The drive from Brisbane to Sydney is one of the easiest one way campervan trips in Australia. It's roughly 900 km and about 11 hours of driving if you go straight through, but that would mean skipping some of the best beaches on the east coast.
This 7-day Brisbane to Sydney itinerary follows the Pacific coast, with short driving days and time to stop. You can easily do it in reverse, and add extra days anywhere you like.
Quick overview
| Route | Distance | Recommended time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane → Gold Coast → Byron Bay → Yamba → Coffs Harbour → Port Macquarie → Port Stephens → Sydney | About 900–1,000 km with detours | 7 days (5 at a push, 10 to relax) | Beaches, surf towns, wildlife and an easy one way trip |
Distances and drive times here are approximate. Check live traffic and road conditions before each day.
NSW Live Traffic→Day 1: Brisbane to the Gold Coast
Pick up your campervan in Brisbane and head south. The Gold Coast is close, so you've got the afternoon for the beach at Burleigh Heads or a drive up into the green hinterland around Springbrook and Lamington.
Day 2: Gold Coast to Byron Bay
Cross into New South Wales and stop at Kingscliff or Cabarita on the way. In Byron, walk up to the Cape Byron lighthouse, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, and watch the surfers at The Pass.
Byron is busy and parking is tight, so book a holiday park or campsite ahead, especially in summer.
Byron Bay by campervan→Day 3: Byron Bay to Yamba
A short drive to Yamba, a relaxed fishing town at the mouth of the Clarence River. Swim at Main Beach or the ocean pool, and walk the headlands. Nearby Angourie is popular with surfers.
Day 4: Yamba to Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour has the Big Banana, one of Australia's famous big things, and a jetty and beaches right in town. Walk out to Muttonbird Island at sunset, or head inland to the rainforest at Dorrigo.
Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie
Stop at Nambucca Heads or South West Rocks on the way. In Port Macquarie, the coastal walk links a string of beaches, and the town has a well-known koala hospital.
Day 6: Port Macquarie to Port Stephens
Port Stephens has sheltered bays for swimming, the huge Stockton Beach sand dunes and dolphin cruises. Climb Tomaree Head for the view over the bay.
Day 7: Port Stephens to Sydney
Drive down to Sydney past Newcastle and the Central Coast. Allow extra time for traffic coming into the city, and check whether your route uses toll roads before you drop off the van.
Toll roads with a hire campervan→Campervan hire Sydney→Detours worth adding
With an extra day or two, these are worth the time:
- Springbrook and Lamington national parks, in the Gold Coast hinterland, for rainforest walks and waterfalls
- Dorrigo National Park, inland from Coffs Harbour, for its rainforest walks and skywalk
- South West Rocks and Trial Bay, near Kempsey, for quiet beaches
- Myall Lakes National Park, south of Forster, for lakeside camping
- The Hunter Valley wine region, inland from Newcastle
Where to stay along the way
You'll find holiday parks in almost every coastal town on this route, plus national park campgrounds close to the beach. Free camping is limited near the coast, and many towns ban overnight parking on the street, so plan where you'll stop each night.
How to find the best free campsites→10 best free campsites in NSW→Best time to drive Brisbane to Sydney
This coast is good most of the year. Spring and autumn are the sweet spot: warm, but quieter than the summer school holidays, when beach towns and campsites fill up. Winter is mild and sunny on this stretch, though the water's cooler.
Campervan tips for this route
- Book ahead for Byron Bay and the school holidays.
- Many beach towns limit overnight parking. Use campsites, holiday parks or approved free camps.
- Watch for wildlife on country roads at dawn and dusk.
- If you're doing it one way, check the one way fee when you compare campervans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Brisbane to Sydney?
It's roughly 900 km and about 11 hours of driving without stops. Most people take five to seven days in a campervan.
What are the best stops between Brisbane and Sydney?
The Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Port Stephens are the most popular.
Can I hire a campervan in Brisbane and drop it off in Sydney?
Yes. One way hire between Brisbane and Sydney is common, though some companies charge a one way fee.
Is it better to drive Brisbane to Sydney or Sydney to Brisbane?
Either works. Go whichever way matches your flights and the best one way price.
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