A Muslim-friendly road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay

A great way to see Sydney’s most legendary sights in a single morning is from the water on a Sydney Harbour cruise. Captain Cook cruises take you close to landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Explore The Rocks precinct, which was established in 1788 when convict-bearing ships came from England. Today, it’s a dynamic neighbourhood full of galleries and boutiques. Stop for a Malaysian-style lunch at Ipoh on York, a Halal-certified restaurant.

Head to one of the world’s most iconic stretches of sand, Bondi Beach. If you’re feeling energetic, take the 6km (4mi) coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee and enjoy the views of towering sandstone cliffs and beaches.

Finish the day at 100 per cent Halal restaurant Lal Qila in Darling Harbour. Situated on the bustling King Street Wharf, it’s famous for authentic Indian and Pakistani delights and serves non-alcoholic beers and mocktails.

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at Concrete Jungle – a 100 per cent Halal café in the inner-city precinct of Chippendale. After breakfast, start heading north along the coast, stopping at seaside villages.

Drive to Lake Macquarie, where sea caves appear at Caves Beach at low tide. Explore the sandy paradise, or stop at the historic mining town of Catherine Hill Bay, a coastal hamlet with stunning views.

Detour to Newcastle, Australia's second-oldest city. Stretch your legs on the walking trail along Newcastle Bathers Way, from Nobbys Lighthouse on the headland to Glenrock Reserve – signposts along the way tell the story of Newcastle’s past.

There are plenty of Halal-friendly eateries in Newcastle. The Flotilla serves up seafood and vegetarian dishes, Downtown Beirut offers Halal Lebanese cuisine and Raj’s Corner is famous for its delicious curries and dosas. 

End your day in Port Stephens, which is a 40-minute drive from Newcastle. You may wish to join a sunset cruise; in addition to the stunning views out to the horizon, there’s a good chance of spotting dolphins.

For an action-packed morning, join Sand Dune Adventures to hop aboard and quad bike and ride across the Stockton Sand Dunes – the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Book the cultural tour for insight into the local Aboriginal culture.

Port Stephens is home to pods of dolphins and whales – join a Moonshadow TQC cruise to watch them up close during migration (May through November). They’re curious creatures, so don’t be surprised if they approach your boat.

Visit Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries to pluck some of the region’s freshest produce straight from the vine. These orchards boast five different strawberry varieties and eight different tomato varieties. Delicious!

The Port Macquarie region is home to one of the state’s highest concentrations of koalas. Visit the cuddly creatures that are cared for at the Koala Hospital. More koalas and other native species are cared for at Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park.

While you’re visiting, enjoy a leisurely stroll along Port Macquarie’s breakwater, which is painted in colourful art. Pick up a casual Halal-friendly takeaway lunch from Reyhana Turkish Restaurant. 

South West Rocks is today’s final destination. It’s a quintessential Australian beach town, and the perfect laid-back escape. Look forward to bushwalking and tranquil beaches in Arakoon National Park and Hat Head National Park.

Detour inland to World Heritage-listed rainforest Dorrigo National Park, situated about an hour and forty minutes away. Your route covers part of the Waterfall Way, where nature rules in the form of enchanting waterfalls and scenic lookouts.

Continue your journey back toward the coast to reach Coffs Harbour, where clifftop walks (look out for whales) and family activities await. Children will love the amusement rides at the Big Banana Fun Park, which boasts water slides and a tobogganing ride.

All year round, a mob of kangaroos graze on the grass and relax on the golden sands of Emerald Beach. Take the Look At Me Now Headland Walk to spot the iconic Aussie animals in their natural habitat.

The scenic drive from Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay should not be rushed – there are too many charming villages, powdery beaches and quiet estuaries to explore while you weave through World Heritage wilderness.

Make your first stop the quaint town of Yamba, where Beachwood Café is a popular hangout among locals. The menu here features Middle Eastern fare using fresh local produce; there are also delicious organic juices. 

Byron Bay welcomes you with countless beaches and dense rainforest hinterland. Your first stop in this coastal town? The Cape Byron Lighthouse, which is situated on the most easterly point of mainland Australia.

The waters off Byron Bay’s coast are teeming with exciting marine life. Take a snorkelling tour with Wild Byron Sea Safaris to swim among sea turtles, manta rays, grey nurse sharks and more. It’s a magical experience being under the clear blue water.