East coast marvels: must-stops on a Brisbane to Melbourne road trip

From sleepy beach towns to sheep-dotted farm scapes, a Brisbane to Melbourne road trip offers the best of Australia’s eastern states.

Let’s not kid ourselves. Driving across three states isn’t easy, no matter how you carve it. Road tripping from the Queensland capital to the Victorian capital is more than 1500 kilometres of mostly highway handling, and there’s an awful lot of same-same Victorian countryside to get through.

But if you’ve got a spare five or so days, the Brisbane to Melbourne trek (which navigates the Pacific Motorway, Pacific Highway and the Hume Highway) is a total charmer.

From uncrowded beaches and coastal trails to exceptional paddock-to-plate dining and incredible landmarks, pilgrimage pit stops offer the best of Australia’s beach and rural locales. Take our list of absolute must-stops to make it well worth your while.

Brisbane

Let the bright lights of the Sunshine State’s capital guide a full day and night of big smoke exploration. No Queensland visit should avoid a Brisbane deep dive as the city tightens and brightens its entertainment, dining and accommodation offerings in the countdown to hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. Whether you’re indulging in world-class Brisbane restaurants, the tourist-frenzied South Bank, or beyond, there’s no shortage of wonderous things to do.

Southbank is a must-visit on any trip to Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Must-see in Brisbane: The Howard Smith Wharves is a burgeoning locale set right beneath picturesque Story Bridge. Go there for the city’s buzziest eateries and bars right along the Brisbane River.

Dine beneath the picturesque Story Bridge at Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Brisbane accommodation: Take a night off from your Brisbane to Melbourne road trip to experience The Calile. It earned itself a spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Hotels list in 2024 and you only have to glance at the breathtaking urban oasis to see why.

The Calile Hotel gives off Miami beachside vibes. (Image: The Calile Hotel)

The Gold Coast

City hop about an hour down the M1 to the Gold Coast, a holiday hot spot that’s seen tremendous growth over the past 20 years. You’ll still find Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach swarming with sun-seeking visitors but the 70-kilometre stretch is also home to a southern end that’s flowing with trendy beachside suburbs, epic waterfront bars, beautiful subtropical greenery and killer cafes.

Sun seekers make a beeline for Surfers Paradise. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Must-see on the Gold Coast: Burleigh Heads, located at the northern start of the Gold Coast’s southern tip, has it all. The vibe is electric, and the people are beautiful so prepare to play well into the wee hours.

Burleigh Heads offers a different vibe to Surfers and Broadbeach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Gold Coast accommodation: The Langham Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise offers pure indulgence in the heart of it. Don’t miss dinner at T’Ang Court, the hotel chain’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, where fine dining excels like nowhere else on the coast.

The Langham Gold Coast offers beachfront views in Surfers Paradise. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Brunswick Heads

An hour down the coastline from the Gold Coast is Brunswick Heads, a great option if you’re keen to sniff out the country’s most exciting up-and-coming beach towns. This chilled hot spot is brimming with excellent coffee and dining experiences — you’ll want to hit Park Street and Mullumbimby Street for good concentration. The sheltered Torakina Beach, just five minutes away from the centre of town, is similarly heavenly.

Join an eco-cruise on the beautiful Brunswick River, part of Cape Byron Marine Park.

Join an eco-cruise on the beautiful Brunswick River, part of Cape Byron Marine Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must-see in Brunswick Heads: Pull out your togs and dedicate serious swimming time to Simpsons Creek off the Brunswick River. It’s crystal-clear and begging to be enjoyed, especially if you’re up for a kayak.

Simpsons Creek is a bit of a hidden gem.

Brunswick Heads accommodation: For a retro California motel fix, and the ultimate picture-perfect selfies, choose The Sails Motel & Pool Club.

Sails delivers a retro-cool motel stay. (Image: Jonny Valiant)

Byron Bay

There’s more to Australia’s very own Hollywood than Hemsworth-spotting. Byron Bay, just over an hour’s drive past the Queensland-New South Wales border, is northern NSW’s preeminent home to pristine beach bumming, farm-to-fork dining and boutique shopping. And despite the glamour, it manages to retain those free-spirited hippy roots so the vibe is chirpy without an ounce of exclusivity (unlike its property prices, which unfortunately don’t follow suit).

Byron Bay still manages to retain just enough of the free-spirited hippy roots that made it famous. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must-see in Byron Bay: Clumsy on a board? Don’t let it deter you from visiting The Pass, a world-famous surfing spot littered with beautiful rock pools that are so breathtaking, it’s spiritual.

Visit The Pass to hit the waves. (Image: Destination NSW)

Byron Bay accommodation: Break up your Brisbane to Melbourne journey with a night at Hotel Marvell, a sleek laneway destination with a pumping rooftop pool.

Hotel Marvell offers relaxed luxury in the heart of Byron. (Image: Hotel Marvell)

Yamba

It’s earned a reputation for being Northern NSW’s next big thing but there’s still plenty of laidback charm about Yamba. Hit the M1 from Byron and drive about 1.5 hours to experience its gorgeous sun-drenched beaches (there are five main ones to tackle), fresh produce markets, hip locals and impressive foodie scene.

Yamba delivers the kind of beach town holiday you had as a child. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must-see in Yamba: The lush greenery of Yuraygir National Park will leave you gobsmacked, plus it’s a popular place to beach camp if you’re thinking of making a night of it.

Spot kangaroos at Yuraygir National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Yamba accommodation: Prefer four solid walls when it’s time to hit the hay? Go for The Surf Yamba, one of the best accommodation picks in Yamba overlooking Main Beach.

Feel the sea breeze as you sleep at The Surf Yamba. (Image: Elise Hassey)

Coffs Harbour

Knock 2.5 hours off your Brisbane to Melbourne road trip by motoring from Yamba to Coffs Harbour. Whether it’s the iconic 13-metre-long Big Banana, located right off the Pacific Highway, The Clog Barn, which is exactly what it sounds like, one of its uncrowded beaches or its relaxed jetty precinct, there’s always a great reason to spend more than a couple of hours in this friendly just-off-the-highway pit stop.

See the iconic 13-metre-long Big Banana. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must-see in Coffs Harbour: Overdid The Big Banana as a kid? Spend more time at Jetty Beach House, one of the country’s most scenic waterfront watering holes.

Enjoy bistro dining by the beach at Jetty Beach House.

Coffs Harbour accommodation: Opal Cove Resort has a great pool with water views as well as a fabulous day spa to lean into.

The expansive pool is a standout feature of a stay at Opal Cove Resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

Port Macquarie

A NSW beach town that’s come a significant way in recent years, Port Macquarie is thriving as a tourist magnet along any Brisbane to Melbourne journey. Just over 1.5 hours from Coffs, there’s beach beauty galore (17 sandy spots in total), stellar restaurants and cafes and diverse walking trails to take advantage of, plus the locals are endlessly chilled.

Feast on seafood at Whalebone Wharf. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must-see in Port Macquarie: Navigating the renowned break wall will throw out views of the Hastings River and ever-memorable holiday vibes. And if it’s a seafood feast you’re craving, don’t miss Whalebone Wharf right on the river.

Expect a refined dining experience. (Image: Destination NSW)

Port Macquarie accommodation: For a cosy hotel stay with all the creature comforts, Sails Port Macquarie is a safe choice.

Sails Port Macquarie boasts a prime position on the Hastings River.

Newcastle

Roll down the Pacific Highway for another two hours and 45 minutes and you’ll reach thriving Newcastle, famed for its epic surf beaches but also home to a vibrant cafe and dining scene. And while there are plenty of opportunities to indulge, the beach town’s historical buildings and beautiful nature reserves keep the whole vibe grounded and relaxed.

Nobbys Beach is one of Newcastle’s many beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must-see in Newcastle: Mereweather Beach is spectacular, even when it’s too cold to dive into its enormous Ocean Baths. Gazing out at fearless board riders doing their thing in the surf is nothing short of mesmerising.

