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Plan your Brisbane to Sydney road trip stops with these essential stops for your driving adventure! From glorious beaches, Australian East Coast iconic landmarks and attractions and delicious eats. Map out your Brisbane to Sydney (or Sydney to Brisbane) driving itinerary with ease!
Book your hire car or campervan for your road trip!
Australia has some of the best road trip scenery and taking a Brisbane to Sydney drive is by far a great family holiday option!
Time to get beyond Brisbane day trips and make your way from Queensland into New South Wales!
There are some incredible options for taking a Brisbane road trip, yet Sydney is definitely one of the most popular interstate routes!
You will see some of the most beautiful places in SE Queensland and many of the best places to visit in New South Wales too.
Preparing For Your Brisbane To Sydney Road Trip
Before you set off on your road trip, you will need to decide how much time you have and the type of transport you are using.
If taking your own car or caravan, ensure they are serviced and safe before leaving.
PLANNING AN AUSSIE ROAD TRIP?
Our favourite way to road trip Australia is by motorhome! Check out Jucy Campervans for a budget option or for extra comfort try Star RV.
BOOK YOUR VEHICLE: If hiring a car, a campervan or a caravan, book with enough time to ensure you get the type of vehicle you want.
During busy travel seasons such as Christmas, Easter and school holidays, you may need to book further in advance for accommodation or campsites too.
Want to extend your road trip? Check out our Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary too.
Where Should I Stop Between Brisbane & Sydney?
Whether you are travelling Brisbane to Sydney, Sydney to Brisbane or doing a complete round trip, where you stop will depend on how much time you have.
Scroll down to find out why you need to stop and what you won’t want to miss at each stop, including accommodation and food recommendations.
Here are the essential road trip Brisbane to Sydney stops:
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Kingscliff
- Byron Bay
- Yamba
- Nambucca Heads
- Port Macquarie
- Forster
- Port Stephens
- Seal Rocks
- Newcastle
- Bouddi National Park
- Blue Mountains
- Sydney
If you have a couple of weeks or more to travel Australia’s East Coast between the two states, you can absolutely fit each of these beautiful places into your itinerary.
You could even extend your trip travelling between Brisbane and Cairns too!
You could do the stops all on a one way road trip in either direction. Or map out your route to see half on your way there and the other half on your way back if doing the return trip.
If you have less time, simply put together your must list before you go and visit the ones you can’t miss instead. You can always save the rest for your next visit!
And if you need accommodation, check out these epic Brisbane Airbnb rentals for a great starting point. Check out our epic list of 50 fun things to do in Brisbane city.
Plus these indoor activities are perfect for rainy days in Brisbane before you kick off your road trip!
Need more help planning your next road trip? Grab our mammoth printable planner!!
Essential Stops Between Brisbane and Sydney or Sydney and Brisbane
Time to get inspired by some of the most beautiful landscapes, world-famous scenery and attractions the whole family will love as you drive from Brisbane to Sydney, along the East Coast of Australia.
Make your way from Brisbane city and its surrounds… our local capital city and one we know well. Make sure you check out some of these Brisbane attractions and maybe even a day trip or two from Brisbane before you leave! Then onwards to the Gold Coast:
1. Gold Coast
Distance from Brisbane 80 KM | Distance from Sydney 836 KM
As you cross the NSW / QLD border your first stop has got to be the sunny Gold Coast! This is a brilliant stop for any family road trip, with so much to do and see the whole family will have a blast here!
Of course, the Gold Coast is known for its stunning beaches.
There are so many gorgeous beaches here including the famous surf beaches like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads to areas with calm waters perfect for little ones like Tallebudgera Creek or Currumbin Valley.
As well as beaches though, the Gold Coast is famous for having a stack of family-friendly attractions, number one being its numerous theme parks. There is Dreamworld, SeaWorld, Movie World and Wet n Wild.
Other attractions include Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, whale watching, jet boating, Ripley’s Believe or Not, GoBoat, Aquaduck, Timezone, Putt-Putt, and more.
Of course, there is also the gorgeous Gold Coast Hinterland too which has numerous walks where you can see spectacular landscapes, beautiful waterfalls and freshwater rock pools.
And for those families that want to shop on their Gold Coast family holiday, there are plenty of great shopping malls too such as the massive Pacific Fair.
And that’s just a few of the fun activities! Be sure to check out our mammoth things to do on the Gold Coast with kids guide, with 100 ideas!
WHERE TO EAT: Hurricanes and Pancakes on the Rocks
WHERE TO STAY: Novotel Surfers Paradise or check out these family resorts on the Gold Coast
-Melissa from Queensland Camping
2. Kingscliff
Distance from Brisbane 117 KM | Distance from Sydney 806 KM
About 60 to 90 minutes driving time from Brisbane, take the Kingscliff turn-off on the Pacific Highway and head for the quaint seaside village that is Kingscliff.
If you want to relax and unwind before you head further south to Sydney, this is the place to do it.
The Brisbane locals like to keep Kingscliff a secret. They can enjoy a great weekend getaway without having to contend with the hoards of overseas tourists, traffic, and skyscrapers that dominate the Gold Coast just up the road!
There are plenty of holiday apartments and motel units, but the Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park, right in the centre of town has newish beachfront cabins that are located as close to the surf as you can possibly get.
They have spacious decks for an evening drink or watching a stunning sunrise with your morning coffee.
There is a great range of cafes and restaurants in town. If it’s a pleasant evening, head to the surf club and sit outside on the deck for your evening meal.
The bowls club does a great Sunday champagne breakfast, and at the weekend there is usually live music at the newly renovated 1932 Kingscliff Beach Hotel.
If you need to stretch your legs there are plenty of walk options. There is a very pleasant five minute walk out to Fingal Head lighthouse, a 40-minute walk from Kingscliff to Salt Beach and miles of beach to stroll along.
WHERE TO EAT: The Beach House (casual and suitable for families)
WHERE TO STAY: Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park
-Maureen from So Many Places! So Little Time!
3. Byron Bay
Distance from Brisbane 168 KM | Distance from Sydney 759 KM
Byron Bay is a must do for anyone that loves beautiful, iconic beaches, good food and a unique, friendly vibe.
Somewhere between small, surf town, hippie hangout, chic design hub and backpacker paradise, Byron Bay has a bit of everything for everyone.
It’s all packaged into a walkable, nature-filled destination. You could spend a couple of nights (at one of the stylish Airbnb Byron Bay stays). Or hang out for a week at the backpacker, using it as a hub to explore the surrounding, hinterland region.
For family stays, we loved Discovery Parks Byron Bay, suitable for every budget. There is a water park, putt-putt and a playground for the kids.
A walk around the Cape Byron Lighthouse through the national park is a must. Here you will get to see some of the most amazing beach lookouts, native wildlife and stand on Australia’s most easterly point.
Start out with a swim at the famous Wategos Beach, tucked into a small, forest-clad bay with some of Australia’s most expensive real estate.
Walk around the point to “Little Wategos” to the natural rock pools which are perfect for an isolated swim.
WHERE TO EAT: The Farm is a refurbished working shed that is now home to an amazing café and restaurant (Three Blue Ducks). You can walk around the property and see their fresh produce (including sunflowers during season).
WHERE TO STAY: “Paradiso Property” and “Summerset Byron Bay” Airbnb properties. From there, you can walk to shops, the beach and the lighthouse. If you’d prefer to ride, there are bicycle hire shops in town. Or check out Discovery Parks Byron Bay – perfect with kids!
-Vivien & Aaron from The Dharma Trails
4. Yamba
Distance from Brisbane 278 KM | Distance from Sydney 657 KM
Yamba is not only a great spot on a Sydney to Brisbane road trip but, in our opinion, it is also one of the best beach towns in Australia.
This tiny coastal town in NSW of just 6,000 people, took us by surprise. What we expected to be a small fishing town, is, in fact, a local’s favourite known for its excellent surf and stunning beaches like Yamba, Pippi, and Turners Beach.
It is not the liveliest beach destination but that works to its advantage. Its laid-back atmosphere is part of Yamba’s charm.
If you are up for a walk, don’t miss the two self-guided Yamba Historical Walks which meander along the coast past the Yamba Lighthouse.
Afterwards, learn more about the history of this small town at the Yamba Museum.
For more ideas on things to do in Yamba with kids, check out our guide with fun activities for all ages.
If you visit during the winter months make sure you scan the horizon for the whales which migrate past Yamba from May to October. Humpback whales can sometimes be seen performing their characteristic flips from shore.
WHERE TO EAT: For a sweet treat don’t miss the Yamba Creamery. This locally owned ice cream shop has a wide range of tasty flavours for the whole family.
WHERE TO STAY: Big4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park
-Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel
5. Coffs Harbour
Distance from Brisbane 385 KM | Distance from Sydney 527 KM
Coffs Harbour is a major regional city, where the mountains meet the sea, midway between Brisbane and Sydney making it a perfect stop on Brisbane to Sydney roadtrip.
It is a place with great natural beauty as well as for the traveller it has plenty of attractions, accommodation and places to eat.
The Big Banana Funpark on the Pacific Highway is an easy stop and has something for the whole family.
Have fun on the giant slide, in the water park, ice skating, tobogganing, playing arcade games and much more. Or simply pull in for a break and take a selfie in front of the iconic Big Banana.
Coffs Harbour also has many other attractions for families to enjoy.
The Historical Pier and surrounding precinct with cafes and parklands is a great place to wander, maybe see dolphins off the pier and have something to eat.
Take the walk to Muttonbird Island and to its lookout where you can get uninterrupted views of Coffs Harbour and out to the ocean where you may even see a whale.
Also, visit the old WWII Bunker and Gallery to learn about its role for Australia in the war and see great cartoon artworks.
TIP: If you have time take the drive up the mountains to the Forest Skye Pier for spectacular coastal views and walks through sub-tropical rainforest.
Being a major regional city with an airport and international marina, Coffs Harbour has every conceivable type of accommodation, restaurant and cafe for all types of budgets and travel styles.
On your road trip, you could easily stop for a few hours or stay for days.
WHERE TO EAT: Old John Cafe. Its reasonably priced, kid-friendly and near the harbour precinct.
WHERE TO STAY: For low-cost caravan accommodation, try Coffs Harbour Leagues Club. For a mid-range motel, try Surf Beach Motel.
-Emma from Our Wayfaring Life
6. Nambucca Heads
Distance from Brisbane 432 KM | Distance from Sydney 488 KM
A great place to stop on a Brisbane to Sydney road trip is Nambucca Heads. It is a small town on the mid-north coast of NSW.
Nambucca Heads is a great place to stretch your legs during your drive. There is the amazing V Wall which consists of large boulders that are covered in art.
Alongside the V Wall is a flat path that ends at the Pilot Lookout. It’s a great walk to take the kids on because they are mesmerised by all the art.
There are several other lookouts to view Nambucca Heads from, including the Rotary Lookout and the Captain Cook Lookout.
There are also some beautiful beaches within the Nambucca River that are quite sheltered, which makes them nice and gentle for children.
Canoeing and kayaking is another fun activity in Nambucca Heads that you can participate in. As well as other water-based activities such as fishing and boating.
Nambucca Heads is approximately halfway between Brisbane and Sydney, situated around 5 hours from each capital city. This makes it a perfect stopover point on any road trip between these two cities.
