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The long-lasting highway journey from Sydney to Brisbane, referred to as the Legendary Pacific Coast, is certainly one of Australia’s finest highway journeys.
Stretching 900 kms alongside the east coast of Australia, also called the Pacific Freeway hall, it has one thing for everybody: gorgeous seashores, inexperienced rolling hills, beachside cities, riverside cities, wineries, historic websites, the hinterland, wildlife watching, and each water sport possible.
It’s a drive we’ve completed many instances and every time we uncover new wonders, new locations to remain, and new eating choices. Greatest explored at your personal tempo in your personal automobile, we advocate taking at the very least per week, ideally two, to do that drive.
We as soon as spent six weeks tenting alongside the Pacific Coast from our hometown Woy Woy to Byron Bay, and did it once more as a household of 4 on our epic 18-month Australia highway journey.
On this information, we share our splendid itinerary for a highway journey from Sydney to Brisbane and a few useful tricks to make your journey go easily…
Sydney to Brisbane Highway Journey Itinerary
The space between Sydney and Brisbane is round 981 km and takes 10 hours to drive in a single go, hugging the Australia’s East Coast shoreline for a lot of the approach.
In fact, you’ll want to cease alongside the way in which, which is why we propose setting apart at the very least per week. We are going to advocate locations to remain, additional studying guides, and excursions and sights.
You may spend as a lot time as you please at every place, however we advocate 1-2 days at every to actually get a really feel for them.
Here’s a map that exhibits the path to take and every cease alongside the way in which.
Cease 1: Sydney
Earlier than you pack up your automobile and head out in your East coast highway journey, be sure you spend a couple of days exploring Sydney first.
Spend a day or two wandering across the CBD, do some buying and discover the artsy neighborhood of The Rocks District. In the event you favor seashores, head over to the world well-known Bondi Seashore. We love the coastal stroll from Coogee to Bondi if you wish to stretch your legs.
For a bucket record second, climb the long-lasting Sydney Harbour Bridge or watch a present on the Sydney Opera Home, or when you’ve got children, take a ferry to Manly and play on the golden sandy seashores.
And for those who discover cities overwhelming, the Blue Mountains Nationwide Park is simply a brief drive out of town and is the place you could find the well-known three sisters rock formations.
When you have time earlier than you begin driving up the coast, we extremely advocate visiting Katoomba, a small city the place you get superb panoramic views of The Blue Mountains.
Cease 2: The Central Coast
- Distance from final cease: 94.6 km through M1
- Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Simply north of Sydney is our hometown area of the Central Coast.
Most travellers have a tendency to stay on the primary freeway and by-pass this lovely area, however we had so as to add it in as we all know how idyllic the small coastal cities of this area are.
Well-liked locations embody Terrigal, which is a classy and upmarket seashore space with tons of cafes, eating places, fishing, diving, whale watching, and among the finest beer gardens in Australia on the Crowne Plaza Resort.
For the character buffs, don’t miss a stroll in Bouddi Nationwide Park, which has dramatic coastal views in addition to secluded seashores and tenting alternatives.
In the event you get pleasure from seashores, don’t miss Avoca Seashore, MacMasters Seashore, Copacabana Seashore and Toowoon Bay.
You may as well commerce seashores for the Tuggerah Lake at The Entrance, or go to The Entrance Ocean Baths for a refreshing ocean expertise with out the waves.
Cease 3: Newcastle
- Distance from final cease: 105 km through M1
- Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes
The beachside metropolis of Newcastle was voted as certainly one of Lonely Planet’s must-see locations for 2011, and was additionally talked about as a “Good Metropolis” by Nat Geo due to its revolutionary vibe.
With nice seashores, interior metropolis pubs with stay music, and a thriving restaurant scene, Newcastle is a vacation spot on the up.
Sure it’s a metropolis, however it’s an underrated coastal gem. It has a recent vitality, surf tradition and industrial grit.
Some thrilling issues you are able to do listed below are swim within the refreshing Merewether Ocean Baths, the biggest of their type within the Southern Hemisphere, or go artisan espresso looking on Darby Avenue, an area favorite thoroughfare identified for its quirky boutique shops and buzzing cafés.
