9-Day Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip: Your Coastal Escape Starts Here
A Sydney to Brisbane road trip is one of Australia’s most iconic coastal journeys, blending laid-back beach towns, lush hinterlands, and a vibrant tapestry of culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re a local keen to explore your own backyard or a visitor seeking the ultimate east coast adventure, this route delivers the perfect balance of scenic driving and memorable stopovers.
But before you chuck your bags in the boot and head off, it pays to do a bit of planning. How long should you allow? When’s the best time to go? What should you pack—and where should you stop along the way? This guide covers all the essentials to help you hit the road with confidence and get the most out of your coastal escape.
How Long Does It Take for a Road Trip from Sydney to Brisbane?
The drive from Sydney to Brisbane covers just over 900 kilometres and typically takes around 10 to 11 hours of non-stop driving via the M1 Pacific Motorway. But if you’re planning a proper road trip (and we highly recommend you do), you’ll want to spread it out over 7 to 10 days to really soak up the best of the east coast.
Breaking the trip into manageable legs lets you explore a mix of vibrant regional centres, coastal towns, and national parks. Popular Sydney to Brisbane road trip stops include Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, and inland gems like Bellingen or Dorrigo.
Here’s a quick breakdown to give you an idea:
Direct Drive: ~10–11 hours (no stops)
Ideal Road Trip Pace: 7–10 days
Suggested Daily Drive Time: 2–4 hours per day with plenty of breaks
Keep in mind: holiday traffic, roadworks, or detours—especially during peak travel periods—can easily stretch travel times. So, give yourself some buffer room and avoid trying to rush it.
Best Time to Go on a Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip
The beauty of an Australia road trip Sydney to Brisbane is that it’s doable year-round, but some seasons offer a better experience depending on what you’re after.
Spring (September to November): Arguably the best time to go. The weather is warm but not too hot, the wildflowers are blooming, and crowds are still relatively light. Great for outdoor recreations and coastal walks.
Summer (December to February): If you’re a beach lover, summer is perfect—but be prepared for school holiday crowds, higher accommodation prices, and hot, humid weather. Book ahead if travelling during Christmas or New Year.
Autumn (March to May): Mild temperatures, less rain, and quieter roads make this another excellent window for road-tripping. Plus, the ocean is still warm enough for swimming.
Winter (June to August): Cooler temps in Sydney, but northern NSW and southeast.
Queensland stay relatively mild. You’ll miss the summer buzz, but the lack of crowds can be a big win—especially for wildlife spotting or enjoying hinterland towns.
Suggested 9-Day Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re dreaming of cruising through lush vineyards, sandy beaches, charming towns, and bustling urban hubs, all while soaking up the laid-back Aussie vibe, here’s a well-planned 9-day itinerary to spark your wanderlust:
Day 1: Sydney to Hunter Valley
Vibe: Leave the city stress in the rear‑view and breathe in vineyard air.
Drive: ≈ 195 km | 2 h 20 min
Route
From the CBD cross the Harbour Bridge, merge onto the M1 Pacific Motorway and cruise north. After Gosford you have two options:
Fastest: stay on the M1 until the Hunter Expressway (M15) turn-off, then follow the Cessnock exit into Pokolbin.
Scenic: slip off at Calga for Tourist Drive 33 through cedar-lined valleys, the convict-built Old Great North Road and the hamlet of Wollombi, re-joining Wine Country Drive at Cessnock.
Once the vines appear, detour to West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase NP if you left early. It’s a 10-minute stroll to jaw-dropping Pittwater views and is well worth the small park-entry fee.
Things to Do
Wine tasting: Follow the classic trail of cellar doors – Tyrrell’s for textbook 2024 Semillon, then Brokenwood’s new museum room for vertical tastings.
Or: Skip wine altogether and rent an e-bike to roll between cheese, chocolate and olive producers, or book tomorrow’s dawn balloon flight so you’re wafting above the vines at first light.
With kids? If you’re travelling with kids, the Hunter Valley Gardens has a seasonally themed Storybook playground and a lakeside Ferris wheel (open weekends).
Eating
Myrtle & Stone in Wollombi – house-made pickles on toasted sourdough + great coffee for the road.
Fawk Foods Kitchen & Bakery (Lovedale) for an alfresco pie or lemon-myrtle cronut.
Splurge on a five-course pairing at Restaurant Botanica – tables look straight onto shiraz vines so the sunset’s built in.
Sleeping
Spicers Vineyards Estate (luxury, private fireplaces, day-spa).
Voco Kirkton Park (boutique mid-range on 28 hectares of lawns and rose gardens).
Travellers Rest Motel, Cessnock (classic, quiet budget rooms set back from the road).
Day 2: Hunter Valley to Port Stephens
Vibe: Trade grapes for sea spray.
Drive: ≈ 170 km | 2 h
Route
Re-trace to the M15, merge onto the A1, then peel east along Nelson Bay Road. If you’ve got daylight to burn, cruise out via Lovedale Road to B63 / Nelson Bay Road, passing Medowie’s paperbark forest before Shoal Bay’s turquoise water fills the windscreen.
Things to Do
Leg-stretch: The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is a 45-minute stair climb for 360-degree views of Fingal Spit and the outer islands. Trailhead carpark fills by 9 a.m. in school holidays.
On the water: Hop aboard a year-round dolphin-watch cruise (guaranteed sightings or go again free) or time winter visits for the humpback migration.
Adrenaline: Blast across the Stockton Sand Dunes on a quad bike or join a sunset camel train.
Eating
Rick Stein at Bannisters for that legendary snapper pie (bookings essential).
Shoal Bay Country Club – beach-bar vibes, wood-fired pizzas and live music on weekends.
Little Beach Boathouse, Nelson Bay – plates of local blue-swimmer crab and Hunter Verdelho with marina views.
Sleeping
Bannisters Port Stephens (luxury retro-motel chic + infinity pool).
The Anchorage Hotel & Spa at Corlette for Hamptons styling and an on-site day spa.
Samurai Beach Bungalows – budget-friendly cabins in coastal bushland (self-cater if you’re counting dollars).
Day 3: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie
Vibe: River breezes & koala encounters.
Drive: ≈ 240 km | 2 h 45 min
Route
Back on the A1 Pacific Highway, roll past saltwater lakes and the Myall Lakes NP swamps. Refuel in Bulahdelah (good pies at the Plough Inn), then follow the Oxley Highway (B56) into Port Macquarie.
Things to Do
Wildlife: The Koala Hospital runs free 30-minute yard tours at 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. – get there early for a shade-parking spot while the old grounds are still open.
Beaches: Town Beach for sunrise surfers or drive 10 min south to Shelly Beach for snorkelling around granite outcrops.
Hinterland: Detour 25 min to Laurieton’s North Brother Lookout for a picnic among soaring tallowwood and views over the Camden Haven River mouth.
Eating
Bills Fishhouse + Bar – craft beers, fish tacos, buzzy service.
The Stunned Mullet – two-hat fine dining with a stellar wine list (closed Mon/Tue).
Drury Lane Eatery for slow-cooked brisket toasties and Campos coffee if you hit town at lunch.
Sleeping
Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges – resort pool & waterfront bar, mid-range.
Mantra The Observatory – oceanfront apartments opposite Town Beach, ideal for families.
Rainforest Deluxe Bungalows (budget, leafy surrounds five minutes from CBD).
Day 4: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
Vibe: Big Banana nostalgia and rainforest fringes.
Drive: ≈ 154 km | 1 h 50 min
Route
Ease back onto the A1, cross the Macleay and Nambucca rivers, and swing into Coffs via Hogbin Drive to avoid town traffic lights.
Things to Do
Iconic stop: Love it or eye-roll it, the Big Banana Fun Park is a rite of passage – waterslides, mini golf and choc-dipped frozen bananas; ride the toboggan before it’s replaced by a new alpine-coaster late 2025.
Nature: Paddleboard the glassy waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park or wander the shady North Coast Regional Botanic Garden for bird-watching.
Culture: The brand-new Yarrila Arts & Museum (free entry) showcases Gumbaynggirr stories alongside rotating contemporary shows.
Eating
Mana Chita – fragrant Syrian mezze and sweet mint tea.
Pig & Khai – modern Filipino plates (crispy pork belly lechon, calamansi cocktails).
King Tide Brewing – sample a paddle of NEIPA and porter with fish-and-chip tacos.
Sleeping
Pacific Bay Resort – big pools + nine-hole golf, family-friendly mid-range.
Sensom Boutique B&B – adults-only rainforest hideaway with just five suites.
Emerald Beach Caravan Park – budget cabins & powered sites steps from surf.
Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay
Vibe: Surf, sun and lighthouse sunrises/sunsets.
Drive: ≈ 232 km | 2 h 20 min
Route
Follow the A1 again; coffee stop at Newrybar (Harvest Deli) is almost mandatory. Exit at Ewingsdale Road, then two quick roundabouts drop you right into Byron’s one-way maze – go slow and breathe through the traffic.
Things to Do
Essential: Dump the bags, pull on sneakers and walk the Cape Byron loop – rainforest, clifftops and the iconic 1901 lighthouse, Australia’s eastern‑most point. Arrive an hour before sunset for pastel skies and dolphin‑spotting.
Alternative: Take a half-day hinterland tour to the Crystal Castle or dip under Minyon Falls for rainforest cool.
Surf & wellness: Hire a longboard at The Pass or book an oceanfront sunrise yoga class on Clarkes Beach.
Eating
Bayleaf Café – legendary avo toast & single-origin pour-overs (arrive before 8:30 a.m. or queue).
Three Blue Ducks @ The Farm – wood-fired lamb & garden veg in a barn setting; kids can feed the pigs.
Light Years for late-night modern Asian share plates and chilli margaritas.
Sleeping
Basq House – 32-room boutique stunner with magnesium rooftop pool (upper-mid).
Sun Ranch – new 55-acre ‘laid-back luxe’ ranch-style retreat in the hinterland.
Wake Up! Byron Bay – designer hostel opposite Belongil Beach with free bike & surfboard hire (budget).
Day 6: Lazy-Active Byron Bay Loop
Vibe: Wellness in the morning, waterfalls in the arvo.
Drive: Optional 40–90 km round trip
You could happily spend the day horizontal on Wategos Beach, but if itchy feet kick in, aim the wheels inland on the Bangalow Road. Within 15 minutes rolling green hills replace surf breaks; swing right at Bangalow’s federation-era main street (great for antiques) and continue to Newrybar for Harvest’s wood-fired sourdough straight from the 118-year-old oven.
From here you can:
Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens – wander giant amethyst geodes and labyrinths (allow 2 h).
Minyon Falls circuit – a 4.5 km rainforest loop with a 100-metre plunge pool finale (check road conditions after heavy rain).
Nimbin counter-culture detour – 68 km each way on B62 via Goonellabah; the Grasshoppers Express shuttle runs Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat if you’d rather let someone else drive.
On-or-off-the-water options back in Byron
Sunrise surf or SUP at The Pass, or join a dolphin-spotting sea-kayak tour (90 % sighting rate).
Lighthouse sunset photography class if golden hour is your thing.
Eating
Raes on Wategos for lobster rolls with a white-tablecloth view.
Craft beers and live tunes at Stone & Wood Brewery if you’re staying in town after dark.
Sleeping
Elements of Byron – villas on absolute beachfront, with a solar-powered train into town.
The Surf House – designer hostel with a rooftop bar (budget).
Day 7: Byron Bay to Gold Coast Hinterland & Beaches
Vibe: Surf city buzz meets cool climate rainforest
Drive: 92 km | ≈ 1 h direct, or 2 h with a hinterland loop
Route
Head north on the M1 but at Tweed Heads exit for Tomewin Road (95): a twisting ridge drive through avocado groves popping you out at Currumbin Valley. Continue to Springbrook National Park and climb to the Best of All Lookout – a 600 m boardwalk through Antarctic beech forest to a panorama stretching from Byron to Surfers. Re-join the M1 at Nerang for the 20-minute sprint to Burleigh Heads.
Things to Do
Burleigh Headland Ocean Track – 2 km return; spot turtles from the cliffs.
Tallebudgera Creek sand-bank swim or paddle-board (check Parks QLD alerts for temporary landslide closures).
Theme-park fiend? Pick one: Movie World (roller-coasters), Dreamworld (new Wave Swinger 2025) or Wet’n’Wild (summer only).
Dusk drink 230 m up at the SkyPoint Observation Deck; brave the external climb if heights thrill you.
Eating
Rick Shores – pan-Asian share plates & that famous bug roll, literally on Burleigh Beach.
Burleigh Pavilion/The Tropic – casual pizzas or refined seafood with surf views.
Etsu Izakaya (Mermaid Beach) – hidden sliding door, killer yakitori, late-night vibe.
Sleeping
QT Gold Coast – playful design, lagoon pool, walk to Cavill Ave (upper-mid).
The Darling at The Star – ultra-lux suites & rooftop infinity pool (luxury).
BUNK Backpackers – pods with privacy screens metres from the tram (budget).
Day 8: Gold Coast to Brisbane River-City
Vibe: Culture, craft beer and city sunsets.
Drive: 77 km | ≈ 55 min
Route
Follow the M1 Pacific Motorway north; at Eight Mile Plains keep left onto Gateway Motorway (M2), then veer onto M3 to drop straight into South Bank’s underground car-park.
Morning & Afternoon Picks
South Bank Parklands swim-up lagoon and bougainvillea arbour stroll.
Free CityHopper ferry loop (every 36 min; North Quay – New Farm) for skyline photos.
Art fix at QAGOMA – the 11th Asia-Pacific Triennial runs until 27 Apr 2025.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (20 min south-west): hand-feed kangaroos, open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
Twilight Story Bridge Climb (hello, 360° city lights – with an option for a celebratory drink now the council’s given the nod).
Eating
Howard Smith Wharves under the bridge: Cantonese at Stanley, over-water spritzes at Mr Percival’s, or riverside ales at Felons Brewing Co.
Eat Street Northshore (Fri–Sun 4 p.m.–10 p.m.): 70+ shipping-container eats, live bands and fairy-light romance.
Late-night cocktails at Savile Row in Fortitude Valley, if you still have fuel in the tank.
Sleeping
W Brisbane – bold design, epic breakfast buffet, heated wet-deck pool (lux-leaning).
The Inchcolm by Ovolo – Art-Deco chic, jazz vinyl in every suite (mid-boutique).
Brisbane City YHA – rooftop pool with river views, handy for Roma St station (budget).
Day 9: Brisbane Bonus Day or Departure
Vibe: Choose your own Queensland finale.
Island Escapes
Moreton Island day cruise: 7:30 a.m. ferry, snorkel the Tangalooma wrecks, return 4 p.m.
North Stradbroke Island (“Straddie”) – hourly SeaLink car ferry ex-Cleveland; Point Lookout for manta rays, beach cafés for a lazy lunch.
If you’re city-bound
Drive (or hop a bus) to Mt Coot-tha Lookout – open 24/7; sunrise shows the river snaking to Moreton Bay. Trails like the 2.4 km Lookout & Frogmouth loop start right below the café.
Brewery-crawl West End and Woolloongabba or hunt vintage vinyl on Bakery Lane.
Last-minute shopping at Queen Street Mall before rolling to the airport via the AirportlinkM7.
