Sydney is a popular starting point for the famous East Coast Australia road trip, but there’s so much more to this part of the country than Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour!
We spent a few months travelling along Australia’s East Coast, stopping at plenty of the well known destinations along the way, but looking back, some of the places we remember most are the ones that people often drive straight past!
From historic jetties and abandoned aeroplanes to old prisons and rainforest walks, these are ten of our favourite places to see between Sydney and Brisbane and the stops we’d happily recommend to anyone planning the same journey.
10 Places to Visit Between Sydney and Brisbane
1. Woy Woy
Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes from Sydney
Just over an hour from Sydney is Woy Woy. This little town sits on the edge of Brisbane Water and is a great little hidden gem to visit between Sydney and Brisbane.
There are no high-rises here or big shopping centres, so it’s easy to see why so many people just drive straight through. To us, though, it was one of the highlights of our trip.
The waterways around Woy Woy provide a home to hundreds of pelicans, many of which gather around nearby Pelican Island.
If you’re there around 3 pm, you’ll get to see the daily feeding, where the local rescue team feeds the pelicans fresh fish offcuts and frames supplied by the wharf, while also keeping an eye on their health.
When we visited, the team were really helpful and happy to answer our questions, which made it an even more memorable experience.
Other Things to Do in Woy Woy
Take a stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, grab a bite to eat at one of the waterfront cafes or spend a little longer exploring the surrounding Brisbane Water area.
There are also Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the wider region, although you’ll need to check which are accessible to visitors before setting off.
2. Long Jetty
Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Sydney
Long Jetty is yet another unique little town on the Central Coast, and with its streets lined with vintage stores and trendy cafes, it’s a lovely place to stop for a wander.
But that wasn’t what we loved most about Long Jetty.
Long Jetty is a photographer’s dream, as its lake consists of, you guessed it, long jetties!
Three historic wooden jetties jut out into Tuggerah Lake: Parry’s, Watkins and the original Long Jetty, from which the town gets its name.
Each has its own history, but Long Jetty is the main attraction. At 351 metres long, it was built in 1915 and is one of the most recognisable features of this little town.
It’s a lovely place to spend some time with your camera, especially when the lake is calm, and you can see the reflections stretching out across the water.
Other Things to Do in Long Jetty
Around Tuggerah Lake is a cycle route towards Chittaway Bay and back, or you can head in the other direction towards a small town called The Entrance, which we’ll come to next.
When we visited, there were also options for hiring bikes and paddleboards, so if you fancy spending a little longer exploring the lake rather than just stopping for photos, it’s worth checking what’s available.
3. The Entrance
Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Sydney
The Entrance to what, I hear you ask?
Well, this is where the ocean runs inland to meet Tuggerah Lake, and it’s another lovely little stop on the Central Coast.
At The Entrance Beach, you’ll find a stunning ocean swimming pool, similar to the ones you might have seen around Bondi Beach in Sydney.
So, if you fancy a swim to break up your Sydney to Brisbane road trip, this is the place to come!
Other Things to Do at The Entrance
If you fancy a stroll, starting at the beach, you can take the Coast to Lake Walk, which leads you along the coast towards Tuggerah Lake and back to The Entrance.
When we visited, it took us around an hour and a half, but the views were worth it. This is also where you can connect with the cycle route towards Long Jetty if you fancy a longer ride.
The Entrance is also known for its pelicans, although I’d recommend checking whether any organised feeding activities are currently running rather than planning your visit around them.
4. Watagans State Forest Abandoned Plane
Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from Sydney
Watagans State Forest is around an hour inland from Newcastle, and it’s one of the hidden gems between Sydney and Brisbane that we’d recommend in a heartbeat.
Why? Because hidden away amongst the trees is an abandoned aeroplane!
The abandoned plane isn’t particularly well known, and there are no official walking tracks or signs pointing towards it, so we originally stumbled across it thanks to the WikiCamps app.
The track up to the nearby car park was so steep that we actually ended up parking our campervan in a suitable pull-off area and walking for around 20 minutes to reach it, but it was worth it.
It’s not every day you come across an abandoned plane in the middle of a forest!
We’ve included the correct Google Maps location in our Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Map, so if you’re planning to visit, you’ll find the pin there alongside the other stops on our route.
Just bear in mind that forest roads and access conditions can change, particularly after heavy rain, so it’s worth checking for closures before setting off.
Other Things to Do in Watagans State Forest
With numerous Aboriginal cultural heritage sites, including historic engravings, there’s plenty more to discover in the Watagans region.
There are also walking tracks, lookouts and waterfalls throughout the forest, including creek walks that can be particularly beautiful after heavy rain.
Just bear in mind that some of the forest roads are unsealed and can become difficult after wet weather, so check conditions before heading off the main roads.
Discover More Between Sydney & Brisbane!
We've pinned our favourite stops, scenic detours and hidden gems to one easy-to-use Google Map, including extra places you won't find in our blog guides!
5. Camden Head Rock Pools
Approximately 4 hours from Sydney
If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to stop on your Sydney to Brisbane road trip, Camden Head Rock Pools are well worth considering!
