Route Overview
The Brisbane to Sydney road trip follows the Pacific Highway through some of New South Wales' most beautiful coastal country. At 920 km, it's a manageable drive that packs in incredible diversity — from the bohemian energy of Byron Bay to the sophisticated wine regions of the Hunter Valley.
This route is also the second half of the famous east coast trip, and many travellers drive it as part of a larger Sydney to Cairns (or reverse) adventure. Either direction works beautifully.
Days 1–2: Gold Coast to Byron Bay
Distance: 170 km from Brisbane | Drive Time: 2 hours
Head south from Brisbane through the Gold Coast. Skip the Surfers Paradise high-rises and instead explore Burleigh Heads — its national park headland walk is gorgeous, and the Sunday farmers market is one of Queensland's best. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also worth a visit, especially for families.
Cross into NSW and arrive at Byron Bay, the spiritual heartland of Australian counterculture. The Cape Byron Lighthouse walk is essential — Australia's most easterly point with whale-watching opportunities from June to November. The town itself pulses with live music, organic markets, and some exceptional restaurants.
Where to camp: First Sun Holiday Park is right on Main Beach in Byron. Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park is quieter and 5 minutes south.
Days 3–4: Yamba to Coffs Harbour
Distance: 280 km from Byron Bay | Drive Time: 3 hours
Drive south through Ballina and make a stop at Yamba — once voted Australia's best town. The fishing village has a perfect point break, great pubs, and a genuine local feel. Continue to Coffs Harbour, where the highlights include the Muttonbird Island Nature Walk, the Big Banana (yes, it's kitsch, but you have to), and the beautiful Bellingen hinterland nearby.
Bellingen deserves a detour — this creative mountain town has superb cafes, craft galleries, and the Dorrigo National Park Skywalk through subtropical rainforest.
Where to camp: Park Beach Holiday Park in Coffs Harbour is beside the ocean. For a more rustic option, drive up to Bellingen and camp at the river.
Days 5–6: Port Macquarie to Hunter Valley
Distance: 350 km from Coffs | Drive Time: 4 hours
Port Macquarie is a lovely mid-coast town with the famous Koala Hospital — a world-first koala rehabilitation centre where you can visit patients and learn about conservation. The coastal walk from Town Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse is spectacular.
Continue south to Newcastle, Australia's second-oldest city, for its emerging food scene and surf beaches. Detour inland to the Hunter Valley for world-class wine tasting — Tyrrell's, Brokenwood, and dozens of cellar doors await. Many accept campervans in their car parks (check first).
Where to camp: Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park in Port Macquarie. In the Hunter Valley, Big4 Hunter Valley has vineyard-adjacent sites.
Day 7: Central Coast to Sydney
Distance: 160 km from Newcastle | Drive Time: 2 hours
The final stretch passes through the Central Coast — stop at Terrigal for a beach walk and fish and chips before the motorway takes you into Sydney. If you're returning your campervan at a depot in the city or airport area, aim to arrive by mid-morning to avoid traffic.
Congratulations — you've just completed one of Australia's great coastal drives!
Sydney campervan hire options →
Driving Tips
- The Pacific Highway is now mostly motorway — dual carriageway with overtaking lanes. It's an easy, well-maintained drive.
- Tolls: There are tolls approaching Sydney. Ensure your campervan has an e-tag or arrange toll payment through your hire company.
- Fuel: Plenty of fuel stations along the entire route. No need to carry extra fuel.
- Rest areas: NSW has excellent driver reviver stops. Use them — tiredness kills on long drives.
