posted on February 13, 2024
Connecting two of Australia’s most iconic coastal cities, the Gold Coast to Sydney road trip is a must-try driving experience. From the stunning beaches, theme parks and bustling nightlife of the Gold Coast to the sparkling harbour and abundance of dining destinations in Sydney, there’s something for every traveller on this epic, multi-day road trip.
While it is possible to drive from the Gold Coast to Sydney in just a couple of days, we highly recommend taking five to seven days to soak in the national parks, coastal towns and pristine beaches along the way.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover:
- An overview of the Gold Coast road trip to Sydney
- Your road trip map from the Gold Coast to Sydney
- Tips for driving from the Gold Coast to Sydney
- The top driving itineraries for the Gold Coast to Sydney road trip
- The top places to stop between the Gold Coast and Sydney
- How to plan the perfect family road trip from the Gold Coast to Sydney
- Best things to do in Sydney: how to spend 24 hours in Sydney
- Frequently asked questions about the Gold Coast to Sydney drive
Plan your drive: An overview of the Gold Coast to Sydney road trip
Before you hit the road for the Gold Coast to Sydney drive, here are all the quick-fire stats you need to know about this interstate road trip.
- Gold Coast to Sydney drive time: 9 hours
- Gold Coast to Sydney road trip distance: 844 km (via the Pacific Highway/A1 and M1)
- Route options:
- Coastal Route (5 days): 880 km, 10 hours 10 minutes total driving time
- Inland Route (7 days): 1,210 km, 14 hours total driving time
- Top stops: Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Newcastle and the Central Coast.
- Best time to drive from Gold Coast to Sydney: Avoid the scorching summer temperatures and plan your road trip between February and April or September to November to enjoy warm weather, sunny days, and a lower chance of bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Gold Coast to Sydney drive time
The drive from the Gold Coast to Sydney will take 9 hours – this is driving time, not including any detours or stops along the way.
Gold Coast to Sydney road trip distance
The road trip from the Gold Coast to Sydney covers a driving distance of 844 km (via the Pacific Highway/A1 and M1), not including any detours.
If you opt for the slightly longer inland route (which takes an additional 4 hours), expect a drive distance of 1,210km.
Road trip from the Gold Coast to Sydney map
What to know before you go: Tips for the road trip from Gold Coast to Sydney
If you’re opting for the coastal route from the Gold Coast to Sydney, expect to spend most of your drive on large highways and freeways. To help you maximise your road trip, here are a few expert tips to streamline your trip.
Driving conditions and staying safe on the roads
The roads between the Gold Coast and Sydney are smooth and well-maintained. While flash flooding and heavy rainfall can cause parts of the road to close or become damaged, it’s unlikely you will encounter problems on the M1 or A1 (Pacific Highway).
While the road conditions tend to be smooth, particularly on the coastal route, it’s important to plan ahead as this road trip involves many hours and days behind the wheel. That means:
- Take breaks: pull over, stretch your legs and refuel every two hours and make sure to swap drivers on longer driving days.
- Avoid driving at peak times: the high season (usually the summer holiday period from December to February) will see the highest temperatures and a strong chance of traffic. If possible, avoid tackling this road trip during peak season.
Tip from the author: Don’t get caught out by the change in time zones between QLD and NSW! While QLD doesn’t observe daylight savings, New South Wales does, meaning there can be a time difference when driving across the border at Tweed Heads and Coolangatta. In NSW, clocks go forward by one hour on the first Sunday in October and go back by one hour on the first Sunday in April each year.
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
There’s no shortage of places to refuel, particularly if you’re opting for the Coastal Route. Expect to find both petrol stations and EV chargers in major cities and centres such as the Central Coast, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay.
Looking for an EV charging station on your route? Use a free interactive map (such as Plugshare) to easily locate the nearest place to top up or recharge.
What kind of vehicle is best for this epic road trip?
The beauty of this road tip is that any well-maintained car can make this drive. With sealed roads and major freeways covering most of the distance, all you’ll need to ensure is that your vehicle can tackle up to 15 hours of driving over a 5-7 day period.
Want to road-test your dream car or treat yourself to a unique set of wheels? Hire a car in the Gold Coast from a local Turo host.
Choose your Gold Coast to Sydney road trip itinerary
The Sydney to Gold Coast road trip (or vice versa) offers an abundance of walking trails, absolutely stunning beaches and natural beauty at every turn. These two road trip itineraries allow you to curate your adventure based on your travel preferences and interests.
