port Stephens offers sand dunes, dolphins and sheltered bays. Coffs Harbour mixes nostalgia with surf culture. Then comes Byron Bay, where sunrise at the lighthouse has become a ritual for travellers.

Things to see

• Dolphin cruises and dune walks at Port Stephens

• Coastal headlands and beaches around Coffs Harbour

• Sunrise at Cape Byron, the easternmost point of mainland Australia

Where to stay

• Beachside motels and surf lodges

• Eco-retreats tucked into the hinterland

The final leg: Coolangatta and the Gold Coast