New England Highway: Sydney to Brisbane Inland Route

The New England Highway is the classic inland route from Sydney to Brisbane. It is the road trip for travelers who want four seasons, wide open country, granite boulders, cool-climate wines, heritage towns, and big-sky freedom without the stop-start coastal traffic. Stretching through the Hunter, the Upper Hunter horse country, the New England Tablelands, and Queensland’s Granite Belt, this journey delivers scenery and experiences at every bend.

Expect around 950 to 1,000 kilometres, 10.5 to 12 hours total drive time, and a string of memorable stops from Maitland to Muswellbrook, Scone, Tamworth, Uralla, Armidale, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Stanthorpe, and Warwick, before the final run into Brisbane. Whether you are towing a van, driving an EV, craving cellar doors, or chasing waterfalls, the New England Highway road trip rewards planners and wanderers alike.

Below is your comprehensive guide to planning the perfect Sydney to Brisbane inland route.

Why Choose the New England Highway

• Fewer peak-season bottlenecks than the coast. Enjoy consistent speeds and a calm drive through rural and alpine landscapes.
• Four-season appeal. Cool summers on the tablelands, golden autumns, crisp winters with the chance of frost or even light snow around Guyra, and wildflower springs in Girraween National Park.
• Heritage towns and big-country history. Federation-era streetscapes, bushranger lore, and classic Australian pastoral scenery.
• Food and wine. Hunter and New England wines, Granite Belt varietals, farm gates, bakeries, and country pubs.
• Outdoor adventures. National parks like Bald Rock, Boonoo Boonoo, and Girraween offer hiking, swimming holes, and photo-worthy lookouts.
• Family-friendly highlights. The Big Golden Guitar in Tamworth, Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes, Granite Belt’s Christmas Farm and orchards near Stanthorpe.

Route Snapshot and Key Facts

• Total distance: approximately 950 to 1,000 kilometres
• Total driving time: 10.5 to 12 hours without extended stops
• Best for: travelers seeking a scenic alternative to the Pacific Highway, lovers of small towns, wine enthusiasts, hikers, and caravanners
• Road numbers: M1 from Sydney to Newcastle, then A15 New England Highway through NSW. In Queensland, New England Highway becomes A3. For Brisbane, most drivers switch from the New England Highway to the Cunningham Highway at Warwick or to the Warrego Highway from Toowoomba
• Road quality: mostly single carriageway sealed highway, regular passing lanes, well-serviced towns, two notable climbs at Nowlands Gap north of Murrurundi and the Moonbi Range north of Tamworth
• EV readiness: fast chargers are increasingly common in major towns along the route
• Tolls: none between Newcastle and the QLD border. Toll roads apply only in the Sydney and Brisbane metropolitan areas if you choose them

Map Your Journey: The Route, Town by Town

This is the inland spine that connects two capitals by way of wine country, elevated plains, and granite fields. Below is the journey broken into logical sections with highlights and suggested stops.

Sydney to the Hunter: Sydney – Newcastle – Maitland – Singleton

• Distance and time: Sydney to Hexham about 160 kilometres, roughly 2 hours via the M1
• Character: transition from big city to river flats and wine country gateways

Highlights:

• Maitland: heritage streets along the Hunter River and nearby Morpeth village with cafes and galleries
• Hunter Valley detour: although the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region sits to the south around Pokolbin and Lovedale, you can easily add a short side trip from Greta or Branxton for cellar doors and long lunches
• Singleton: museum, cafes, and access to Lake St Clair for picnickers who want a nature break

Travel tip:

• The Hunter Expressway provides a fast link around the lower Hunter. If you prefer a slower scenic run, stay on the New England Highway corridor through Maitland, Lochinvar, and Greta to reconnect at Branxton

Upper Hunter Horse Country: Singleton – Muswellbrook – Scone – Murrurundi

• Distance and time: Singleton to Scone around 80 kilometres, roughly 1 hour. Scone to Murrurundi another 30 minutes
• Character: thoroughbred studs, sandstone ridgelines, rolling pasture

Highlights:

• Muswellbrook: art gallery and cafes for a leg stretch
• Scone: the horse capital of Australia. Guided farm tours and horse heritage if you book ahead
• Burning Mountain near Wingen: a natural underground coal seam fire that has smouldered for thousands of years. The walking track is an unusual geology lesson with views
• Murrurundi: photogenic main street, artisan studios, river swims in summer

Road note:

• North of Murrurundi you will crest the Liverpool Range at Nowlands Gap. It is a steady, well-engineered climb. Use slow vehicle lanes if towing

Country Music Heartland: Murrurundi – Willow Tree – Tamworth

• Distance and time: Murrurundi to Tamworth around 90 kilometres, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours
• Character: open plains, big skies, and the home of Australian country music

Highlights:

• Wallabadah: First Fleet Memorial Gardens offer a quiet, reflective stop with historic interpretation
• Tamworth:
  • The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre and wax museum
  • Peel Street cafes and live music venues
  • Tamworth Marsupial Park and Adventure Playground for families
  • January’s Tamworth Country Music Festival that transforms the entire city
• Detour to Nundle: east of Tamworth, this gold rush village is known for the Nundle Woollen Mill, antique stores, and leafy riverside picnics

Road note:

• You will later climb the Moonbi Range between Tamworth and Bendemeer. There are slow lanes and multiple stopping bays. Check brakes if towing

Tablelands and Waterfalls: Tamworth – Bendemeer – Uralla – Armidale

• Distance and time: Tamworth to Armidale about 170 kilometres, roughly 2 hours
• Character: climb from temperate pasture to cool tablelands with crisp air and wide views

Highlights:

• Bendemeer: a quick riverside break
• Uralla:
  • Captain Thunderbolt history at McCrossin’s Mill Museum
  • Local cafes and brewery vibe in a classic country town
  • Cool-climate wine and distillery stops nearby
• Armidale:
  • Heritage avenues, cathedrals, and a strong arts scene
  • Saumarez Homestead for Edwardian-era history
  • Side trip: The Waterfall Way east of Armidale connects to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Must-see falls include Wollomombi and Dangars Gorge. It is one of Australia’s most scenic short drives. Allow half a day if you want to see lookouts and do short walks

High Country to Celtic Country: Armidale – Guyra – Glen Innes

• Distance and time: Armidale to Glen Innes about 100 kilometres, roughly 1.25 hours
• Character: open, elevated plateau with a chance of winter frost or snow, big roadside skies and granite outcrops

Highlights:

• Guyra: one of the highest towns in Australia. Warm up at a bakery. In January, the Lamb and Potato Festival is a delicious community event
• Glen Innes:
  • Australian Standing Stones and Celtic heritage
  • Historic main street, antique shops, and hearty country pubs
  • Gwydir Highway side trip east to Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks for world-heritage rainforest and wild granite country
  • Local fossicking opportunities for sapphires and gemstones in the wider region

Granite and Federation: Glen Innes – Deepwater – Tenterfield

• Distance and time: Glen Innes to Tenterfield about 105 kilometres, roughly 1 hour
• Character: classic New England granite country with boulder-studded hillsides and cool evenings

Highlights:

• Deepwater: craft brewery and farm gate stops when open
• Tenterfield:
  • Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts where the Federation speech was made in 1889
  • Tenterfield Saddler, immortalised by Peter Allen’s song
  • Bald Rock National Park with the largest exposed granite monolith in Australia. Choose the summit loop or the gentler Bungoona Walk
  • Boonoo Boonoo and Basket Swamp National Parks for swimming holes, rock pools, and waterfalls

Travel tip:

• Keep an eye on biosecurity signage as you approach the Queensland border. Fresh fruit restrictions can apply to protect local orchards. Use the designated disposal bins if required

Queensland Granite Belt: Tenterfield – Wallangarra – Stanthorpe – Ballandean

• Distance and time: Tenterfield to Stanthorpe about 60 kilometres, roughly 45 minutes
• Character: vineyards, apple and stone fruit orchards, and sculptural granite. Cooler climate than much of Queensland

Highlights:

• Stanthorpe:
  • Granite Belt cellar doors with boutique reds and alternative varietals
  • Farm gates for apples, berries, and seasonal produce. The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival runs biennially in late summer
  • Granite Belt Christmas Farm, cheese shops, and bakeries
• Ballandean and surrounds:
  • Girraween National Park. Walk under the Granite Arch, climb The Pyramids if you have a head for heights, and enjoy spring wildflowers
  • Sundown National Park for 4WD adventures and remote campsites

