Published: 29 January 2026
By: Pub Rooms Australia
A road trip along the New South Wales coastline is one of Australia’s great travel experiences. Stretching from the rugged headlands of the South Coast to the laid-back harbours of the North Coast, this journey rewards travellers with dramatic scenery, relaxed seaside towns, and countless places to stop, explore, and stay awhile.
Driving north along the coast is about more than reaching a destination. It is about slowing down, taking the scenic route, and discovering places where the ocean shapes daily life. For travellers looking to experience the coast in a more authentic way, pub room accommodation offers a refreshing alternative to chain hotels. Staying in a pub places you at the heart of each destination, close to beaches, walking tracks, and local life, with a meal and a drink waiting downstairs at the end of the day.
This coastal road trip highlights what to see, what to do, and where to stay along the way.
What Are Coastal Pub Rooms?
Coastal pub rooms across NSW range from simple, heritage-style accommodation to more recently refreshed rooms with modern comforts. Many traditional pubs still offer shared bathroom facilities, particularly in older buildings, while others feature private bathrooms depending on the room type and venue.
Shared facilities are part of the classic pub stay experience and are common throughout coastal Australia. These rooms are designed for travellers who value location, character, and atmosphere over uniform hotel layouts. Most venues provide comfortable bedding, quality linen, air conditioning or fans, and thoughtful updates that respect the building’s history.
What all pub rooms share is a strong sense of place. You are staying somewhere that has served the local community for generations. Mornings begin with coastal light filtering through historic windows and evenings end with conversations over dinner downstairs. It is an honest, memorable way to experience the NSW coast.
Stop One: Bermagui and the Sapphire Coast
Bermagui is an ideal starting point for a south-to-north coastal road trip. Known for its sapphire-blue waters, working harbour, and dramatic headlands, the town offers a slower pace that encourages lingering.
Spend your day walking the Bermagui Coastal Walk, where clifftop views open out over the Pacific. Swim at Horseshoe Bay, explore Blue Pool, or watch seals basking on the rocks near the harbour. The town is also known for its fishing culture, with charters departing regularly and fresh seafood featuring heavily on local menus.
Bermagui’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, with galleries, cafes, and lookouts all within walking distance of the foreshore.
Where to stay:
The Bermagui Beach Hotel sits in the very heart of town, just steps from Horseshoe Bay, the Blue Pool, cafés, and local restaurants. Built in 1895, it has long been Bermagui’s social heart, welcoming locals and travellers alike for more than a century.
The recently updated accommodation blends coastal character with modern comfort. Each room features ocean-inspired tones, crisp bed linens, and private ensuite bathrooms, offering a relaxed yet refined stay by the sea. A continental breakfast is included in the room rate, making mornings effortless before heading out to explore the Sapphire Coast.
Downstairs, the pub remains the centre of the experience. Enjoy a long lunch or dinner in the bistro, then settle in on the deck with a cold drink and one of the region’s most iconic views across Horseshoe Bay to Mount Gulaga. Family-owned and operated, the Bermagui Beach Hotel offers genuine hospitality, unbeatable location, and the chance to book direct and save 10 percent on your stay.
Stop Two: Wollongong and the Illawarra Coast
Continuing north, the landscape shifts as the coastline meets the escarpment. Wollongong blends coastal scenery with a vibrant city atmosphere, making it a rewarding stop on the journey north.
Begin your visit with a walk along the Blue Mile, linking several of Wollongong’s beaches and ocean pools. Swim at North Wollongong Beach, visit the Wollongong Head Lighthouse, or take a drive across the Sea Cliff Bridge for sweeping views over the ocean below. Cafes, coastal paths, and lookouts create a balance between active exploration and relaxed seaside time.
Where to stay:
The Coniston Hotel is a newly renovated hotel offering one of the most comfortable and convenient pub stays on the Illawarra Coast. Located directly opposite Coniston Train Station and with on-site parking available, it is perfectly positioned for exploring Wollongong and the surrounding coastline.
Accommodation includes 20 contemporary rooms designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Each room features a private ensuite, reverse-cycle air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 58-inch Smart TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, ironing amenities, and a mini refrigerator. A range of room types is available, including terrace rooms, adjoining family rooms, and accessible options, all serviced by elevator access.
Guests staying upstairs have easy access to the hotel’s bistro and facilities below, which are open seven days a week. The pub itself is a local favourite, offering relaxed dining, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the Coniston Hotel an easy and enjoyable stop on a south-to-north coastal journey.
Stop Three: A Mid-Coast Pause at Sunnyside Tavern Hotel
As the road trip continues north, the coastline opens up and the pace begins to slow. Long stretches of highway are punctuated by quiet beach towns and wide river mouths, making the mid-coast an ideal place to pause overnight.
This part of the journey is about resetting. Stop in at Merewether Beach for a saltwater swim or a barefoot walk along the sand, then cool off at the iconic Merewether Ocean Baths, one of the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere. As the day winds down, enjoy a coastal sunset, take an early evening walk, or simply unwind after a day on the road before continuing north the next morning.
Where to stay:
Located in the heart of Broadmeadow, the Sunnyside Tavern is a long-standing local favourite and an ideal mid-coast stop for travellers heading north. Recently refreshed, the pub offers a modern dining experience alongside boutique accommodation upstairs, all at approachable rates.
The accommodation has earned a reputation for style and comfort, featuring a mix of ensuite and shared bathroom rooms. All rooms include air conditioning, fresh bed linen, flat-screen TVs with Foxtel, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Guests can also access a shared kitchenette with tea and coffee facilities.
