The iconic east coast road trip from Sydney to Brisbane , known as the Legendary Pacific Coast, is one of Australia’s top road trips.
Stretching 900 kms along the Pacific Highway corridor it has something for everyone: stunning beaches, green rolling hills, beachside towns, riverside towns, wineries, historic sites, the hinterland, wildlife watching, and every water sport imaginable.
It’s a drive we’ve done many times and each time we discover new wonders, new places to stay, and new dining options. Best explored at your own pace in your own vehicle, we recommend taking at least a week, preferably two, to do this drive.
We once spent six weeks camping along the Pacific Coast from our hometown Woy Woy to Byron Bay, and did it again as a family of four on our epic 18-month Australia road trip.
Here are all the stops on the Sydney to Brisbane road trip and some helpful tips to make your trip go smoothly…
About This Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary
The distance between Sydney and Brisbane is around 981 km and takes 10 hours to drive in one go, hugging the East Coast of Australia shoreline for most of the way.
Of course, you will want to stop along the way, which is why we suggest setting aside at least a week. We will recommend places to stay, further reading guides, and tours and attractions via Get Your Guide.
We like them the best as the booking confirmation is immediate, you can read thousands of reviews and you can cancel anytime up to 24 hours before the activity.
Stops on a Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip
Below you will find the best stops on the Sydney to Brisbane drive itinerary. You can spend as much time as you please at each place, but we recommend 1-2 days at each to really get a feel for them.
Stop 1: Sydney
Before you pack up your vehicle and head out on your trip, make sure you spend a few days exploring Sydney first.
This iconic city has so much to see and enjoy, from the famous Sydney Opera House to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
And if you find cities overwhelming, the Blue Mountains National Park is only a short drive out of the city and is where you can find the famous three sisters rock formations.
If you have time before you start driving up the coast, we highly recommend visiting Katoomba, a small town where you get amazing panoramic views of The Blue Mountains.
Stop 2: The Central Coast
Just an hour north of Sydney is our hometown region of the Central Coast.
Most travellers tend to remain on the main freeway and by-pass this beautiful region. But we had to add it in.
Popular destinations include Terrigal which is a trendy and upmarket beach area with tons of cafes, restaurants, fishing, diving, whale watching, and one of the best beer gardens in Australia at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
For the nature buffs, don’t miss a walk in Bouddi National Park which has dramatic coastal views as well as secluded beaches and camping opportunities
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