“Is Coffs Harbour worth stopping at?””Should we do Byron Bay as a day trip or stay overnight?””Can we do the whole drive in one day?” In this Sydney to Brisbane road trip guide we cover all this and offer several itineraries to help you get the most out of this iconic Aussie drive.
Every week in our Facebook travel groups, travellers ask these questions about the Sydney to Brisbane drive. After helping plenty plan this route, I’ve learned that rushing through can mean missing the best experiences and paying premium rates for last-minute bookings. This guide provides specific travel times, detailed advice for each stop, and local insights to help you plan the perfect coastal journey.
You will find practical details, like which stops actually need advance planning and when traffic is at it’s worst! I’ve included specific recommendations for different types of travellers, from beach lovers to families with young kids.
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Let’s start with the big questions…
The coast or the inland route
Your first decision affects both travel time and fuel costs. The coastal route offers more well known stops but takes longer, while the inland route saves time but has fewer big name attractions and facilities.
Route Options and Driving Times
Three main routes connect Sydney to Brisbane, each with different travel times and fuel costs:
Pacific Highway (M1) – Most Popular Route
- Distance: 920km
- Driving time: 10.5 hours minimum
- Fuel stops: Available every 80-100km
- Mobile coverage: Consistent except brief patches
- Road type: Dual carriageway motorway
New England Highway (A15) – Inland Alternative
If you are travelling with a motorhome or campervan this route really is worth considering. There are a number of RV friendly towns along the way and cheaper overnight rates for your vehicle.
- Distance: 974km
- Driving time: 11 hours minimum
- Fuel stops: Spaced 100-150km apart
- Mobile coverage: Patchy in rural areas
- Road type: Mix of dual and single carriageway
Blue Mountains/Hunter Valley Route
A suggestion for visitors to NSW, especially those not on a tight schedule. If you have not already seen these spots consider a side trip to either or both along the way.
- Additional distance: +120km
- Extra driving time: +3 hours
- Best for: Wine tasting and mountain views
- Road type: Mostly country roads
- Note: Adds accommodation costs
Once you’ve chosen your route, the next big decision is timing.
Can You Drive Sydney to Brisbane in One Day?
While technically possible, we don’t recommend driving Sydney to Brisbane in a single day. Here’s why:
The Numbers:
- Total distance: 920km via Pacific Highway
- Legal driving hours: Maximum 12 hours in any 24-hour period
- Minimum driving time: 10.5 hours without stops
- Departure time needed: No later than 6am to arrive before dark
Safety Considerations:
- NSW and QLD police regularly patrol this route
- Double demerit penalties apply during all NSW public holidays so speeding will cost $$$$
- Speed cameras operate along the entire M1 motorway, often in mobile speed detection units operated from unmarked vehicles
- Rest stops are signed 5km in advance, make use of at least a few of them.
Better Options:
- Split the journey into 2-3 days minimum
- Consider sharing driving with a second driver
- Book accommodation in advance during peak periods
If you must complete the journey in one day:
- Start early (pre-dawn)
- Share driving if possible
- Plan rest stops Service centres at Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Ballina are good options.
- Consider the inland route in summer (less traffic)
Deciding when to make your journey is just as important as choosing how long to take. Different seasons and holiday periods can significantly impact your costs and experience.
Best times to do this trip
Now that you understand the basic timing and seasonal considerations, let’s look at how to structure your trip based on the time you have available.
Busy Periods to Consider:
- Summer Holidays (mid-December to late January): All accommodation, even camp sites, book out months ahead. Traffic moves very slowly, especially between Xmas and New Year.
- Easter Long Weekend: also sees heavy traffic and premium rates
- Any NSW/QLD School Holiday periods: Even in winter beaches and attractions are busier
- Long Weekends: Expect higher accommodation rates
When accommodation rates drop:
- February-March: Regular hotel rates are 30-40% lower than peak season
- May-September: Most coastal towns have mid-week accommodation deals
- October-November: Shoulder season pricing before summer rates begin
Things to consider
- Whale watching season: late May-November – plan a stop
- Festival season: Check Byron Bay events calendar
- Winter school holidays: Less crowded than summer but still pricey.
Time Zone Note: NSW observes daylight saving (October-April) while Queensland doesn’t. During these months, NSW is one hour ahead.
Choose How fast or slow to travel
I’ve done this trip in everything from a rushed 24 hours to a leisurely two weeks. While the distance doesn’t change, the experience absolutely does. Here’s what you can realistically see and do based on your available time:
3 Days: Express Route (920km)
Perfect if you’re short on time but want to see the highlights.
