Get road trip ready

From kid-friendly hotels to awesome nature, your Australian East Coast road trip just got a whole lot better. Pack the car and pencil in these great family road trip drive stops between Brisbane and Sydney.

 

Good to Know

The distance between Brisbane and Sydney is approximately 900km, which takes 10-12 hours of driving without breaks. You can go at your own pace, but many people like to take their time over 1-2 weeks, so they don’t miss out on incredible sights along the way.

Gold Coast

Just before you leave the Queensland border, stop by this famous holiday capital. The Gold Coast is renowned for sunshiny days, 70km of sandy beaches and awesome water sports for the whole family.

Byron Bay

Now it’s time to chill out. The laidback town of Byron Bay brims with heavenly coastal walks and hinterland drives. Avoid the ol’ dead leg and sore bottom by going on an invigorating rainforest trek.

Minnie Water

Swim in lagoons, explore tidal pools and go rock fishing. In this small coastal town surrounded by the lush, Yuraygir National Park. Here in Spring? Grab your camera because the landscape comes alive with blooming wildflowers.

Nambucca Heads

Leave some family notes and memories behind at the V-Wall Outdoor Gallery. Paint a rock and leave your mark at this legendary spot. For pretty views, mark down the Nyambagga walking trail and Captain Cook’s Lookout too.

Port Macquarie

This place is a natural sanctuary for many great reasons. From rainforests to headlands, it’s a fisher’s paradise with brilliant surfing beaches. It’s easy to spend a couple of quiet days here; take in the sunsets and let the kids run around on unspoilt beaches.

Newcastle

With its friendly and thriving community vibes, Newcastle is humble and happening. Here, it’s a life of beaches, fishing, live music and gourmet food. Parents can treat themselves to a refreshing tipple at one of the tremendous inner-city pubs.

Darling Harbour

You’ve made it to Sydney! Why not get a good night’s rest at Darling Harbour in family-friendly hotels like The Novotel, PARKROYAL or Sofitel? They make a great base to visit world-class attractions and buzzing waterside city walks.

Just minutes walk away is SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium where you can venture out on the ice on a penguin expedition, an interactive Great Barrier Reef experience, and enjoy a cageless dive with our Grey Nurse Sharks! With its explosion of colours and 700 ocean species to discover, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is an awe-inspiring treat after a long drive.

Next door to is WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, an Aussie outback adventure in the heart of the city, and home to the cutest koalas and baby roos. Parents to teens and tweens? Hang out with Spiderman, spin some tunes on the DJ decks and meet the hottest local celebs at Madame Tussauds Sydney.

Finally – have that special ‘I’m in Sydney’ moment on the 250m high Observation Deck at Sydney Tower Eye. Those jaw-dropping views of the glittering Sydney Harbour will take your breath away.