A road trip from Sydney to Brisbane is one of the classic east coast driving routes in Australia. With a distance from Sydney to Brisbane of 900 kilometers, it’s a long trip, but a trip that’s absolutely packed with beautiful sights and scenic landscapes to see along the way.
The best sights are found along the exceptional coastline, which is as long as it is stunning, but there are countless detours inland, and extra excursions to make along the way as well. Our route takes you north from Sydney, stopping in at national parks, seaside towns, harbors, and long, sandy beaches.
It’s best to take about two weeks to truly enjoy the drive from Sydney to Brisbane. This amount of time allows you to take it slow while making a few extra stops at your leisure. However, you can easily take in the main highlights in just a week or 10 days if you are pressed for time.
To help you to plan your east coast road trip, here’s our guide to driving from Sydney to Brisbane.
Recommendation: If you are renting a car for this Sydney to Brisbane road trip, make sure to check out Rentalcars.com. They search and compare rental prices from all major rental companies in Australia, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best possible price on your rental car.
The Best Time to Road Trip from Sydney to Brisbane
A road trip from Sydney to Brisbane takes you through an array of different climates as you travel from the cooler, temperate climates of southern New South Wales, north to the subtropics of Queensland.
This road trip is suitable throughout much of the year, although if you travel during the height of summer, from November through to February, you may find that temperatures are uncomfortably hot. The summer is also when the tropics begin to experience heavy rainfall, although in Brisbane you won’t see the more extreme cyclones you find further north, but it will still be incredibly humid.
The best time to make the drive is just after or just before summer when temperatures are cooler and more pleasant.
Things to Know About Driving from Sydney to Brisbane
Driving long distances in Australia can be challenging but it’s certainly doable. After all, thousands of people road trip around Australia every year. Here are few things to keep in mind when driving from Brisbane to Sydney or vise versa.
1. Don’t Underestimate Driving Times
900 kilometers is a long way to drive, so ensure that you leave plenty of time to make the journey and don’t underestimate the vast distances involved when traveling between Australian cities.
2. Get Roadside Assistance
When renting your vehicle, check that you are covered for roadside assistance, as you don’t want to break down in the middle of nowhere, with no way out.
3. Avoid Driving at Night
To avoid accidents, it’s best to avoid driving at night, as the roads can be become dangerous for those not used to the conditions, namely, the large quantity of nocturnal wildlife – kangaroos and others – that cross the roads after dark.
4. Consider Camping
While there are plenty of accommodation options along the road between Sydney to Brisbane, you will also find that there are plenty of free and cheap camping options too, which can add a new element to your road trip. You can pick up cheap camping equipment in Brisbane or Sydney, or you could even rent a campervan to function as both your transport and accommodation when on the road.
If you are not into camping, don’t worry, we have listed the best places to stay for each stop on this Sydney to Brisbane road trip itinerary for you below.
The Ultimate Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary
Our itinerary will take you through the most iconic towns and cities, the majestic Blue Mountains, under-visited Newcastle, the peaceful Myall Lakes National Park, and onto the famous Gold Coast.
However, before we get to our itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. You never know what will happen and, trust us, you do not want to get stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. As a wise man once said, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” So don’t leave home without it.
SafetyWing offers travel insurance for only about $10 a week, making it a no-brainer to get. You can get a quick, non-binding quote below:
SafetyWing is, of course, not the only option available. Two other popular alternatives are World Nomads and Heymondo.
Now with that out of the way, let’s get this Sydney to Brisbane itinerary on the road already (pun intended)!
Sydney
Sydney is a fantastic place to start your east coast adventures in Australia, as the capital of New South Wales and the largest city in the country, it is packed full of iconic attractions and intriguing history.
Sydney is the oldest city in Australia and the city truly embraces the classic Aussie lifestyle that the locals are renowned for. It has been rated as one of the most liveable cities in the world, and you may find yourself not wanting to get in the car and leave, but trust us, there’s much more waiting to be seen along the coast to Brisbane.