- Day splits: Sydney-Port Macquarie (386km), Port Macquarie-Byron (380km), Byron-Brisbane (165km)
- Must book: Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Byron Bay accommodation
- Key stops: Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay
- Best for: Quick highlights, beach lovers
- Skip: Hunter Valley, inland detours
5 Days: Classic Coastal (920km)
The most popular choice – balances driving time with exploration.
- Suggested overnight stops: Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay
- Highlights: Dolphin watching, koala encounters, lighthouse walks
- Pace: 2-3 hours driving per day
- Perfect for: First-time visitors, families
Local Tip: Book Byron Bay accommodation well ahead regardless of your chosen timeline – it’s often the hardest to secure at a reasonable price.
7 Days: Leisurely Explorer (920km+)
Time to truly experience each region and add inland detours.
- Freedom to: Add Blue Mountains/Hunter Valley detour
- Time for: a coastal hike, wildlife encounters, wine tasting
- Possible bases: Newcastle (2 nights), Port Macquarie (2 nights), Yamba/Tweed (2 nights)
- Can include: Both coastal and hinterland experiences
- Perfect for: Food lovers, nature enthusiasts
The length of your trip is just one factor. The type of experiences you’re after will help determine which stops are worth your time.
These itineraries work in reverse for Brisbane to Sydney trips. Consider taking the inland route one way for variety.
What Type of Road Tripper Are You?
Take a quick look at these questions. Which one sounds most like you?
Nature Enthusiast: Would you detour an hour for a guaranteed koala sighting? Is walking in national parks more appealing than shopping in beach towns?
- Priority: National parks and wildlife encounters
- Key stops: Port Stephens for koalas, Yamba for nature reserves
- Recommended length: 5-7 days to fully explore parks
Beach Hunter: Do you plan your days around swimming and surfing? Is finding uncrowded beaches worth a few extra kilometers?
- Priority: Best swimming spots and surf breaks
- Key stops: Newcastle’s ocean baths, Seal Rocks, Byron Bay’s beaches
- Recommended length: 4-5 days for beach hopping
Food Explorer: Are you the type who researches restaurants before hotels? Will you drive inland for a great winery?
- Priority: Regional produce and dining experiences
- Key stops: Hunter Valley wines, Port Macquarie oysters, Tweed Region
- Recommended length: 3-4 days between meals
Family Adventure: Is keeping the kids entertained your main priority? Do you need regular stops and kid-friendly attractions?
- Priority: Kid-friendly attractions and easy breaks
- Key stops: Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
- Recommended length: 5-6 days with shorter drive times
Choose your style above, then use our detailed guide to plan your perfect stops.
Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Map
We have put together a map of the major towns, attractions and our favourite accommodation along the way. Pink for major towns and purple for attractions.
Quick Reference – Travel Times
- Sydney to Newcastle: 2 hours 10 mins
- Newcastle to Port Stephens: 1 hour
- Port Stephens to Port Macquarie: 3 hours
- Port Macquarie to Byron Bay: 4 hours 30 mins
- Byron Bay to Brisbane: 2 hours
Note: This guide runs north from Sydney, but all stops work equally well heading south from Brisbane.
Key Stops Along the Route
With your travel style and timeline sorted, here’s what you need to know about each major stop along the way.
Optional Detour: Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley
Before hitting the coast, if you are an out of town visitor, consider this popular inland detour. While it adds time to your journey, it offers experiences you won’t find on the coastal route.
This scenic detour adds 3 hours to your journey but offers experiences you won’t find on the coast. Perfect if you’re not in a hurry or want to see more of NSW’s diverse landscape.
Blue Mountains
2 hours from Sydney
The Blue Mountains offer a complete contrast to your coastal journey. Just two hours from Sydney, you’ll find yourself in World Heritage wilderness:
The Blue Mountains offer:
- UNESCO World Heritage walks and lookouts
- Historic mountain villages
- Native wildlife spotting
- Family-friendly attractions
Plan at least one overnight stay to experience the mountains properly.
Don’t miss:
- Scenic World for family fun
- Echo Point lookout for Three Sisters views
- Leura village and Blackheath for local shops and cafes
Read our complete Blue Mountains guide
Hunter Valley
3 hours from Sydney via Blue Mountains
Australia’s oldest wine region isn’t just about cellar doors. The Hunter Valley has evolved into a complete food and family destination:
Food Lovers’ Highlights:
- Binnorie Dairy for local cheese
- Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
- Restaurant Botanica for regional produce
- Lovedale Smokehouse for cured meats
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Hunter Valley Gardens
- Horse and carriage rides
- Hot air balloon flights (early morning)
- Chocolate and fudge shops
Best for: Food explorers and families seeking a relaxed day out. Wine enthusiasts should plan an overnight stay if planning to visit multiple cellar doors.
