Most people drive Brisbane to Sydney. Flip it around and head north instead, and the whole trip gets better — you're chasing warmer weather, the beaches get more tropical as you go, and you finish in sunny Brisbane perfectly placed to keep rolling up the Queensland coast. This is the ultimate Sydney to Brisbane coastal campervan road trip: roughly 925 km of headlands, surf towns and rainforest, best enjoyed over 7–10 days.
Trip Overview
| Distance | ~925 km (Pacific Highway / M1) |
| Suggested time | 7–10 days |
| Start / end | Sydney → Brisbane (one-way) |
| Difficulty | Easy — sealed dual-carriageway most of the way |
| Best season | Autumn (Mar–May) & spring (Sep–Nov) |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1–2: Sydney to Port Macquarie (~390 km)
Pick up your van in Sydney and point it north. Break up the first leg at Port Stephens or the Myall Lakes, then settle into Port Macquarie — a relaxed coastal town known for its string of beautiful beaches and the Koala Hospital. Walk the coastal track between Town Beach and Tacking Point Lighthouse, and grab your first proper fish-and-chips-on-the-sand dinner.
Day 3–4: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour (~155 km)
A short, easy leg north brings you to Coffs Harbour. Snap the obligatory photo at the Big Banana, then walk out to Muttonbird Island for sweeping ocean views (and whales in season). Coffs has excellent caravan parks right by the water, so this is a great spot to slow down for a night or two and enjoy the marina and Jetty Beach.
Day 5–6: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay (~240 km)
The prettiest stretch of the whole drive. Consider a stop at the seaside village of Yamba for one of the best beaches in NSW, then continue to Byron Bay. Walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse at dawn — the most easterly point of mainland Australia and prime dolphin- and whale-spotting territory. Byron's laid-back town centre, markets and surf breaks make it easy to lose a couple of days here.
Day 7: Byron Bay to Brisbane (~165 km)
Cross into Queensland and, if you've got time, detour through the Gold Coast for a surf at Burleigh Heads or Surfers Paradise before rolling into Brisbane to drop off the van. From here you're perfectly set up to keep exploring — Brisbane is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
One-Way Hire Tips
Sydney to Brisbane is a classic one-way route, so you don't have to backtrack. Most brands — including budget-friendly Camperman — offer Sydney pick-up with Brisbane drop-off. One-way fees vary and are sometimes waived entirely, especially outside peak season, so it pays to compare. If you're a younger traveller, remember Camperman accepts P2 drivers from 18 with no surcharge — see our young driver guide.
Doing the reverse? If you'd rather head south, check out our Brisbane to Sydney road trip guide, or extend the coastal theme with a Sydney to Byron Bay itinerary.
Book Your One-Way Campervan
Ready to head north? Compare one-way campervan hire from Sydney to Brisbane on CamperCompare across every major brand and find the best value van for your coastal escape.
Planning your trip?
Compare campervan & motorhome hire prices across Australia:
