Plan a Brisbane to Sydney road trip if you are craving a coastal drive. The journey from Brisbane to Sydney is also one of the most popular drives in Australia, spanning around 900 km along the legendary Pacific Coast. The route takes you through two of Australia’s largest cities, and there is so much to see along the way. It is just hopping from beach to beach as you journey along the rugged shore of the Pacific coast.
This drive can be completed in about 11 hours, but as the route shelters many beautiful inlets that are begging to be explored, you can plan an itinerary for 4-5 days. You can book a rental car or a caravan and make multiple stops at many of Australia’s top tourist attractions at your convenience. Our extensive itinerary is full of great places with plenty of beach action. So, get ready for the ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip.
Top Stops on Brisbane to Sydney Road Trip
Stop 1: Gold Coast
- 77.8 km from Brisbane via M1
The city of Gold Coast is an urban area that stretches along with the coastal suburbs from Paradise Point to Tweed Heads. Home to over 30 different beaches in Queensland and a few of the best beaches in all of Australia, Gold Coast is one of the country’s premier holiday destinations. Most tourists flock here for its beaches, surf, theme parks, backpacking opportunities, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. If you want to visit the lesser-known places, then check out Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, or Broadbeach. You can even go on a cruise for Whale Watching.
Stop 2: Byron Bay
- 93.3 km from Gold Coast via M1
An amazing stop on your epic journey down to Sydney is the famous Byron Bay. You can not continue a drive down the eastern side of Australia without stopping by this paradise of sandy beaches and national parks, with a relaxed, hippy vibe along with a touch of luxury. Head to Byron Beach to hit the waves, chill by the beach, or lounge in one of the coolest surf shacks that sit nearby. You can even go to the Byron Bay Lighthouse to watch the sunrise or sunset. The lighthouse sits on Australia’s easternmost point and can be accessed via a walking trail from Byron Beach. No matter what you do in Byron, it will ooze cool.
Stop 3: Yamba
- 127.2 km from Byron Bay via Pacific Hwy/A1
About two hours away from Byron Bay is beloved Yamba. Situated at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba is a coastal town worthy of a detour. Here you will get your first glimpse at these iconic New South Wales rock pool beaches and lines of deep-seated pine trees. Head to the Sandbar Yamba for a seafood lunch, followed by a long and leisurely dip in the rock pools and the Yamba main beach. Get the richness of a friendly village vibe and walk around Yamba’s main street filled with surf shops and fashion stores, including Shack Yamba, a lifestyle store filled with coastal goodies.
Stop 4: Coffs Harbour
- 131.9 km from Yamba via Pacific Hwy/A1
The next stop on this route is the picturesque town of Coffs Harbour in eastern Australia. The city is one of the most popular coastal resort towns known for its banana plantations, resorts, and fishing. Popular attractions include the Big Banana monument, amusement parks, and Diggers Beach that are worth checking. Coffs Harbour is also the perfect place to catch sight of some of the wildlife in both the natural rainforest and in the Solitary Islands marine park.
Stop 5: Port Macquarie
- 152.3 km from Coffs Harbor via Pacific Hwy/A1
Next in this itinerary is the beautiful coastal town of Port Macquarie, widely known for its extensive beaches, wildlife, and waterways. Upon your arrival, walk along the Port Macquarie breakwall or take a dip at one of the 17 beautiful beaches along the coast. Each one of them is unique and striking in their way. As you wander the city, keep an eye out for the magnificent koala sculptures dotted around town. These impressive fiberglass statues have been hand-painted by a few selected artists and are a hit with kids. You can even visit Billabong Zoo, which is popular for its koala breeding center. Port Macquarie is truly a nature lover’s paradise. You can even go to the St. Thomas Anglican Church or explore the 19th-century Tacking Point Lighthouse, which offers views over waters home to whales and dolphins.
Stop 6: Nobbys Beach, Newcastle
- 245.2 km from Port Macquarie via Pacific Hwy/A1
This location is your final spot for a quick bite and coffee, overlooking the stunning beach and boardwalk to Nobbys Lighthouse. The coastal town of Newcastle is all about the beaches and a laid back coastal lifestyle. So, relax at Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach, or Merewether Beach for some sun-soaked downtime. The city is full of culture, history, and stunning landscapes while boasting a charismatic funky atmosphere and a developing artistic side. It is super chill and easygoing too. While driving Brisbane to Sydney or vice versa, Newcastle shouldn’t be missed.
Final Destination: Sydney
- 169.8 km from Nobbys Beach via M1
The end of this journey is the capital of New South Wales and one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Sydney is a city that needs to be explored thoroughly, so make sure you have got plenty of time to check out the city’s major highlights, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. You can even take a ferry to Manly, visit Nelson Bay Beach for paddle boarding and other water sports, or go for a half-day trip to Palm Beach, which is a drive of 41km north of the CBD.