Planning tip: Book wine tastings in advance, especially on weekends. Many now charge a small fee.
See our complete Hunter Valley guide
Newcastle
2 hours 10 mins from Sydney
Newcastle, your first major stop, is 2 hours from Sydney. The city centre sits right on the beach, making it easy to fit in both swimming and sightseeing. Most visitors spend about 4 hours here, focusing on the harbour area and ocean baths. Don’t miss the Anzac Memorial Walk.
Key Attractions:
- Bogey Hole: Heritage-listed ocean pool, visit at low tide
- Blackbutt Reserve: Free entry, wildlife feeding 2pm daily
- Newcastle Memorial Walk: 450m elevated coastal path
- Merewether: Largest ocean baths in Southern Hemisphere
- Bathers Way: 5km coastal walk connecting main sites
Where to stay
- Rydges Newcastle: Harbour views and central location
- Noah’s on the Beach: Direct beach access
- Ibis Budget: Practical and affordable
Read our tips for things to see, eat and do in Newcastle
Distance from Sydney Newcastle: 163km
Average driving time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Port Stephens
30 minutes from Newcastle
Australia’s largest marine park offers reliable wildlife encounters, with a resident pod of 100+ dolphins and seasonal whale migration (May-November). The harbour, twice the size of Sydney’s, creates perfect conditions for water activities.
The mix of protected beaches and easy wildlife spotting makes it great for families needing a break from driving.
Key Attractions:
- Dolphin cruises: Book before 11am for calmest waters
- Mount Tomaree Summit: 45-min climb, wheelchair access to the first lookout
- Worimi Sand Dunes: Guided tours and sandboarding
- Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary: Daily shows, check feeding times
Beach Guide:
- Little Beach: Protected swimming, family-friendly
- One Mile Beach: Surf lessons, board hire
- Shoal Bay: Patrolled, cafes nearby
- Birubi Beach: Sand dunes backdrop, best photos
Local Tips:
- Pre-book restaurants during school holidays
Stay awhile
- Bannisters Port Stephens: Luxury with Rick Stein restaurant
- Shoal Bay Holiday Park: Beachfront cabins
- Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary: Unique glamping experience
Distance from Sydney to Port Stephens: 208km
Average driving time: 2 hours, 34 minutes
Forster
4 hours from Sydney
The twin towns of Forster-Tuncurry are a perfect example of why smaller coastal stops shouldn’t be overlooked. Connected by a bridge where dolphins regularly feed at high tide, these towns provide some of the coast’s best value experiences.
The meeting of Wallis Lake and ocean creates natural swimming spots for all abilities. While it’s beaches have some of the clearest water along the coast.
Key Attractions:
- The Tanks: Natural ocean pools (best 1 hour either side of low tide)
- Cape Hawke Lookout: 360-degree coastal views, perfect for whale spotting
- Pelican feeding: 3:30pm daily at Fishermen’s Co-op
- Green Cathedral in Tiona
- Booti Booti National Park: 7km coastal walking circuit
Local Tips:
- Bridge viewing platform: Watch dolphins teach their calves to fish at high tide
- Amaroo Drive lookout (best spot for whale watching May-November)
Stay awhile
Accommodation here offers better value than many coastal towns, but quality varies significantly:
We recently stayed at Smugglers Cove Caravan park and found it well maintained and conveniently located.
Other options include:
- Astina Suites: Town centre with beach views
- BIG4 Forster-Tuncurry: Family-friendly
Distance from Sydney: 301km
Average driving time: 3 hours and 29 minutes
Port Macquarie
4 hours 10 mins from Sydney
At 390km from Sydney, Port Macquarie is where you’ll need to make your first big decision. Stay overnight or push through? I’d suggest staying – the koala hospital and coastal rainforest boardwalk offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else on this route. Plus, with year-round mild weather, it works perfectly as either a quick lunch stop or overnight stay.
Must-See Spots:
- Koala Hospital: an insight into real rescue work, not a tourist show
- Sea Acres Rainforest: 1.3km elevated boardwalk through rare coastal rainforest
- Tacking Point Lighthouse: My favourite whale watching spot (May-November)
- Shelly Beach and Flynns Beach: great for families
- Town Beach to Lighthouse: 9km coastal walk with stunning viewpoints
Local Tips:
- Download the Hello Koala Sculpture Trail map if you are travelling with kids.
