The Ultimate Brisbane To Sydney Road Trip

Find out where to stop, stay and play along the Pacific Highway.

A Brisbane to Sydney drive (or the reverse) is a rite of passage in Australia. While many tread the well-worn path with just a brief pit stop in Coffs Harbour, it’s worth detouring off the highway to explore the many coastal towns dotted along the way.

Take two days to a week meandering to enjoy those nearby sights — it’s an opportunity to experience more of this beautiful country like a local.

Brisbane to Ballina: 2.5 hours drive

You can’t leave the buzz of Brisbane without a hearty feed to set you up for the day. If you’re looking for recommendations, head to West End for a haven of cafes all competing for the best brunch award.

The Gunshop Cafe is particularly renowned for its breakfast fare, including brekky burgers, coconut and passion fruit French toast, and fried chicken with waffles and poached eggs.

The Gunshop Cafe, Ballina — Head to the Gunshop Cafe for breakfast and smoothies.

Once you’re on the road heading towards Ballina, stop halfway in Burleigh Heads for a cheeky beach trip and a cold one at Burleigh Pavilion before you leave the sunshine feeling in Queensland.

Bypass bustling Byron Bay and head for the laid-back beach vibes of Ballina on the North Coast of New South Wales and its stretch of stunning beaches.

Burleigh Pavillion, Ballina beach — A serene spot to sip refreshing cocktails at Ballina Beach. (Image: Burleigh Pavillion)

Ballina highlights

One of the cutest spots to eat and drink here is The Belle General . With a boho feel, great coffee and a nourishing menu, it’s a great place to start your day.

Blessed with 25km of cycle paths, it’d be a shame not to get out and enjoy them. Hire a bike and enjoy the scenery along the banks of Richmond River.

Or how about heading to a crashing waterfall? Just 20 minutes away is Killen Falls offering a viewing platform to see the magnificence up close.

The scenic Killen Falls, Tintenbar — The enchanting Killen Falls is situated at the heart of a rainforest. (Image: Destination NSW)

If it’s raining, make your way to Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum , and when you’re ready for dinner, order a bowl of Ballina prawns. Don’t forget to pass the Big Prawn on your way out, one of Australia’s iconic big things.

Accommodation tip: Ballina Palms Boutique Motel – your private oasis in the heart of Ballina.

Stay in this cosy boutique motel on your visit to Ballina.

Ballina to Yamba: 1.5 hours drive

Situated at the mouth of the Clarence River, you won’t regret a brief stop at the beach town of Yamba.

aerial shot of the Yamba Beach town — Go on an exhilarating road trip to the coastal town of Yamba. (Image: Destination NSW)

Yamba highlights

Grab a cuppa at Bean Scene Cafe Yamba which uses beans from local North Coast roaster, Eleganza Vietato.

Soak up the friendly village vibe and stretch your legs with some leisurely browsing along Yamba’s main street where you’ll find a strong selection of surf shops, homewares, and fashion stores, including Shack Yamba – a lifestyle store filled with coastal goodies.

al fresco dining, Bean Scene Cafe — Al fresco dining at the Bean Scene Cafe.

Accommodation tip: Yamba Beach Motel – overlooks Main Beach and it’s close to town.

Yamba to Port Macquarie: 3 hours drive

This former convict settlement of Port Macquarie has shaken off the shackles to become one of Australia’s most popular holiday towns.

Port Macquarie highlights

You’re spoilt for choice with top spots for breakfast with a side of ocean views. Start the day with coffee at Salty Crew Kiosk right on the shores of Town Beach or Sandbox Port Macquarie for beachside brunching overlooking Flynn’s Beach.

Stretch your legs with a walk along the iconic Port Macquarie beach break wall or take a dip at one of the many inviting beaches along the coast.

Salt Crew Kiosk, Port Macquarie — Have a cold brew right on the scenic Town Beach. (Image: Salty Crew Kiosk)

As you wander the city, keep an eye out for the interesting koala sculptures dotted around town. These appealing fibreglass statues have been hand-painted by selected artists and are a hit with kids.

The best spot in town for seafood is Bills Fishhouse & Bar , with a carefully curated sea-to-plate selection featuring local oysters, prawns, whole fish, and seafood platters to share. With breezy interiors and a bustling bar bringing the vacation vibes, it’s a casual and contemporary restaurant you’ll want to seek out.

If you’ve got time for a detour, a winery might not be the most obvious stop on a road trip, but Cassegrain Wines has created a welcoming oasis along the M1 motorway.

