Sydney to Brisbane 3 Day

A short self-drive itinerary for those wanting to travel the Pacific Touring Route, but with limited time.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Sydney - Coffs Harbour (Drive Time 7.5 hours)

Leaving Sydney, head for Newcastle; it is second largest city in NSW and is located in the heart of the Hunter Region, bordered by a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches. Then onto Port Stephens which is considered an outstanding holiday destination, the Port covers over 126,000 square metres of water, which is 2.5 times the size of Sydney Harbour. The stunning unspoiled waters and over 26 golden beaches and eco-diverse Marine and National Parks this area is really a must do if visiting Australia. Take in some snorkelling or a cruise to observe the resident bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales on their migratory journey up the coast (June to November), and visit Stockton Beach; the sand dunes are truly one of nature’s masterpieces. Continue along the Coastal Road, passing through Port Macquarie, Nambucca Heads to Coffs Harbour. Coffs has some excellent beaches; like Gallows, Park Beach, Diggers, Sapphire and more, this is one of the busiest and largest towns along the Pacific Highway. Enjoy the nightlife here and overnight.

Day 2 - Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay (Drive Time 2.5 hours)

Enjoying a relaxing morning exploring the area, drive through Yamba; a wonderful little village, take the ferry across to Illuka and spend a day at the local pub and have the fabulous seafood lunch. Then back on the road to Lennox Head; a fantastic surfing beach and is ideally situated next door to Byron Bay. Take the turn off after Ballina and drive along the coastal road to Byron Bay; this is the eastern-most point of the continent of Australia, the beautiful beaches and casual lifestyle makes this town a ‘must see’. It is surrounded by National Parks such as The Boat Harbour Nature Reserve, Nightcap National Park, Mount Warning, and Broken Head Reserve. If it is snorkelling with the giant turtles, horse riding along the beach or kayaking with dolphins then this is a fabulous place to do it. Don’t forget to walk up to Cape Byron and see the awesome views of Mount Warning, Border Rangers and Tallow Beach. Spend the evening meeting the locals and trying the best fish and chips in town at Fishmongers. Overnight.

Day 3 - Byron Bay to Brisbane (Drive Time 2 hours)

Enjoy an activity in Byron Bay today or simply relax on one of the beautiful beaches before hitting the road and passing through Kingscliff and Tweed Heads, which is located on the border of New South Wales and Queensland. From Tweed Heads head into Coolangatta; take a break and explore this seaside village. If you fancy a walk, start from Coolangatta Surf Club and take the walking track to Rainbow Beach, it’s a great place for a swim at this sheltered beach. A great lunch can be had at the Surf Club then continue along the beach road to Southport, and see some wonderful beaches like Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach and famous Surfers Paradise. From here Brisbane is only 50 minutes away.

Not long enough? How about extending your itinerary to include our 13 day Brisbane to Cairns (Pacific Coast Northern Tour) self drive, you won’t regret it!

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