Sydney To Brisbane Road Trip Itineraries

Gabby Boucher

February 23rd, 2024

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10 minute read

A Sydney to Brisbane road trip is one of the most popular adventures for travellers, backpackers, digital nomads, and campervan enthusiasts in Australia. Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and Brisbane is the capital of Queensland. Both cosmopolitan cities attract travellers and Aussie locals alike with their history, architecture, attractions, and nightlife. 

Sydney and Brisbane are around 1,000km apart, which for Australia is a pretty short distance! Because the two cities are relatively close, and there is plenty to do in each area, a Sydney to Brisbane road trip is an amazing way to explore Australia's East Coast.

Here is your ultimate guide for Sydney to Brisbane road trips, including travel tips from our local experts and suggested itineraries!

Sydney To Brisbane Road Trip Guide

Here is everything you need to know about driving from Sydney to Brisbane! From the actual driving time, to recommended itineraries, to options for campervan hire and guided tours, we've got you covered. 

How many days does it take to drive from Sydney to Brisbane?

The average Sydney to Brisbane road trip takes about 3-5 days. Though if you're just driving straight from city to city with no stops, you can complete the drive in 1 day! It's roughly 10.5 hours of driving straight from Sydney to Brisbane without stopping. The length to which you extend that journey is up to you.

To get a taste of the culture, natural beauty, and charming atmosphere of Australia's East Coast, we would recommend 3-5 days for a Sydney to Brisbane road trip. But you could easily stretch out the journey into 1 or 2 weeks if you have the time. There is no shortage of things to see and do between Sydney and Brisbane!

Is the drive from Sydney to Brisbane worth it?

If you have time, definitely consider driving from Sydney to Brisbane instead of flying. Flying is ideal for those on a tight schedule, as it's only a 1 hour flight. But if you have a few days or a week to spare, driving along the East Coast gives you the chance to explore rural towns, swim at pristine beaches, camp in the wilderness, and soak in those stunning coastal views. You'll get a taste of real, authentic Australia if you explore the small towns and beaches between the cities!

Sydney To Brisbane Road Trip Itineraries

So where should you stop when driving from Sydney to Brisbane? There are endless combinations of humble cities, laid-back towns, national parks, and surfing reserves where you can stop during your road trip. We're going to highlight some popular itinerary routes that you can use as inspiration for your Sydney to Brisbane adventure. These are just suggestions and you can alter the itineraries as you see fit. 

3 Day Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip

Day 1: Sydney to Crescent Head - 5 hours driving

Depart Sydney and head north. Stop in Newcastle, a small city with some amazing beaches and lovely cafes. You can even go skydiving in Newcastle!

Just north of Newcastle lies Port Stephens, another amazing place to stop for a swim, a coffee, or a hike. Then continue north to Crescent Head, a gorgeous surfing reserve with campgrounds, holiday cabins, picturesque views, and fun waves.

Stay overnight in Crescent Head

Day 2: Crescent Head to Byron Bay - 4.75 hours driving

From Crescent Head, it's just under 5 hours of driving north until you reach Byron Bay. Stop in Coffs Harbour to visit the beach, see the Big Banana, stroll through the North Coast Botanical Garden, or tour a nature reserve.

Once you arrive in Byron Bay, you can spend your evening swimming, surfing, or walking the amazing coastal walk.

Stay overnight in Byron Bay

Day 3: Byron Bay to Brisbane - 2.25 hours driving

It's just a short drive from Byron Bay to Brisbane, but there are so many iconic beaches on the way. Spend the morning at a cute cafe in Byron Bay before heading into Queensland. 

Stop in Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, or Surfers Paradise for a swim, surf, or coastal walk. Then head into Brisbane to complete your 3 day road trip!

5 Day Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip

Day 1: Sydney to Port Stephens - 2.25 hours driving

With 5 days for your road trip, you have more time to enjoy the coastal delights from Sydney to Brisbane!

Start by heading up to Port Stephens. Once you arrive, spend the day going on a whale watch, hiking Tomaree Mountain, or sandboarding on the Stockton Sand Dunes.

Stay overnight in Port Stephens

Day 2: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie - 2.25 hours driving

On the way north from Port Stephens, there are some very quiet, peaceful villages and beaches where you can see the local culture. Myall Lakes National Park has some lovely walks and Seal Rocks is great for surfing, fishing, and diving.

Forster is another small town where you can soak in the sun and surf with the locals. Once you get to Port Macquarie, do the iconic coastal walk to admire the historic sites and sweeping ocean views.

Stay overnight in Port Macquarie

Day 3: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour - 1.75 hours driving

It's a short drive from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour, but you may want to stop in Nambucca Heads on the way! This tranquil seaside town on the Nambucca River has turquoise waters and uncrowded beaches to enjoy.

Stay overnight in Coffs Harbour

Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay - 2.25 hours driving

Head from Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay in the morning so you have the whole day to enjoy this eclectic backpacker town. Go surfing at The Pass, try skydiving, check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse, kayak with dolphins, go for a guided snorkel tour, or just hang out in the bustling town centre.

Stay overnight in Byron Bay

Day 5: Byron Bay to Brisbane - 2.25 hours driving

Spend today heading towards Brisbane and stopping at any Queensland beaches that catch your eye. Before you know it, you'll be right in the heart of the city!

1 Week Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip

Day 1: Sydney to Hunter Valley - 2.5 hours driving

Hunter Valley is a famous wine country located just inland from Newcastle. If you have 1 week to drive from Sydney to Brisbane, you'll have time to make a detour inland to do some incredible wine tasting!

If you want to taste all the wines, maybe find somewhere to stay in Hunter Valley overnight so you don't have to drive. Or you can head back out to Newcastle or Port Stephens and spend the night near the coast. 

Stay overnight in Hunter Valley

Day 2: Hunter Valley to Port Macquarie - 3 hours driving

Continue north to Port Macquarie! Stop in Newcastle or Port Stephens if you're looking for somewhere to swim in the ocean or drink a coffee at a beachfront cafe. 

Stay overnight in Port Macquarie

Day 3: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour - 1.75 hours driving

From Port Macquarie, stop in Crescent Head on the way north to Coffs Harbour. It's a seriously beautiful spot that deserves a place on any Sydney to Brisbane road trip! Then spend the rest of the day enjoying all the attractions in Coffs Harbour. 

Stay overnight in Coffs Harbour

Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay - 2.25 hours driving

On your way to Byron Bay, stop at some non touristy spots before you reach town. Lennox Head has some less crowded beaches where you can swim, surf, or jog along the shore. You could also stop at Killen Falls, a majestic waterfall just south of Byron Bay.

Stay overnight in Byron Bay

Day 5: Spend the day in Byron Bay

It's worth spending an entire day in Byron Bay! There is so much to do here, from bar-hopping to kayaking to hot-air ballooning and more. Take a surf lesson, go shopping, or get an acai bowl from a health food cafe. Or just laze away on one of the stunning beaches!

Stay overnight in Byron Bay

Day 6: Byron Bay to Gold Coast - 1.25 hours driving

Depart Byron Bay and head into Queensland. Spend the day soaking in the sun on the Gold Coast! The vibrant seaside city of Gold Coast is known for its thriving nightlife, wide beaches, hinterland waterfalls, and fun theme parks that can entertain travellers of all ages.

Stay overnight in Gold Coast

Day 7: Gold Coast to Brisbane - 1 hour driving

It's only one hour from Gold Coast to Brisbane! Watch the sunrise over the ocean before heading into the city if you can, then get ready to take on all the excitement of Brisbane.

2 Week Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip

Week 1: Sydney to Byron Bay

Spend the first week of your road trip meandering along the coast of New South Wales. Venture into the Hunter Valley for wine tasting, camp in a national park, go for sunrise strolls by the beach, and hang out in tranquil small towns. 

Highlights:

• Newcastle
• Hunter Valley
• Port Stephens
• Port Macquarie
• Crescent Head
• Coffs Harbour
• Byron Bay

Week 2: Byron Bay to Brisbane

Spend the second week enjoying the trendy vibes of Byron Bay before continuing north into Queensland. There are so many beaches and national parks to explore on the way, and you could even book a day trip to an offshore island such as Moreton Island, Lady Elliot Island, or Stradbroke Island if you have time!

Highlights:

• Byron Bay
• Coolangatta
• Burleigh Heads
• Surfers Paradise
• Gold Coast
• Moreton Island
• Stradbroke Island

How to hire a campervan for your road trip

You can check live availability online for campervans on Australia's East Coast, or contact our travel agents directly for a quote! Of course, you can also complete your road trip with a normal car if you'd prefer. The drive is easy, well-marked, and can be done in any type of vehicle. You'll just have to book accommodations for each night, which adds extra costs and planning to your road trip. If you book a campervan, you can just park at a campground or caravan park and spend the night right there! But it's totally up to you. A Sydney to Brisbane road trip will be amazing no matter what vehicle you choose to drive.

Check out our ultimate campervan blog to learn everything there is about Aussie van life as a backpacker!

Sydney to Brisbane guided tours and itineraries

An alternative to completing your own Sydney to Brisbane road trip is booking a guided tour or itinerary. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the planning process, let the experts guide you! Most guided Sydney to Brisbane tours are 8-10 days and include all accommodation and activities. They are actually super cost-effective and of course, they remove the hassle of planning your own itinerary.

Guided itineraries are often preferred by solo travellers as well because they provide a social environment where you can make friends and share your experiences with other travellers. Doing a campervan road trip by yourself can be costly, so we would recommend a group tour if you're travelling alone!

These are the most popular Sydney to Brisbane tours:

• 8 Day Guided Sydney to Brisbane Koala Tour
• 10 Day Guided Sydney to Brisbane Tour for Working Holidays
• 10 Day Guided Sydney to Brisbane Adventure
• Reverse directions with the 8 Day Brisbane To Sydney Galah Tour

Find more things to do in Sydney and Brisbane while you're visiting these amazing cities!

Don't hesitate to contact our travel experts if you have any other questions about road trips, guided tours, or your East Coast adventure!