Ultimate Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip: Discover the Adventure - Road Trips Australia (2024)

Are you ready to escape the city and embark on an epic Sydney to Gold Coast road trip? Join us as we reveal the best stops along the Pacific Highway, featuring iconic attractions like the Big Banana and the Big Prawn. Explore coastal headlands and chill in trendy seaside towns. Stroll along expansive beaches, and bask in the beauty of rainforests and waterfalls. Don’t miss a scenic lunch stop at Hungry Head! All these incredible destinations await you on the smooth journey up the Pacific Highway from Sydney.

But before you leave on this epic Road Trip from Sydney, see our helpful guides to successful and enjoyable road trip travel with thebest Navigation Apps. Next, create a food sensation withour meal-planning guide!

There are many sightseeing options and photo opportunities along the Pacific Highway on the Gold Coast drive from Sydney. This guide offers a variety of stop options that will contribute to a fantastic road trip of discovery.

Planning For a Road Trip:

Before leaving for a big adventure on the road, ensuring your vehicle is in good order and you are packed and ready for a road trip is important. See these helpful tips in preparation for a successful journey on a Sydney to Gold Coast road trip.

• Check your vehicle and ensure it has been serviced and is in good mechanical condition.
• Check your spare tyre and tyre pressures.
• Check road conditions and the weather outlook.
• Have your phone and phone charger along with your navigation/map downloaded or road atlas.
• Have snacks and drinks packed and ready in your vehicle. Pack lunch for a scenic picnic along the way.
• If travelling with kids, have entertainment and extra food.
• Download music, podcast or movies.
• Pack electronic device chargers.
• Plan for manageable daily distances to avoid driver fatigue.
• Plan to stop every 2 hours for at least 15 minuites.

See the Whale Migration May to November: Stop on a coastal headland for the opportunity to spot a Whale on their migration between May and November.

10 Best Stops on The Pacific Highway – Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

STOP 1: Take in the magic coastal views from Norah Head. If weather permits, enjoy a dip at Norah Bay Rock Pool or walk over the headland to Norah Head Lighthouse.

STOP 2: Pull off the highway at Nelson Bay, a perfect place for a scenic lunch stop. Fingal Bay Foreshore offers a stunning beach reserve with facilities: a playground, a toilet block, and Café.

STOP 3: You can’t go past the Big Axe to stop for a photo at Kew when heading north! For a short detour, continue heading inland to Waitui Falls. A short walk will reveal the tranquil pool and waterfalls—a lovely place to stop, relax and connect with nature.

STOP 4: STAY at Port Macquarie. Find various accommodation options to suit any budget—Lighthouse Lighthouse Beach Holiday Park with easy access to Lighthouse Beach.

Things to do in Port Macquarie:

1 – Visit Sea Acres Rainforest Centre to experience the informative boardwalk through the rainforest.

2 – For a unique experience, perhaps Camel Ride on the beach.

3 – Tacking Point Lighthouse. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding beaches and ocean, and perhaps spot a Whale!

STOP 5: Nambucca Heads, the V Wall. Walk along the coastal wall to reveal art and murals that line the walkway; you may even spot dolphins! For a heightened view of the coastal area and town, pull into Captain Cook Lookout.

STOP 6: STAY at Coffs Coast Holiday Parks for a variety of accommodation options by the beach.

Things to do in Coffs Harbour:

1 – For families and big kids fun: Visit the Big Banana for a fun park experience. Getting up close to the BIG banana is an experience and a great photo opportunity…

2 – For a foodie experience: King Tide Brewing.

3 – For a unique experience: The Clog Barn.

4 – For a nature experience: Macauley’s Headland Walk…

Enjoy Exploring the Coastal Locations: Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

STOP 7: Continue to Yamba. You can’t go by the lookout from Yamba Lighthouse across the Pacific Ocean. Further to the south, check out the coastal pools of Angourie Blue and Green Pools, an excellent place for a picnic, exploring, or swimming.

STOP 8: The Big Prawn Ballina! Yet another BIG thing to pose for a photo with…a true Australian road trip adventure!

STOP 9: Byron Bay Beach. Check out the hip coastal town of Byron Bay and the beautiful beaches. For a bucket list item, visit the most easterly point of the Australian mainland just south of Cape Byron. For nature lovers who like to escape the crowds, see Minyon Falls lookout, a part of Nightcap National Park. STAY Broken Head, Holiday Park.

STOP 10: Finish this journey at the Gold Coast. Explore any of the beaches and headlands from Snapper Rocks or Burleigh Heads to Surfers Paradise. If theme parks are your thing, take your pick, from Dream World to Wet and Wild or Tree Top Challenge. The possabilities are endless on an epic road trip journey!

Concluding Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

In conclusion, a Sydney to Gold Coast road trip along the Pacific Highway promises a journey filled with unforgettable sights and experiences. Every stop offers something unique from iconic landmarks like the Big Banana to charming seaside towns, breathtaking beaches, and stunning coastal headland views. Embrace the serenity of rainforests and waterfalls, and savor scenic meals at picturesque locations. This road trip provides a perfect escape from the city and an opportunity to create lasting memories along one of Australia’s most scenic routes. Pack your bags and prepare for an adventure showcasing the best of what New South Wales to Queensland offers!

Why not continue north? See our road trip from Brisbane to Cairns to extend this adventure to tropical North Queensland!