Brisbane to Sydney 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: City Start & Beaches

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Explore South Bank Parklands

Start your day with a stroll through South Bank Parklands, offering beautiful river views and lush green spaces.
Located in the heart of Brisbane, easily accessible by car or public transport.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Get up close with koalas and other Australian wildlife at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Located about 30 minutes' drive from South Bank.
$25, 3 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Gold Coast

Hit the road towards Gold Coast, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant surf culture.
Approximately 1.5 hours drive from Brisbane.
Gas Cost, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Catch the Sunset at Surfers Paradise Beach

Enjoy the stunning sunset views at Surfers Paradise Beach, a perfect way to end your day.
Surfers Paradise is a popular destination in Gold Coast.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Beach Towns & Laid-back Vibes

Byron Bay, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Folk Cafe

Start your day with delicious and healthy breakfast at Folk Cafe in Byron Bay.
Located in the heart of Byron Bay town.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Cape Byron Lighthouse

Head to Cape Byron Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast and the chance to spot dolphins or whales.
Short drive from Byron Bay town, with parking available at the lighthouse.
$8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Beach Byron Bay

Enjoy a beachfront lunch at Beach Byron Bay, offering fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
Located right by the beach, a relaxing spot for lunch.
$30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Byron Bay Beaches

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay, soaking up the laid-back coastal vibe.
Various beaches within walking distance from the town center.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Three Blue Ducks

Indulge in a farm-to-table dinner experience at Three Blue Ducks, known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Located in The Farm Byron Bay, a short drive from the town center.
$50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Coastal Scenery & Adventure

Coffs Harbour, Australia

8:00AM

Head to the Big Banana

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Big Banana, a must-see attraction in Coffs Harbour.
Easily accessible by car, with ample parking on site.
$12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Dorrigo National Park

Embark on a scenic drive to Dorrigo National Park for breathtaking rainforest walks and waterfall views.
Approximately 1-hour drive from Coffs Harbour, followed by short hikes within the park.
Gas Cost, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Latitude 30

Enjoy a casual lunch at Latitude 30, known for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere.
Located by the waterfront in Coffs Harbour.
$20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Park Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding at Park Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Easily accessible from the main road with parking available nearby.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Spare Room

End your day with a cozy dinner at The Spare Room, offering a variety of comfort food options and local wines.
Located in the heart of Coffs Harbour town.
$40, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Historic Towns & Coastal Gems

Port Macquarie, Australia

8:00AM

Visit the Koala Hospital

Start your day by visiting the Koala Hospital to learn about koala conservation efforts and see these cute marsupials up close.
Located in Port Macquarie with easy access by car.
$5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Tacking Point Lighthouse

Head to Tacking Point Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline and the chance to spot passing whales during the migration season.
Short drive from the Koala Hospital with parking available near the lighthouse.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Corner Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Corner Restaurant, known for its modern Australian cuisine and waterfront views.
Located in Port Macquarie overlooking the Hastings River.
$35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Beach Time at Town Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Town Beach, a popular spot for swimming and surfing in Port Macquarie.
Walking distance from the town center, with facilities and cafes nearby.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bills Fishhouse

Experience fresh and delicious seafood at Bills Fishhouse, offering a diverse menu of ocean-inspired dishes.
Located along the waterfront in Port Macquarie.
$45, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Harbor Views & Urban Exploration

Newcastle, Australia

8:00AM

Visit Newcastle Museum

Start your day with a visit to Newcastle Museum to learn about the region's history and culture through interactive exhibits.
Located in the city center of Newcastle with parking nearby.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Newcastle Foreshore

Take a leisurely stroll along Newcastle Foreshore, enjoying harbor views and vibrant street art along the way.
Accessible from the city center, with walking paths and bike lanes.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Scotties Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood at Scotties Seafood Restaurant, known for its harbor views and delicious fish and chips.
Located in Honeysuckle, a trendy dining precinct along the waterfront.
$25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Nobbys Beach

Spend the afternoon at Nobbys Beach, a popular surf spot with iconic views of Nobbys Head and the lighthouse.
A short walk from Newcastle Foreshore with parking available near the beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bocados Spanish Kitchen

Enjoy a taste of Spain at Bocados Spanish Kitchen, known for its authentic tapas and paella dishes.
Located in the heart of Newcastle, offering a cozy dining atmosphere.
$40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: City Sights & Coastal Walks

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Explore Sydney Opera House

Begin your day by exploring the iconic Sydney Opera House and taking in the stunning harbor views.
Located in Circular Quay, easily accessible by public transport or car.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge

Embark on a scenic walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and the harbor.
Access the bridge from Circular Quay or The Rocks area.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Grounds of Alexandria

Indulge in a gourmet lunch at The Grounds of Alexandria, a unique dining experience set in a lush garden atmosphere.
Located in Alexandria, a short drive from the city center.
$40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Embark on the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, experiencing stunning ocean views and passing by several beautiful beaches.
Start at Bondi Beach and follow the clearly marked coastal trail.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Quay

Indulge in fine dining at Quay, known for its panoramic harbor views and innovative Australian cuisine.
Located at Overseas Passenger Terminal, offering a memorable dining experience.
$150, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Explorations & Departure

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Visit Taronga Zoo

Spend a morning at Taronga Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals and offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.
Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo for a scenic ride.
$45, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Boathouse Palm Beach

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Boathouse Palm Beach, a coastal chic cafe with stunning waterfront views.
Located in Palm Beach, a scenic drive from Sydney.
$30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Sydney Olympic Park

Discover the legacy of the Sydney Olympics at Sydney Olympic Park, with parks, trails, and sporting facilities to explore.
Located west of Sydney CBD with public transport options available.
$10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sydney Harbour Cruise

Embark on a relaxing Sydney Harbour cruise to admire the city skyline and iconic landmarks from the water.
Various cruise companies depart from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour.
$30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Aria

End your road trip with a memorable farewell dinner at Aria, known for its exquisite fine dining and views of Sydney Opera House.
Located at Circular Quay, offering a luxurious dining experience.
$120, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability