The Best Brisbane to Sydney Road Trip – #1East Coast

• Where: Brisbane to Sydney (Brisbane – Byron Bay – Woolgoolga – Port Macquarie- Nelson Bay – Sydney)
• Time: 2 weeks
• Distance: Around 1000 KM

Brisbane to Sydney Road Trip

Continuing on from our Cairns to Brisbane adventure, this Brisbane to Sydney road trip is a perfect itinerary for those who love the coast and like to put their feet up with plenty of gorgeous viewpoints.

As always, the places mentioned in this article are our personal favourite spots that we enjoyed for ourselves and saw with our own eyes.

Best of all, nearly all of them are free to do!

This Brisbane to Sydney road trip can be completed in two weeks, but it depends on your timeframe and personal style of travel. If you like a place, simply stay longer!

• Are you a backpacker or a budget traveller? No problem, then this is the one for you! There are great deals available on DiscoverCars for your Brisbane to Sydney road trip. We have used it for a four-week adventure in New Zealand to a Darwin road trip, and many more places without any issues – DiscoverCars gets a big thumbs up from us.

Click the link to find out everything you need to know about renting a car in Australia.

First Stop: Byron Bay

First up on our Brisbane to Sydney road trip is Byron Bay, located an hour and a half south of the Gold Coast.

Don’t forget that during Daylight Saving (typically from early October to early April), Byron Bay is one hour ahead of the Gold Coast.

Byron Bay is one of our favourite places in Australia, and we had lots of fantastic adventures there. It’s a hippy-style town with lots of interesting characters living there and passing through. There is a very chilled ambiance in the air, and no one seems to be in too much of a rush.

There will be plenty of backpackers out and about, and who knows you might even bump into some of the rich and famous who come to this beautiful seaside town to hang out.

With plenty of cool bars and quaint restaurants to choose from you will have your pick of places to dine and enjoy. Most nights, there will be gatherings in the streets of live music and street performers. Some are doing it to show their skills, while others are doing it to make a few extra dollars.

Surfing and swimming are the main free activities to do in Byron Bay during the day. If you don’t know how to surf, there are affordable surfing lessons available. Our favourite thing to do was to go for a sunrise hike to the most Eastern point of Australia, Cape Byron. Trust us, it is worth getting up for.

Byron Bay offers a wide range of unforgettable tours, it’s even where Kevin did his very first skydive, he said it was both the most terrifying and best feeling at the same time! There’s no better place to take your first skydive experience than in Australia’s parachute capital, with epic coastal views that make the experience even more incredible.

The first time we saw glowworms was in the famous Waitomo caves in New Zealand. Luckily you can also observe this natural wonder in Byron Bay; it’s truly magical and is one of those rare, bucket-list experiences you’ll be talking about for years – don’t miss The Bioluminescence Night Tour.

For adventure lovers, the Sea Kayak Tour is another must-do. We were lucky enough to have dolphins swim right up to us for a quick hello, another unforgettable moment! Depending on the season, you might also spot turtles gliding beneath your kayak or even migrating whales passing by offshore.

Spots fill quickly, especially during peak seasons, so be sure to book ahead and lock in these unforgettable Byron Bay experiences.

As you can tell, we had an unbelievable time when we visited Byron Bay. If you’re looking for more details on the best places to eat and the top things to do in Byron Bay, check them out here – The Best Things to do in Byron Bay.

Depending on how much time you have and what kind of experience you’re after, you could spend anywhere from a day to a whole month in Byron Bay! Once you’ve enjoyed your time there, continue your Brisbane to Sydney itinerary to the charming seaside town of Woolgoolga.

Where To Stay in Byron Bay

Below you’ll find our recommended hotels, handpicked by us after researching price, location, and what best suits each kind of traveller.

Budget Travellers & Backpackers
YHA Cape Byron – Byron’s best-value stay that doesn’t feel “budget.” Choose from dorms or private rooms, relax by the pool, and enjoy the social vibe. Perfect for young backpackers looking for fun without blowing the budget.