If you wish to keep away from town vibes, stroll the Bathers Approach coastal stroll alongside golden seashores and over dramatic headlands.
Artwork lovers will get pleasure from diving head first into town’s arts scene at The Lock-Up, a up to date gallery housed in a historic police station.
Newcastle is a occurring place, so you’ll want to linger some time.
Cease 4: Port Stephens
- Distance from final cease: 63.5 km through Nelson Bay Highway / B63
- Drive time: 1 hour
It’s value stopping by Port Stephens after Newcastle, a small hamlet on the top of a sand barrier.
It’s well-known for its small city of Shoal Bay, which is uncrowded and relaxed. It has a white sand seashore and a laid-back vibe.
Plus it has calm waves so it’s nice for small children to swim in.
It additionally has superb coastal surroundings, improbable fishing, lovely seashores, alternatives for snorkelling and diving, and for whale and dolphin watching. Nelsons Bay is the primary city on this space.
Look out into the waters as you’re paddleboarding for dolphins and search for koalas when mountaineering the coastal trails.
Over on the opposite facet you’ll discover Anna Bay, gateway to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes.
Hop right into a 4WD automobile and drive alongside Stockton seashore within the Worimi Regional Park, a seashore drive the place you possibly can take a 4WD automobile onto the seashore and play within the dunes.
Cease 5: The Hunter Valley
- Distance from final cease: 121 km through Nelson Bay Highway / B63
- Drive time: 1 hour 55 minutes
You need to flip again on your self slightly to get to the long-lasting wine and meals path referred to as the Hunter Valley, however it’s positively definitely worth the detour.
That is certainly one of our favorite areas in Australia and Australia’s oldest wine area. With over 140 wineries this is the place you wish to go to pattern a few of Australia’s finest wines.
There’s additionally an abundance of nice eating places and cafes for the foodies.
And why not incorporate a scorching air balloon journey over the valley if you are there? We certain did!
Apart from scorching air balloon rides and wineries, there’s not a lot to see and do right here, so that you solely have to spend a day or two having fun with it.
Ambly stroll across the rolling vineyards and bask within the gourmand delights of its delicacies, and take in the laid-back nation vibe – like a superb Australian Shiraz, you’ll wish to decelerate and savour each second.
Cease 6: Seal Rocks
- Distance from final cease: 133 km through Booral Highway
- Drive time: 2 hours
Seal Rocks is a quiet fishing village close to the Myall Lakes Nationwide Park, and affords clear bays for swimming, snorkelling, boating, and fishing.
It’s additionally an awesome place to go tenting, or just take a nature stroll and benefit from the recent air.
Seal Rocks has a wild, rigged allure to it. It has little or no infrastructure, which is why we like it a lot – it feels virtually primitive, which is tough to search out on this digital world.
I extremely advocate you hike as much as the historic Sugarloaf Level Lighthouse and hike the 1.5 km coastal path to a lookout level, the place throughout the fitting season (Might to November) you possibly can see humpback whales on their annual migration.
On a heat day, go looking for secluded coves like Boat Seashore and Lighthouse Seashore for a swim or to snorkel with wobbegong sharks in crystal clear water.
Or, why not deal with your self to a couple nights in a Lighthouse Keepers Cottage with superb ocean views? Staying in a lighthouse keeper’s cottage is without doubt one of the most unusual issues you are able to do right here.
Cease 7: The Manning Valley
- Distance from final cease: 120 km through The Lakes Approach
- Drive time: 1 hour 50 minutes
The riverside cities of Tinonee and Wingham in The Manning Valley make a pleasant detour off the coastal highway and are inside putting distance of the legendary Ellenborough Falls.
This area is understood for being a lush pocket of pure splendour and rural small-town allure simply inland from the coast.
You may spend your days slowly cruising down the tranquil Manning River by kayak or houseboat, or wander by way of the heritage cities the place grand fig timber shade previous pubs.
A spotlight of this area is Ellenborough Falls, which is named one of many tallest single-drop waterfalls within the Southern Hemisphere.
Spend an evening or drop in for some arts and crafts at Artisans on the Hill B&B adopted by a go to to Australia’s award profitable cafe Bent on Meals.
