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The drive between Brisbane and Sydney is one of Australia’s great road trips — over 900km of coastline, national parks, surf towns and hidden beach gems that most people fly straight past. We’ve driven it ourselves, and it’s the kind of route that rewards taking your time.
This guide covers 13 of the best stops between Brisbane and Sydney (or Sydney to Brisbane — it works equally well in either direction), with honest recommendations on what’s worth stopping for and where to stay.
Book your hire car or campervan for your road trip!
Brisbane to Sydney Road Trip – Quick Guide
- Distance: ~900 km
- Driving time: Around 10 hours (without stops)
- Recommended trip length: 5–8 days
- Best for: Coastal views, beach towns, family road trips
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.
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!
Preparing For Your Brisbane To Sydney Road Trip
The Brisbane to Sydney drive covers around 920km along Australia’s east coast and is one of the classic Australian road trips for good reason — the scenery is stunning, the stops are genuinely varied, and it works just as well as a quick getaway as it does a slow, two-week adventure.
How long does the Brisbane to Sydney road trip take?
The direct drive is around 10–11 hours without stops. But this route is best done slowly — we’d recommend at least 8 days if you’re travelling by campervan or caravan and spending a night at each stop.
You can go quicker if you’re in the car and stopping at hotels, without that extra campsite set up each night.
If you’re short on time, Kingscliff, Coffs Harbour and Newcastle all work well as a few-hours break rather than an overnight, which lets you prioritise the stops worth lingering at — Gold Coast, Byron, Yamba and the Blue Mountains.
How long do you need?
That really depends on your style. If you’re travelling by campervan or caravan and want to spend a night at each stop, allow around 10 days one way. If you’re driving your own car and happy to treat some stops as a few hours rather than an overnight, you could move faster.
Either way, don’t try to rush it — this route is worth taking slowly.
If taking your own car or caravan, make sure it’s serviced before you leave. During school holidays and peak summer season, book accommodation well in advance — the popular stops like Byron Bay and the Gold Coast fill up fast.
Book your hire car with DiscoverCars or explore the route by campervan with Jucy or Star RV.
Search & Compare Rental Car Prices
- Discover Cars: We have used this aggregate site many times to compare rental car prices from big-name companies and get the best price possible.
- Booking.com: This is our other preferred comparison site for finding rental cars (and accommodation).
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.
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.
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
The Gold Coast is an easy first stop and a great one for families.
Surfers Paradise has the buzz, the beaches and plenty of activities, but if you’re travelling with kids, we’d head straight to Tallebudgera Creek for calm, shallow water that’s perfect for little ones to swim, or Burleigh Heads for one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast without the Surfers crowds.
The theme parks — Dreamworld, SeaWorld, Movie World and Wet n Wild — are right here too if you want to add a day or two. Just factor in the cost before you commit to all of them.
We love staying at SeaWorld Resort with their theme park package if you’re keen to tick a few off. It’s a good way to bundle up accommodation and passes in one, and also includes Paradise Country, which is a farm experience.
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 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
2. Kingscliff
Distance from Brisbane 117 KM | Distance from Sydney 806 KM
Kingscliff is the kind of place Brisbane locals try to keep to themselves — a quiet, unhurried coastal village that’s a world away from the Gold Coast just up the road. Beautiful beaches, good food, and a genuinely relaxed pace make it a great first overnight stop.
WHERE TO STAY: Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park
3. Byron Bay
Distance from Brisbane 168 KM | Distance from Sydney 759 KM
Byron has become more touristy over the years but the natural scenery is still genuinely beautiful and worth the stop.
The walk around Cape Byron Lighthouse through the national park is a highlight — great coastal views, native wildlife and Australia’s most easterly point. Wategos Beach is stunning and the rock pools at Little Wategos are perfect for a swim away from the crowds.
Come for the beaches and the walks rather than the town itself, and you won’t be disappointed.
WHERE TO STAY: 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.
4. Yamba
Distance from Brisbane 278 KM | Distance from Sydney 657 KM
Yamba is one of our favourite stops on this route and genuinely one of the best beaches in NSW.
It’s quieter and less visited than Byron but no less beautiful — the ocean pools are a highlight, the surf beaches are stunning, and the whole place has an unhurried feel that’s hard to find further south.
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.
If you visit between May and October, keep an eye out for humpback whales passing offshore — they’re sometimes visible from the shore.
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 STAY: Big4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park
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 a Brisbane to Sydney roadtrip.
Coffs Harbour sits roughly halfway between the two cities which makes it a natural overnight stop. The Big Banana Fun Park is genuinely fun for kids — slides, water park, ice skating, tobogganing — just budget carefully because the individual attractions add up quickly.