Located near Laurieton, these natural rock pools are a lovely place to explore the coastline, especially if you’re interested in the little creatures that live amongst the rocks.
We loved wandering around the pools and seeing what marine life we could spot, and it’s the sort of place where you can easily lose track of time looking into the water.
Just remember that these are natural rock pools, not a maintained swimming pool, so you’ll need to be mindful of the tides, slippery rocks and changing sea conditions. It’s also best to admire any marine life without touching or disturbing it, particularly as potentially dangerous creatures such as blue-ringed octopuses – Octopi? Octopus? – can inhabit coastal rock pools.
Other Things to Do Around Camden Head
If you fancy stretching your legs after a few hours of driving, nearby Kattang Nature Reserve has some beautiful coastal walking tracks.
One of the highlights is the walk out to Perpendicular Point, which is approximately 3.7 km return and offers fantastic views along the coastline.
It’s also a lovely place to look for migrating whales during the right season, although sightings are never guaranteed!
Between the rock pools, coastal scenery and walking tracks, Camden Head is somewhere you could easily spend a few hours before continuing north.
6. Port Macquarie
Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes from Sydney
Port Macquarie was one of our favourite places to visit between Sydney and Brisbane, and it’s somewhere we’d happily return to!
This lovely coastal town has a bit of everything, from beautiful beaches and coastal walks to wildlife encounters and historical buildings, so it’s well worth spending more than just a couple of hours here.
One of the highlights of our visit was the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where we got to learn more about the work being done to care for sick and injured koalas.
When we visited, we joined a guided tour, which gave us a fascinating insight into the hospital and the challenges facing Australia’s wild koala populations.
It’s a brilliant place to learn more about these iconic animals, although I’d recommend checking the hospital’s current visitor arrangements before travelling, as tours and access can change.
Other Things to Do in Port Macquarie
If you’re interested in history, Roto House is another interesting place to visit. This historic homestead sits close to the Koala Hospital and offers a glimpse into what life was like in Port Macquarie during the 19th century.
There’s also the beautiful coastal walk, which connects several of the town’s beaches and eventually leads towards Tacking Point Lighthouse.
You don’t have to tackle the whole walk, either. There are plenty of shorter sections where you can enjoy the coastal views, stop for a swim or simply spend a little time watching the ocean.
And if you fancy a more relaxed afternoon, Port Macquarie has plenty of cafes, beaches and waterfront spots where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings before getting back on the road.
7. Trial Bay Gaol, South West Rocks
Approximately 5 hours from Sydney
If you love exploring places with a bit of history, Trial Bay Gaol is one stop you won’t want to miss on your Sydney to Brisbane road trip!
Located in Arakoon National Park, near the coastal town of South West Rocks, this former prison has one of the most unusual settings we’ve come across. Rather than being tucked away behind city walls, the old sandstone buildings sit on a headland overlooking the beautiful waters of Trial Bay.
And it’s quite a contrast, wandering through the remains of a prison while looking out at those incredible coastal views!
Trial Bay Gaol was originally built in the 19th century to house prisoners working on a breakwater, but it was later used as an internment camp for people of German and Austro-Hungarian background during the First World War.
Today, you can explore the gaol’s ruins and learn more about its history, including what life was like for the people held here, which is actually really fascinating when you take the time to read the boards.
Other Things to Do Around Trial Bay Gaol
One of the things that makes Trial Bay Gaol such a memorable stop is its location within Arakoon National Park, where you’ll find coastal walking tracks, beaches and some fantastic viewpoints.
The nearby campground is also known for its resident kangaroos, which you might spot grazing around the area.
If you’ve got a little more time, South West Rocks is also worth exploring, with beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coastline before continuing north.
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8. New England National Park
Inland detour approx. 6 hours from Sydney
Now, this next stop is a bit of a detour from the usual Sydney to Brisbane road trip route, but if you’ve got the time to spare, it’s one we’d absolutely recommend!
New England National Park takes you away from the beaches and coastal towns of New South Wales and into a completely different landscape, with ancient rainforest, mountain scenery and some incredible views.
It’s one of the places that really stood out to us during our travels along Australia’s East Coast, and a reminder that there’s so much more to this part of the country than the coastline.
One of the highlights is Point Lookout, which sits at around 1,500 metres above sea level and offers sweeping views across the surrounding mountains and valleys.
On a clear day, the views are incredible, but even when the clouds roll in, there’s something quite special about being up amongst the mist and rainforest.
Other Things to Do in New England National Park
If you enjoy walking, there are several tracks worth exploring throughout the park.
Wrights Lookout is one of the more memorable options, taking you through beautiful forest before opening up to views across the surrounding landscape. Allow roughly two hours for the return walk, depending on your pace and track conditions.
There are also shorter walks, including the Cascades walking track and Lyrebird walking track, which offer a chance to experience the park’s rainforest without committing to a longer hike.
And don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife! The park is home to a variety of native birds, including lyrebirds, although spotting one is never guaranteed.
