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)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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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.

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate, I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art. Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip

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