WHERE TO EAT: Nambucca Boatshed Cafe
WHERE TO STAY: BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park
-Beth from Frugal Female Abroad
7. Port Macquarie
Distance from Brisbane 537 KM | Distance from Sydney 361 KM
Port Macquarie must surely be an essential stop on your Australian East Coast road trip. It is a town with so much to see and do that you will be spoilt for choice.
Town Beach located near the centre of the town is a favourite spot and has everything you need. Toilet and shower facilities, a car park, a grassed area with shade, picnic spots and a tea and coffee kiosk.
Port Macquarie is perfect for all visitors but especially families with children.
Besides the expansive stretch of beach, you will find the boardwalk lined with colourfully painted rocks. A great place to walk and see the designs that people have painted in all kinds of different themes.
TIP: This is an activity the council promotes, so check out whether you can paint a rock while you are there.
For shopping enthusiasts head to Port Macquarie’s bustling high-street with its mixture of charming independent stores alongside larger chains. When you are all shopped out head to the Pancake Place for a delicious treat.
Of course, Port Macquarie boasts numerous water-based activities from fishing trips, dolphin spotting and kayaking tours, designed for all age groups.
If you are looking for something less strenuous then maybe a relaxing trip around the peninsula in a Chinese junk would suit you better – complete with breakfast, lunch or sundowners, depending on which cruise you choose!
As the evening draws in be prepared for the most amazing sunsets across the harbour. Pinks, blues and reds will change the sky into something quite unbelievable.
Add to that the swarms of bats that return to their roost each evening using Port Macquarie as their flight route. Quite a spectacle to witness.
Port Macquarie is definitely a stop that should be on your itinerary – you will love it!
WHERE TO EAT: The Beach House (casual and suitable for families)
WHERE TO STAY: Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges
-Angela from Where Angie Wanders
8. Forster
Distance from Brisbane 634 KM | Distance from Sydney 307 KM
If you are looking for a family-friendly stop on the road between Sydney and Brisbane, Forster is a great choice.
The town sits at the entrance to Wallis Lake where it meets the Pacific. The area is known as the Great Lakes and along with Wallis Lake includes Smiths Lake and Myall Lake a little south of time.
Nature lovers will enjoy checking out one or all three of the areas National Parks, Myall Lakes, Mungo Brush and Booti Booti National Parks.
Booti Booti would be my choice is you have to pick just one, home to Cape Hawke Lookout which offers 360-degree views.
Beach lovers are spoilt for choice with ten beaches to discover making it easy to find a spot to yourself.
Along with Forster beach and One Mile beach in town, there are also the hidden delights of Burgess beach and Lighthouse beach which require a bit of effort on foot or a four-wheel drive to reach.
TIP: Ignore the ‘r’ in Forster – it’s pronounced Foster
WHERE TO EAT: Beach Bums Café sits on the sand overlooking Forster’s main beach is a good breakfast choice. Along with winning views they offer affordable meals and great coffee. We love the Haloumi Breakfast burger; their porridge is also great!
For lunch or dinner, we suggest you try to local seafood at either Graham Barclay Oysters right on the river at Little Street or at the award-winning Beach Street Seafood which was awarded Best Fish and Chip Shop in NSW in 2018
WHERE TO STAY: Smugglers Cove is a top choice for families with excellent managers, and great facilities including putt-putt golf and a well-equipped communal kitchen area.
-Paula from Sydney Expert
9. Port Stephens
Distance from Brisbane 771 KM | Distance from Sydney 208 KM
Port Stephens is an essential stop on any Australian road trip. From pristine beaches, whale watching and quad biking across giant sand dunes, there is a huge amount to do here.
The first stop on a Port Stephens itinerary has to be hiking up to the Mt Tomaree Summit Walk lookout point.
Recommendation: The hike is best done first thing in the morning as it’s hard to take on the steep pathway in the midday heat. It’s the perfect spot to take in the coastline. The almost 360-degree panoramic views from the top are spectacular.
After your trek, you can see if you can spot the koalas at the volunteer-run Tilligerry Habitat Reserve, which is also home to many native birds, small wildlife and fauna.
