The Ultimate Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary

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The iconic road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, known as the Legendary Pacific Coast, is one of Australia’s best road trips.

Stretching 900 kms along the east coast of Australia, also known as the Pacific Highway corridor, it has something for everyone: stunning beaches, green rolling hills, beachside towns, riverside towns, wineries, historic sites, the hinterland, wildlife watching, and every water sport imaginable.

It’s a drive we’ve done many times and each time we discover new wonders, new places to stay, and new dining options. Best explored at your own pace in your own vehicle, we recommend taking at least a week, preferably two, to do this drive.

We once spent six weeks camping along the Pacific Coast from our hometown Woy Woy to Byron Bay, and did it again as a family of four on our epic 18-month Australia road trip.

In this guide, we share our ideal itinerary for a road trip from Sydney to Brisbane and some helpful tips to make your trip go smoothly…

Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary

The distance between Sydney and Brisbane is around 981 km and takes 10 hours to drive in one go, hugging the Australia’s East Coast shoreline for most of the way.

Of course, you will want to stop along the way, which is why we suggest setting aside at least a week. We will recommend places to stay, further reading guides, and tours and attractions.

You can spend as much time as you please at each place, but we recommend 1-2 days at each to really get a feel for them.

Here is a map that shows the route to take and each stop along the way.

Stop 1: Sydney

Before you pack up your vehicle and head out on your East coast road trip, make sure you spend a few days exploring Sydney first.

Spend a day or two wandering around the CBD, do some shopping and explore the artsy neighborhood of The Rocks District. If you prefer beaches, head over to the world famous Bondi Beach. We love the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi if you want to stretch your legs.

For a bucket list moment, climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge or watch a show at the Sydney Opera House, or if you have kids, take a ferry to Manly and play on the golden sandy beaches.

And if you find cities overwhelming, the Blue Mountains National Park is only a short drive out of the city and is where you can find the famous three sisters rock formations.

If you have time before you start driving up the coast, we highly recommend visiting Katoomba, a small town where you get amazing panoramic views of The Blue Mountains.

Stop 2: The Central Coast

• Distance from last stop: 94.6 km via M1
• Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Just north of Sydney is our hometown region of the Central Coast.

Most travellers tend to remain on the main freeway and by-pass this beautiful region, but we had to add it in as we know how idyllic the small coastal towns of this region are.

Popular destinations include Terrigal, which is a trendy and upmarket beach area with tons of cafes, restaurants, fishing, diving, whale watching, and one of the best beer gardens in Australia at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

For the nature buffs, don’t miss a walk in Bouddi National Park, which has dramatic coastal views as well as secluded beaches and camping opportunities.

If you enjoy beaches, don’t miss Avoca Beach, MacMasters Beach, Copacabana Beach and Toowoon Bay.

You can also trade beaches for the Tuggerah Lake at The Entrance, or visit The Entrance Ocean Baths for a refreshing ocean experience without the waves.

Stop 3: Newcastle

• Distance from last stop: 105 km via M1
• Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes

The beachside city of Newcastle was voted as one of Lonely Planet’s must-see destinations for 2011, and was also mentioned as a “Smart City” by Nat Geo thanks to its innovative vibe.

With great beaches, inner city pubs with live music, and a thriving restaurant scene, Newcastle is a destination on the up.

Yes it’s a city, but it’s an underrated coastal gem. It has a fresh energy, surf culture and industrial grit.

Some exciting things you can do here are swim in the refreshing Merewether Ocean Baths, the largest of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere, or go artisan coffee hunting on Darby Street, a local favourite thoroughfare known for its quirky boutique stores and buzzing cafés.

If you want to avoid the city vibes, walk the Bathers Way coastal walk along golden beaches and over dramatic headlands.

Art lovers will enjoy diving head first into the city’s arts scene at The Lock-Up, a contemporary gallery housed in a historic police station.

Newcastle is a happening place, so be sure to linger a while.

Stop 4: Port Stephens

• Distance from last stop: 63.5 km via Nelson Bay Road / B63
• Drive time: 1 hour

It’s worth stopping by Port Stephens after Newcastle, a small hamlet on the end of a sand barrier.

It’s well known for its small town of Shoal Bay, which is uncrowded and relaxed. It has a white sand beach and a laid-back vibe.

Plus it has calm waves so it’s great for small kids to swim in.

It also has amazing coastal scenery, fantastic fishing, beautiful beaches, opportunities for snorkelling and diving, and for whale and dolphin watching. Nelsons Bay is the main town in this area.

Look out into the waters as you’re paddleboarding for dolphins and look for koalas when hiking the coastal trails.

Over on the other side you’ll find Anna Bay, gateway to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes.

Hop into a 4WD vehicle and drive along Stockton beach in the Worimi Regional Park, a beach drive where you can take a 4WD vehicle onto the beach and play in the dunes.

Stop 5: The Hunter Valley

• Distance from last stop: 121 km via Nelson Bay Road / B63
• Drive time: 1 hour 55 minutes

You have to turn back on yourself a little to get to the iconic wine and food trail known as the Hunter Valley, but it’s definitely worth the detour.

