Are you looking for a coastal road trip that is perfect for a campervan? Then you need to try the Brisbane-to-Sydney campervan road trip! This 900km trip will take you a week to complete and is the perfect opportunity to explore what the coast has to offer. You can extend or shorten the trip as needed, but we recommend spending the week exploring beautiful coastal towns, surf spots, and local foods. To cover the distance, we recommend making the following stops:

Brisbane to Byron Bay

The beginning of your journey involves a two-hour drive on the M1 from Brisbane to Byron Bay. Stopping at Byron Bay allows you to relax and enjoy the perfect day at the beach, with plenty of surfing spots and opportunities. If lying on the beach doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of cafes to enjoy and farmers’ markets where you can pick up locally produced foods.

To make the most of your stop, head to Tamborine Mountain, where you can complete the treetop walk through the rainforest. There are plenty of spots for picnics and hikes, too, allowing you to soak up the greenery and fresh air before hitting the road again.

Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour

The next leg of your journey will take just under 3 hours as you drive towards Coffs Harbour. There are plenty of small towns that you can stop in, including Grafton and Yamba. We recommend making time to stop in these, especially if you are looking to extend your trip. When you arrive at Coffs Harbour, there is plenty for you to do, but the beaches are what make the area worth a visit.

Our favourite beaches here include:

• Emerald Beach
• Gallows Beach
• Park Beach
• Sapphire Beach
• Sawtell Beach

Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie

After you have had your fill of the beaches, head back to the campervan and drive for 1 hour and 45 minutes towards Port Macquarie. Before leaving Coffs Harbour, make sure you drive by the Giant Banana Fun Park — it’s an excellent photo opportunity and is popular with tourists. The drive to Port Macquarie is relatively easy, and there are plenty of spots along the way if you want to stop for a break. Look for remote beaches and picnic spots where you can relax and break up your trip.

There is plenty to do in Port Macquarie, with the Koala Hospital and Billabong Zoo being popular options for animal lovers. You can see how the koalas are cared for and learn about local animals and their lives. The coastal walk to Tacking Point Lighthouse is ideal for nature lovers, taking you to the iconic landmark. The Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is also worth a visit, with a boardwalk that takes you through the coastal rainforest.

Port Macquarie to Port Stephens

After exploring Port Macquarie, take a 2-hour and 15-minute drive to Port Stephens, a fantastic town with much to offer. This is a popular holiday destination, so you should book campsites in advance to avoid disappointment at peak times. The town is surrounded by an expansive harbour, so you can expect plenty of water activities. Our favourites include whale watching, sailing, and snorkelling.

Aside from the water, you can head to the dunes and book a quad bike tour that takes you through them up close. There are plenty of local cafes, bars, and restaurants to enjoy, with lots of fresh seafood and locally sourced produce.

Port Stephens to Sydney

A final 2-hour and 15-minute drive will take you from Port Stephens to Sydney. The drive will take you past the Central Coast and Berowra Valley National Park as you cross the Harbour Bridge and into the city. Here you can enjoy a busy urban hub with plenty of activities and attractions, from local parks to the Opera House. You can easily extend your stay in Sydney by choosing from a wide range of campsites.

Start Planning Your Brisbane to Sydney Campervan Road Trip

While there aren’t too many stops on this Brisbane to Sydney campervan road trip, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful Australian coast, enjoying small towns, remote beaches, and quiet spaces to relax. When planning your trip, we recommend hiring a campervan from a company like Travellers Autobarn, which offers reasonable prices and flexible drop-offs and collections. Check out a Travellers Autobarn camper from Brisbane and continue planning your trip today.