Kids and dogs can run freely on the grass, refuel with lunch at the on-site restaurant, take a winery tour and grab a bottle of vino to enjoy at your next destination.

Accommodation tip: Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat – treehouses that tread lightly on the natural environment without compromising on luxury.

If you’re lingering longer, check out these 14 places to eat and drink in Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie to Newcastle: 3 hours drive

The secret’s out, the harbour city of Newcastle is enjoying an almighty revival and there’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, shop, and stay in the city.

Newcastle highlights

Arrive hungry in Newcastle and head straight to HuBro Cafe to discover the smoothest cold brew coffee you’ll ever find, Wil & Sons is always buzzing, as its breakfast is one of the best.

Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, Newcastle is all about the beaches and a relaxed lifestyle, so take some time to chill out at Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach, or Merewether Beach for sun-soaked downtime.

cold brew, Hubro Cafe — Try the signature handcrafted brew at the Hubro Cafe.

If you’re an art lover, pop into one of the many independent galleries and keep an eye out for street art at every turn.

Or if history is more your pop quiz genre, explore the past of Newcastle and the unique temporary exhibits at the Newcastle Museum .

Wayfinder at Newcastle Museum, Newcastle — Unveil the harbour city’s glorious past at the Newcastle Museum. (Image: Destination NSW)

For a hit of entertainment before you tackle the final hurdle, take in a show at the Civic Theatre, with everything from dance and music to theatre and comedy.

Accommodation tip: The Lucky Hotel – a luxury stay without the price tag.

chic exterior, The Lucky Hotel — The Lucky Hotel is a perfect spot to chill and unwind.

Newcastle to Sydney: 2 hours drive

You’re almost there – one last push and you’ll arrive in Australia’s biggest city: Sydney! Organise your arrival time so that you don’t clash with rush hour as the traffic is often busy.

Sydney highlights

Our ultimate guide to Sydney will tell you everything you need to know but if we can drop you off with three recommendations on what to do when you get there outside of the usual contenders, they are:

Go for a well-deserved drink at a historic pub in The Rocks.
Enjoy your new freedom with a walk around Circular Quay and soak in the hive of activity surrounding you.
Head to the top of the Sydney Tower Eye , the city’s tallest structure. It’s the ultimate 360° viewpoint to find your bearings, and if you arrive just before sunset, you get to view the world below you in both daylight and at night.

city views at Darling Harbour, Sydney — Be charmed by Sydney’s spectacular city skyline. (Image: Destination NSW)

Looking for more drive inspiration? Take a peek at our guide to Australia’s best road trip pit stops.

Here’s your chance to indulge in the ultimate escape on The Bellarine.

Entries close at 11.59pm AEDT on 8 February 2026

Escape on the ultimate adults-only luxury getaway to The Bellarine, just 90 minutes from Melbourne – worth up to $2148!

Read the general competition terms and conditions before you enter.

What’s included?

The Royal Queenscliff $790 voucher – equivalent to a two-night stay in The Rosetti or The Barrett Rooms (non-peak rates)
Lon Retreat $500 voucher – put towards a treatment or massage at Lon Spa
Bellarine Smokehouse + Provedore $300 voucher
The Q Train $308 voucher – a five-course Q Class Dining experience for two adults (beverages not included)
Searoad Ferries $250 voucher

About the prize

Enjoy the ultimate luxurious adult’s getaway on The Bellarine, just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Cruise into the quaint maritime town of Queenscliff with your car via SEAROAD FERRIES; the 40-minute trip from Sorrento lets you skip the long drive and savour bay views, dolphin sightings and a glass from the licensed cafe. Taste the best of The Bellarine on THE Q TRAIN, Australia’s premier rail restaurant that passes stunning coastlines, farmland and nature reserves. Continue sampling the region’s quality produce with a stop to pick up some artisan goods at BELLARINE SMOKEHOUSE + PROVEDORE, with everything from local cheeses and handcrafted sauces to smoked fish and pâtés made in-house. Next up, head to LON SPA, winner of Best Spa Australasia in the 2024 Spa and Wellness Awards.

Enjoy a treatment of your choice, ranging from massages and mineral soaks to 24K gold age-defying facials, while relaxing at this private and luxurious retreat.

Find your base at the recently refurbished THE ROYAL QUEENSCLIFF for a two-night stay. This opulent three-storey beauty offers adult-only accommodation, tropical garden courtyards and elegant salons. The interior features vibrant modern art, antique furniture and exotic heirlooms. For a truly memorable stay, experiencing some of the best The Bellarine has to offer, this is a competition you’ll want to put your name down for.

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The ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip