14 Days East Coast Highlights: Sydney to Brisbane

Dreaming of a sun-soaked East Coast adventure filled with iconic cities, golden beaches, national parks, wildlife, and world-class food and wine? This 14-day Sydney to Brisbane itinerary is your perfect introduction to Australia’s East Coast highlights. Designed for travellers who want a balanced mix of culture, nature, and coastal relaxation, it blends famous sights with local secrets and effortlessly scenic drives. Along the way you will surf Byron Bay breaks, walk rainforest trails on the Gold Coast, taste Hunter Valley wines, and cruise into Brisbane on a river city high.

Whether you are planning a self-drive holiday, a campervan trip, or a flexible hop-on hop-off route, this guide gives you the detail you need to book with confidence. Expect curated daily plans, time-saving tips, and the best seasonal add-ons. The tone is relaxed and friendly, the logistics are clear, and the experiences are pure East Coast magic.

Why you will love this Sydney to Brisbane itinerary

• A smooth 14-day pace with smart drive times and scenic stops
• The must-see icons paired with local, lesser-known gems
• Easy choices for couples, families, friends, or solo travellers
• Flexible options for different budgets and travel styles
• Insider food, wine, and wildlife experiences along the way

Snapshot: 14-Day East Coast Australia Itinerary

• Day 1: Sydney icons and harbour sunset
• Day 2: Bondi to Coogee coastal walk and beach time
• Day 3: Blue Mountains day trip or whale watching in season
• Day 4: Sydney to Hunter Valley wine country
• Day 5: Hunter Valley to Port Stephens dunes and dolphins
• Day 6: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie coastal gems
• Day 7: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour via Urunga
• Day 8: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay with a Yamba stop
• Day 9: Byron Bay sunrise, surf, and hinterland
• Day 10: Byron Bay to Gold Coast via Fingal Head
• Day 11: Gold Coast national park or theme parks
• Day 12: Gold Coast to Brisbane via Tamborine Mountain
• Day 13: Brisbane river life and cultural precincts
• Day 14: Moreton Island or North Stradbroke Island day trip

Practical Overview

• Total distance: approximately 1,000 km
• Best duration: 14 days for a relaxed, highlight-packed pace
• Best time: September to November and March to May for warm days and fewer crowds
• Ideal for: First-time visitors, families, couples, and small groups
• Getting around: Hire car or campervan for flexibility. Buses and trains can work with extra time.

Detailed Day-by-Day: Sydney to Brisbane

Day 1: Sydney Arrival and Harbour Icons

Welcome to Australia’s shimmering harbour city. Check in, drop your bags, and head straight to the water.

• Morning to afternoon:
  • Explore The Rocks for cobblestone laneways, galleries, and artisan markets on weekends.
  • Stroll the Circular Quay foreshore with views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
  • Optional: Join a guided Opera House tour.
• Late afternoon:
  • Take the ferry to Manly for a scenic 30-minute crossing, gelato, and a beachside wander.
  • Alternative: Walk the Barangaroo foreshore and visit Barangaroo House for a drink.
• Evening:
  • Harbour sunset at Opera Bar, followed by dinner in The Rocks.
  • Early to bed or rooftop nightcap with skyline views.

Top experiences:

• Manly ferry ride
• Opera House tour
• Harbourfront dining

Day 2: Coastal Vibes on the Bondi to Coogee Walk

• Morning:
  • Coffee in Bondi, then the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Allow 2 to 3 hours with photo breaks, rock pools, and beaches along the way.
  • Optional surf lesson at Bondi or Bronte.
• Afternoon:
  • Swim at Coogee or Gordon’s Bay. Grab fish and chips by the sand.
  • Head to Watsons Bay for a short walk to Hornby Lighthouse and sweeping harbour views.
• Evening:
  • Dinner in Bondi or Paddington. Consider a rooftop bar near the city for skyline views.

Driving and transport:

• Public transport makes this day easy. Use an Opal card for buses and trains.

Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip or Seasonal Whale Watching

Option 1: Blue Mountains

• Early start for Katoomba, around 1 hour 45 minutes by car or tour.
• See the Three Sisters from Echo Point, ride Scenic World’s cableway and railway, and stroll Leura’s boutiques and cafes.
• Short walks: Prince Henry Cliff Walk or Wentworth Falls lookouts.

Option 2: Whale Watching (May to November)

• Depart from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour for a half-day cruise. Humpbacks and dolphins are common in migration months.
• Pair with an afternoon of museum hopping at the Australian Museum or a Taronga Zoo visit.

Evening:

• Back in Sydney for dinner in Surry Hills or Chinatown.