Check out Sydney’s famous sights, including the majestic Opera House and if you dare, take on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for a unique view of the city. Take the public ferries along the river to the coast, and enjoy the laid back beach life at Manly, or at the famous Bondi Beach. For more info on what to do, check out our Sydney itinerary.
Best Places to Stay in Sydney:
Meriton Suites World Tower | Hyatt Regency Sydney | Great Southern Hotel Sydney
The Blue Mountains
Our road trip itinerary doesn’t take you straight north along the highway towards Brisbane, rather, we recommend heading west into the interior of the country to start your road trip. Just outside of Sydney are the Blue Mountains, a breathtaking, and unmissable natural attraction.
The Blue Mountains are steeped in Aboriginal legend and lore, and this World Heritage Area will quite literally blow you away with its dramatic views. Head first to Katoomba, where you can enjoy the most impressive panoramic of the mountains and the valleys far below. See the Three Sisters, an outcrop of unique rocks precariously balanced over a cliff ledge and learn about the local Dreamtime stories behind them. Hike along trails, or take the scenic skyway for even more views over this wonderful mountain range.
Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains:
Echo Point Motor Inn | Waldorf Leura Gardens Resort | Blue Mountains Heritage Motel
Newcastle
After exploring the Blue Mountains, it’s time to start the long journey north to Brisbane. The city of Newcastle is just a two-hour drive away, and it’s one of Australia’s most under-visited cities. Most people continue past without stopping on their journey from Sydney to Brisbane, but it’s worth hanging around to see the sights and to escape the crowds of tourists you’ll encounter elsewhere.
Newcastle is famed – at least locally – for its endless beaches, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy white sands and blue seas. While you’re there, pay a visit to the historic cathedral, the old colonial forts and prisons, and take an off-road ATV ride through the nearby sand dunes.
Best Places to Stay in Newcastle:
Rydges Newcastle | Quality Hotel Noah’s On the Beach | The Lucky Hotel
Myall Lakes National Park
Myall Lakes National Park is found two hours further up the coast from Newcastle and it’s a great stop for nature lovers. At the park you’ll find spectacular freshwater lakes, surrounded by walking trails and beautiful vistas. The area is also a haven for local wildlife.
The beaches are equally as impressive, with huge sand dunes and dramatic lighthouses perched on rising cliffs. Here at the park you can truly appreciate the calm, peaceful nature of Myall Lakes by taking to the waters. You can either rent a boat, jump in a kayak, or take out a canoe.
5 Essential Packing Items for Australia
#1 Good Camera – Chances are you will be snapping pictures pretty much non-stop in Australia, so you really need a good camera to do its beauty justice. We highly recommend the Sony RX100 III. It’s super lightweight, compact, and the image quality is amazing.
#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking around in Australia, so a good pair of shoes is really essential. Our go to shoes are Nike Free 5.0. They are comfortable, lightweight and sturdy. We pretty wear them all the time. We even hiked up multiple mountains/volcanoes with them.
#3 Good Guidebook – Lonely Planet guidebooks are still our favorites and their Australia edition is very thorough and a must for anybody traveling around Australia.
#4 Good Water Bottle – The sun can be brutal in Australia, so make sure to always carry a refillable water bottle with you. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus it’s free. Our favorite is the Klean Kanteen Classic Stainless Steel Water Bottle.
#5 Good Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Conventional sunscreen damages the reefs, so please make sure to get a good reef-safe sunscreen instead. The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen works just as well as a regular sunscreen but without all the harmful chemicals.
Port Macquarrie
A nice two-hour drive further north on your Sydney to Brisbane road trip will bring you to the charming town of Port Macquarrie. It’s laid back and in beautiful surroundings, and you can easily spend a few days exploring the long beaches, looking out for whales passing by on their way out to sea, or hiking through subtropical rainforests.
The highlight of a trip to Port Macquarrie though is a tour of the local Koala Hospital, where you can not only learn more about these lovable Aussie animals, their lifestyles and habits, but also about the dangers they face from modern life and their ever-shrinking habitats. The hospital takes in injured and sick koalas from around the region and nurtures them back to health as best they can.
Best Places to Stay in Port Macquarrie:
Waters Edge Port Macquarie | ibis Styles Port Macquarie | Flynns on Surf Beach Villas
Nambucca Heads
Keep traveling north from Port Macquarrie on your journey from Sydney to Brisbane by car and you’ll soon reach Nambucca Heads. This small community is based around the scenic climes of the Nambucca River, as the wide waterway meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place to do nothing at all, except relax on the coast, watch for whales from the famous Captain Cooke Lookout, and get ready for the next stage of your trip to Brisbane.
Best Places to Stay in Nambucca Heads:
Marcel Towers Holiday Apartments | Riverview Boutique Motel | Ingenia Holidays White Albatross
Coffs Harbour
Half an hour along the coast from Nambucca Heads is the much larger city of Coffs Harbour. This coastal city is home to the Big Banana, an enormous replica of a yellow banana that started the craze of ‘Big Things’ along the east coast.
More than this though, Coffs Harbour is surrounded by national parks and marine reserves, making this a great base from which to get out and enjoy the Australian outdoors. Walk along the harbor’s lengthy pier, explore Mutton Bird Island just off the coast, or go out snorkeling or diving in the colorful waters.
Best Places to Stay in Coffs Harbour:
Pacific Marina Apartments | The Observatory Holiday Apartments | Absolute Beachfront Opal Cove Resort
Byron Bay
Byron Bay has to be one of the most famous – and popular – destinations along the east coast of Australia and it will be the next stop on your road trip from Sydney to Brisbane and the last major destination before you cross the state border from New South Wales into Queensland.
Byron Bay is known for its laid back vibes, surfing culture and classic Aussie lifestyle. Set around the beautiful sands and sea of a wide bay, this is a great place to soak up the sun and hit the waves. Watch the sunset over Byron Bay’s famous lighthouse, explore the rugged coastline of Arakwal National Park, and day trip out to the refreshing waters of the Minyon Falls.
There’s a lot to do in Byron Bay, so be prepared to spend much longer here than you might intend!
Best Places to Stay in Byron Bay:
Byron Bay Beach Hostel | Elements Of Byron | Glen Villa Resort
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is found just across the border into Queensland. Just over an hour’s drive north from Byron Bay, the Gold Coast is famous for its glitzy high rise buildings that seem to rise from the sweeping beaches. This area is classic Australia, cities built by golden sands and perpetually shrouded in sunlight.
The Gold Coast is an incredibly popular vacation destination, particularly for Australians, and the area can feel a bit touristy. If you’re looking for a lively, fun city, with plenty of activities – including theme parks, zoos, and more nearby – then Gold Coast is the perfect destination. If that’s not for you, then the cultured climes of Brisbane are just a short drive away.
Best Places to Stay on the Gold Coast:
Meriton Suites Broadbeach | Q1 Resort & Spa | Vibe Hotel Gold Coast
Brisbane
After covering over 900 kilometers of road, you will at last arrive at your final destination, Brisbane. The state capital of Queensland is one of Australia’s sunniest cities and it’s an incredible place to visit.
The wide Brisbane River cuts through the city and along its banks you’ll find long boardwalks, plenty of bars and restaurants, and the Brisbane Lagoon – a public, outdoor swimming pool and artificial beach. Visit the Koala Sanctuary, the Botanical Gardens and the local museums, and enjoy the laid back city life of Brisbane at the end of your long road trip.
Best Places to Stay in Brisbane:
Meriton Suites Herschel Street | Hotel Jen Brisbane | Stamford Plaza Brisbane
And there you have it – the ultimate road trip itinerary. It’s a beautiful drive from Sydney to Brisbane by car and we are confident you’ll love it as much as we did.
Note: This itinerary is part of a much longer Melbourne to Darwin road trip. If you intend to road trip more of Australia’s east coast, make sure to also check out our other itineraries: Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, and Cairns to Darwin.
Val Ireton
Exactly what I was looking for, except we will be doing it in reverse. Thanks for all the info.