This is one of our favourite regions in Australia and Australia’s oldest wine region. With over 140 wineries this is the place you want to go to sample some of Australia’s best wines.

There is also an abundance of great restaurants and cafes for the foodies.

And why not incorporate a hot air balloon ride over the valley while you are there? We sure did!

Aside from hot air balloon rides and wineries, there’s not much to see and do here, so you only need to spend a day or two enjoying it.

Ambly stroll around the rolling vineyards and bask in the gourmet delights of its cuisine, and soak up the laid-back country vibe – like a fine Australian Shiraz, you’ll want to slow down and savour every moment.

Stop 6: Seal Rocks

• Distance from last stop: 133 km via Booral Road
• Drive time: 2 hours

Seal Rocks is a quiet fishing village near the Myall Lakes National Park, and offers clear bays for swimming, snorkelling, boating, and fishing.

It’s also a great place to go camping, or simply take a nature walk and enjoy the fresh air.

Seal Rocks has a wild, rigged charm to it. It has very little infrastructure, which is why we love it so much – it feels almost primitive, which is hard to find in this digital world.

I highly recommend you hike up to the historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse and hike the 1.5 km coastal trail to a lookout point, where during the right season (May to November) you can see humpback whales on their annual migration.

On a warm day, go hunting for secluded coves like Boat Beach and Lighthouse Beach for a swim or to snorkel with wobbegong sharks in crystal clear water.

Or, why not treat yourself to a few nights in a Lighthouse Keepers Cottage with amazing ocean views? Staying in a lighthouse keeper’s cottage is one of the most unique things you can do here.

Stop 7: The Manning Valley

• Distance from last stop: 120 km via The Lakes Way
• Drive time: 1 hour 50 minutes

The riverside towns of Tinonee and Wingham in The Manning Valley make a nice detour off the coastal road and are within striking distance of the legendary Ellenborough Falls. 

This region is known for being a lush pocket of natural splendour and rural small-town charm just inland from the coast.

You can spend your days slowly cruising down the tranquil Manning River by kayak or houseboat, or wander through the heritage towns where grand fig trees shade old pubs.

A highlight of this region is Ellenborough Falls, which is known as one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere.

Spend a night or drop in for some arts and crafts at Artisans on the Hill B&B followed by a visit to Australia’s award winning cafe Bent on Food.

On route to the next stop, make a plan to go bushwalking through Coorabakh National Park’s rainforest trails.

Stop 8: Port Macquarie

• Distance from last stop: 125 km via Pacific Highway / A1
• Drive time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Port Macquarie is a vibrant and unspoilt town sitting at the estuary of the Hastings River.

The stunning coastline of the rocky headlands makes it a great place to spend a few quiet days.

Or, if you are the active type, the spectacular 9km coastal walk from Town Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse takes in beaches, headlands, historic sites, and rare subtropical rainforest.

With calm waterways, boardwalks, bountiful fishing, breathtaking national parks, and surfing beaches so many visitors return to Port Macquarie.

And don’t miss the spectacular sunsets with a beer in hand from the Royal Hotel right in town on the river.

Another popular attraction in Port Macquarie is the Koala Hospital, where injured koalas are rescued and rehabilitated before heading back to the wild.

Stop in to see these cute native Aussie animals be taken care of and learn about wildlife conservation in Australia.

Stop 9: South West Rocks

• Distance from last stop: 80 km via Pacific Highway / A1
• Drive time: 1 hour

Just a 20 minute detour off the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive is South West Rocks.

Surrounded by national parks and beaches, this small town of 4,000 does not have room to grow, which gives it a small town charm and ambiance.

There’s only a small offering of cafes and restaurants, but a whole lot of beauty and relaxation.

Wild kangaroos are in abundance by the beach in Little Bay, drive out to Smokey Cape Lighthouse, and visit the historic Trial Bay Gaol.

We stayed in a cabin at a Caravan Park in South West Rocks, at the Hat Head National Park, and would highly recommend it.

Stop 10: Coffs Harbour

• Distance from last stop: 100 km via Pacific Highway / A1
• Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Half way along the Sydney to Brisbane route is Coffs Harbour, and the drive into Coffs is just gorgeous with its rolling emerald green hills.

The Coffs Coast area is big enough in itself to spend a whole week and has something for everyone.

Some of our favourite things to do in Coffs Harbour are explore the Jetty and Marina area with a walk to the top of Mutton Bird Island to watch the sunset over the marina.

If you have children with you, be sure to take them to The Big Banana Fun Park, or grab a selfie in front of the BIG Banana (for the banana split sundae). They will also enjoy The Butterfly House and going for a nature walk in World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park.

We also loved our meal and a beer at the sailing club and playing on Diggers and Park Beach.

Take a drive to the riverside town of Bellingen and appreciate the artistic lifestyle and cafes, and grab a coffee in the charming beachside town of Sawtell.

Stop 11: Yamba

• Distance from last stop: 138 km via Orara Way and M1
• Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Yamba lies at the mouth of the Clarence River and has won a lot of awards over the years, including Best Town in Australia by Australian Traveller Magazine in 2009. It has a laid-back, quasi-bohemian charm and a lovely blend of the old and the new.

There are the chilled cafes and restaurants that line the main street in town, the charming old Movie Cinema, and the iconic Pacific Hotel that sits on a bluff overlooking the town’s main beach.

Adding to that is world-class surfing beaches, a river to fish in, abundant wildlife, world-famous prawns, and a perfect climate. 

There’s also a fantastic coastal walk you can go on through the Yuraygir National Park to the small secluded Shelley’s beach.

We also recommend heading to the Yamba Tavern for fish feeding and sunset watching and taking a short drive to Angourie.

For a pit stop heading towards the next stop of Byron Bay, we highly recommend the The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Macadamia Castle), which we believe has the world’s best pancakes.

And, for a small fee, you can go out the back and meet kangaroos, wombats and farm animals for your children to get close to and feed.

Stop 12: Lennox Head

• Distance from last stop: 111 km via M1
• Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes

The scenically beautiful coastal drive between Ballina and Byron Bay brings you to the surfing town of Lennox Head. 

Lennox Point is noted as being one of the top ten surfing breaks in Australia and for that reason is a mecca for surfers.

Aside from surfing, Lennox is a pretty laid back and funky place to hang out with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. You can trade beaches for lakes and swim on Lake Ainsworth, or hike up to Pat Morton Lookout for views over the ocean and see if you can spot humpback whales!

Stop 13: Byron Bay

• Distance from last stop: 20 km via Byron Bay Road and Broken Head Road
• Drive time: 20 minutes

One of the most popular destinations in Australia is Byron Bay – famous for its alternative laid back lifestyle, world-class surfing, people watching, surf schools, and stunning sheltered beaches such as Wategoes Beach. 

If you’re not coming to surf, then why not hike out to Cape Byron Lighthouse, the furthest Easterly point of Australia and can be reached by a beautiful coastal cliff walk. It’s a great place to catch a sunrise.

The very popular Byron Bay Bluesfest is another reason people come to Byron Bay. It takes place every Easter, and whilst in Byron make sure you drive to nearby hippy enclave Nimbin, nestled at the foothills of an extinct volcano.

We also recommend a cold beer and ocean views at the iconic Beach Hotel.

Stop 14: Kingscliff

• Distance from last stop: 60 km via M1
• Drive time: 45 minutes

This gem of a beachside town, Kingscliff, is only a 15-minute drive to the Queensland border. There is only one main street in the town and it is alive with busy cafes, and restaurants. 

There is also a creek that when the tide is down sparkles crystal clear for swimming, fishing, and water sports.

Grab a memorable coffee from one of the cafes, such as Mockingbird Cafe, have lunch at the surf club, check out the groovy bars on the main road, and stroll along the beach front.

Stop 15: The Gold Coast

• Distance from last stop: 27 km via M1
• Drive time: 25 minutes

As you cross the border from New South Wales into Queensland you hit the famous holiday capital of Australia, the Gold Coast. 

This region sits on a 70km stretch of fine, sandy beach on the Pacific Ocean and has everything you could want.

There is just something about the Gold Coast, including:

• endless amazing beaches
• hundreds of restaurants and cafes
• a happening nightlife scene
• an active outdoor lifestyle
• theme parks such as Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World and more!
• the rainforest at Springbrook National Park
• every water sport imagineable
• scenic drives and Gold Coast walks
• Surfing schools
• shopping
• spas and retreats such as Gwinganna Health Retreat
• hinterland areas
• 300 days of sunshine

Our recommended spots include Coolangatta, Kirra Beach, Currumbin, Burleigh Heads, and Broadbeach.

There is also the high rise capital of the region, Surfers Paradise, which is undergoing somewhat of a transformation for the better.

Stop 16: Brisbane

• Distance from last stop: 88 km via M1
• Drive time: 1 hour

Last but not least, is Brisbane. Our final destination, but by no means the end of the adventure.

Brisbane is a vibrant city with a laid-back culture and an array of great attractions. It has everything from breathtaking beaches to its lush rainforest reserves, and of course, plenty of urban escapes.

If you’re tired of nature after a week along the coast, head to the GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) for a bit of culture. Or head over to South Bank Parklands or Moreton Bay for some more natural sites.

If you have kids, be sure to take them to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world.

Whatever you decide to do in Brisbane, you won’t be disappointed, The Legendary Pacific Coast has something for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Taking a road trip along the scenic coastline of Sydney to Brisbane is an unforgettable experience.

It passes by breathtaking, sun-soaked beaches, rolling hills, and lush countryside, as well as vineyards, rainforests, and more.

When hunger strikes, there is no better place to fill your stomach than at one of the small town restaurants serving fresh local seafood.

Whether you’re looking for coastal sightseeing or an action-packed exploration – there’s something for everyone along the road trip from Sydney to Brisbane.