950km of Beaches, Surf Towns & Subtropical Paradise
The Sydney to Brisbane drive along the Pacific Coast is an Australian classic. Surf breaks, hinterland rainforests, charming coastal towns, and the famous Byron Bay — hire a campervan and experience the best of the NSW and Queensland coasts.
The drive from Sydney to Brisbane along the Pacific Highway is one of Australia's most beloved road trips. Covering approximately 950 kilometres of coastline, this route takes you through the heart of Australia's surf culture — from the Hunter Valley wine country and Port Macquarie's beaches, through the hippy vibes of Byron Bay, to the glittering Gold Coast and subtropical Brisbane.
A one-way campervan hire from Sydney to Brisbane lets you experience this iconic route without backtracking. Stop at every beach that catches your eye, spend a few nights in Byron Bay soaking up the atmosphere, explore hinterland waterfalls in the Dorrigo and Springbrook national parks, and camp at beautiful beachfront parks along the way.
We compare one-way rates from all major rental companies to find you the best deal. Most hires include unlimited kilometres on this route, and relocation specials from Sydney to Brisbane are regularly available.
Pass through some of Australia's best surf towns — Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Coffs Harbour, and the Gold Coast.
Pick up in Sydney, drop off in Brisbane. No need to drive back — just follow the coast north.
Explore stunning hinterland rainforests, waterfalls, and national parks just off the main highway.
Spend a few days in Australia's most famous alternative lifestyle town with incredible beaches and nightlife.
Dozens of coastal campgrounds with beach access between Sydney and Brisbane.
Here's our recommended 7-day itinerary for the Pacific Coast drive, balancing driving with time to explore.
The Pacific Coast between Sydney and Brisbane offers an incredible variety of experiences. Here are the highlights you shouldn't miss:
The Pacific Highway has been extensively upgraded and is now a divided highway for most of the route, making it safe and comfortable for all vehicle types. Fuel is widely available, and there are no significant gaps between service stations.
For the best experience, leave the highway frequently to explore the old coastal roads and hinterland detours. Towns like Bellingen, Yamba, and Lennox Head are easily missed if you stay on the motorway but are among the route's best experiences.
Collect your campervan from any of our 10 depots across Australia