Are you planning a road trip between Sydney and Brisbane? If so, you’ll want to check out this ultimate Sydney to Brisbane road trip itinerary for the best stops, accommodation options, and travel tips.
Between the incredible beaches, fascinating history, and bustling city life, there’s something for everyone in Sydney and Brisbane, but you will also find beautiful spots along the way.
The East Coast of Australia is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason – there is so much to see and do! Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour… everything is here!
So don’t miss out – check out this Sydney to Brisbane Road trip itinerary now!
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Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Summary
- Stop 1: Sydney
- Stop 2: Blue Mountains
- Stop 3: Newcastle
- Stop 4: Port Stephens
- Stop 5: Myall Lakes National Park
- Stop 6: Port Macquarie
- Stop 7: Nambucca Heads
- Stop 8: Coffs Harbour
- Stop 9: Ballina
- Stop 10: Byron Bay
- Stop 11: Springbrook National Park
- Stop 12: Burleigh Heads
- Stop 13: Gold Coast
- Stop 14: Surfers Paradise
- Stop 15: Tamborine Mountain
- Stop 16: Brisbane
The Ultimate Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary
Stop 1: Sydney
- Recommended time: 2 to 3 days
You will be starting your road trip in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales.
Sydney is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. While you can easily stay in Sydney for up to a week without getting bored, it’s recommended to spend at least 2 days.
With 2 days in Sydney, you can spend your first day in the Circular Quay area where you can discover the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Rocks.
The Rocks are the oldest suburb in Sydney and it’s a great place to learn more about the history of the city.
Make to also head to Bondi Beach for a day. It’s one of the most iconic beaches in Australia and a great place to go surfing or sunbathing.
The atmosphere in Bondi is fantastic. It’s always buzzing with people while being very laid-back.
Don’t forget to do the Bondi to Coogee walk. It’s an easy coastal walk and the views are amazing. It will also give you access to Bronte Baths which is a saltwater pool on the cliff with views over Bondi Beach.
You can also visit the Taronga Zoo or spend some time in the city centre shopping and exploring.
WHERE TO STAY: The best place to stay in Sydney is near Circular Quay or in the CBD. It’s close to the main sites and the train station to go to Bondi.
Here are some recommendations:
- Luxury: The Langham Sydney
- Mid-range: Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour
- Budget: Sydney Harbour YHA
Stop 2: Blue Mountains
- Recommended time: 1 to 2 days
- Driving time: 1h25 – 102 km
The Blue Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located west of Sydney. The mountains get their name from the blue haze that hangs over them caused by the eucalyptus trees.
There are plenty of things to do in the Blue Mountains and it’s recommended to spend at least 1 day there.
Some of the highlights include visiting Jenolan Caves, going for a hike, seeing the Three Sisters rock formation and enjoying the views from Scenic World.
The best place to set your base is Katoomba since it’s very close to all the main attractions.
From there, you can easily reach the 3 sisters’ lookout and Scenic World but also go on fantastic walks like Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
The Blue Mountains are also known for their beautiful waterfalls such as Leura Cascades, Horseshoe Falls, Katoomba Cascades and more.
The drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountains is around 1 hour so you will quickly get there. Try to avoid rush hours if you can.
WHERE TO STAY: The most convenient place to stay in the Blue Mountains is the town of Katoomba. It’s very close to the Three Sisters lookout and you’ll find supermarkets and restaurants there.
Here are some recommendations:
- Luxury: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
- Mid-range: Palais Royale
- Budget: Blue Mountains YHA
Stop 3: Newcastle
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 3 hours – 240 km
Newcastle is a city located on the coast north of Sydney. The city has a lot to offer, including great beaches, vibrant nightlife and plenty of things to do.
It’s recommended to spend only 1 day in Newcastle as there is not much to see outside of the city centre. Half a day is also fine.
It is a nice city but there are more interesting spots on this road trip from Sydney to Brisbane so if you are short on time, you should focus on other stops.
Some of the highlights include exploring the old city centre, booking a cruise, going for a walk on the beach, joining the crime walking tour, going on a pub crawl or enjoying the nightlife.
You should also make sure to head to Bogey Hole. It’s a natural rock pool in Newcastle and the perfect place for a swim!
You can also go for a stroll along the Memorial Walk. It was created in honour of ANZAC lives lost in Gallipoli and it’s a great place for a relaxing walk, especially for sunset!
After that, head to Merewether Beach. You can sunbathe or walk on the beach. Don’t forget to check out Merewether Baths. They are open-air swimming pools overlooking the sea. It’s very cool!
Finally, if you are a bit of a thrill-seeker, you will be happy to know that Newcastle is one of the best places to skydive in Australia
WHERE TO STAY: Here are some recommendations of places to stay in Newcastle, NSW.
- Luxury: Crystalbrook Kingsley
- Mid-range: Junction Hotel
- Budget: Newcastle Beach YHA
Stop 4: Port Stephens
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 55 minutes – 60 km
Port Stephens is a beautiful coastal region located just north of Newcastle. The area is known for its sandy beaches, amazing sand dunes, crystal-clear water and marine life.
It’s recommended to spend 1 day in Port Stephens as there are loads of water activities you can do.
It’s a very relaxing and picturesque place so you will enjoy your time there.
The sand dunes are the main attractions in Port Stephens. They are the largest ones in the Southern Hemisphere!
The activities you can do on the dunes include sandboarding, quad bike tours and 4WD tours.
Some of the other highlights in Port Stephens are going for a swim or snorkel with dolphins, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, shark encounters and more.
In the evening, you can enjoy a nice meal at one of the local restaurants or go for a walk on the beach.
WHERE TO STAY: Port Stephens is a popular holiday destination and you won’t really find hotels here.
That having been said, there is a wide choice of holiday rentals available. You will find a lot of beachfront houses like this one that you can rent for a night or two.
Stop 4: Myall Lakes National Park
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 1h40 – 130 km
Myall Lakes National Park is a large nature reserve located in the north of Newcastle. It’s known for its crystal-clear lakes, wetlands and forests.
While it is a beautiful area, it’s also a very underrated national park in Australia. Most people don’t take the time to stop here but that’s a mistake you won’t be making!
PRACTICAL INFO: There is a $8 entry fee per vehicle.
Myall Lakes is a great place for a relaxing walk or hike. There are plenty of different trails to choose from so you can find one that best suits your needs.
The best ones are Treachery Headland walking track (2km – 1h), Dark Point walking track (2km – 1h), Mungo Rainforest walk (1.5km – 30 minutes) and Neranie Headland walking track (1.4km – 30 minutes).
If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, you can also explore the beaches with a 4WD (Mungo Brush is a good spot for that).
PRO TIP: There are a lot of picnic spots in the park and the scenery is incredible so make sure to take food beforehand so you can enjoy a good meal here.
WHERE TO STAY: There are several campgrounds in the park if you want to spend the night.
For more traditional accommodation, you can opt for the holiday house Buccoo in Seal Rocks. Alternatively, you can opt for the beautiful Bombah Point Eco Cottages in Bulahdelah.
Stop 5: Port Macquarie
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 2 hours – 170 km
Port Macquarie is a coastal town located midway between Sydney and Brisbane. It’s a popular spot for holidays thanks to its beautiful beaches, lush rainforest and laid-back lifestyle.
When you get to Port Macquarie, the first thing you should do is to take the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk and go up to the Lighthouse.
It’s a beautiful 19th-century lighthouse that offers amazing views of the coast.
Port Macquarie is also known for its beaches. Make sure to check out Flynns Beach, Town Beach, Lake Cathie Beach and Shelly Beach.
Another must-see attraction is the Koala Hospital. It’s a hospital that cares for koalas that have been injured or are ill. It’s a great place to learn more about these iconic Australian animals.
Finally, take some time to explore the town and roam around. If you want to make it more fun, you can search for the koala sculptures of the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail.
There are 80 colourful sculptures of koalas spread over the town and they are all so pretty!
If you are doing this Sydney to Brisbane road trip with kids, this will be a great thing to do!
