Every Stop To Make On The Sydney To Brisbane Drive

Put your foot down and soak up jaw-dropping splendour on your next Sydney to Brisbane drive.

If you like driving through country towns and not past them, then a Sydney to Brisbane drive through New England High Country is for you.

Whether you’ve got a few days or even a week to meander through charming country towns, delightful cafes, classic bakeries and stunning scenery, the journey flows with memorable sights from start to finish. We map out the absolute must-experiences so you can wind down the window and watch the good times roll on.

Sydney

No Sydney to Brisbane drive kicks off without dipping a foot in the unmistakable hum of the Harbour City.

A whip around Circular Quay, set right off Sydney Harbour, will help you tick off all the icons at once — think the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art (one of the city’s best art galleries) and The Rocks’ historical precinct among a healthy dose of retail boutiques and world-class restaurants.

Ten Thousand Suns, 24th Biennale of Sydney 2024 — Admire awe-striking installations at the Museum of Contemporary Art. (Image: Image by Document Photography)

For a change of pace, head to the northern beaches, home to some of the most exceptional stretches of sand and surf in Sydney. Land in Manly for excellent cafe culture and plenty of adventure, and stretch your legs right up the coastline for relaxed beach towns spilling over with laid-back hipster scenes.

crowds flocking at Sydney Harbour — Admire the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. (Image: Destination NSW)

Stop 1: Newcastle

Once you kiss Sydney goodbye, hit the road for two hours to reach booming Newcastle. Here, you’ll discover a city that’s growing in popularity, and so much more than a relaxed and breezy weekender.

a person holding a surfboard at Merewether Beach, Newcastle — Spend a breezy surfing weekend on Merewether Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Blessed with beautiful beaches of its own, cool cafes and a thriving arts scene, one stop in Newcastle is never enough to capture everything on offer.

the Merewether Beach in Newcastle — Newcastle is blessed with beautiful beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Jana Restaurant & Bar , one of the city’s best restaurants, is the spot for foodies. With capacity for 75 diners, the eatery within the QT Newcastle spins magic out of humble ingredients.

the Jana Restaurant & Bar in Newcastle — The 75-seater Jana Restaurant & Bar is housed in the heritage David Jones building.

Keep exploring this beautiful corner of the world by grabbing your fuel to go. You’ll find top-notch takeaway coffee at the best cafes in Newcastle, including Good Brother Espresso Shop, Darks Coffee Roasters and Praise Joe.

people ordering coffee at Darks Coffee Roasters — Make a pit stop at Darks Coffee Roasters.

Keen to make a night of your adventure? There’s plenty of exceptional accommodation offerings in Newcastle including that QT you’ve already familiarised yourself with, as well as Quest Newcastle West and Crystalbrook Kingsley.

the bed at one of the rooms in Crystalbrook Kingsley — Crystalbrook Kingsley brings contemporary luxury to the CBD. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

Stop 2: Tamworth

Journey about 3.5 hours and you’ll land in Tamworth, where country music thrives and the dining and entertainment scenes continues to grow. But first, coffee. Punch Double Picc in Muswellbrook into your Maps to find an outstanding fix.

colourful cookies at Double Picc in Muswellbrook — Grab a cookie to pair with your warm brew at Double Picc.

Jump back into the car and push on to Willow Tree where The Plains Pantry is a non-negotiable for fresh local produce, sweet treats or healthy bites, aka lunch.

Have you really visited Tamworth though if you don’t snap a selfie at the Big Golden Guitar? It’s on the southern approach on the New England Highway, so you can’t miss it and despite the clichés, it’s rather a cool tribute to the town’s country music roots. So too, the bronze statues along the main street that pay tribute to an assortment of country music legends.

The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre in Tamworth — Snap a selfie at the Big Golden Guitar. (Image: Destination NSW)

Your exploration has only just begun. For casual eats, The Pig & Tinder Box Restaurant & Bar is a local favourite. Housed within Tamworth’s beautiful old bank building, it’s got a menu of creative share plates and traditional wood-fired pizzas.

a plate of food at The Pig & Tinder Box,Tamworth — The Pig & Tinder Box Restaurant & Bar serves up creative share plates. (Image: Destination NSW)

Meanwhile, Goonoo Goonoo Station’s Glasshouse Restaurant is Tamworth’s most celebrated dining destination. With sweeping views over rolling hills to the distant Liverpool Range, it oozes sophistication.

sipping wine at Goonoo Goonoo Station’s Glasshouse Restaurant, Tamworth — Sip premium wines at Goonoo Goonoo Station’s Glasshouse Restaurant overlooking the rolling hills. (Image: Destination NSW)

Culture vultures should stop by the Tamworth Regional Gallery , located in the heart of town, and if you’re feely weary, Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges is a five-star beauty with stylish rooms, an inviting bar and one impressive steakhouse.

a couple viewing an art exhibition at the Tamworth Regional Gallery — Head to Tamworth Regional Gallery for all things art. (Image: Destination NSW)

Stop 3: Armidale

Keep trucking about 1.5 hours to find Armidale, where community spirit soars.

the historic grounds of Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse — Stop by Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse to recharge. (Image: Destination NSW)

Hunt down Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse for wine tasting (and potentially your night’s digs) as well as picnicking amid spectacular country gardens with a cheese platter.

a couple enjoying wine tasting at Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse — Sip some of their finest drops. (Image: Destination NSW)

Before you jet off, grab a bottle of something special to enjoy at your next destination.

pouring wine into a glass at Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse — Take one for the road. (Image: Destination NSW)

No trip to the ‘Cathedral City,’ dubbed so thanks to the town’s wonderous colonial buildings, is also in good proximity to hiking trails, like those found in the Washpool National Park and Gibraltar Range National Park.

Witness the sunrise over the Dandahra Crags walking track in Gibraltar Range National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

If it’s time to slow down and recharge your Sydney to Brisbane drive, Petersons is incredibly lush but there’s also the Tattersalls Hotel Armidale which dazzles in Art Deco style.

the historical facade of the Tattersalls Hotel in Armidale — Stay in the Art Deco-style Tattersalls Hotel Armidale. (Image: Destination NSW)

Stop 4: Tenterfield

Soldier on another two hours and you’ll bump into Tenterfield, just 20 kilometres away from the Queensland border. A visit to this town is not complete without visiting the historic Tenterfield Saddler , made famous by the great Peter Allen. The original saddlery is filled with interesting memorabilia and leather goods but it’s the old bones that are guaranteed to fascinate.

the entrance of Tenterfield Saddler — Visit the historic Tenterfield Saddler. (Image: Destination NSW)

Glenrock Gardens is another must-discover in all its 10-acre glory. There’s a working farm on site but simply wandering around the tranquil property is sure to fill up your cup.

a small pond at Glenrock Gardens — Bask in the lush, 10-acre glory of Glenrock Gardens.

On the main street of Tenterfield is The Corner , a sprawling store filled with homewares, fashion, jewellery, accessories and gifts you’ll struggle to say no to. When sleep time calls, The Commercial Boutique Hotel offers eight luxurious rooms above a tastefully restored pub decked out in Art Deco extravagance.

people dining inside the Commercial Boutique Hotel in Tenterfield — Step into the restored pub at Commercial Boutique Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

Stop 5: Stanthorpe

Next stop along your Sydney to Brisbane drive is Stanthorpe, one of the beautiful Queensland towns along the state’s Granite Belt.

the vineyard at Tobin Wines — Hop between vineyards in the stunning Stanthorpe. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Wine country flourishes in this neck of the woods so take your time as you hop between vineyards including Tobin Wines and Symphony Hill Wines , both technically in nearby Ballandean, and Ridgemill Estate .

the exterior of Tobin Wines in Stanthorpe — Pop by Tobin Wines for cellar door tastings. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Take advantage of the town’s excellent glamping stay, Alure Stanthorpe , by spending the night.

a couple sitting while admiring the scenic landscape at Alure Stanthorpe — Hit refresh with a relaxing glamping stay at Alure Stanthorpe. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s nothing but misty mountains and cattle-dotted farmscapes so prepare to unwind amid one heck of a backdrop.

a couple relaxing in a tub at Alure Stanthorpe — Soak in the outdoor tub at sundown. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Stop 6: Brisbane

You made it all the way to Brisbane, the buzzing Queensland capital. From riverfront dining and laneway bars to world-class art galleries and breathtaking nature exploration, the city has evolved into one of Australia’s most exciting destinations.

a couple dining at Howard Smith Wharves — Nothing beats riverfront dining at Howard Smith Wharves. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Don’t miss Howard Smith Wharves, one of Brisbane’s best entertainment precincts scattered with killer bars and restaurants, plus one of the best breweries in the country.

a couple drinking beer by the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves — Drink by the river with dazzling views of the Story Bridge. (Image: Tourism Australia)

As for a comfy bed to help you recharge overused batteries, you’re spoilt for accommodation options. Think plush five-star hotels, achingly cool boutique hotels and one of the world’s highly acclaimed urban oasis’.

a couple relaxing on a sunlounger at Howard Smith Wharves — Soak up waterfront views on a sun lounger. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Heading the other direction? Here are the stops you should make when driving from Brisbane to Sydney.

Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

While the name Clermont may feel new to even the most intrepid traveller, its gilded history stretches back centuries. You’ll find it just off the highway, humming quietly under the hazy veil of Queensland’s outback sun. It’s here, hemmed in by mountains and perched atop soil heavy with the earth’s treasures, that one of Australia’s most accessible outback adventures awaits.

Thanks to deposits of gold, copper and gemstones – souvenirs left by exploding supernovas and the heave of tectonic plates – Clermont became a centre point of Queensland’s Gold Rush. And now? Australia’s fossicking capital is yours to discover.

Getting there

car driving along Capricorn Way in queensland — Take a drive through Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

You’ll find Clermont in Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. To get here, it’s an easy three-hour drive over sealed roads from Mackay. Or, if you’re heading from the Sapphire Fields of Emerald, the drive will carve out just over an hour from your day.

Whether you’re road-tripping through outback Queensland or just tracing your way through all that Australia has to offer, Clermont is remote but easily accessible.

Best accommodation in Clermont

Theresa CreekDam in clermont — Camp by Theresa Creek Dam. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

All accommodation comes with a generous helping of country hospitality here. The choice is yours between modern hotels, parking up the camper or pitching a tent.

Theresa Creek Dam lies just outside town. Begin each day with crisp country air and bright outback sunrises. Spend the night under the sparkling country stars and your days out on the dam fishing or kayaking. Even if you aren’t camping, be sure to save space in your itinerary for an afternoon on the red dirt shore.

To stay closer to town, opt for a central hotel to base yourself between exploring and fossicking, like Smart Stayzzz Inn and Clermont Country Motor Inn .

Things to do in Clermont

three people on a tour with Golden Prospecting — Join a tour with Golden Prospecting.

One does not visit Clermont without trying their hand at fossicking. There are strict rules when it comes to fossicking, so stick to areas dedicated for general permission and make sure you obtain your license beforehand. Try your luck at McMasters , Four Mile , Town Desert, McDonald Flat and Flat Diggings . To increase your odds, sign on for a tour with the expert team at Golden Prospecting . They’ll give you access to exclusive plots and expert advice along the way.

Once you’ve tried your luck on the gold fields, head to the Clermont Township and Historical Museum . Each exhibit works like an archaeologist’s brush to dust away the layers of Clermont’s history. Like the steam engine that painstakingly relocated the entire town inch by inch to higher ground after it was decimated by flooding in 1916. See the tools that helped build the Blair Athol mine, historic fire engines, shearing sheds and all sorts of relics that make up Clermont’s story.

The historic Copperfield Chimney offers a change of pace. Legend has it that fossickers found a solid wall of copper here, over three metres high, kick-starting Queensland’s first-ever copper mine.

Bush Heli Services flying over clermont queensland — See Clermont from above with Bush Heli Services. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

For hiking, nearby Dysart is the best place to access Peak Range National Park. Here, mountainous horizons stretch across the outback as if plucked from another world. Set off for a scenic drive along the Peak Downs Highway for access to countless geological wonders. Like the slanting rockface of Wolfang Peak. Summit it, and you’ll find yourself looking out across a scene surely conjured up by Banjo Paterson. Dry scrub dancing in the warm breeze, grazing cattle, eucalypts and the gentle creak of windmills. Don’t miss visiting Gemini Peaks, either, for one of the park’s best vistas, and a blanket of wild flowers after rain.

Then, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour with Bush Heli-Services . Shift your perspective and cruise above all the sights from your trip. Spots like Lords Table Mountain and Campbell’s Peak are best viewed from the skies.

Before you head home, be sure to explore the neighbouring townships. Spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of Nebo Hotel’s wrap-around verandahs . The hotel’s 1900s dance hall has since been replaced with one of the area’s biggest rodeo arenas, so consider timing your trip to line up with a boot scootin’ rodeo. Or, stop by a ghost town. Mount Britton was once a thriving town during the 1880s Gold Rush. It’s been totally abandoned and now lies untouched, a perfect relic of the Gold Rush.

Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont

meal at Commercial Hotel — Stop into the Commercial Hotel Clermont.

Days spent fossicking, bushwalking and cramming on history call for excellent coffee and hearty country meals. Luckily, Clermont delivers in spades.

Lotta Lattes Cafe is beloved by locals for a reason. Start your days here for the best caffeine fix in town and an impeccable brunch menu.

For a real country meal, an icy cold beer and that famed country hospitality, head straight to the town’s iconic hotel: the Commercial Hotel (known endearingly to locals as ‘The Commie’). It’s been a staple in Clermont since 1877. The hotel even survived the flood of 1916 when it was sawn in two and moved to higher ground.

Naturally, time spent in the outback must include calling into the local bakery. For delicious pies and a tantalising array of sweet treats, make Bluemac Bakehouse your go-to while in town.

Discover more of The Mackay Isaac region, and start planning your trip at mackayisaac.com.

Every stop you should make on a Sydney to Brisbane drive