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.

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.

Every stop you should make on a Sydney to Brisbane drive