WHERE TO STAY: Here are some recommendations of places to stay in Port Macquarie.
- Luxury: Flynns on Surf Beach Villas or Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges
- Mid-range: Ocean Breeze Motel
- Budget: Ozzie Pozzie Backpackers Port Macquarie YHA
Stop 6: Nambucca Heads
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 1h20 – 120 km
Nambucca Heads is a small town located in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales. It’s a great place to stop and relax for a day.
It’s quite an underrated place since it looks like it’s just a small seaside resort town but I actually consider it as the hidden version of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.
If you’ve seen pictures of Whitehaven Beach, you will know that Hill Inlet is the part where the sand swirls, making it look so beautiful.
Well, Nambucca Heads is pretty similar because that’s where the Nambucca River and the ocean meet, creating here as well swirly sands!
You can see it from the Rotary Point Lookout. It’s breathtaking!
But that’s not the only thing you can do in Nambucca Heads.
There are plenty of activities you can do on the river, including fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
The town is also known for its beautiful beaches. Head to Valla Beach, Nambucca Beach or Foster Beach and enjoy a swim or a walk.
If you’re looking for something unique to do, you can head to Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club. It’s located on Stuart island and is one of the most unique golf courses in the world.
Finally, make sure to head to Captain Cook’s lookout. It’s a great spot to see the entrance of the river and if you are visiting in winter, you may spot some whales as well!
WHERE TO STAY: You can find below some recommendations of places to stay in Nambucca Heads.
- Luxury: The Davey
- Mid-range: Jabiru Motel
- Budget: BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks
Stop 7: Coffs Harbour
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 35 minutes – 48 km
Coffs Harbour is a coastal town located on the north coast of New South Wales. It’s a great place to stop and explore for a day.
The most famous landmark in Coffs Harbour is the Big Banana.
If you seeing all the ‘big things’ in Australia is on your bucket list, then this is a must-do. The Big Banana is located on the side of the main road and is part of an amusement park with rides, mini-golf and other fun activities.
Coffs Harbour is also known for its beaches, which include Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour Beach and Macauley’s Headland.
If you are looking for a bit of a hidden gem, make sure to head to Coffs Creek. It’s absolutely stunning!
The town is also home to the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park where you can discover dolphins, seals, penguins and turtles.
Other things to do in Coffs Harbour include fishing, cycling, swimming, kayaking and surfing.
If you are a bit of a thrill-seeker and want to do something different, you can also go skydiving in Coffs Harbour.
WHERE TO STAY: Here are some recommendations of places to stay in Coffs Harbour.
- Luxury: Club Wyndham Coffs Harbour
- Mid-range: Royal Palms Motor Inn
- Budget: Ocean Parade Motel
Stop 8: Ballina
- Recommended time: 1/2 to 1 day
- Driving time: 2h45 – 253 km
Ballina is another coastal town where you can stop for a few hours or a day before getting to Byron Bay.
While it may not be as famous as its sister Byron, Ballina is still a cute town to discover.
Here you will get to see another ‘Big Thing’: the Big Prawn! It’s located on a carpark which may not be the most beautiful spot but it’s still a good thing to see and take photos of!
Ballina is also known for its beaches, which include Lighthouse Beach, Shelly Beach and Angourie Point.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of Ballina, you can also visit the Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum.
Finally, if you are visiting in winter, you can go whale watching at Ballina. You can opt for a whale watching cruise or can try to spot them with binoculars from the cliffs.
WHERE TO STAY: You can find below some of the best places to stay in Ballina.
- Luxury: Ramada Hotel & Suites
- Mid-range: Comfort Inn All Seasons
- Budget: Ballina Homestead Motel
Stop 9: Byron Bay
- Recommended time: 1 to 2 days
- Driving time: 30 minutes – 34 km
Your next stop will be the famous town of Byron Bay. This is one of the most popular destination in Australia and for good reason! It’s absolutely beautiful.
It’s known for its hippie and laid-back vibes.
Here you will find loads of local boutiques, cute cafes and street art. Make sure to roam around the town for a bit so you truly soak up the atmosphere.