The Final Run to Brisbane: Stanthorpe – Warwick – Brisbane

• Distance and time:
  • Stanthorpe to Warwick about 60 kilometres, roughly 1 hour
  • Warwick to Brisbane via Cunningham Highway about 155 kilometres, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic
  • Alternative: continue on the New England Highway to Toowoomba then east on the Warrego Highway to Brisbane. The Toowoomba route adds kilometres but offers the scenic Toowoomba Range and garden city attractions

Highlights:

• Warwick:
  • Heritage sandstone buildings and riverside parks
  • The famous Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft in spring
  • Jumpers and Jazz in July with knitted installations and winter ambience
• Cunningham Highway:
  • Cunninghams Gap offers dramatic Main Range National Park scenery. There are lookouts and walking tracks for a last dose of nature before Brisbane
• Arrival in Brisbane:
  • Head for South Bank, the Brisbane River, and the city’s dining precincts to celebrate your inland journey

Suggested Itineraries

Choose a pace that suits your style, interests, and travel party.

3-Day Express Adventure

Day 1: Sydney to Tamworth

• Distance: roughly 460 kilometres, about 5 to 6 hours
• Stop ideas: Maitland coffee, Scone lunch, Burning Mountain walk
• Evening: Tamworth pub dinner and a stroll by the river

Day 2: Tamworth to Stanthorpe

• Distance: roughly 360 kilometres, about 4 to 4.5 hours
• Stop ideas: Uralla bakery, Armidale heritage, Glen Innes Standing Stones
• Evening: Stanthorpe winery dinner or town bistro

Day 3: Stanthorpe to Brisbane

• Distance: roughly 220 kilometres, about 3 to 3.5 hours via Warwick and Cunninghams Gap
• Stop ideas: Warwick coffee, short walk at Main Range National Park
• Arrive in Brisbane mid-afternoon

4-Day Balanced New England Highlights

Day 1: Sydney to Upper Hunter

• Overnight: Maitland, Singleton, or Scone
• Add a Hunter Valley winery lunch or sunset

Day 2: Upper Hunter to Armidale

• Stop ideas: Murrurundi art pause, Tamworth Big Golden Guitar, Uralla antiques
• Late afternoon: Armidale sunset and dinner

Day 3: Armidale to Tenterfield

• Optional detour: morning waterfalls east of Armidale
• Afternoon: Glen Innes and Deepwater brewery, Tenterfield dinner
• Sunset: Walk the Tenterfield Saddler precinct

Day 4: Tenterfield to Brisbane via Stanthorpe and Warwick

• Morning: Bald Rock or Girraween short walk
• Lunch: Stanthorpe cellar door
• Evening: Arrive Brisbane

5 to 7-Day Slow Travel Immersion

• Add nights in Tamworth and Armidale for museums and national parks
• Spend two nights around Stanthorpe to split hiking and cellar doors
• Include a detour to Nundle or Inverell if you enjoy fossicking and gold rush history
• Build in time for festivals if your travel dates coincide

Outdoor Highlights and National Parks

• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: accessed via Armidale and the Waterfall Way. View world-class gorges at Wollomombi Falls and Dangars Gorge. Short walks lead to lookouts. Pack a jacket because tablelands winds can be brisk even in summer
• Bald Rock National Park: near Tenterfield. Summit views across granite country. The monolith glows with sunrise and sunset light for photographers
• Boonoo Boonoo National Park: known for rock pools and cascades. A refreshing summer swim stop
• Girraween National Park: on the Granite Belt. Granite Arch, The Pyramids, and Bald Rock Creek are signature walks. Spring wildflowers transform the park
• Sundown National Park: remote and rugged. Best with a high clearance vehicle. Great for birdwatchers and solitude seekers
• Gibraltar Range and Washpool National Parks: eastern side trip from Glen Innes on the Gwydir Highway for those who want rainforest trails and mountain views

Safety and access tips:

• Carry water, sun protection, and a warm layer. Weather shifts quickly on the tablelands
• Check national park alerts before you go. Tracks can close after storms or during fire danger periods
• Many parks do not allow pets. Plan pet-friendly alternatives if traveling with dogs

Food, Wine, and Local Produce

This route is delicious. Plan your stops around meals and tastings.