Day 4: Sydney to Hunter Valley - Wine, Cheese, and Countryside

• Drive: approximately 2.5 hours north of Sydney to Pokolbin.
• Morning:
  • Pick up your rental car. Depart after rush hour for smooth driving.
• Afternoon:
  • Wine tasting in cellar doors such as Tyrrell’s, Brokenwood, or boutique vineyards along Broke Road.
  • Pair with local cheeses and olives. Consider a chocolate or distillery stop.
• Evening:
  • Sunset among the vines, then a paddock-to-plate dinner.

Optional:

• Hot air balloon flight at sunrise on Day 5 if you are keen for a spectacular view of the valley.

Day 5: Hunter Valley to Port Stephens - Sand Dunes and Dolphins

• Drive: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to Nelson Bay.
• Late morning:
  • Arrive in Port Stephens. Head to Anna Bay for sandboarding on the Stockton Bight dunes.
• Afternoon:
  • Dolphin-watching cruise from Nelson Bay. Bottlenose dolphins are resident here year round.
  • Alternatively, hire a kayak or paddleboard at Shoal Bay.
• Evening:
  • Sunset from Gan Gan Lookout or Tomaree Head summit if you are up for a short, steep walk.

Food tip:

• Fresh seafood in Nelson Bay pairs perfectly with a coastal sunset.

Day 6: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie - Koalas and Coastal Walks

• Drive: approximately 3.5 hours, with beach and bakery stops.
• En route:
  • Consider a quick coffee in Forster or a beach photo stop at Seal Rocks if you started early.
• Afternoon in Port Macquarie:
  • Visit the Koala Hospital to learn about conservation and rehabilitation.
  • Walk the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk from Town Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse for wild ocean views and frequent dolphin sightings.
• Evening:
  • Riverfront dining along the Hastings River.

Day 7: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour - Boardwalks and Lookouts

• Drive: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
• En route highlights:
  • Urunga Boardwalk for calm-water views and birdlife.
  • Nambucca Heads for the V-Wall breakwater art.
• Afternoon in Coffs Harbour:
  • The Big Banana for a classic Aussie roadside stop and an ice cream.
  • Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout for sweeping views over Coffs’ banana farms and beaches.
  • Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve at dusk for seabird spotting and coastal panoramas.
• Evening:
  • Casual dinner near Jetty Beach.

Day 8: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay - Via Yamba for a Coastal Detour

• Drive: approximately 3 hours direct. Add 1 hour for Yamba.
• En route:
  • Detour to Yamba and Angourie Blue Pool for a swim and coastal headland views.
• Afternoon arrival in Byron Bay:
  • Check in and wander town. Boutique shops, organic cafes, and boho markets set the tone.
• Sunset:
  • Watch surfers at The Pass, or join locals at Main Beach for a relaxed sunset session.

Food and drink:

• Try local breweries or a farm-to-fork dinner. Byron’s food scene is fresh and creative.

Day 9: Byron Bay - Lighthouse Sunrise, Surf, and Hinterland

• Sunrise:
  • Walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse for the most easterly point of mainland Australia. Look for dolphins and migrating whales in season.
• Morning:
  • Surf lesson at Wategos or The Pass if conditions suit. Non-surfers can kayak with dolphins on a guided tour.
• Afternoon options:
  • Hinterland drive to Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park for a rainforest walk and waterfall views.
  • Alternatively, visit The Farm Byron Bay or Crystal Castle for tranquil garden time.
• Evening:
  • Live music at a local pub and a relaxed dinner in town.

Byron tip:

• Book activities early in peak seasons and during school holidays.

Day 10: Byron Bay to Gold Coast - Headlands, Skylines, and Sunset

• Drive: approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.
• En route:
  • Stop at Fingal Head for the lighthouse and basalt columns. A short walk rewards you with turquoise water and quiet sands.
• Afternoon:
  • Burleigh Heads National Park circuit with ocean lookouts and pandanus-fringed paths.
  • Swim at Burleigh or Tallebudgera Creek.
• Evening:
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck on the Q1 building for 360-degree city views.
  • Dinner in Broadbeach or a beachfront spot in Burleigh.

Day 11: Gold Coast - Choose Your Adventure

Option 1: Lamington National Park

• Drive to O’Reilly’s or Binna Burra. Walk among ancient Gondwana rainforest, try the Tree Top Walk, and spot pademelons and birdlife.
• Alternate hinterland: Springbrook National Park for Natural Bridge and Purling Brook Falls.

Option 2: Wildlife and Theme Parks

• Morning at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for koala and kangaroo encounters.
• Afternoon at a theme park such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, or Dreamworld.

Evening:

• Sunset picnic at Burleigh Hill or a riverfront meal at Chevron Island or Isle of Capri.

Day 12: Gold Coast to Brisbane - Tamborine Mountain Taste Trail

• Drive: approximately 1.5 hours with a Tamborine stop.
• Morning:
  • Tamborine Mountain Gallery Walk for artisan boutiques and distilleries.
  • Short rainforest walk to Curtis Falls. Consider the glow worm caves tour for families.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive Brisbane. Check in and head to South Bank for a swim at Streets Beach and a stroll through the parklands.
• Evening:
  • Dinner along the river at Howard Smith Wharves with Story Bridge views.

Day 13: Brisbane - River City Highlights

• Morning:
  • CityCat ferry ride for a budget-friendly river cruise. Hop off near New Farm Park for jacarandas in spring.
• Late morning:
  • QAGOMA, Queensland Museum, or the Maritime Museum for culture and history.
• Afternoon:
  • Walk the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or join the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for a city panorama.
• Evening:
  • Eat Street Northshore on weekends for containers packed with global street food and live music.

Optional add-on:

• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for wildlife encounters without leaving the city.

Day 14: Island Day Trip - Moreton or North Stradbroke

Option 1: Moreton Island

• Day tour for snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboarding the dunes, and beach time in crystal-clear waters.

Option 2: North Stradbroke Island

• Ferry to Dunwich, then explore Point Lookout, Cylinder Beach, and the scenic North Gorge Walk with frequent dolphin and turtle sightings.

Departure:

• Return to Brisbane for your evening flight or an extra night in town.

Where to Stay - Handpicked Suggestions

Sydney

• Luxe: Park Hyatt Sydney for Opera House views
• Mid-range: The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale for design flair
• Budget: YHA Sydney Harbour for central value

Hunter Valley

• Luxe: Spicers Vineyards Estate
• Mid-range: Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
• Budget: Retreat-style cabins or holiday parks in Pokolbin

Port Stephens

• Luxe: Bannisters Port Stephens
• Mid-range: The Anchorage Port Stephens
• Budget: Shoal Bay Holiday Park cabins or campsites

Port Macquarie

• Mid-range: ibis Styles or coastal apartments near Town Beach
• Budget: NRMA Breakwall Holiday Park or local motels

Coffs Harbour

• Mid-range: Pacific Bay Resort or Jetty-area apartments
• Budget: Hoey Moey at Park Beach or local hostels

Byron Bay

• Luxe: Elements of Byron
• Mid-range: The Lord Byron or Beach Hotel rooms
• Budget: Wake Up! Byron Bay or Glen Villa Resort

Gold Coast

• Luxe: The Langham Gold Coast or JW Marriott
• Mid-range: Meriton Suites Broadbeach
• Budget: Komune or holiday parks near Tallebudgera

Brisbane

• Luxe: The Calile Hotel, James St precinct
• Mid-range: Emporium Hotel South Bank
• Budget: Selina Brisbane or Capri by Fraser deals

Tip:

• Book early for school holidays, Easter, and Christmas to secure top picks.

Best Time to Travel the East Coast

• Spring, September to November: Ideal temperatures, clear skies, and wildflowers. Whale migration continues until late spring.
• Autumn, March to May: Warm days, mild water, and fewer crowds. Vineyards are gorgeous and waterfalls flow well after summer rain.
• Summer, December to February: Hot beach days and long evenings. Book far in advance and plan midday swims to beat the heat.
• Winter, June to August: Cooler but still pleasant. Excellent whale watching and lower room rates, especially inland.

Water temperatures range from around 18 to 25 degrees Celsius across the year, warmer the further north you go.

Getting Around and Driving Tips

Car or Campervan

• A standard 2WD vehicle is perfect for sealed roads on this route.
• Consider a campervan for flexible stays at beachfront holiday parks and national park campgrounds.
• One-way rental from Sydney to Brisbane is common. Compare drop-off fees.

Road Rules and Safety

• Drive on the left. Always wear seatbelts.
• Stick to speed limits and slow down in towns and wildlife zones.
• Avoid driving at dawn or dusk in rural stretches to reduce wildlife collision risk.
• Some Sydney and Brisbane motorways have tolls. Ask your rental company about an e-tag.

Navigation and Distances

• Allow buffer time for scenic stops. The Pacific Highway is well maintained, with frequent fuel and food options.
• Mobile coverage is strong along the coast. Download offline maps for national park areas.