You can then head to the Main Beach where you can try surfing! This is the main activity here in Byron so if you’ve always wanted to give it a go, this will be a great place to learn.
If you are already experienced, you can simply hire a board from one of the local shops.
You can also opt for one of the numerous water activities such as sea kayaking, snorkelling at Julian Rocks Reserve, SUP or scuba diving.
You can also go whale watching in Byron Bay, but the only time to do this is in winter.
No matter what, make sure you go walking and take the lighthouse trail. It will take you through Main Beach, up to the beautiful Cape Byron lighthouse, from where you’ll discover beautiful views of Main Beach, Wategos Beach and Clarkes Beach.
There are also plenty of great restaurants and bars in Byron Bay, as well as bars where you can enjoy the nightlife.
READ MORE: 17+ Best Things to do in Byron Bay, NSW
WHERE TO STAY: Byron Bay is quite a small town and if you can, try to stay near the beach or the main street. That way, you’ll be able to truly enjoy Byron at night.
- Luxury: Crystalbrook Byron
- Mid-range: Hibiscus Motel
- Budget: Byron Bay YHA
Stop 10: Burleigh Heads
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 1 hour – 80 km
Now is time to head to the beach! Your next stop will be Burleigh Heads.
It is technically a suburb of Gold Coast but it feels like its a town on own right.
It is particularly known for its beautiful beaches and being one of the best places for surfing in Australia.
If you are up for a walk, head to Burleigh Heads National Park and take the rainforest circuit. It’s quite short (2.3 km) but you will get to see a lot!
You can then head to one of the beaches. Burleigh Beach, Echo Beach and Tallebudgera Beach are all great options.
If you fancy a picnic, Burleigh Hill will be the perfect spot for you. It’s a cute park with beach views.
Finally, if you are interested in learning more about the local culture, head to Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. They provide guided walks with locals and traditional land owners.
Alternatively, you can also head to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a great thing to do with kids on a road trip from Sydney to Brisbane.
PRO TIP: If you are visiting on the first or 3rd sunday of the month, you will also find the local market at Village Markets.
WHERE TO STAY: Burleigh Beach, Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise are very close from each other so you can actually book the same hotel for a few nights while you explore the region.
It will be much easier to stay at the same place.
Here are some recommendations:
- Luxury: The Star Grand
- Mid-range: voco Gold Coast
- Budget: Tequila Sunrise Hostel Surfers Paradise
Stop 11: Springbrook National Park
- Recommended time: 1 or 2 days
- Driving time: 45 minutes – 33 km
Your next stop will be Springbrook National Park. This is a nature lover’s paradise and it’s definitely worth stopping for a day or 2 to explore everything it has to offer.
The park is located in the Gold Coast hinterland and is known for its rainforest, waterfalls, gullies and wildlife.
Some of the highlights of the park are the Natural Bridge, Twin Falls, Warringa Pool, Purling Brook Falls, Mount Warning and Cougal Cascade.
You can go for hikes through the park and there are also some great lookouts where you can take photos. The best lookouts are Canyon Lookout and the Best of All Lookout so make sure to check those out.
Springbrook National Park is also known for its glow worm caves.
Glow worms are a species of worm that glow at night. It’s quite rare but Australia is a good place to see them and you can find them in a couple of places in this area.
If you can stay in the park at night, you’ll be able to see the glow worms up close in Natural Bridge.
Please note that glow worm can only be seen from December to March though.
WHERE TO STAY: Unless you want to spend a night at a campsite in Springbrook National Park, it will be easier to stay in the same hotel than last time, in Gold Coast.
Stop 12: Gold Coast
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 50 minutes – 39 km
Your next stop is Gold Coast. This is the most populated area in Queensland and it’s known for its beaches, theme parks and nightlife.
If you are a fan of theme parks, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Some of the popular ones are Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, Dreamworld, Sea World and Warner Bros. Movie World.
It’s also the perfect place to do some water activities. There are plenty of places to kayak, surf, swim, paddleboard and more.
Here are some of the most popular activities: aquaduck tour, hot air balloon flight, jet-boat ride, parasailing and sunset cruises.
For those who want to shop, the Gold Coast has a wide range of malls and local shops. And for those who want to enjoy the nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.
If you want to do something unique, you can also head to ArtVo Gold Coast. This is a trick art gallery and the photo opportunities here are endless.
READ MORE: 17 Best Day trips from Gold Coast, QLD
Stop 13: Surfers Paradise
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 8 minutes – 4 km
Your next stop is Surfers Paradise. This is the ultimate tourist spot on the Gold Coast and it’s definitely worth spending a whole day here.
The area is known for its beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
There are plenty of things to do in Surfers Paradise but some of the most popular ones are: visit the local markets, go for a swim or surf at the beach, try a jet-ski or go skydiving.
Surfers Paradise is also home to Q1, the tallest building in Australia. If you are looking for a great view, this is definitely the place to go. You can book a ticket for the SkyPoint Observation Deck which is located 230 metres off the ground.
If you are into culture and art, make sure to head to the Home of the Arts (HOTA), this is one of the best venues in the country. There are always loads of shows and exhibitions on.
And if you are looking for some nightlife, Cavill Avenue is the place to be. This street is full of bars and clubs and it’s open until the early hours of the morning.
There are also a ton of restaurants to choose from so you’ll definitely be able to find something to your taste.
Stop 14: Tamborine Mountain
- Recommended time: 1 day
- Driving time: 45 minutes – 40 km
Your next stop is Tamborine Mountain. This is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It’s only 45 minutes drive from Surfers Paradise and will the perfect place to discover before your final stop.
The mountain is known for its rainforest, wineries and restaurants.
There are a few different walks that you can do. Here are some recommendations:
- The Curtis Falls Track. This is a beautiful walk through the forest. It’s only 1 km long but it’s a grade 3 walk so be aware of that before starting.
- Witches Falls Walk. This one is 5 km long and can be done in about 1 hour.
If you’re looking to do some wine tasting, there are a few different places that you can go. Some favourites are: Witches Falls Winery, Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Mount Tamborine Vineyard and Wines.
Tamborine Mountain is also an excellent place to go on a hot balloon flight. If that’s something you’ve always considered, you won’t be disappointed.
Another popular attraction is the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. This is a walkway that takes you high up into the rainforest and provides some amazing views.
Finally, if you are here at night, you can also see the glow worms in the caves!
WHERE TO STAY: Here are some recommendations of places to stay near Tamborine Mountain.
- Luxury: Songbirds Rainforest Retreat
- Mid-range: The Cottages On Mount Tamborine
- Budget: Mt Tamborine Motel
Stop 15: Brisbane
- Recommended time: 2 days
- Driving time: 1 hour – 72 km
Your final stop is Brisbane. This is Queensland’s capital city and it’s a great place to spend a few days.
The first place to visit is the CBD. This is the commercial and financial heart of the city. There are a ton of different places to eat, shop and explore.
If you want to see some history, head to the Queensland Museum or the Brisbane City Hall. Make sure to also check out the Cathedral of St Stephen. It’s the oldest cathedral in Queensland!
You can then head to the Brisbane River, walk along the waterfront to the Botanic Gardens. They are free to enter and it’s like a little piece of heaven in the city.
PRO TIP: If you want to make the best of your time in Brisbane, we highly recommend booking the walking tour. The local guide will take you to the best spot and will give you loads of information about the sights.
After that, head to South Bank. It’s a great spot to chill and relax. You’ll also get to see the the Wheel of Brisbane.
If you want to do something unique, you can also head to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Finally, make sure to head to Kangaroo Point in the evening. It’s an excellent view point in Brisbane
WHERE TO STAY: The best places to stay in Brisbane are the CBD and South Bank. Here are some recommendations.
- Luxury: W Brisbane
- Mid-range: Royal Albert Hotel
- Budget: Brisbane City YHA
Sydney and Brisbane are two of Australia’s most popular destinations, and for good reason! Between the incredible beaches, fascinating history, and bustling city life, there’s something for everyone.
We hope that this itinerary will help you plan your road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, or vice versa.
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