Option 1: Coastal Route (5-day road trip itinerary)
- Driving time: 10 hours 10 minutes
- Driving distance: 880 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Gold Coast to Byron Bay (1 hour 15 minutes, 91 km)
- Day 2: Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour (2 hours 25 minutes, 233 km)
- Day 3: Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie (1 hour 38 minutes, 152 km)
- Day 4: Port Macquarie to Newcastle (2 hours 45 minutes, 244 km)
- Day 5: Newcastle to Sydney (2 hours 5 minutes, 168 km)
- Best for: Beach lovers looking to soak in spectacular views of the East Coast and indulge in whale watching during the winter months.
Venture along the M1 and Pacific Highway (A1) and hug the coastline as you drive from the Gold Coast all the way to Sydney. Across five days, you’ll enjoy short, comfortable driving days and plenty of stops to swim, walk and relax along the way.
Once you leave the town centre of the Gold Coast, drive straight to the hippie heartland of Byron Bay. Take a hike to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, take a dip at the golden sand beaches (like Tallow or Belongil Beach) and indulge in top-notch local cafes and eateries (don’t miss Bayleaf Cafe, The Top Shop or Folk Byron Bay).
Head south to Coffs Harbour for a visit to the iconic Big Banana, a horse-riding experience on Boambee Beach or even a thrill-seeking Forest Sky Pier walk experience located at Sealy Lookout in Orara State Forest.
Your next stop is Port Macquarie, the largest regional town in the area. Enjoy the coastal walk along Main Beach, visit the World Heritage-listed Willi Willi National Park or visit the nearby Billabong Zoo.
Your final stop before Sydney is Newcastle. Cool off with a dip in Merewether Ocean Baths, visit the Bogey Hole ocean pool or explore the 10 km of walking trails around Blackbutt Reserve. Then, you’ll wrap up your trip with a two-hour drive to Sydney.
Option 2: Inland Route (7-day road trip itinerary)
- Driving time: 14 hours
- Driving distance: 1,210 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Gold Coast to Toowoomba (2 hours 10 minutes, 182 km)
- Day 2: Toowoomba to Goondiwindi (2 hours 30 minutes, 221 km)
- Day 3: Goondiwindi to Narrabri via Moree (2 hours 29 minutes, 224 km)
- Day 4: Narrabri to Tamworth via Gunnedah (2 hours 6 minutes, 173 km)
- Day 5: Tamworth to Muswellbrook (1 hour 50 minutes, 156 km)
- Day 6: Muswellbrook to Gosford (2 hours 5 minutes, 179 km)
- Day 7: Gosford to Sydney (1 hour 5 minutes, 83 km)
- Best for: Travellers and nature lovers with more time to spare and interest in quaint country towns, hiking trails, and getting off the beaten track.
Prefer to see the best of inland QLD and NSW? This 7-day road trip itinerary is an extended option, with a few detours and hidden spots to explore along the way.
First up, you’ll head to the Garden City of Toowoomba, Queensland’s largest inland city (perfect for strolling through Queens Park, exploring laneway art and dining alfresco at Picnic Point Parkland).
You’ll then weave through historic country towns like Goondiwindi (situated on the QLD and NSW border, known as the heartland of Australia’s cotton industry) and Narrabri (home to stunning Mount Kaputar and an abundance of outdoor adventures, from canoeing to camping).
Tamworth is your next major stop, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in Australia’s country music capital. Attend the annual Country Music Festival (held in January for ten days), swing by the 12m tall Golden Guitar, visit the Tamworth Regional Gallery or get outdoors with a horseback trail riding experience.
Situated in the rolling hills of the Upper Hunter region is your next stop: Muswellbrook. Experience world-renowned wines from Pukara Estate, incredible local produce and bustling art galleries.
Tip from the author: If you have an extra day or two to spare, I’d recommend making a detour from Muswelbrook to the Hunter Valley. This foodie hotspot is brimming with incredible wineries and eateries, from Tyrrell’s Wines to Brokenwood Wines and beyond.
Then, you’ll venture back to the coast with a stop in Gosford, one of the best spots on the Central Coast. Situated on Brisbane Water, you can’t miss a trip to Somersby Falls in the Brisbane Water National Park (a perfect spot for bushwalking, bike riding and fishing). From there, you’ll hit the road one last time before reaching Sydney – your final destination.
Top places to stop between the Gold Coast and Sydney
Best national parks between the Gold Coast and Sydney
Fancy a hike? Check out one of these picturesque national parks dotted along the drive from the Gold Coast to Sydney.
