Sydney to Brisbane

Here’s the ultimate Sydney to Brisbane road trip itinerary, taking in Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

people wading in a man made beach sitting underneath Brisbane's high rise buildings

Brisbane, QLD

What to expect

Duration 3 days. Distance 1030km.

Nature

Food and drink

Family-friendly

With a little time, you will have the opportunity to stop at some of the most picturesque places Australia has to offer. From Valla beach, and its internet-famous food, to a relaxed stay at Byron Bay, there is plenty to see and do before you arrive at Brisbane.

Day 1: Sydney to Coffs Harbour

6hrs 13min | 566km

In just under six hours you can have a refreshing sea change from Sydney’s sprawl by hitting the Pacific Highway for the banana tropics of Coffs Harbour. Aim to head off before peak hour though and stop off for fuel.

Stop 1: Ocean Beach

An easy 1.5 hours’ drive north of Sydney, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort is well worth checking out for another weekend away. The resort is ideal for families craving a mix of relaxation and adventure. After you’ve visited the café for a snack and toilet break, stroll along the beach while kids bounce on the jumping pillows.

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort

Stop 2: Detour to refuel at Raymond Terrace

If you’d prefer something more scenic than a highway view at the main fuel stops, divert west a few minutes at Raymond Terrace to visit King Street, which was transformed into Main Street, Wirrawee, for the filming of John Marsden’s Tomorrow, When the War Began. There’s also a great variety of cafés, shops and petrol stations in the main shopping area along the river.

If you're refuelled and ready to go but want to pack in a little adventure to your day, swing past Sand Dune Adventures in Nelson Bay where you can ride quad bikes over the famous sand dunes.

Stop 3: Stop at Kew

Two hours up the road from Raymond Terrace is a little town that was bypassed a decade ago, but doesn’t seem to mind. Head along Nancy Bird Walton Drive (named after the pioneering aviator, who was born here) to the Visitor Information Centre, for a rest and photo under the Big Axe.

Stop 4: Swim at Valla Beach

A skip north of Nambucca Heads, the Headland Café & General Store on Valla Beach Road is internet-famous for its food, coffee and live music on weekends. If the weather is kind, a quick dip at the beach is definitely in order.

Stop 5: Stop at Darlington Beach

Near Coffs Harbour is NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort set among some 45 hectares of lush forest at Arrawarra where wallabies, ducks and possums mingle with guests. Kidz Korner offers loads of fun activities from BMX to art lessons all year round, while parents can relax in a pool, take a hike in nature or play a few games of golf, tennis or bowls. Ask at the front office about Coffs dining such as Carney & Earl’s for American-style burgers, Edelweiss Bavarian for well, German and European dining or Shearwater for seafood and modern Australian dishes.

NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort

Day 2: Darlington Beach to Gold Coast

4hrs 48min | 352km

Head up the A1 as it curves inland to Grafton, bends East to Byron Bay and traces the coast up to Brisbane.

Stop 1: Coffee at Yamba

For those who like to start the day early, take a drive up through banana plantations to the Forest Sky Pier, Niigi Niigi – Sealy Lookout, offering magnificent views over the city of Coffs Harbour and up and down the coastline. This lookout sits within a flora reserve in the Orara East State Forest on Gumbayggirr Country. There are several walks through the rainforest ranging from 1 to 3 hours.

Before you hit Grafton, the A1 follows the Clarence River on a broad sweep to meet the South Pacific Ocean. There are several excellent cafés in this cute coastal town famous for prawns, dolphins and whales (May to October is typically whale-watching season), including Uptown Cafe & Bar, Latitude 29 and Bean Scene.

Stop 2: Swim at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head

Set at the north end of the main beach at Lennox Head, this beautiful lake gets its caramel colour from the tea trees growing along its shores. The Bundjalung people discovered the healing wonders of tea tree in this area millennia ago and have been using the oil to treat skin ailments ever since. The water looks murky, but it’s remarkably clean and revitalising.

Lennox Head (Photo credit: Hugh Stewart; Destination NSW)

Stop 3: Lunch at Byron Bay

Our most eastern town of Byron Bay is a hotbed of artists, musicians, philosophers, healers, farmers and fashion designers, attracted by the weather and incredible landscapes… plus a dash of counterculture. These days it’s more chichi than hippie, with plenty of gorgeous eateries such as Bay Leaf Café, Top Shop, and Targa Restaurant.

Byron Bay (Photo credit: Destination NSW)

Stop 4: Cape Byron State Conservation Area

After lunch, pay the small National Parks entry fee and take a walk from Wategos Beach to Cape Byron Lighthouse. If you have a few hours, immerse yourself in a unique experience and make a booking to learn about Walgun from the Arakwal Aboriginal people.

Stop 5: Coffee in Yelgun

An easy 10-minute drive up the Pacific Motorway, you'll find The Bean Van, where owner David Phillip's passion for great coffee and customer service is evident in what he serves up – arguably the best coffee in the Northern Rivers. Order a cup with a warm sausage roll or pie, while the kids explore the playground.

Stop 6: Rest at the Gold Coast

1.5 hours north of Byron and an hour south of Brisbane is the super-family-friendly NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort located on the Gold Coast. It’s the perfect base in the middle of the biggest Gold Coast theme parks (Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World and Wet‘n’Wild), beaches and national parks. It’s also an adventure land in its own right with a pirate-themed water park, several pools and mini golf. Eat at the onsite Galleons Bistro & Bar or head to one of the many beachside cafés nearby. Don't forget, the Gold Coast has an abundance of savings and benefits for NRMA Members so be sure to check out what's available.

Surfers Paradise Beach, Gold Coast QLD (Photo credit: Justine Walpole)

Day 3: Brisbane

1hr | 80km

Stop 1: Detour to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Drive 12km from Brisbane City to visit the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. Set up in 1927 to give the popular little marsupials a new home as the city expanded, Lone Pine is also home to lots of other native animals of the flying, hopping and waddling variety.

Stop 2: Picnic at the Botanic Gardens

Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens regularly hosts concerts at its Riverstage and weddings all year round, although on any day the real stars are natural beauties like the weeping figs, the bamboo grove and local wildlife.

Brisbane Botanical Gardens (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Stop 3: South Bank

South Bank is home to Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct, including the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Of course, there are plenty of amazing places to dine nearby from fast and casual to leisurely fine dining. There are plenty of places to stay, including Travelodge Hotel Garden City Brisbane, Adina Apartment Hotels Brisbane overlooking the Anzac square or Gambaro Hotel which is a boutique hotel.