Are you thinking of taking a road trip from Brisbane to Sydney and aren’t sure where to stop? Deciding your road trip route can be impossible, especially if you haven’t visited this part of Australia before, but it doesn’t need to be. With our help and our handy road trip guide we take you on an epic fourteen-day trip from Brisbane to Sydney!
Ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip
Our fourteen-day trip involves around ten hours of driving, with plenty of stops along the way that you cannot miss! We have detailed each stop below and what to see while you are there.
Brisbane to Gold Coast
This one-hour drive will take you along the beautiful Gold Coast, where it’s worth stopping for a day or two. There are lots of places to stay on the Gold Coast and plenty to do, too! Our top recommendations include:
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Get Wet Surf
- Theme parks
Gold Coast to Byron Bay
After you have rested and enjoyed the Gold Coast, drive 95 km to Byron Bay, the easternmost point of Australia. Here, you will find a welcoming and creative vibe, with plenty of markets and beach activities to enjoy. You can find lots of holiday parks to stop with your campervan too.
We recommend checking out the following when you stay at Byron Bay:
- Arakwal National Park
- Julian rocks
- Local markets
- Captain Cook lookout
- Cape Byron lighthouse
- Mojosurf
Byron Bay to Minnie Water
Take a 230 km drive to Minnie Water, where you can spend a night enjoying the relaxing and soaking up the peace. There are plenty of beautiful wildflowers to enjoy and campgrounds where you can stay. A night is the perfect amount of time to refresh after a long day driving on the Pacific Highway.
If you have the time, we recommend adding a day to your trip and visiting Girraween National Park. Its stunning flowers, unique landscapes and walking trails make it the perfect stop for adventure lovers.
While you are in Minnie Water, we recommend visiting:
- Minnie lagoon
- Rocky point walk
Minnie Water to Nambucca Heads
After your stay in Minne Water, take a 150 km drive, where you can head to our favourite hidden gem, Nambucca Heads. It is the best place to stop for a surf break and overnight stay. You can enjoy plenty of natural beauty spots, including deserted beaches, estuaries and a nearby rainforest. Coffs Harbour is another excellent place to stop, where you can explore the Big Banana, enjoying its beaches and marina.
There are lovely campsites to enjoy, where you can stay near lagoons and make the most of swimming and other water activities. During your stay in Nambucca Heads, we recommend the following activities:
- Captain Cook’s Lookout
- Myambagga Walking Trail
- V Walk
Minnie Water to Port Macquarie
After Minnie Water, we recommend driving 250 km to Port Macquarie. Here, you will enjoy a mixture of beautiful scenery and cosmopolitan life. We recommend spending your day at the beaches before heading to the local bars at night.
It’s worth adding a little detour to South West Rocks, too, as well as the historic spot of Trial Bay Gaol. During your stay, check out:
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
- Queen’s Lake Nature Reserve
- Coastal Walk from Town Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse
- Break Wall
Port Macquarie to Port Stephens
A 250 km drive will take you to Port Stephens, a lovely laidback beach region where you can recharge before the final leg of your journey. It’s a lovely scenic drive to Port Stephens, where you can see some stunning coastal views.
There are lots of stunning campgrounds, including those right on the beach. We recommend visiting:
- Mount Tomaree
- Tomaree National Park
Port Stephens to Sydney
End your trip with a final 215km drive, drawing south through Newcastle and the Central Coast. This beautiful drive allows you to enjoy the last of your sights before you arrive in Sydney.
While you are in Sydney, make sure you do the following:
- Walk the Box Head Track
- Stop at Snapper Point Lookout
Plan your road trip today
Now that you have your road trip planned out, you can finalise the other parts of your trip. You can find the cheapest rates on campervan hire in Brisbane and pre-book campsites to help you reduce your costs and allow you to start your trip even sooner!
