Sydney to Brisbane road trip (or reverse) Australia

Some suggestions for extra stops along the way to make the most of your Sydney to Brisbane road trip.
Sydney � 2 days to 1 week.
Lake Macquarie � 1 day.
Hunter Valley � 1-3 days.
Newcastle � 2-3 days.
Nelson Bay � 1-2 days.
Port Macquarie � 1-2 days.
Coffs Harbour � 1-2 days.
Woolgoolga � 2-3 days.

It's simple a Brisbane road trip from Brisbane to Syndey along the coasal road would be Brisbane to Bryon Bay to Lennox Head to Coffs Harbour to Port MacQuarie to Port Stephens to Sydney

Brisbane
Bryon Bay
Lennox Head
Coffs Harbour
Port MacQuarie
Port Stephens
Sydney


Day 1: Sydney to Newcastle
Merewether Ocean Baths, Newcastle, New South Wales
Spend a few days in Australia's iconic city of Sydney before you leave on your road trip. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are must-sees, and you can even try climbing the Harbour Bridge for an exhilirating experience with amazing city views. Head north along the Pacific Motorway for an hour and a half before stretching your legs on the Bouddi Coastal Walk near Gosford. Weaving through Bouddi National Park , from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, give yourself four hours to cover this 8.5 kilometre (5.3 mile) one-way walk, with plenty of sea views, wildflowers and photo opportunities along the way. Feast on modern Italian fare (all sustainably produced and sourced) for lunch, 15 minutes north at Bombini Restaurant on Avoca Beach. For those not in the driver's seat, there's also a generous drinks list to sample on the restaurant's beautiful leafy terrace. Drive 30 minutes north to Newcastle, Australia's second-oldest city, and cool off with a swim at Nobbys Beach or historic Merewether Ocean Baths. Stay in the heart of Newcastle at the boutique Clarendon Hotel, combining modern conveniences with Art Deco design.


Day 2: Newcastle to Pokolbin
Audrey Wilkinson, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Begin the day with breakfast at local favourite Bolton Street Pantry, tucking into dishes such as black chia pudding and brioche French toast, then explore the boutiques popping up in Newcastle, such as Willows Home Traders on Darby Street, with a seriously tempting array of homewares, and Studio Melt's unique jewellery collection. Venture roughly an hour drive inland to New South Wales� premier wine region, the Hunter Valley. Renowned for its Semillon and Shiraz, spend the afternoon visiting some of the 120 wineries that dot the region including favourites such as picturesque Audrey Wilkinson, concert-hosting Bimbadgen and old faithful, Brokenwood Wines. Then relax, recalibrate and reconnect at Golden Door Health Retreat and its indulgent Elysia day spa.


Day 3: Pokolbin to Port Stephens Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, Port Stephens, New South Wales
Farewell wine country with a bang: a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Hunter Valley vineyards, followed by a gourmet breakfast at the famous Peterson House winery. Then drive 100 kilometres (62 miles) east to the sandy beaches of Port Stephens. As Australia�s dolphin-watching capital, get up close to Port Stephen�s playful residents with a morning cruise into Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, where you can jump into the water and swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Then in the afternoon, explore the vast sand dunes of Stockton Beach on a quad bike. Finish the day in Nelson Bay at the recently refurbished Seabreeze Hotel, with slick nautical-inspired suites and a Santa Monica vibe.


Day 4: Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
Hire a bike and start the day by pedalling eight kilometres (five miles) along the Nelson Bay to Fingal Bay cycleway. It goes through the busy marina foreshore area of Nelson Bay, along the coast and south to Fingal Bay. Switch to four wheels and buckle up for the drive 246 kilometres (153 miles) north along the Pacific Highway to Port Macquarie where you can visit the Koala Hospital, the first of its kind in the world. Continue another 160 kilometres (100 miles) north to family holiday favourite, Coffs Harbour, home to the famous Big Banana Fun Park where you can spend the afternoon going down water slides, tobogganing, ice skating or playing laser tag. Alternatively, get around town on a segway tour, which takes you along the coastline to a private beach, then up to a hilltop lookout for views over the surrounding banana plantations. Then spend the night at Pacific Marina apartments, right by the Coffs Harbour Jetty, with a swimming pool and barbecue pavilion for added fun.


Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay The Atlantic, Byron Bay, New South Wales
Spend the morning exploring the splendours of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, just off the coast from Coffs Harbour. As the third largest marine protected area in New South Wales, it spans 71,000 hectares (274 square miles) and is home to an incredibly diverse range of marine life, from coral and colourful fish to turtles and dolphins, making it an underwater wonderland for divers and snorkelers alike. Then hit the road and drive three hours north to the bustling coastal town of Ballina. Pick up fresh fish and chips for lunch and refresh with a swim at Angels Beach, one of the prettiest beaches on the north coast framed by native plants and trees. Salty and sated, drive a further 36 kilometres (22 miles) north to the bohemian beach paradise of Byron Bay. In the heart of town, check into one of the upscale holiday cottages at The Atlantic Byron Bay which is surrounded by swaying palm trees, lush gardens and a gorgeous swimming pool.


Day 6: Byron Bay Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay, New South Wales
Tap into Byron's chilled vibe and recalibrate with a sunrise yoga lesson at Beachside Yoga and Massage, overlooking Main Beach. Private lessons cater to different experience levels and are a great way to introduce children to yoga. Then hop in the car and drive 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) inland for a healthy, hearty breakfast from Harvest in Newrybar, one of many impressive cafes in the Byron Bay hinterland that make magic with the abundance of organic, local ingredients. Bangalow, also located in Byron's hinterland, is your next stop. Spend the afternoon exploring the joys of this quaint country township, which contains a fantastic selection of boutiques and high-end restaurants, before returning to Byron Bay.


Day 7: Byron Bay to Gold Coast SkyPoint Climb, Gold Coast, Queensland
As the most eastern point of mainland Australia, take a sunrise stroll along the Cape Byron Walking Track and see the first rays of light turn the Byron Bay lighthouse pink. Then hit the road for the 90 minute drive north, over the border, to Queensland and the glitzy Gold Coast. Spend the day exploring the Gold Coast�s theme parks then try the SkyPoint Climb for an awe-inspiring adventure 270 metres (295 yards) in the air, which provides spectacular views of the lengthy beach and high-rise buildings that make up the Surfers Paradise cityscape. Check out Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise with sleek apartments, uninterrupted ocean views and all the facilities and conveniences you could dream of.


Day 8: Gold Coast to Brisbane Tryp Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland
Make the most of the calm waters of Surfers Paradise with a morning paddleboard lesson. After breakfast depart the Gold Coast for Queensland�s more relaxed yet sophisticated capital city, Brisbane, an easy 100 kilometre (62 mile) drive north. Spend the afternoon soaking up the city's vibrant arts scene at the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOM) in South Bank, with free entry to permanent exhibitions. There's more than 17,000 works of art including early European work, British portraiture, East Asian and European porcelain as well as contemporary art from Australian and international artists. Take a twilight adventure climb along Story Bridge for sunset views of Brisbane's skyline, then in the evening, see an outdoor performance at Riverstage before settling down for an overnight stay at the funky Tryp Fortitude Valley, Brisbane�s only street art hotel (which also has a swanky rooftop bar).

Credits | Australia.com