Scenic Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip: Ultimate Guide
The Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip is one of Australia’s most iconic routes, and for good reason. While on the drive, you’ll see many beautiful beaches, green forests, and lovely little towns by the sea.
You can stop wherever catches your eye, try local food, take in the views, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. In short, this road trip is packed with experiences that will make you fall in love with the Aussie east coast all over again.
Now, as you’re planning your trip, don’t stress yourself with figuring out places to explore. We have done all that for you. In this article, we will show you a 7-day trip from Sydney to Gold Coast, including various beautiful places to see along the way. So, make sure you read to the end to find out. Let’s go!
7-Day Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Planning a family road trip from Sydney to the Gold Coast? Here is a plan for a Sydney to Gold Coast road trip spanning 7 days, including a list of the best scenic spots to visit and stay.
Day 1: Sydney to Port Stephens
Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Start your journey with a coastal drive up the M1.
Swim and have Lunch: Stop at one of Port Stephens' 26 beaches for a swim and lunch at Little Beach Boathouse or Little Nel Cafe.
Afternoon Activity: Dolphin cruise or sandboarding at Worimi Conservation Lands.
Where to stay: Spend the night in Port Stephens. Try a beachfront cabin or a cozy B&B.
Day 2: Port Stephens to Myall Lakes
Driving Time: 1 hour
Morning: Enjoy a slow breakfast and perhaps a beach walk or paddleboard session.
Drive: Head north to Myall Lakes National Park.
Afternoon: Kayaking, swimming, and wildlife spotting.
Where to stay: Book a safari tent or villa at NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park.
Day 3: Myall Lakes to Port Macquarie
Driving Time: 3 hours | 200 KMS
Stop at Forster for coffee and a beach walk.
Continue to Port Macquarie for lunch.
Activities: Visit the Koala Hospital and Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail.
Where to stay: Find a comfy spot in town or near the beach.
Day 4: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
Driving Time: 2 hours
Morning: Have a quick dip at Town Beach or grab a smoothie at Social Grounds.
Drive to Coffs Harbour, with optional stops along the way.
Afternoon: Big Banana fun, surf at Jetty Beach, or horse riding on Boambee Beach.
Where to stay: NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort.
Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Yamba
Driving Time: 2 hours
Morning Adventure: Explore Dorrigo National Park and enjoy waterfalls and rainforest walks.
Continue to Yamba for lunch at Yamba Shores Tavern.
Evening: Have a sunset walk along the coast or a lighthouse visit.
Where to stay: Book a boutique stay or a motel in Yamba.
Day 6: Yamba to Byron Bay
Driving Time: 2 hours
Midday: Arrive in Byron Bay for lunch.
Activities: Hike Cape Byron Track, relax at the beach, shop, or explore Jonson Street.
Evening: Have drinks at The Beach Hotel.
Where to Stay: The Crest Byron Bay or other stylish stays.
Day 7: Byron Bay to Gold Coast
Driving Hours: 2 hours 10 mins
Stop 1: Kayak at Brunswick Heads.
Stop 2: Have coffee at The Bean Van in Yelgun.
Stop 3: Visit the Tweed Regional Gallery in Murwillumbah.
Stop 4: Have lunch in Kingscliff and then visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Final Stretch: Arrive at Surfers Paradise for a beach dip and dinner.
Where to stay: NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort
What to Pack & Prepare for the Drive?
For an enjoyable road trip, you must plan ahead. Here are some of the travel essentials you need:
Chargers and Cables for your phone, tablet, laptop, and even your car if it’s an electric vehicle. In which case, the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger is highly recommended. You can use it to charge your car’s alternator while you drive. It’s super efficient and road-trip ready.
A backup power source like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station to keep all your devices powered up all through your long drives and remote stops.
Travel essential bag with must-haves like sanitizer, tissues, masks, and wet wipes within easy reach.
Headphones or AirPods if you’re travelling alone. You can use them to tune out road noise while resting.
Download offline maps like Google Maps, AllTrails, and Roadtrippers to help navigate your route with ease.
Pack a mix of healthy and fun snacks in a small cooler.
Get sunglasses to protect your eyes from harsh sun rays.
A blanket and pillow will be needed on nights you’re sleeping out, or you probably want to take a nap in the car before getting on with your journey.
Have a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Don’t forget to keep small emergency cash, including important documents like ID, registration, insurance, and passport.
Finally, for health emergencies, have a first aid kit with medications and daily vitamins for pain relief, allergies, and motion sickness.
Road Trip Tips for a Safe & Enjoyable Journey
Before embarking on any journey, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Ensure your vehicle is road-ready. Check fluid levels, tyre pressure, brakes, and lights before you hit the road.
Pack a spare tyre and emergency kit with tools, jumper cables, a power station and a first aid kit. They can be a lifesaver.
Use a Sydney to Gold Coast road trip map to navigate your path, find petrol stations, and schedule stopovers.
Start your trip well-rested to avoid drowsy driving and stay alert on the road.
Pack healthy snacks and on-the-go meals to keep your energy up and reduce unnecessary stops.
If you’re travelling with your family, keep everyone happy by downloading games, audiobooks, and movies to keep your kids entertained.
Budget wisely for your trip and keep a little extra for unexpected costs.
Conclusion
The Sydney to Gold Coast road trip is a stunning coastal journey filled with beautiful beaches, lush national parks, and vibrant seaside towns. Every stop offers something unique, from dolphin cruises to rainforest hikes. With this 7-day guide, you’ll have all the highlights mapped out. Just pack smart, plan ahead, and enjoy the ride. And for extra convenience on the road, consider packing reliable power solutions from EcoFlow to keep your devices charged and your trip running effortlessly.
FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Sydney to the Gold Coast?
Driving from Sydney to the Gold Coast takes about 9 hours non-stop, but if you plan to enjoy the scenic stops along the way, it’s best to set aside 11 to 13 hours. It’s a long but beautiful drive.
Where should I stop between the Gold Coast and Sydney?
Some great stops between the Gold Coast and Sydney include Byron Bay for its beaches and vibes, Coffs Harbour for the Big Banana, Port Macquarie for coastal walks, Newcastle for surf and cafes, and the Central Coast for a relaxing break.
Is the drive from Sydney to the Gold Coast worth it?
Yes, the drive from Sydney to the Gold Coast is definitely worth it. It’s a scenic coastal adventure where you’re greeted with stunning views, charming beach towns, and lots of fun stops along the way. Quite perfect for a relaxed road trip.
Is 2 days enough in Gold Coast?
Yes, 2 days is enough to enjoy a taste of the Gold Coast. You'll get to see stunning beaches, lush hinterlands, and more scenic views. While it won’t cover everything, you’ll still get to experience some of the best highlights in a short time.