The historic Merewether Ocean Baths is a must-visit. (Image: Destination NSW)

Newcastle accommodation: Seize the opportunity to kick up your heels inside an always-excellent Crystalbrook hotel. Crystalbrook Kingsley is typically chic, character-filled and highly coveted.

Check into the chic Crystalbrook Kingsley. (Image: Visit Victoria/Crystalbrook Kingsley)

Sydney

It just wouldn’t be a Brisbane to Melbourne journey without thoroughly exploring your magnificent almost-halfway point: Sydney. The Harbour City glistens from every angle, whether you’re soaking up iconic landmarks in Circular Quay and The Rocks (hello Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge), delighting in a melting pot of international cuisines, frolicking in its golden sand beaches or exploring some of the most scenic coastal trails on earth.

Don’t miss the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour views. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must-see in Sydney: Tick off the Coat Hanger and those white(ish) sails before hitting Bondi. The beachside suburb is full of beautiful people and beautiful vistas, so you’ll be spoiled for eye candy.

Swim in the turquoise waters of Bondi Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sydney accommodation: After nearly four years of construction, W Sydney is as splendid as everyone had hoped.

W Sydney is a sleek waterfront hotel on the harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

Gundagai

It’s time to hustle along the Hume to count horses, sheep and cows lazing about grassy hills. Stay behind the wheel for roughly four hours and you’ll reach Gundagai, a quaint town with bucketloads of charm and heritage buildings. If you’re travelling with kids, stretch their legs out at the impressive playground on Sheridan Street. It’s right next to the library (another kid-friendly boredom buster) and opposite a good concentration of supermarkets.

Head to the quaint town of Gundagai.

Must-see in Gundagai: You’ll really need coffee after the longest stint of your journey so get the suburb’s finest blend (Pablo & Rusty) at The Coffee Pedaler, right next door to the Australian Pen Museum on Sheridan Street. The service is exceptional and a table out on the footpath puts you right in the action.

Pass sheep-filled pastures on the drive. (Image: Tyson Mayr)

Gundagai accommodation: Farm accommodation doesn’t get any more special than the eco huts at Kimo Estate. A-frame builds, panoramic views and outdoor hot tubs are just what the doctor ordered along your Brisbane to Melbourne trail.

Stay in an A-frame eco hut at Kimo Estate. (Image: Destination NSW)

Wangaratta

Cross into Victoria as you drive about 2.5 hours to Wangaratta, a country town with a shockingly trendy foodie scene. There are loads of lovely boutiques to be browsed, and some great country pubs, but you’ll need to dedicate serious time to the stretch of eateries along Faithfull Street. It’s the once-sleepy town’s hottest scene.

See the Wangaratta Church Tower. (Image: Phillip Wittke via Getty Images)

Must-see in Wangaratta: Caféprevue is situated on Faithfull, overlooking Ovens River so you’re immersed in a scenic riverbank as flavour-packed dishes roll out of the kitchen. Grab a spot outside on the deck if you find wrangle one.

Wangaratta accommodation: If you’re looking for clean and tidy convenience, Quest Wangaratta on Docker Street is always a good choice.

Quest Wangaratta features a chic interior.

Melbourne

Here’s cheers to reaching the end of an epic escape — now it’s time to let your hair down. Melbourne is Australia’s culture capital, overflowing with ceiling-smashing culinary experiences, world-class accommodation, the country’s best coffee, spectacular galleries and museums and more. Just one step into any one of its wonderful suburbs will grant you deep multiculturalism and boundless surprises.

The National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest public art museum. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Must-see in Melbourne: The CBD’s laneways are an absolute must-experience. Punch AC/DC Lane, Centre Place, Degraves Street and Hosier Lane into your Maps and wander the itty-bitty retail and dining gems from day to night.

AC/DC Lane is named after the iconic Australian band. (Image: Visit Victoria/Street art: Mike Makatron)

Melbourne accommodation: Soak up that laneway life at voco Melbourne Central, a luxury hotel in the heart of the city that’s blessed with a rooftop plunge pool to help you dial up the glamour.

Find unbeatable rooftop views from the voco Melbourne Central.