Couples
Beach Hotel Resort – Beachfront luxury with a stunning pool and hot tub. Step straight onto the sand and dial up the romance, guaranteed to impress someone special.

Families
Discovery Parks – Byron Bay – Affordable, spacious holiday homes with plenty to keep the kids entertained. One of the best-value family stays in town without sacrificing comfort or fun.

Honeymooners
Crystalbrook Byron – A peaceful rainforest retreat with a spa and wellness centre. Quiet, secluded, and perfect for unwinding together in a tropical paradise.

Luxury Travelers
Elements of Byron – Private villas, beachfront location, and a fine dining restaurant. Refined, exclusive, and made for those who want the very best. In short, world-class!

Woolgoolga

The drive from Byron Bay to Woolgoolga takes around 2.5 hours. If you have time, make a stop at Yuraygir National Park, tucked between the two, a wildlife haven with stunning beaches, scenic walking trails, and camping spots at Sandy Beach and Ten Mile Beach.

Woolgoolga is a small, interesting seaside town to hang out for a few days and is definitely worth a visit on your Brisbane to Sydney road trip. There is a large Sikh Community which is shown in the impressive Temple and school that was built by the locals.

In Woolgoolga, your time will be focused on taking time out, as we did below!

Woolgoolga Accommodation

From stylish apartments, cozy B&Bs, caravan parks, motels, and hotels, you are certain to discover something to your liking, ranging from economical budget accommodation right through to luxury sea-front accommodation.

Woolgoolga Things to Do

Your main activities are mostly sea-related – swimming, surfing, fishing, shore hikes, and whale watching. Make sure to check out the large bat colonies that live around the north side of Woolgoolga Beach.

There are tens of thousands of flying foxes that can make a lot of noise during the day! Every evening, we loved walking here to watch the sunset because the most breathtaking sight is at dusk, when all the bats take to the sky in a spectacular mass takeoff.

Stay in Woolgoolga for at least one night at one of the many campsites near the beach.

Coffs Harbour

Next on your Brisbane to Sydney trip and carrying on south from Woolgoolga you will only have to drive thirty minutes until your first stop – Coffs Harbour.

Before you arrive in the town take a drive into the mountains to Sealy lookout where you will encounter a viewpoint looking out over the entire area.

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Coffs Harbour Things To Do

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful coastal city in New South Wales that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway. One of the top things to do is take a leisurely stroll along the marina and waterfront, where you can enjoy the scenic views, grab some seafood at one of the many restaurants, and browse the local shops.

Don’t miss walking out to Mutton-bird Island. This is a very easy and small hike where you can see birdlife and of course, do a bit of whale watching.

Another must-see is the iconic Big Banana, a giant banana-shaped landmark that’s become a symbol of the city.

If you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, Coffs Harbour is surrounded by waterfalls and national parks, including the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Take a guided boat tour to spot dolphins, whales, or sea turtles, or go snorkelling or diving to explore the underwater world.

For thrill-seekers of all ages, The Treetop Zip-Lining Adventure is an absolute blast. Mind you, Kate is terrified of heights and needed a lot of convincing, but once she completed the course (slowly), she was a very proud lady who couldn’t stop smiling and said it was totally worth it.

And if you have time, take a day trip to the nearby Dorrigo National Park, where you can hike to the stunning Dorrigo Waterfall and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside

Where to stay in Coffs Harbour

Whatever your style or budget, Coffs Harbour has you covered — great-value hotels near beaches, resorts, and plenty of ways to unwind.

Budget Travelers & Backpackers
Plantation Hotel Backpackers – The cheapest hotel in Coffs Harbour. Ideal for young backpackers who want good vibes without blowing the budget.

Couples & Honeymooners
Pacific Bay Resort – Beachfront luxury with three pools and a day spa. Romantic, relaxed, and surprisingly affordable, the perfect place to turn up the romance without turning up the price.

Families
Discovery Parks – Whether it’s “for the kids” or secretly for you too, Discovery Parks in Coffs Harbour delivers. Packed with fun and one of the best-value family stays in town.