- Dorrigo National Park: Home to a World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest and stunning waterfalls, just an hour from Coffs Harbour.
- Bindarri National Park: Hike through lush subtropical rainforest, tackle winding mountain bike trails or chase waterfalls along the Bangalore Falls walking track.
- Worimi National Park: Near Newcastle, you’ll find a range of coastal activities, from guided camel riding tours to quad bike rides, all held along the beach.
- Sea Acres National Park: Situated in Port Macquarie, don’t miss the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre and easy 1.3 km boardwalk taking you along the awe-inspiring rainforest canopy.
- Tomaree National Park: Located near Port Stephens, this national park offers access to the coastal towns of Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, with an incredible 27 km coastal walk to stretch your legs during your road trip.
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: As you enter Sydney’s north, make sure to visit Bobbin Head (located within this national park) for an impromptu picnic, bush walk or even a stroll to Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
Best beaches between the Gold Coast and Sydney
Cool off and take a dip at these secluded bays and sparkling swim spots.
- Surfers Paradise Beach: Situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, expect 2km of golden sand beach stretching along the coastline (perfect for those looking to learn how to swim).
- Tallow Beach, Byron Bay: Just 3.2 km from Byron Bay, Tallow Beach is located in the Arakwal National Park and is perfect for swimming, bird watching and surfing. Just remember this beach is unpatrolled, so enter the water at your own risk.
- Wategos Beach, Byron Bay: Head north from Cape Byron lighthouse, and you’ll reach one of Byron Bay’s best beaches. Take advantage of the free beachside BBQs and enjoy a coastal picnic.
- Sapphire Beach, Coffs Harbour: Expect panoramic water views, crystal clear waters and the iconic White Bluff Walking Track (a perfect spot to visit at sunset).
- Nobbys Beach, Newcastle: As one of Newcastle’s most iconic beaches, this swimming spot is perfect for families, beginner surfers and anyone looking to spot local dolphins.
- Bondi Beach, Sydney: Arguably Australia’s most famous beach, head to Bondi for top-notch surf breaks, beachside dining, and a dip at Icebergs (Bondi’s picturesque swimming pool).
Best foodie destinations between the Gold Coast and Sydney
From waterfront dining to farm-to-table eateries, we’ve rounded up a handful of the top dining destinations to add to your radar when driving from the Gold Coast to Sydney.
- Rich Shores, Burleigh Heads: For Southeast Asian eats on the beach at Burleigh Heads.
- Lello’s Pasta Bar, Brunswick Heads: For award-winning Mediterranean-style dishes, fresh pasta and frosty limoncello spritz cocktails.
- Three Blue Ducks at The Farm, Byron Bay: For paddock-to-plate dining set on a thriving working farm.
- Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf: A renowned Central Coast dining icon, with a must-visit wharf restaurant offering high-quality fresh seafood dishes.
- The Boathouse Hotel, Patonga: For an incredible outdoor beer garden located just a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney or an easy 20-minute ferry from Palm Beach.
How to plan the perfect family road trip from the Gold Coast to Sydney
Travelling with little ones? The road trip from the Gold Coast to Sydney is perfect for the whole family. We’ve rounded up a stack of helpful tips to help you prepare for the road trip, along with our top family-friendly places to stop along the way.
Before you hit the road, here are a few ways to prepare for a smooth drive with the whole family:
- Pack snacks and water: While you won’t have too many hours on the road, keep the little ones fed and hydrated by stocking up on nutritious snacks like nuts, fruit, crackers and sandwiches.
- Book accommodation in advance: This is especially important during the peak summer season, as leaving accommodation to the last minute often means fewer options and more expensive rates.
- Plan pit stops at parks or playgrounds: Need to take a break between destinations? There are plenty of parks and kids’ playgrounds to pull into on the way to help tire the kids out during your road trip.
Top kid-friendly places to stop
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Before you leave the Gold Coast, don’t miss a visit to the amusement park capital of Australia (including Dreamworld, the largest theme park in Australia).
- Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk: The Cape Byron walking track is perfect for all ages, with a number of points to stop and start depending on your group’s fitness level.
- Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie: The licensed wildlife rehabilitation centre cares for sick and injured koalas. Swing by the Koala Hospital and take a self guided tour, open 8:30am to 4pm daily.
- Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly known as Dolphin Marine Conservation Park): Get up close and personal with seals, dolphins and more to support the conservation work this organisation is doing.
- Ricardoes Strawberry and Tomato Farm: Give the kids a chance to pick their own strawberries, stock up on local produce from the shop or enjoy a meal at the on-site cafe.