The Historical Pier precinct is a lovely spot for a walk and a meal, and the short hike out to Muttonbird Island is worth doing for the views and the chance to spot dolphins or whales offshore. You may even see a whale.
WHERE TO STAY: For low-cost caravan accommodation, try Coffs Harbour Leagues Club. For a mid-range motel, try Surf Beach Motel.
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.
WHERE TO STAY: BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park
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.
Of course, Port Macquarie boasts numerous water-based activities from fishing trips, dolphin spotting and kayaking tours, designed for all age groups.
WHERE TO STAY: Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges
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.
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 STAY: Smugglers Cove
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.
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.
WHERE TO STAY: Halifax Holiday Park
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.
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,
WHERE TO STAY: Seal Rocks Holiday Park
11. Newcastle
Distance from Brisbane 770 KM | Distance from Sydney 163 KM
Newcastle is one of the most underrated stops on this route. It has a genuine city feel with excellent beaches right in the heart of town — Merewether Beach, Nobbys Beach and Bar Beach are all worth a visit.
The food and coffee scene has grown significantly over the last decade and it makes for a comfortable overnight stop before the final stretch to Sydney.
Travel tip: If time is short, Newcastle still works as a few hours’ break rather than an overnight — walk the foreshore, grab a coffee and stretch your legs before the final leg south.
Recommendation: We love visiting during the Summer months as Newcastle has some of the best beaches in Australia.
WHERE TO STAY: Junction Hotel
12. Bouddi National Park
Distance from Brisbane 865 KM | Distance from Sydney 95 KM
This little known national park is located south of Gosford, on the NSW Central Coast.
The park has a well-known coastal track, simply named the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk.
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.
TIP: If you intend on staying a little longer close to Bouddi National Park, I recommend staying at McMasters Beach, a peaceful coastal community.
WHERE TO STAY: Copacabana Shores
13. Blue Mountains
Distance from Brisbane 910 KM | Distance from Sydney 62 KM
The Blue Mountains is the perfect final stop before Sydney — or a great first stop if you’re heading north.
Scenic World is a highlight for families, with the steepest railway in the world, a cableway and a boardwalk through ancient rainforest. We absolutely loved our day here. I worried the kids would find it boring, but they’ve done a great job to make it family-friendly.
Beyond that there are incredible nature walks for all fitness levels and some of the most dramatic lookout views in NSW.
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.
Katoomba, located in the heart of the Blue Mountains is a great place to stay and one of the best country towns in NSW.
Allow at least a full day here — it’s the kind of place that rewards slowing down.
For those seeking something even more adventurous, there is plenty of hiking, canyoning and abseiling tours to try in the Blue Mountains.
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.
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!
What Are Our Favourite Stops Between Brisbane And Sydney?
As Brisbane locals, we visit the Gold Coast often so clearly we are fans but as for the rest of the stops, we loved Yamba, Coffs Harbour and the Blue Mountains as places we happily visit over and again. The Blue Mountains are a truly beautiful spot and iconic in Australia!
FAQ Brisbane To Sydney Road Trip
How long does the Brisbane to Sydney drive take?
The direct drive without stops takes around 10–11 hours. We wouldn’t recommend doing it in one hit — the whole point of this route is the stops along the way.
How many days do you need for a Brisbane to Sydney road trip?
We’d recommend at least 10 days if you want to stop properly at each destination, particularly if you’re travelling by campervan or caravan. You can do it in 5–6 days by treating some stops as a few hours rather than an overnight.
What is the best time of year to drive from Brisbane to Sydney?
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal — comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds and good road conditions. Summer is beautiful but busy, particularly around Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. Winter is still very doable and quieter, though the Blue Mountains can get cold.
Is the Brisbane to Sydney road trip good for families?
Absolutely — it’s one of the best family road trips in Australia. The distance markers in this guide make it easy to break the drive into manageable daily chunks for kids.
Do I need a 4WD for the Brisbane to Sydney drive?
No — the Pacific Highway is fully sealed and accessible in any vehicle. A 4WD opens up a few extra detours but isn’t necessary for the main route.
What is the best route from Brisbane to Sydney?
The Pacific Highway (Route 1) hugging the coast is the most popular and scenic option. It takes longer than the inland New England Highway but the coastline, beaches and stops make it well worth it.
Need more help planning your next road trip? Grab our mammoth printable planner!!
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!
Plan Your Trip
Here are a few things we always organise before travelling:
- Stay connected: We use Airalo eSIM
- Car hire: Compare options with DiscoverCars
- Travel insurance: Check SafetyWing or World2Cover via Klook
- Airport transfers: Book with Welcome Pickups
- Accommodation: Find the best deals here
- Tours: We always use GetYourGuide
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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