Parking and Permits

• National park carparks can fill up on weekends. Arrive early for popular walks like Tomaree Head and Burleigh Head.
• Check local parking signs in beach suburbs to avoid fines.

Public Transport Alternatives

• Long-distance buses like Greyhound can link major towns, but the pace is slower.
• NSW TrainLink services connect Sydney with Newcastle and beyond, useful if you mix modes.

Budget Planning

Indicative daily costs per person

• Budget: AUD 90 to 140, hostels or campsites, self-catering, public tours
• Mid-range: AUD 180 to 300, hotels or apartments, mix of dining and activities
• Luxe: AUD 350 to 600+, boutique stays, premium experiences and dining

Top paid experiences worth the splurge

• BridgeClimb Sydney or Opera House tour
• Hunter Valley wine tasting with a guided driver
• Port Stephens dolphin cruise and sandboarding combo
• Byron Bay kayak with dolphins or private surf lesson
• Lamington or Springbrook guided hike
• Moreton Island day trip to Tangalooma Wrecks

Money-saving tips

• Book mid-week and outside peak holidays
• Choose apartments with kitchens to cook some meals
• Combine activities with bundle passes where available
• Use free coastal walks, lookouts, and public beaches every day

What to Pack for the East Coast

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight layers, shorts, breathable shirts, and a warm layer for cool nights
  • Swimwear, rash shirt, and a quick-dry towel
  • Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops
• Sun safety:
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
• Gear:
  • Phone with offline maps, power bank, and universal adapter if needed
  • Dry bag for beach days and island trips
• Extras:
  • Insect repellent for dusk near water
  • Light rain jacket in tropical showers

Responsible and Safe Travel

Beach and Ocean Safety

• Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
• Check surf conditions and heed lifeguard advice.
• Watch rips and do not swim alone.

Wildlife and Environment

• Give wildlife space, do not feed animals, and keep food sealed in campgrounds.
• Stick to formed trails to protect fragile dune and rainforest ecosystems.
• Carry out all rubbish and refill water where possible.

Cultural Respect

• Acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands you visit and look for local Indigenous-led tours to deepen your understanding.

Customising Your 14 Days

Shorten or lengthen

• Short on time: Skip Hunter Valley and focus on coastal towns to trim 1 to 2 days.
• Extra days: Add a Sunshine Coast detour for Noosa, or extend Byron Bay for an extra beach day.

Trip styles

• Family friendly: Add theme parks, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and safe lagoons like Tallebudgera Creek.
• Adventure focused: Add scuba diving in the Gold Coast Seaway, canyoning in the Blue Mountains, and longer hikes in Lamington.
• Food and wine: More time in Hunter Valley, Byron food tours, and Brisbane’s James Street dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this route suitable for first-time visitors to Australia?

• Yes. It combines world-famous sights with easy driving and excellent infrastructure.

Do I need a 4WD?

• No. All stops are reachable by sealed roads. A standard 2WD is fine.

Can I do this by public transport?

• It is possible with a combination of trains and buses, though you will need more time and flexibility for local transfers. Self-drive gives you freedom to hit the scenic lookouts and hidden beaches.

How busy are the roads?

• The Pacific Highway is a major route, generally smooth with dual carriageway sections. Expect heavier traffic near cities and on holiday weekends.

What about internet and coverage?

• Strong coverage along the coast, with occasional black spots in national parks. Most cafes and accommodations offer Wi-Fi.

Is it family friendly?

• Absolutely. Beaches, wildlife parks, short walks, and easy drives make it ideal for families.

Sample Daily Driving Times

• Sydney to Hunter Valley: 2.5 hours
• Hunter Valley to Port Stephens: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Port Stephens to Port Macquarie: 3 to 4 hours
• Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour: around 2 hours
• Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay: 3 hours
• Byron Bay to Gold Coast: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Gold Coast to Brisbane via Tamborine: 1.5 hours

Always check travel conditions and allow time for stops.

Book With Confidence

This 14-day Sydney to Brisbane itinerary delivers the East Coast’s greatest hits without the rush. You will tick off bucket list icons, sip award-winning wine, walk sandstone headlands, meet koalas, and swim in postcard-perfect bays. The driving is scenic and straightforward, accommodations range from luxe lodges to beachfront holiday parks, and the food scene is a highlight in its own right.

Ready to turn the plan into a trip? Secure your car or campervan, lock in key stays in Byron and the Gold Coast, and pre-book a few marquee experiences like your dolphin cruise, Byron kayak, and island day trip. The rest you can keep flexible for spontaneous swims, market finds, and sunset detours. Your East Coast highlights are waiting.