{"id":195403,"date":"2022-11-07T10:57:59","date_gmt":"2022-11-06T23:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=195403"},"modified":"2023-02-13T13:39:07","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T02:39:07","slug":"ultimate-brisbane-sydney-road-trip-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/australia\/ultimate-brisbane-sydney-road-trip-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip"},"content":{"rendered":"
Find out where to stop, stay and play along the Pacific Highway.<\/h5>\n

A Brisbane<\/a> to Sydney<\/a> drive (or the reverse) is a rite of passage in Australia. While many tread the well-worn path with just a brief pit stop in Coffs Harbour<\/a>, it\u2019s worth detouring off the highway to explore the many coastal towns<\/a> dotted along the way.<\/p>\n

Take two days to a week meandering to enjoy those nearby sights \u2014 it\u2019s an opportunity to experience more of this beautiful country like a local.<\/p>\n

Brisbane to Ballina: 2.5 hours drive<\/h2>\n

You can\u2019t leave the buzz of Brisbane without a hearty feed to set you up for the day. If you\u2019re looking for recommendations, head to West End for a haven of cafes all competing for the best brunch award.<\/p>\n

The Gunshop Cafe<\/a> is particularly renowned for its breakfast fare, including brekky burgers, coconut and passion fruit French toast, and fried chicken with waffles and poached eggs.<\/p>\n

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Head to the Gunshop Cafe for breakfast and smoothies.<\/p><\/div>\n

Once you\u2019re on the road heading towards Ballina, stop halfway in Burleigh Heads for a cheeky beach trip and a cold one at Burleigh Pavillion<\/a> before you leave the sunshine feeling in Queensland<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bypass bustling Byron Bay<\/a> and head for the laid-back beach vibes of Ballina<\/a> on the North Coast of New South Wales<\/a> and its stretch of stunning beaches.<\/p>\n

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A serene spot to sip refreshing cocktails at Ballina beach. (Image: Burleigh Pavillion)<\/p><\/div>\n

Ballina highlights<\/h3>\n

One of the cutest spots to eat and drink here is The Belle General<\/a>. With a boho feel, great coffee, and a nourishing menu, it\u2019s a great place to start your day.<\/p>\n

Blessed with 25km of cycle paths, it\u2019d be a shame not to get out and enjoy them. Hire a bike and enjoy the scenery along the banks of Richmond River.<\/p>\n

Or how about heading to a crashing waterfall? Just 20-minutes away is Killen Falls<\/a> offering a viewing platform to see the magnificence up close.<\/p>\n

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The enchanting Killen Falls is situated at the heart of a rainforest. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

If it\u2019s raining, make your way to Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum<\/a>, and when you\u2019re ready for dinner, order a bowl of Ballina prawns at Riva Bar & Grill<\/a>. Don\u2019t forget to pass the Big Prawn on your way out, one of Australia\u2019s iconic big things.<\/p>\n

Accommodation tip: Ballina Palms Boutique Motel<\/a> \u2013 your own private oasis in the heart of Ballina.<\/p>\n

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Stay in this cosy boutique motel on your visit to Ballina.<\/p><\/div>\n

Ballina to Yamba: 1.5 hours drive<\/h2>\n

Situated at the mouth of the Clarence River, you won\u2019t regret a brief stop at the beach town of Yamba<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Go on an exhilarating road trip to the coastal town of Yamba. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Yamba highlights<\/h3>\n

Grab a cuppa at Bean Scene Cafe Yamba<\/a> which uses beans from local North Coast roaster, Eleganza Vietato.<\/p>\n

Soak up the friendly village vibe and stretch your legs with some leisurely browsing along Yamba\u2019s main street where you\u2019ll find a strong selection of surf shops, homewares, and fashion stores, including Shack Yamba<\/a> \u2013 a lifestyle store filled with coastal goodies.<\/p>\n

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Al fresco dining at the Bean Scene Cafe.<\/p><\/div>\n

Accommodation tip: Yamba Beach Motel<\/a> \u2013 overlooks Main Beach and it\u2019s close to town.<\/p>\n

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Stop by the Yamba Beach Motel to rest and rejuvenate.<\/p><\/div>\n

Yamba to Port Macquarie: 3 hours drive<\/h2>\n

This former convict settlement of Port Macquarie<\/a> has shaken off the shackles to become one of Australia\u2019s most popular holiday towns.<\/p>\n

Port Macquarie highlights<\/h3>\n

You\u2019re spoilt for choice with top spots for breakfast with a side of ocean views. Start the day with coffee at Salty Crew Kiosk<\/a> right on the shores of Town Beach or Sandbox Port Macquarie<\/a> for beachside brunching overlooking Flynn\u2019s Beach.<\/p>\n

Stretch your legs with a walk along the iconic Port Macquarie beach break wall or take a dip at one of the many inviting beaches along the coast.<\/p>\n

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Have a cold brew right on the scenic Town Beach. (Image: Salty Crew Kiosk)<\/p><\/div>\n

As you wander the city, keep an eye out for the interesting koala sculptures dotted around town. These appealing fibreglass statues have been hand painted by selected artists and are a hit with kids.<\/p>\n

The best spot in town for seafood is Bills Fishhouse & Bar<\/a>, with a carefully curated sea-to-plate selection featuring local oysters, prawns, whole fish, and seafood platters to share. With breezy interiors and a bustling bar bringing the vacation vibes, it\u2019s a casual and contemporary restaurant you\u2019ll want to seek out.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got time for a detour, a winery might not be the most obvious stop on a road trip, but Cassegrain Wines<\/a> has created a welcoming oasis along the M1 motorway.<\/p>\n

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Premium drops at Cassegrain Wines.<\/p><\/div>\n

Kids and dogs can run freely on the grass, refuel with lunch at the on-site restaurant, take a winery tour and grab a bottle of vino to enjoy at your next destination.<\/p>\n

Accommodation tip: Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel<\/a> \u2013 an apartment-style hotel in the centre of town within an easy walk to shops, cafes, and restaurants.<\/p>\n

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Linger in a little longer for pictureque views at\u00a0Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel.<\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re lingering longer, check out these 14 places to eat and drink in Port Macquarie<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Port Macquarie to Newcastle: 3 hours drive<\/h2>\n

The secret\u2019s out, the harbour city of Newcastle is enjoying an almighty revival and there\u2019s no shortage of places to eat, drink, shop, and stay in the city.<\/p>\n

Newcastle highlights<\/h3>\n

Arrive hungry in Newcastle and head straight to HuBro Cafe<\/a> to discover the smoothest cold brew coffee you\u2019ll ever find, or Wil & Sons is always buzzing, as its breakfast is one of the best.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve satisfied your appetite, Newcastle is all about the beaches and a relaxed lifestyle, so take some time to chill out at Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach, or Merewether Beach for sun-soaked downtime.<\/p>\n

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Try the signature handcrafted brew at the Hubro Cafe.<\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re an art lover, pop into one of the many independent galleries and keep an eye out for street art at every turn.<\/p>\n

Or if history is more your pop quiz genre, explore the past of Newcastle, as well as the unique temporary exhibits at the Newcastle Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Unveil the harbour city’s glorious past at the Newcastle Museum. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

For a hit of entertainment before you tackle the final hurdle, take in a show at the Civic Theatre, with everything from dance and music, to theatre and comedy.<\/p>\n

Accommodation tip: The Lucky Hotel<\/a> \u2013 a luxury stay without the price tag.<\/p>\n

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The Lucky Hotel is a perfect spot to chill and unwind.<\/p><\/div>\n

Newcastle to Sydney: 2 hours drive<\/h2>\n

You\u2019re almost there \u2013 one last push and you\u2019ll arrive in Australia\u2019s biggest city: Sydney! Organise your arrival time so that you don\u2019t clash with rush hour as the traffic is often busy.<\/p>\n

Sydney highlights<\/h3>\n

Our ultimate guide to Sydney<\/a> will tell you everything you need to know but if we can drop you off with three recommendations on what to do when you get there outside of the usual contenders, they are:<\/p>\n