What to Pack & Prepare for the Road Trip
A well-packed car and some pre-trip preparation will make your Sydney to Brisbane road trip much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a streamlined checklist to help you get ready for the journey.
Essential Documents & Car Gear
Driver’s Licence & Car Registration: Double-check their validity.
Roadside Assistance: A roadside assistance membership is a good safety net.
Maps & Navigation: Rely on GPS but have a physical Sydney to Brisbane road trip map as a backup.
Emergency Kit: Include jumper cables, a flashlight, and basic tools.
Car Charger & Power Bank: Keep your devices charged for long stretches on the road. For added convenience, consider a portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station. With a capacity of 1024Wh (expandable to 3040Wh), it’s perfect for charging all your devices, powering small appliances like a coffee maker, or keeping everything running smoothly on long days of travel. Plus, it features fast AC charging (0-100% in 80 minutes) and the ability to charge via solar panels for a green energy solution.
Alternator Charger: Want to charge your portable power station while driving? The EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger lets you charge 8x faster than using traditional 12V outlets, topping up your EcoFlow power station in just 1.3 hours while you drive. It works by using the excess energy generated by your vehicle and is perfect for long journeys or RV trips. This charger combines three functions: it’s a charger, maintainer, and jump starter, saving you time and space in your car.
Clothing & Personal Items
Comfortable Clothing & Footwear: Opt for loose clothes and sturdy shoes for walks.
Swimwear: Keep your swimmers handy for beach stops.
Sunscreen & Hat: Protect yourself from the sun, especially on the coast.
Food & Snacks
Healthy Snacks: Stock up on easy-to-eat items like nuts, fruit, and protein bars.
Water Bottles: Reusable bottles are key to staying hydrated.
Cooler Bag: A small cooler keeps drinks and food fresh.
Emergency Snacks: Pack non-perishables in case you’re in a pinch.
Health & Hygiene
First Aid Kit: Include basic items like band-aids and any personal medications.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, deodorant, and wet wipes are essentials.
Hand Sanitiser & Masks: Always handy for cleanliness and safety.
Entertainment & Comfort
Music & Podcasts: Download your favourite tunes or podcasts ahead of time.
Books or Audiobooks: Perfect for longer stretches of driving.
Travel Pillow & Blanket: Useful for quick naps at rest stops.
Safety Prep
Car Check: Inspect tyres, fluids, and the spare tyre before departure.
Travel Insurance: Cover unexpected situations like car breakdowns.
Fuel & Rest Stops: Plan fuel stops, especially for remote areas.
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing sun-soaked beaches, sunrises over ocean cliffs, great coffee in coastal towns, or just the simple joy of the open road, the Sydney to Brisbane road trip is one you’ll want to take your time with. It’s not just about the destination—it’s about the little stops, the unexpected detours, and the memories you make in between. With the right timing, a solid plan, and a few handy tips up your sleeve, you’re all set for a safe and unforgettable journey up the east coast.
FAQs
Where should I stop when driving from Sydney to Brisbane?
There are plenty of great stops along the way! Popular spots include Newcastle, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast. These towns offer stunning beaches, national parks, great food, and plenty of places to relax and explore.
Is the road trip from Sydney to Brisbane worth it?
Yes, definitely! The journey offers some of the most beautiful coastal views in Australia, along with a mix of beach towns, charming regional cities, vibrant wildlife, and scenic nature spots. It’s a fantastic way to experience the best of the east coast.
How long does it take to get from Sydney to Brisbane on a road trip?
It typically takes around 10 to 11 hours of driving non-stop. But if you’re taking the road trip over a few days, expect it to take about 7 to 10 days to fully enjoy all the sights and stops along the way.
What is the most beautiful road trip in Australia?
While there are many stunning drives in Australia, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is often considered one of the most beautiful. It offers breathtaking coastal views, famous rock formations like the Twelve Apostles, and a mix of beaches and lush rainforests. However, the Sydney to Brisbane road trip is also a strong contender, with its scenic coastal route and vibrant stops!