On path to the following cease, make a plan to go bushwalking by way of Coorabakh Nationwide Park’s rainforest trails.
Cease 8: Port Macquarie
- Distance from final cease: 125 km through Pacific Freeway / A1
- Drive time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Port Macquarie is a vibrant and unspoilt city sitting on the estuary of the Hastings River.
The gorgeous shoreline of the rocky headlands makes it an awesome place to spend a couple of quiet days.
Or, in case you are the lively sort, the spectacular 9km coastal stroll from City Seashore to Tacking Level Lighthouse takes in seashores, headlands, historic websites, and uncommon subtropical rainforest.
With calm waterways, boardwalks, bountiful fishing, breathtaking nationwide parks, and browsing seashores so many guests return to Port Macquarie.
And don’t miss the spectacular sunsets with a beer in hand from the Royal Resort proper on the town on the river.
One other common attraction in Port Macquarie is the Koala Hospital, the place injured koalas are rescued and rehabilitated earlier than heading again to the wild.
Cease in to see these cute native Aussie animals be taken care of and find out about wildlife conservation in Australia.
Cease 9: South West Rocks
- Distance from final cease: 80 km through Pacific Freeway / A1
- Drive time: 1 hour
Only a 20 minute detour off the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive is South West Rocks.
Surrounded by nationwide parks and seashores, this small city of 4,000 doesn’t have room to develop, which supplies it a small city allure and ambiance.
There’s solely a small providing of cafes and eating places, however a complete lot of magnificence and leisure.
Wild kangaroos are in abundance by the seashore in Little Bay, drive out to Smokey Cape Lighthouse, and go to the historic Trial Bay Gaol.
We stayed in a cabin at a Caravan Park in South West Rocks, on the Hat Head Nationwide Park, and would extremely advocate it.
Cease 10: Coffs Harbour
- Distance from final cease: 100 km through Pacific Freeway / A1
- Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Half approach alongside the Sydney to Brisbane route is Coffs Harbour, and the drive into Coffs is simply beautiful with its rolling emerald inexperienced hills.
The Coffs Coast space is sufficiently big in itself to spend a complete week and has one thing for everybody.
A few of our favorite issues to do in Coffs Harbour are discover the Jetty and Marina space with a stroll to the highest of Mutton Chook Island to look at the sundown over the marina.
When you have kids with you, you’ll want to take them to The Huge Banana Enjoyable Park, or seize a selfie in entrance of the BIG Banana (for the banana break up sundae). They may even get pleasure from The Butterfly Home and going for a nature stroll in World Heritage listed Dorrigo Nationwide Park.
We additionally cherished our meal and a beer on the crusing membership and enjoying on Diggers and Park Seashore.
Take a drive to the riverside city of Bellingen and recognize the creative way of life and cafes, and seize a espresso within the charming beachside city of Sawtell.
Cease 11: Yamba
- Distance from final cease: 138 km through Orara Approach and M1
- Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yamba lies on the mouth of the Clarence River and has gained a variety of awards through the years, together with Greatest City in Australia by Australian Traveller Journal in 2009. It has a laid-back, quasi-bohemian allure and a beautiful mix of the previous and the brand new.
There are the chilled cafes and eating places that line the primary avenue on the town, the charming previous Film Cinema, and the long-lasting Pacific Resort that sits on a bluff overlooking the city’s important seashore.
Including to that’s world-class browsing seashores, a river to fish in, ample wildlife, world-famous prawns, and an ideal local weather.
There’s additionally a improbable coastal stroll you possibly can go on by way of the Yuraygir Nationwide Park to the small secluded Shelley’s seashore.
We additionally advocate heading to the Yamba Tavern for fish feeding and sundown watching and taking a brief drive to Angourie.
For a pit cease heading in the direction of the following cease of Byron Bay, we extremely advocate the The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (previously Macadamia Fortress), which we consider has the world’s finest pancakes.
And, for a small price, you possibly can exit the again and meet kangaroos, wombats and cattle in your kids to get near and feed.