Nambucca Heads

From Coffs Harbour, the next stop on your Brisbane to Sydney road trip is only another 30 minutes down the road – Nambucca Heads. We only stopped here for a lunch break and were so happy we did.

Because there is a viewpoint in Nambucca Heads called the Rotary Lookout, and it reminded us of the lookout at Whitehaven Beach, Queensland. The water may not be as turquoise, but still a very impressive and one of the most beautiful sights on the Brisbane to Sydney road trip.

Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is only an hour and a half drive away from Nambucca Heads on your Brisbane to Sydney road trip.

This was such a fun day for us because of another small detour we took after Nambucca Heads to the South-West Rocks to visit the small but historical Trial Bay Gaol.

Port Macquarie Things to Do

We hope you know the routine by now once you get to Port Macquarie because the tempo is still very slow. Kick your feet back up and enjoy the many places you can swim, surf, fish and walk coastal tracks.

Take the nine-kilometre Coastal Walk from Port Macquarie’s town center to Lighthouse Beach — rated as one of Australia’s top four spectacular coastal walks. This easy walk runs along one of the most dramatic coasts in Australia and follows along beaches, headlands, and historic sites, including the Tacking Point Lighthouse, and rainforests.

A stroll through the city center will unveil a variety of quaint boutiques, funky cafes, and restaurants, along with breweries and bars.

Port Macquarie is also home to the Koala Hospital, the world’s first hospital dedicated solely to the care and preservation of koalas.

Port Macquarie Accommodation

Yet another beautiful coastal town boasting accommodations for all budgets and needs.

Backpacking and travelling from Brisbane to Sydney on a budget? Then Ozzie Pozzie Backpackers is the most affordable hotel in Port Macquarie.

The stunning beachfront Mantra The Observatory is always a popular choice for couples.

Or if you want to stay in luxury by the ocean, then check out Ana Mandara Luxury Retreat.

Cairns to Brisbane Itinerary – Explore Australia’s Stunning East Coast Now

Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay is a hidden gem in Australia and was one of our favourite places on our Brisbane to Sydney road trip that unexpectedly wowed us! It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Port Macquarie to Nelson Bay, and we recommend spending at least 3 days here.

We were based around One-Mile Beach which is a good central location and right on the beach. From here you can explore the sand dunes and watch dolphins playing and surfing the waves!

Nelson Bay Things to Do

One of our favourite memories from our Brisbane to Sydney road trip was the view from Tamaree Viewpoint — it’s absolutely breathtaking. You’ll understand why once you see it for yourself!

Tamaree Viewpoint is truly the perfect Australia in all its glory. Embrace the views of the bay, which is surrounded by green forests, cliffs, and mountains, highlighted with white sand beaches and blue water.

Additionally, Fingal Bay is only 10 minutes from Nelson Bay. Drive to Fingal Beach and traverse along the beach in a north direction until you reach “The Spit” – a large sand bank that forms between the mainland and Shark Island when the tide is out (make sure to know the tide times as the tide can come back in at rapid pace).

Only a short spin south of One Mile Beach, you will discover the sand dunes of Birubi Beach. You will not think you are in the same area when you are looking at this rugged, massive sand-covered area.

Welcome to Sydney!

Welcome!! You have completed your Brisbane to Sydney road trip, congratulations!

However, keep reading, because we’re about to share plenty of hidden gems and fun attractions in Sydney that you won’t want to miss.

Are you visiting Sydney on a budget? Then check out 25 tips to save money!

Free Things To Do in Sydney

Sydney is world-famous, and you can easily spend a week here. There are some of the most iconic landmarks in the world here, but Sydney has a lot more to offer than just the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

We want to tell you about some free things to do in Sydney that are just as spectacular to see!

Beyond The Obvious – The Rocks Markets

Everybody knows about the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, but let’s find out what else there is to see in the area! Both attractions are within short walking distance of each other, located in the historic and vibrant area known as The Rocks.

The Rocks is a fantastic place full of stories, tales, and lots of history. In fact, the Rocks reminded Kevin a lot of his own hometown of Cobh, with all its maritime history, just a lot smaller!