• Hunter Valley gateway: if you detour, pre-book a cellar door tasting and lunch. Otherwise, enjoy Maitland and Singleton cafes and bakeries
• Upper Hunter: country pubs with classic menus, roadside farm shops in season
• Tamworth and Uralla: craft breweries, smokehouses, and well-loved bakeries. Weekend farmers markets pop up seasonally
• New England wine region: around Armidale and Uralla you will find cool-climate styles such as riesling, chardonnay, and elegant reds. Many cellar doors are family-run with personal tastings
• Glen Innes and Tenterfield: hearty bistro meals, local lamb, and cafes with fireplaces in winter
• Granite Belt: Stanthorpe and Ballandean deliver standout small-batch wines, cider houses, cheese shops, chocolate makers, berry farms, and orchard doors. Pick-your-own experiences operate in season

Insider tips:

• Book weekend lunches at popular cellar doors in the Granite Belt during holidays or festival times
• Buy an esky in Sydney so you can take home cheese and berries. Use the border biosecurity bins to dispose of fresh fruit when required, then restock in Queensland

Culture, Heritage, and Events

• Tamworth Country Music Festival: January. Australia’s largest music festival fills the streets with talent and atmosphere. Book accommodation early
• Armidale heritage: guided town tours, regional art galleries, and Saumarez Homestead for living history
• Glen Innes Celtic Festival: usually in May. Pipes, kilts, markets, and a community celebration around the Australian Standing Stones
• Tenterfield: Federation heritage at the School of Arts, the Tenterfield Saddler, and charming streetscapes that inspired songs and stories
• Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival: biennial late summer celebration of the region’s produce, wine, and community
• Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft: springtime event with a century-plus pedigree. The city’s Jumpers and Jazz festival in July brings a splash of winter color

Practical Road Trip Tips

Smart planning ensures a relaxed and rewarding inland drive.

Road Conditions, Safety, and Driving Notes

• Major climbs: Nowlands Gap after Murrurundi and the Moonbi Range north of Tamworth. Use low gear when descending if you are towing. Watch for warning signage and heed slow vehicle lanes
• Speed limits: generally 100 km/h between towns with 50 or 60 km/h through town centers. Fixed and mobile speed cameras operate
• Wildlife: kangaroos, wallabies, and livestock can be active near dawn and dusk. Plan your driving accordingly
• Heavy vehicles: the New England Highway is a key freight route. Maintain safe gaps and be patient when overtaking. Use designated passing lanes
• Roadworks and weather: summer storms can be intense. Fog and frost are possible on the tablelands in winter. Check Live Traffic NSW and QLD Traffic for updates before you set out

Fuel, Food, and Rest Stops

You will pass regular service towns:

• NSW: Maitland, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone, Murrurundi, Tamworth, Uralla, Armidale, Guyra, Glen Innes, Deepwater, Tenterfield
• QLD: Wallangarra, Stanthorpe, Warwick, Aratula, Ipswich, Toowoomba if you choose that route

Tips:

• Refill in larger centers like Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Stanthorpe, and Warwick. Many have 24-hour options
• Carry snacks and water for stretches between towns, especially if traveling with children
• Take advantage of town parks and lookouts for scenic rest stops, such as Moonbi Lookout and riverside spots in Warwick and Armidale

EV Charging Along the Inland Route

The inland corridor is rapidly improving for electric vehicles:

• You will find DC fast chargers in major hubs including Newcastle region, Muswellbrook or Singleton area, Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Stanthorpe, Warwick, Toowoomba, Ipswich, and Brisbane suburbs. Some smaller towns also host new chargers
• Bring multiple charging apps or RFID cards to access different networks
• Plan your charging windows around meal breaks. Most highway towns place chargers near main streets, cafes, or supermarkets
• Cold weather slightly reduces range on the tablelands. Allow a buffer, especially in winter

Weather, Seasons, and Packing

• Summer: warm to hot in the Hunter and Granite Belt, milder on the tablelands. Afternoon storms are common. Pack sun protection and a light rain jacket
• Autumn: crisp mornings, mild days, and golden foliage in Armidale, Glen Innes, and Tenterfield. Ideal hiking weather
• Winter: frosty mornings. Occasional light snow can fall around Guyra and Ben Lomond. Carry warm layers, gloves, and be aware of possible black ice in shaded sections after cold snaps
• Spring: wildflowers in Girraween, fresh green paddocks, pleasant hiking temperatures

Packing list essentials:

• Layers for temperature shifts
• Reusable water bottles and picnic kit
• First-aid kit, torch, and phone power bank
• Insect repellent for summer creek walks
• Binoculars for birdlife and wide-open views

Caravans, Camping, and Pet-Friendly Stays

• Caravan parks: plentiful in Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Stanthorpe, and Warwick
• Free and low-cost camps: check shire websites and verified camping apps for showgrounds, rest areas, and donation sites
• National park camping: book ahead for Girraween and Bald Rock in peak seasons. Facilities vary from basic to well-equipped
• Pets: welcome at many caravan parks and pet-friendly motels. Pets are usually not allowed in national parks. Plan pet minding or alternative walks in state forests and town reserves

Navigation and Resources

• Offline maps: mobile coverage can be patchy on the tablelands. Download maps in advance
• Road alerts: Live Traffic NSW and QLD Traffic for incidents and closures
• National parks: check park alerts for track and campground status
• Weather: monitor forecasts for the Moonbi Range and elevated areas where conditions change quickly

Comparing Inland vs Coastal

Not sure whether to take the inland or the Pacific Highway?

• Driving rhythm: the inland route often feels more consistent with fewer bottlenecks in holiday peaks. The coast can be quicker in pure highway sections but suffers weekend and holiday congestion at bridges and town exits
• Scenery: inland delivers big landscapes, granite, and heritage towns. The coast gives beaches and ocean views
• Weather: inland tablelands are cooler in summer and colder in winter. The coast stays humid and warmer
• Experiences: inland focuses on wine, country pubs, festivals, and national parks. The coast offers beaches, surf towns, and seafood

Both routes are excellent. If you have driven the coast before, the New England Highway inland route is a fresh and rewarding change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the Sydney to Brisbane inland route take? A: Around 10.5 to 12 hours of pure driving time over about 950 to 1,000 kilometres. Most travelers spread it over 2 to 5 days for sightseeing and a safer, more enjoyable experience.

Q: Is the New England Highway suitable for caravans and motorhomes? A: Yes. It is a major highway with passing lanes and regular service towns. Take extra care on the Nowlands Gap and Moonbi Range climbs and descents. Use slow vehicle lanes and stopping bays as needed.

Q: Are there tolls on the inland route? A: No tolls between Newcastle and the Queensland border. You may encounter toll roads near Sydney and Brisbane depending on your city routing.

Q: Is it safe to drive in winter? A: Yes, though you should prepare for frosts, possible fog, and occasional black ice on shaded tableland sections after a cold snap. Check forecasts and drive to the conditions.

Q: Can I bring fruit across the border? A: Biosecurity restrictions apply at times to protect local orchards. Observe signage and use disposal bins before the Queensland border if required.

Q: Where should I switch to Brisbane-bound highways? A: Most drivers turn off at Warwick to take the Cunningham Highway through Cunninghams Gap to Ipswich and Brisbane. Alternatively, continue to Toowoomba and take the Warrego Highway if you are visiting the Darling Downs or prefer that route.

Q: Are there EV chargers on the route? A: Yes. Fast chargers are available in most larger towns along the New England Highway and both Brisbane approaches. Plan ahead and align charging with meal breaks.

Insider Highlights You Will Remember

• The glow of sunset on Bald Rock’s giant granite slopes
• The Celtic pipes at Glen Innes when the Standing Stones catch the morning light
• A winemaker pouring a rare varietal in the Granite Belt
• The hush and vastness at Wollomombi Falls on a still day
• The neon twang of a Tamworth guitar pick and a country ballad drifting down Peel Street
• The feeling of cool, clean air as you step out on the tablelands after the Moonbi climb

Conclusion: Turn the Inland Highway Into Your Signature Road Trip

The New England Highway from Sydney to Brisbane is more than a way to get north. It is a curated ribbon of experiences that invite you to slow down, break the trip into flavorful segments, and make discoveries that the highway itself never advertises. From country music to Celtic stones, from granite arches to waterfall gorges, this inland route offers real connection with the landscapes and communities that shape the Australian story.

Set your route, pencil in a couple of extra nights, and make space for detours. Book that farmhouse stay outside Armidale, choose a cellar door lunch in the Granite Belt, and pack your hiking shoes for Girraween. With an easy rhythm and dependable services all the way, the New England Highway is the inland road trip you will recommend to friends long after the last mile rolls under your wheels.

Ready to roll north inland? Map it, book it, and enjoy every kilometre.