- Morning coffee at Salty Crew has the best beach views.
Where to stay
- Rydges Port Macquarie: Walking distance to restaurants and shops
- Ibis Styles: Good value if you’re just overnight
- Flynn’s Beach Caravan Park: Quieter location, great for families
Local Tip: Town centre accommodation costs more but saves on taxis if you’re planning dinner out.
Distance from Sydney: 386km
Average driving time: 4 hours 10 minutes
South West Rocks
4 hours 52 mins from Sydney
Where two national parks meet the ocean, South West Rocks is my pick for escaping tourist crowds. The historic Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse bookend a series of protected beaches, making this spot perfect for combining heritage walks with beach time.
Must-See Spots:
- Trial Bay Gaol: Take the sunset tour – the golden hour views are worth timing your visit.
- Smoky Cape Lighthouse: 3.5km track with whale watching May-November
- Fish Rock Cave: Famous grey nurse shark diving site
- Little Bay to Gap Beach: My favorite 2km coastal walk
Beach Guide:
- Horseshoe Bay: Protected swimming, patrolled in summer, picnic on the headland
- Gap Beach: Worth the 4WD trip for solitude
- Back Beach: Local favourite for morning walks
Local Tips: Time lighthouse visits for early morning and you might spot some kangaroos!
Where to stay
- Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park: Beachfront cabins and camping
- Heritage Hotel: Walking distance to shops and beach
- Trial Bay Gaol campground: National Parks booking required
- Ingenia Holidays: Family-friendly resort
Note: The Trial Bay campground often books out months ahead for summer holidays.
Distance from Sydney to South West Rocks: 455km
Average driving time: 4 hours 52 minutes
Coffs Harbour
5 hours 28 mins from Sydney
The perfect halfway point to break your journey. While most people know Coffs for the Big Banana, I’d suggest spending time at Muttonbird Island – the sunrise and sunset views are spectacular and you might spot migrating whales from May to November. The marina area has evolved into a proper dining precinct, making this a great dinner stop.
Worth Your Time:
- Muttonbird Island: Easy 1km walk, best at sunset for shearwater viewing
- Marina Precinct: Fresh seafood and restaurants (Fishermen’s Co-op less busy at lunch)
- Big Banana Fun Park: $20 entry, water park closes 4:30pm
- Sawtell (10 mins south): Local favorite for swimming and cafes
Swimming Spots:
- Park Beach: Main patrolled beach, closest to town
- Diggers Beach: Morning surf lessons available
- Jetty Beach: Safe swimming, free parking before 9am
Stay awhile
- Pacific Marina Apartments: Walking distance to restaurants
- BreakFree Aanuka: Marina / Beachfront resort
- Park Beach Holiday Park: Family-friendly, near shops
- Sanctuary Resort: Quiet location, good for longer stays
Local Tip: Marina area accommodation puts you closest to evening dining options.
Distance from Sydney: 527km
Average driving time: 5 hours 28 minutes
Yamba
7 hours from Sydney
If you’re tired of tourist crowds, Yamba is your answer. This headland town at the mouth of the Clarence River is my favourite alternative to Byron Bay. Thanks to its unique position, you can always find a sheltered beach regardless of wind direction. The famous Angourie Blue Pool is worth timing your visit around low tide – arrive at sunrise for the most peaceful swim.
Local Favorites:
- Angourie Blue and Green Pools: Time your visit for low tide
- Pacific Hotel: Clifftop position, best sunset views in town
- Yuraygir National Park: Less crowded coastal walks
- Clarence River ferry: Hourly trips to Iluka ($10 return)
Beach Options:
- Whiting Beach: Protected swimming in southerlies
- Turners Beach: Reliable surf break, watch dolphins
- Pippi Beach: 7km of sand, rarely crowded
Stay awhile
- Club Yamba: Central location
- Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort: Family-friendly, riverside
- Angourie Resort: Quiet location near Blue Pool
- Yamba YHA: Social atmosphere, ocean views
Distance from Sydney: 664km
Average driving time: 7 hours 3 minutes
Byron Bay
8 hours 17 mins from Sydney
Your final NSW stop needs strategy. Byron’s popularity means crowds and parking challenges, but time it right and you’ll see why this spot captures everyone’s imagination.
The lighthouse walk at sunrise, breakfast at The Farm and afternoon swims at Wategos make it worth navigating the busy streets. Just remember – book accommodation well ahead and expect to pay for parking everywhere.