Downstairs, the pub delivers a full hospitality experience with lunch and dinner service, daily specials using seasonal produce, and a lively bar atmosphere with sports, TAB, Keno, and entertainment. Families are well catered for with a children’s play area opening into the courtyard. Situated close to Hunter Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, and public transport, the Sunnyside Tavern combines convenience, comfort, and classic pub character.
Stop Four: Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast
Port Macquarie is a highlight of the Mid North Coast and a natural place to spend more than one night. Known for its scenic coastal walks, relaxed beaches, and holiday-friendly vibe, it offers a mix of nature and town life.
Walk sections of the Coastal Walk between Town Beach and Lighthouse Beach, visit the Koala Hospital, or enjoy a beach day with calm swimming conditions. The town centre is compact and walkable, with cafes, boutiques, and the waterfront all within easy reach.
Where to stay:
Established in 1939, the Port Macquarie Hotel is one of the town’s most iconic and heritage-listed pubs, known affectionately by locals as “The Macca.” Set in a prime riverside location, it has long been a gathering place for quality bistro meals, live sports, and relaxed drinks with friends.
The accommodation upstairs offers 16 comfortable rooms designed for guests aged over 18, with a variety of single, double, twin, and triple configurations available. Rooms include ceiling fans, wall heaters, bedside tables, toiletries, and a choice of shared bathroom or ensuite facilities. Guests also have access to a communal kitchen equipped with a fridge, kettle, and microwave.
Located just five minutes from Town Beach and a short walk from Port Central Shopping Centre, the Port Macquarie Hotel provides an immersive stay right in the centre of town. With its friendly, community-driven atmosphere and lively pub below, it is an ideal base for exploring the Mid North Coast.
Final Stop: Coffs Harbour and the North Coast
Coffs Harbour marks the northern stretch of this coastal journey. With its marina, surrounding beaches, and subtropical climate, it is a natural place to slow down and extend your stay.
Stroll along the Jetty Foreshore, explore nearby headlands, or venture inland to waterfalls and rainforest walks. The area offers a relaxed balance of coastal living and outdoor adventure, making it a rewarding endpoint for a coastal road trip.
Where to stay:
The Pier Hotel Coffs Harbour offers a welcoming home-away-from-home experience in one of the town’s most vibrant precincts. Located within the Jetty Strip, the hotel sits among popular restaurants, bars, shops, gyms, and entertainment venues, all just moments from the harbour, marina, beaches, and coastal walking paths.
Recently renovated, the Pier Hotel features boutique accommodation designed to balance vintage character with modern coastal warmth. Rooms are available in queen, single, and twin configurations, with a choice of private ensuite or shared bathroom amenities. Each room includes quality bedding, updated vanities, free Wi-Fi, and LED televisions. Secure undercover parking for motorcycles is also available on request.
Owned by Warren and Kay Skinner, the Pier Hotel has been carefully restored to honour its architectural heritage while introducing contemporary design elements. The result is a lively pub and accommodation offering that has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from guests. Downstairs, the Cellar Lounge brings a touch of Melbourne bar culture to the Jetty, making the Pier Hotel a standout final stop on a coastal NSW road trip.
Tips for a Successful Coastal Pub Road Trip
Plan your route with flexible overnight stops to allow for spontaneous detours
Book accommodation early during summer and school holidays
Read room descriptions carefully to understand facilities and bathroom access
Embrace the pub atmosphere as part of the experience
Conclusion
A NSW coastal road trip becomes richer when you stay in the towns themselves, not just pass through them. Pub room accommodation offers travellers a way to connect with each destination, combining great locations, local hospitality, and comfortable places to rest between adventures.
From Bermagui to Coffs Harbour, Pub Rooms member venues provide a trusted network of stays along the coast, making it easy to plan a journey that feels relaxed, authentic, and unmistakably Australian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to book coastal pub rooms in NSW?
The easiest way to book coastal pub accommodation is through www.pubrooms.com.au. The platform lists verified pub room stays across New South Wales, allowing travellers to search by destination, view real-time availability, and book directly with each venue for transparent pricing and accurate room information.
Do all coastal pub rooms have private bathrooms?
Not all pub rooms have private bathrooms. Many traditional coastal pubs still offer shared bathroom facilities, particularly in heritage buildings. Some venues provide a mix of shared and private options depending on room type. Always check the room description before booking so you know exactly what facilities are included.
Are pub rooms suitable for a coastal road trip?
Yes. Pub rooms are well suited to coastal road trips as they are typically located in town centres or close to the waterfront. They offer convenient overnight stays, on-site dining, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for travellers moving from place to place along the coast.
Are coastal pub rooms noisy at night?
Pubs are social venues, especially on weekends. While accommodation areas are usually separate from bar spaces, some noise can be expected on Friday and Saturday nights. If you are a light sleeper, it is worth requesting a quieter room location when booking.
Can you stay in pub rooms during summer and school holidays?
Yes, but availability can be limited during peak periods such as January and school holidays. Coastal pub rooms are popular and often book out well in advance. It is recommended to secure your accommodation several months ahead for peak travel dates.
Are coastal pub rooms family-friendly?
Many Pub Rooms member venues welcome families, though room sizes and bedding configurations vary. Some pubs are better suited to couples or adult travellers, while others accommodate families comfortably. Checking room details and venue policies before booking will help ensure the stay meets your needs.
How far in advance should I book a coastal pub road trip?
For peak travel periods, booking three to six months in advance is advised. For shoulder seasons, shorter lead times may be possible, but popular coastal locations can still book out quickly, particularly on weekends.