Cease 12: Lennox Head
- Distance from final cease: 111 km through M1
- Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes
The scenically lovely coastal drive between Ballina and Byron Bay brings you to the browsing city of Lennox Head.
Lennox Level is famous as being one of many prime ten browsing breaks in Australia and for that purpose is a mecca for surfers.
Apart from browsing, Lennox is a fairly laid again and funky place to hang around with boutiques, cafes, and eating places. You may commerce seashores for lakes and swim on Lake Ainsworth, or hike as much as Pat Morton Lookout for views over the ocean and see for those who can spot humpback whales!
STAY: Sea Salt is a self-contained condo situated a couple of steps from Seven Mile Seashore. Quarterdeck is a 2-bedroom condo with water views.
Cease 13: Byron Bay
- Distance from final cease: 20 km through Byron Bay Highway and Damaged Head Highway
- Drive time: 20 minutes
One of the common locations in Australia is Byron Bay – well-known for its different laid again way of life, world-class browsing, individuals watching, surf faculties, and gorgeous sheltered seashores similar to Wategoes Seashore.
In the event you’re not coming to surf, then why not hike out to Cape Byron Lighthouse, the furthest Easterly level of Australia and could be reached by a wonderful coastal cliff stroll. It’s an awesome place to catch a dawn.
The very fashionable Byron Bay Bluesfest is another excuse individuals come to Byron Bay. It takes place each Easter, and while in Byron be sure you drive to close by hippy enclave Nimbin, nestled on the foothills of an extinct volcano.
We additionally advocate a chilly beer and ocean views on the iconic Seashore Resort.
Cease 14: Kingscliff
- Distance from final cease: 60 km through M1
- Drive time: 45 minutes
This gem of a beachside city, Kingscliff, is simply a 15-minute drive to the Queensland border. There is just one important avenue within the city and it’s alive with busy cafes, and eating places.
There’s additionally a creek that when the tide is down sparkles crystal clear for swimming, fishing, and water sports activities.
Seize a memorable espresso from one of many cafes, similar to Mockingbird Cafe, have lunch on the surf membership, take a look at the groovy bars on the primary highway, and stroll alongside the seashore entrance.
Cease 15: The Gold Coast
- Distance from final cease: 27 km through M1
- Drive time: 25 minutes
As you cross the border from New South Wales into Queensland you hit the well-known vacation capital of Australia, the Gold Coast.
This area sits on a 70km stretch of superb, sandy seashore on the Pacific Ocean and has all the things you could possibly need.
There’s simply one thing in regards to the Gold Coast, together with:
Our advisable spots embody Coolangatta, Kirra Seashore, Currumbin, Burleigh Heads, and Broadbeach.
There’s additionally the excessive rise capital of the area, Surfers Paradise, which is present process considerably of a change for the higher.
Cease 16: Brisbane
- Distance from final cease: 88 km through M1
- Drive time: 1 hour
Final however not least, is Brisbane. Our closing vacation spot, however certainly not the top of the journey.
Brisbane is a vibrant metropolis with a laid-back tradition and an array of nice sights. It has all the things from breathtaking seashores to its lush rainforest reserves, and naturally, loads of city escapes.
In the event you’re bored with nature after per week alongside the coast, head to the GOMA (Gallery of Trendy Artwork) for a little bit of tradition. Or head over to South Financial institution Parklands or Moreton Bay for some extra pure websites.
When you have children, you’ll want to take them to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the oldest and largest koala sanctuary on this planet.
No matter you resolve to do in Brisbane, you gained’t be dissatisfied, The Legendary Pacific Coast has one thing for everybody.
Closing Ideas
Taking a highway journey alongside the scenic shoreline of Sydney to Brisbane is an unforgettable expertise.
It passes by breathtaking, sun-soaked seashores, rolling hills, and luxurious countryside, in addition to vineyards, rainforests, and extra.
When starvation strikes, there isn’t a higher place to fill your abdomen than at one of many small city eating places serving recent native seafood.
Whether or not you’re searching for coastal sightseeing or an action-packed exploration – there’s one thing for everybody alongside the highway journey from Sydney to Brisbane.
Are you planning a Sydney to Brisbane highway journey? Tell us what you’re most wanting ahead to within the feedback!
