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.

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours.

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park, a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.

The ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip

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