- Big Banana Fun Park: A trip to Coffs Harbour isn’t complete without a visit to the Big Banana Fun Park, the biggest water park between Sydney and the Gold Coast.
- Taronga Zoo, Sydney: Once you’ve arrived in Sydney, don’t miss a trip to Taronga Zoo, with animal encounters, zoo adventures and even the option to stay overnight.
Best things to do in Sydney: how to spend 24 hours in Sydney
The adventure doesn’t end once you arrive in Sydney. Keep reading to discover how to spend an epic 24 hours in Sydney to end your road trip on a high note.
- AM: Visit the Eastern Suburbs hotspot of Bondi and take a dip at the iconic Bondi Beach before browsing the cafes and boutiques located along Hall Street, Campbell Parade and Bondi Road.
- Lunch: Feeling peckish? Here is a stack of spots in Bondi to refuel, depending on your budget.
- $$$ – Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Bondi
- $$ – Totti’s, Bondi
- $ – Lox Stock and Barrel, Bondi
- PM: Head into the CBD and explore Sydney’s waterfront areas (including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and Sydney Opera House). Why not grab a drink at Opera Bar and soak in the water views?
- Dinner: Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a delicious dinner at one of these spots near the Sydney CBD.
- $$$ – Bennelong, CBD
- $$ – Restaurant Hubert, CBD
- $ – Dimitris Pizzeria, Darlinghurst
- Evening: Why not grab a nightcap at a top-notch bar such as Maybe Sammy (for award-winning cocktails in The Rocks), Bitter Phew (for sour beers in Darlinghurst) or Cantina OK! (for mezcal margaritas in the CBD).
- Where to stay: treat yourself to a stay at one of these stunning boutique hotels located near the Sydney city centre.
Top stop: After a day of exploring Sydney, why not dive into an authentic European dining experience at Tommy’s Beer Cafe in the Sydney suburb of Glebe? Known for its hearty Slovak, Czech, and Hungarian cuisine, Tommy’s is the place to unwind with premium European beers on tap. Sip on a crisp Pilsner in their beer garden, nibble on freshly baked pretzels as you await your food, and enjoy dishes like well-seasoned schnitzels or their much praised sausage platter. It’s a great spot to cap off your day in Sydney.
Sydney road trip guide: keep the drive going
Don’t want to hand back the keys to your hire car? Why not keep the drive going with one of these epic road trip itineraries from Sydney.
The best interstate drives from Sydney
The best NSW spots to visit from Sydney
Still can’t decide? Discover our complete guide to the best road trips from Sydney.
Gold Coast to Sydney drive: Frequently asked questions
Can you drive from Sydney to the Gold Coast?
Absolutely! Simply reverse the itinerary steps we’ve outlined above, or check out our curated guide to driving from Sydney to the Gold Coast.
How many days does it take to drive from the Gold Coast to Sydney?
While it is possible to drive from the Gold Coast to Sydney in two days, we recommend taking five to seven days to extend your journey, beat driving fatigue and soak in the best spots along the way.
Where is halfway between Sydney and the Gold Coast?
Coffs Harbour is considered the halfway point between the Gold Coast and Sydney, making it a perfect pit stop on your road trip itinerary.
Is it worth driving from the Gold Coast to Sydney?
It is absolutely worth driving from Gold Coast to Sydney as it’s an adventure-filled journey. From charming seaside towns to dramatic cliffs and shimmering ocean views, there’s plenty to see and do along this iconic route.
What other modes of transport can you take from the Gold Coast to Sydney?
There are a number of other ways to travel between the Gold Coast and Sydney, including:
- Bus: Greyhound operates daily services for $81 one way (15 hours 40-minute trip duration).
- Plane: A number of domestic airlines operate daily flights for $120-300+ one way (1 hour 30 minutes flight time).
But with so many scenic spots along the way, why not turn the journey into a road trip adventure? Select from a wide range of vehicles on Turo and book your ideal ride. You get convenience and flexibility during your journey, plus you can choose from multiple pick-up locations near you.
Final advice for the Gold Coast to Sydney drive of a lifetime
Ultimately, driving from the Gold Coast to Sydney isn’t about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. It’s about soaking in the best towns, coastal scenery and sweeping vistas of the East Coast.
Want to secure the perfect ride for your Gold Coast to Sydney road trip? With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Find your drive on Turo.
Do you want to start your car-sharing business? With Turo, you can sign up online in minutes and start earning income from your spare ride. Find out more and rent your car out on Turo.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