Visit one of many historical pubs where sailors from all over the world once stood, where you stand now. Just like you, they came to explore and have a refreshment, or two!

Walking around the small side streets of The Rocks, you can nearly hear the voices from the past and the people who once lived here and helped to build this fantastic city!

Sydney Botanical Gardens

Just a short stroll from the Sydney Opera House, we love spending hours at The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Every time we wander through here, we discover something new, and it’s the perfect spot to bring a snack or a picnic and just relax while exploring.

Founded way back in 1816, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney is Australia’s oldest botanical garden, and we’re always amazed by the incredible variety of plants and trees. Honestly, it’s one of those places we love visiting every time we set foot through the gate! Best of all, this top Sydney attraction is free to visit!

Reward yourself

After completing your Brisbane to Sydney road trip, treat yourself to an unforgettable stay at a luxurious harbourfront retreat with a private hot tub and breathtaking views over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Beaches – Bondi Beach

Did you know that Sydney has over 100 beaches? Some only a couple of meters, others a few kilometers.

Although you would have passed countless beaches on your Brisbane to Sydney road trip, Bondi Beach is probably the most famous one of all.

A bit too wild for our liking personally, Bondi Beach is still a famous landmark that is a must-see in Sydney. If the sea is too rough for you, there are plenty of ocean pools to go swimming in as well.

Sydney Beaches – Coogee Beach

If Bondi is the most famous beach in Sydney, then Coogee Beach is a closely followed number two.

Take a walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach along the coastline for a scenic 6KM walk. You will encounter tall, crumbling sandstone cliffs with ice-blue water crashing in at the bottom.

Beautiful, quieter beaches line the walk with surfers in the water riding the enormous waves and showing off to each other.

At the midway point, you will find a large graveyard along the mighty cliff’s edge overlooking the wild ocean – Waverly Cemetery.

To some, this may not sound like a pleasant sight to visit. We personally find it very interesting, again with all its history of so many people who came to Sydney from Ireland trying to set up a new life in a new land.

Palm Beach

There is one beach that is technically not in Sydney but definitely worth a visit – Palm Beach AKA Home & Away Beach.

One hour north of Sydney this makes for a great and fun day trip. Hike up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse to take in the view of “Summer Bay”. Even if you don’t care about the TV show it is still worth a visit up here for its natural beauty and surroundings.

Most of the above-mentioned attractions from Brisbane to Sydney are free to visit!!

Sydney Whale Watching

If you are going to have to pay for one thing it should be for a Sydney whale-watching tour, and this is a two in one trip.

First of all, you will get to sail through Sydney Harbour, seeing all the famous attractions. I would also recommend booking an afternoon time slot if possible. We got to sail back into the harbour at a spectacular sunset.

Secondly, after seeing whales from the mainland on your Brisbane to Sydney road trip coming down, you will now finally get to see them close up!

• From Sydney, book a 3-hour Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran
• From Sydney, book a 2-hour Express Whale Watching Tour

*A good tip, Kevin can personally confirm that ten pints of Guinness the night before a Sydney whale-watching excursion is not a good idea……..

Brisbane to Sydney Road Trip: Things to Consider

• It can get quite cold in New South Wales in the winter months (June – August), so make sure you pack warm gear.
• The best hotels go fast – Reserve your accommodation early.
• Sydney can be manic if you are driving there for the first time. Try to remain patient and calm – if you can do this, please let us know how in the comments below!
• Plan ahead for peak season, check out The best recommended tours.
• The beaches in Sydney can be quite deceiving, with riptides happening quite often. If you are not a confident swimmer, then don’t test the waters.
• If you’re flying from Sydney for another Aussie adventure or heading home, Skyscanner is your best bet for cheap deals.
• The most important tip of all – Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Brisbane to Sydney Road Trip!

That’s it, you have completed your Brisbane to Sydney road trip – was this something you have completed previously, or is it now put on your bucket list??

We would love to hear your thoughts and how you got on. Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our socials.

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