Alternatively, head straight to one of the many beautiful beaches in the area. Zenith Beach and the C-shaped Fingal Bay are amongst the most beautiful.
Those interested in coastal walks can also hike between the two. Surfing, swimming and picnics are standard in this area.
For something more unique, head to Stockton Sand Dunes, the longest moving sand dunes in the Southern hemisphere!
You can camp here, go quad biking, on a jeep tour over the dunes, or try sandboarding. They reach up to 30 metres at an angle of 60 degrees.
Finally, Gan Gan Hill Lookout is a great place to see the sunset. Or finish the day chilling out at one of the relaxed beaches in Nelson’s Bay. There are many great eateries in this area to choose from too.
WHERE TO EAT: Little Beach Boathouse
WHERE TO STAY: Halifax Holiday Park
-Cassie from Cassie The Hag
10. Seal Rocks
Distance from Brisbane 678 KM | Distance from Sydney 278 KM
Seal Rocks is a great possible last pit-stop before the final run down the Pacific Highway to Sydney. It’s around 4.5 hours up the coast from Sydney, and 2 hours north of Newcastle.
It has quite a different feel to many places along the Brisbane to Sydney route.
You can access it either from Forster to the north or Bulahdelah to the east, via The Lakes Way which runs through the lovely Myall Lakes National Park.
The last few kilometres of Seal Rocks Road, which leads to two of the beaches and the lighthouse, is gravel, and it’s usually passable in a 2WD vehicle, provided you stick to 15-20 km per hour.
When you emerge onto the coast, you’ve arrived in a patch of paradise. The first beach you arrive at is the appropriately named Number One Beach, a beautiful crescent of pristine golden sand.
A little further along, Boat Beach sweeps around to the headland beneath the landmark Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, the second easternmost in Australia. Climb the short hill to the summit for an amazing view down Lighthouse Beach. Further along to the right and south,
Seal Rocks has always been keen to preserve its relative isolation and quiet, laidback feel, so the place hasn’t become over-commercialised.
WHERE TO STAY: Seal Rocks Holiday Park, near Number One Beach, has cabins, powered sites and glamping, and it’s also possible to stay in three cottages up at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.
-David from Travel With Little One
11. Newcastle
Distance from Brisbane 770 KM | Distance from Sydney 163 KM
Whenever we drive from Sydney to Brisbane we love making a stop in Newcastle, which is a great first or last stop being 2.5 hours from Sydney.
Last time we visited we decided to stay for a few nights as there is just so much to see and do, and there are definitely a lot of great things to do in Newcastle with kids too.
Recommendation: We love visiting during the Summer months as Newcastle has some of the best beaches in Australia.
Merewether Beach on the north side of town is rumoured to hold the top spot, as well as some incredible ocean swimming baths. The surf gets big here so bring your board if you’re a keen surfer.
If you’re travelling with young kids, head to Nobbys Beach, where there is also a great lighthouse to visit, or the Merewether or Newcastle pools for safer swimming.
Our favourite indoor activity was the Newcastle Museum. The interactive kid’s area kept our little ones entertained for hours.
We also really enjoyed exploring the historic Fort Scratchley, built-in 1882, with amazing history to see and also magnificent views along the coastline.
There are some excellent playgrounds for the kids, such as Blackbutt Reserve with its adjacent wildlife park, and Speers Point Park, in nearby Lake Macquarie were our favourites.
WHERE TO EAT: Momo Wholefood for breakfast and lunch
WHERE TO STAY: Junction Hotel
-Bryony from Coasting Australia
12. Bouddi National Park
Distance from Brisbane 865 KM | Distance from Sydney 95 KM
Just before you reach the Sydney metropolitan area, your last stop on the long drive should be Bouddi National Park.
This little known national park is located south of Gosford, on the NSW Central Coast.
This area north of Sydney is fairly dense in population, however, the Bouddi National Park is a haven of peace and has some beautiful beaches and walking trails.