Time Your Visit:
- Lighthouse Walk: Start 6:30am for sunrise views
- The Farm: Breakfast from 7am (book ahead)
- Crystal Castle: Worth the 30-min drive, $39 entry
- Marine Park: Best dolphin spotting before 10am
The beach between Main Beach and The Pass is often less crowded than either end.
Beach Picks:
- The Pass: Iconic surf spot, arrive by 7am
- Wategos: Protected swimming, try midweek
- Belongil: Often overlooked, great for walks
- Tallow Beach: Local favorite, fewer tourists
Local Tips:
- Park at Clarkes Beach for all-day beach/lighthouse access.
- Book The Farm for breakfast to avoid peak crowds.
Stay awhile
In town
- The Lord Byron: Central location, walk to everything
- Wake Up! Byron Bay: Beachfront hostel with private rooms
Clarkes Beach Area
- Reflections Holiday Park: Beachfront camping and cabins
- Byron at Clarkes: Apartment-style accommodation
Local Tip: Parking is metered throughout town. Some accommodation includes parking – check when booking.
Distance from Sydney: 766km
Average driving time: 8 hours 17 minutes
Final Stretch: Byron Bay to Brisbane
2 hours from Byron Bay
Your last decision: fast or scenic route? The M1 motorway gets you to Brisbane in 2 hours, but I’d suggest taking the Gold Coast route and if you have time an extra day in the Tweed region for some of the coasts most fabulous food.
Yes, it adds extra travel time but you’ll get one last chance for a beach stop and some great eating. Just avoid Brisbane’s rush hour (3-7pm) when the tunnel system can add an extra hour to either route.
Quick guide:
- M1 Motorway: 165km, fast but boring
- Gold Coast: Add 30mins for beaches and cafes
- Brisbane Tunnels: 60km/h limit, follow GPS
- Rush Hour: Avoid Brisbane 3-7pm weekdays
Gold Coast must-dos:
- Burleigh Heads: National Park walk plus patrolled beach
- Currumbin Wildlife: Shows 8am/1pm/4pm (book ahead)
- Miami Marketta: Food markets Wed/Fri/Sat nights
- Coolangatta: Last surf before Queensland
Brisbane arrival tips:
- Follow ‘Brisbane’ not ‘Gold Coast’ signs.
- M1 reduces to 60km/h entering city
- Use GPS for tunnel navigation
- Mt Coot-tha lookout: Great first city view
Local Tip: Use Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates – Brisbane’s tunnel system can be confusing for first-timers.
Total Distance Sydney to Brisbane: 920km
Total Average driving time: 10.5 hours
Quick Reference Guide
Iconic Photo Stops
Australia’s famous ‘Big Things’ are iconic roadside attractions. Here’s where to find them heading north:
- Big Banana, Coffs Harbour (water park on site)
- Big Prawn, Ballina (at Bunnings)
- Big Avocado (Duranbah): Near Tropical Fruit World
- Point Danger, Coolangatta (state border marker)
Free and low cost camping options
There are few free camping spots along the coast between Sydney and Brisbane. There are however some good low cost options.
- Tuncurry Sports Club: $10 per person (self-contained vehicles only)
- Caravan park: Timbertown Campground.
- Trial Bay Gaol grounds
- Hat Head National Park
- Booti Booti National Park
- Coffs Harbour holiday parks
Download WikiCamps Australia app for current prices and availability. Many councils actively enforce no-camping zones – check local regulations and book holiday parks ahead in peak season.
Best Overnight Stops
Distance between major stops to help with planning:
- Sydney to Newcastle: 2 hours
- Newcastle to Port Stephens: 1 hour
- Port Stephens to Port Macquarie: 3 hours
- Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour: 2.5 hours
- Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay: 3 hours
- Byron Bay to Brisbane: 2 hours
Luxury Stays Worth the Splurge
If you want to splash out along the route these are some of my favourite options.
- Check out the Anchorage in Port Stephens,
- Coffs Harbour’s Akuna Beach Resort
- Crystal Creek Resort in the hinterland near Byron Bay.
- Salt at Shoal Bay, Port Stephens,
- Halcyon House in Cabarita (near Byron)
Final Thoughts on Your Sydney to Brisbane Drive
After helping plenty of travellers plan this route, here’s what makes the difference between a good trip and a great one:
- Three days minimum lets you explore without rushing
- Book Byron Bay first if you plan on staying there – it’s the hardest to get at reasonable rates
- Consider the inland route for your return journey – the Waterfall Way is spectacular
- Leave room in your schedule for unexpected finds
The route works well in either direction and any season. Your best experiences will likely come from the stops you hadn’t planned on making.
Remember to join our Facebook Group to ask questions or share your own tips after your trip.
