The drive from Sydney to Brisbane follows the Pacific Motorway (M1) up the New South Wales coast, past beaches, national parks and laid-back towns. It is about 920 km and around ten hours of driving without stops, but most travellers take four to seven days.
The road has been upgraded to dual carriageway almost all the way, so the driving is easy. The challenge is choosing which towns to stop in.
At a glance
1Route Overview
Leave Sydney on the M1 over the Hawkesbury River to Newcastle, then follow the Pacific Highway north through the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers to the Queensland border at Coolangatta. From the Gold Coast, the M1 continues to Brisbane.
There are tolls on the Sydney motorways leaving the city and on the Gateway Motorway and Logan Motorway in Brisbane. The rental company bills them after your trip with an admin fee.
Book the car one-way from Sydney Airport or the city to Brisbane Airport or the city. Brisbane Airport is about 15 km from the CBD.
2Five-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney to Port Stephens
Escape the city early and head to Port Stephens for dolphin cruises, the Stockton sand dunes and beaches at Nelson Bay.
- Tomaree Head summit walk
- Stockton Bight sand dunes (tours only)
- Dolphin watching
Day 2: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie
Continue north to Port Macquarie, with a stop at Forster or Myall Lakes on the way. Port Macquarie has a coastal walk, beaches and a koala hospital.
- Myall Lakes National Park
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
- Lighthouse Beach
Day 3: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
Take the old road through Nambucca Heads, then the Waterfall Way inland to Dorrigo National Park if you have time. Spend the night in Coffs Harbour.
- Dorrigo rainforest skywalk
- Muttonbird Island
- The Big Banana
Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay
Detour to Yamba for lunch by the river mouth, then continue to Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly town.
- Yamba and Angourie
- Cape Byron Lighthouse walk at sunset
- Byron’s beaches
Day 5: Byron Bay to Brisbane
Cross into Queensland at Coolangatta, spend a few hours on the Gold Coast, and drive the last hour to Brisbane.
- Burleigh Heads
- Surfers Paradise beach
- Brisbane’s South Bank
3Choosing the Right Car
A compact car or compact SUV suits two people. Families with surfboards or prams will appreciate an SUV. The whole route is sealed, so there is no need for a 4WD unless you plan beach driving, which rental agreements almost always prohibit.
4Distances Between Stops
| Leg | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney to Newcastle | About 160 km | 2 h |
| Newcastle to Port Macquarie | About 250 km | 2 h 45 min |
| Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour | About 160 km | 1 h 45 min |
| Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay | About 240 km | 2 h 30 min |
| Byron Bay to Brisbane | About 170 km | 2 h |
Driving is easiest mid-morning and early afternoon. Avoid Friday afternoons leaving Sydney and Sunday afternoons heading back towards the cities.
5Quieter Detours
- Hunter Valley: wineries an hour inland from Newcastle (choose a designated driver).
- Crowdy Bay National Park: beaches and kangaroos south of Port Macquarie.
- Bellingen: a river town at the foot of the Waterfall Way.
- Ballina and Lennox Head: surf beaches without Byron’s crowds.
6One-Way Fees and Tips
- Sydney to Brisbane is a busy one-way route between capital cities, so fees are often moderate. Compare both directions.
- Check the minimum rental length; some suppliers ask for three days or more on longer one-way trips.
- Return the car at Brisbane Airport if you are flying out the same day.
- School holidays in December and January push up prices and fill accommodation.
Also read: One-way car rental in Australia: routes, fees and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Sydney to Brisbane?
About 920 km, roughly ten hours without stops on the Pacific Motorway.
How many days should I take to drive Sydney to Brisbane?
Four to seven days lets you enjoy Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay.
Is there a one-way fee from Sydney to Brisbane?
Often a moderate one, depending on the supplier and season. Compare totals in both directions.
Are there tolls between Sydney and Brisbane?
Only around the cities: on Sydney motorways and on Brisbane’s Gateway and Logan motorways.
Which is the best stop between Sydney and Brisbane?
Byron Bay is the most popular, but Port Stephens and Yamba are quieter favourites.
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