Pacific Highway — Sydney to Brisbane

Pacific Highway — Sydney to Brisbane Coastal Drive

Australia’s classic east‑coast road trip. Trace beaches, headlands, surf towns, and rainforest valleys from Sydney to Brisbane. Plan your stops, short walks, viewpoints, and facilities below.

Routes A–Z ·
Coastal Drives ·
Toilet Finder ·
Near Me

At a glance

Distance: ~900 km Sydney ↔ Brisbane
Time: 2–4 days recommended (express drive ~10–11 hours without stops)
Best months: Sep–May for warm beach weather; Jun–Aug for whale watching (cooler temps)
Road type: Mostly dual‑carriageway highway with scenic detours to coastal towns
Ideal for: Families, surfers, foodies, scenic lookouts, short walks

Map overview

Suggested coastal detours: Central Coast (Terrigal, The Entrance) → Newcastle → Port Stephens (Nelson Bay) → Myall Lakes → Forster/Tuncurry → Port Macquarie → South West Rocks → Coffs Harbour → Yamba → Byron Bay → Tweed Coast → Gold Coast → Brisbane.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1: Sydney → Port Stephens/Newcastle

Central Coast: Terrigal boardwalks; Near Me for foreshore facilities.
Newcastle: Bathers Way, ocean baths (Merewether & Newcastle).
Port Stephens (Nelson Bay): Lookouts, marina strolls, sand dunes at Anna Bay.

Day 2: Port Stephens → Port Macquarie/Coffs Harbour

Myall Lakes/Seal Rocks: Headland views and quiet beaches.
Forster/Tuncurry: Bridge walk, coastal lookouts.
Port Macquarie: Coastal walk, breakwall art, family‑friendly foreshore.

Day 3: Coffs Harbour → Byron Bay

Coffs Harbour: Jetty precinct, Muttonbird Island (short walk with views).
Yamba & Angourie: Natural pools and headlands.
Byron Bay: Cape Byron Lighthouse circuit; arrive early/late for parking.

Day 4: Byron Bay → Brisbane (via Tweed & Gold Coast)

Tweed Coast: Kingscliff boardwalks; beach path segments are pram‑friendly.
Gold Coast: Burleigh Headland, Broadwater parks; plentiful amenities.
Brisbane: Extend to South Bank riverfront and galleries.

Facilities and stops

Use Near Me on arrival at each foreshore, park, or town centre.
Accessible Toilets and Adult Change at major hubs.
Public Showers common near patrolled beaches and surf clubs.
Plenty of fuel and supermarkets in all larger towns; rest areas signposted along the highway.

Short walks and lookouts

Newcastle Bathers Way: Ocean baths, headland views, accessible sections.
Forster Bicentennial Walk: Headlands and beaches with frequent amenities.
Port Macquarie Coastal Walk: Sealed segments, family‑friendly viewpoints.
Cape Byron Lighthouse: Iconic loop; some steep sections, parking fills quickly.
Burleigh Head National Park: Short circuits with ocean lookouts.

Accessibility

Many foreshore promenades are sealed and level with frequent seating.
Check Accessible Toilets and seasonal beach matting via local council links in the Locations hub.
Some ocean baths and surf clubs provide accessible facilities; verify hours.

Driving tips and safety

Plan rest breaks every 2 hours — see Road Safety & Rest Breaks.
Peak holiday periods bring heavy traffic and limited coastal parking; start early.
Watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk; heed surf and rock‑platform safety signs.
Storms can arrive quickly; carry a light rain jacket and keep a flexible plan.

Where to stay

Newcastle/Port Stephens: Good base for ocean baths, dunes, dolphin cruises.
Port Macquarie/Coffs Harbour: Family‑friendly foreshore and short walks.
Byron Bay/Gold Coast: Beach access and dining; book ahead in peak season.
Camping & Outdoors for holiday parks and national‑park campgrounds.

When to go

Summer (Dec–Feb): Beach weather; busiest. Book stays and parking early.
Autumn (Mar–May): Warm water, milder crowds — ideal.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Whale watching; cooler mornings; fewer crowds.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Blooming headlands; increasing sunshine.

FAQs

How many days do I need for the Pacific Highway?

2–4 days lets you enjoy beaches, lookouts, and short walks without rushing. A direct drive in one day is possible but misses the best detours.

Which towns are best for an overnight stop?

Popular bases: Newcastle/Port Stephens, Port Macquarie/Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay/Gold Coast depending on pace.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes. Many foreshore paths are pram‑friendly with frequent amenities and Playgrounds. Use Near Me for facilities.

Are there accessible viewpoints?

Yes. Coastal promenades and some headlands offer sealed access. See Accessible Toilets and local council access notes.

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