The park has a well-known coastal track, simply named the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk. The trail progresses along the coast with a mix of fire trail, bush, beaches and coastal track, so it’s very diverse.
From McMasters Beach to Putty Beach, the track is 8,5km and is relatively easy.
Don’t miss a stop at Gerrin Point to take the beautiful views of the NSW Coast, and maybe a swim at Maitland Bay.
Another interesting feature is the tessellated pavement along the cliffs. The perfectly aligned pavers are quite a unique natural phenomenon.
Just off the boardwalk on the cliff, you can see some rock formations with beautiful colours. Perfect for some souvenir photos.
TIP: If you intend on staying a little longer close to Bouddi National Park, I recommend staying at McMasters Beach, a peaceful coastal community.
There are many beaches to discover in the area and it’s worth enjoying the sunshine in the area.
WHERE TO EAT: The Barefoot Café has some quality fare in a relaxed setting, right on the beach.
WHERE TO STAY: Copacabana Shores
-Delphine from Lester Lost
13. Blue Mountains
Distance from Brisbane 910 KM | Distance from Sydney 62 KM
There are few places more iconic to Australia than the Blue Mountains. This is a must-stop on your journey between Brisbane and Sydney due to its stunning scenery and adventurous activities.
Katoomba, located in the heart of the Blue Mountains is a great place to stay and one of the best country towns in NSW.
The kids will love a trip to Scenic World where you can experience family-friendly adventure.
Scenic World includes rainforest walks, the steepest railway in the world, and a cable car with panoramic views of Katoomba Falls, The Three Sisters, Mt Solitary and Jamison Valley.
For those seeking something even more adventurous, there is plenty of hiking, canyoning and abseiling tours to try in the Blue Mountains.
Katoomba is also home to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre – a great educational activity for kids.
The Jenolan Caves is another popular destination in the Blue Mountains. Take a guided tour to learn about how these incredible caves were formed. Here you can also walk the scenic Jenolan River Track.
The Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, located 45 minutes from Katoomba are a great way to spend a few relaxing hours. Take a walk around the gardens and spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
WHERE TO EAT: Echoes Restaurant for a meal with a view!
WHERE TO STAY: Check out the best places to stay in the Blue Mountains with family-friendly options.
Alternatively, check out our favourite Blue Mountains accommodation, Fairmont Resort & Spa – So kid-friendly! There’s even an ice skating rink.
-Stephanie from Navigating Adventure
Arriving In Sydney
Of course, once you finish your Sydney road trip, you need some time exploring the New South Wales capital!
Sydney is one of the best places to visit in NSW, but not just because it’s the capital!
It’s a great family-friendly city, with plenty of iconic attractions and fun Sydney activities to keep the whole family entertained. Kids will love the many wildlife experiences right in the city centre or taking a ride on a ferry.
Our kids were especially excited seeing the iconic landmarks – Sydney Opera House and sailing beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
If the weather isn’t playing nice, there are loads of fun indoor activities in Sydney too.
There are plenty of beaches worth visiting when the weather is warm and accommodation options galore! As well as some incredible day trips from Sydney, including the beautiful Southern Highlands region if you love wineries and waterfalls.
Sydney is the perfect place to spend a couple of days on a family trip!
Conclusion: Driving Brisbane To Sydney
You will have no shortage of inspiration for where to stop between Brisbane and Sydney by car or camper, no matter which direction you are travelling! A road trip from Brisbane to Sydney is a great option for a family trip, with so many fun places to explore along the way!
For more ideas on planning the perfect family road trip, check out these articles:
- Tips for surviving road trips with kids
- Meal and snack ideas for road trips
- Travel activity kits for kids
- 100 Road trip songs to sing along to
- Beginners’ guide to road trip planning
- Perth to Adelaide road trip itinerary
- Western Australia 10 day road trip itinerary
- Australia road trips you need to take
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