Because New England National Park sits at a much higher elevation than the coast, temperatures can be noticeably cooler, so it’s worth packing an extra layer even if the weather has been warm elsewhere on your road trip.
9. Tweed Heads and Fingal Head
Approximately 9 hours from Sydney,
As you get closer to Queensland, there’s another unusual little spot that’s well worth adding to your Sydney to Brisbane road trip itinerary.
Just south of Tweed Heads is Fingal Head, aka Australia’s Giant’s Causeway, a quiet coastal area with beautiful beaches, a historic lighthouse and one of the most interesting natural formations we came across on our travels through New South Wales.
And if you’ve ever heard of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, you might recognise something familiar here!
Hidden along the coastline are striking basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, that look remarkably similar to their much more famous Irish counterparts.
We certainly weren’t expecting to find anything like this on Australia’s East Coast!
The rock formations are best admired from a safe distance, as the surrounding rocks can be slippery and exposed to dangerous waves. You don’t need to climb down onto them to appreciate how unusual they are.
Other Things to Do Around Fingal Head
While you’re here, it’s worth taking a walk towards Fingal Head Lighthouse, where you’ll find beautiful views along the coastline and out towards Cook Island.
The surrounding beaches are lovely too, and because you’re so close to the Queensland border, this is a good opportunity to explore the Tweed Coast before heading into the Gold Coast.
Tweed Heads itself has plenty of places to stop for something to eat, and you can easily spend a few hours exploring this stretch of coastline rather than rushing straight through to Brisbane.
10. Tamborine Mountain
Approximately 1 hour from Brisbane
Last but certainly not least on our list of hidden gems to visit between Sydney and Brisbane is Tamborine Mountain!
After spending so much time exploring the beaches and coastal towns of Australia’s East Coast, heading inland towards the rainforest-covered mountains is a lovely change of scenery.
Tamborine Mountain sits in the Gold Coast Hinterland, and it’s one of those places where you could easily spend an entire day exploring without realising how quickly the time has gone.
From beautiful rainforest walks and waterfalls to little cafes, wineries and even a glow worm cave, there’s plenty here to keep you busy.
One of the things we loved about Tamborine Mountain was how different it felt from the busy Gold Coast below. You don’t have to travel particularly far inland before the beaches give way to towering trees, winding mountain roads and pockets of rainforest.
Other Things to Do on Tamborine Mountain
If you enjoy walking, there are several rainforest trails around Tamborine Mountain worth exploring, including the popular Curtis Falls walk, which takes you through lush forest to a beautiful waterfall.
Another unusual experience is visiting the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, where you can see these fascinating little creatures in a specially created environment.
It’s a completely different experience from exploring a natural cave, but it’s an interesting opportunity to learn about glow worms and see them up close.
And if you’d rather take things a little slower, there are plenty of cafes, local shops and wineries scattered around the mountain, making it a lovely place to spend an afternoon before continuing towards Brisbane.
Planning Your Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip
The drive from Sydney to Brisbane is approximately 900 km along the coastal route and takes around 10 hours without stops, but where’s the fun in driving straight through when there’s so much to see along the way?
We’d recommend allowing at least 7–10 days if you want to explore some of these hidden gems without feeling like you’re constantly rushing to the next destination. You could easily spend longer, especially if you’re planning to include a few of the popular spots liky Byron Bay too!
Coastal or Inland Route?
Most of the places we’ve included follow the coastal route along the Pacific Highway, with a few short detours into nearby towns, beaches and national parks.
New England National Park is the exception, as it takes you much further inland and away from the main coastal route. It’s absolutely worth considering if you enjoy rainforest walks and mountain scenery, but you’ll need to allow extra time rather than treating it as a quick stop along the way.
FAQs About Places to Visit Between Sydney and Brisbane
What are some unusual places to visit between Sydney and Brisbane?
Some of our favourite unusual stops include the abandoned plane in Watagans State Forest, the historic Trial Bay Gaol, Camden Head's natural rock pools and the basalt columns at Fingal Head. If you have time for a bigger detour, New England National Park is another beautiful place that's often overlooked on the Sydney to Brisbane drive.
Are these hidden gems directly on the Sydney to Brisbane route?
Not all of them! Some, like Woy Woy, Long Jetty and The Entrance, are relatively easy to include on a coastal road trip. Others involve leaving the Pacific Highway, while New England National Park requires a significant inland detour. We'd recommend checking the extra driving involved before choosing which stops to visit.
How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Brisbane?
The direct drive usually takes around 9–11 hours, depending on traffic, your chosen route and how often you stop. But if you're hoping to explore some of these hidden gems, it's worth allowing extra time rather than trying to fit everything into one day.
Do you need a car to visit these places?
Having your own car or campervan is the easiest way to explore these places, especially the more remote locations. Some are accessible by public transport, but others require additional driving or walking. Forest roads can also be steep or unsealed, so check access conditions and make sure they're suitable for your vehicle before setting off.
The Best Road Trip Stops Are Often the Unexpected Ones
It’s easy to focus on the big-name destinations when you’re travelling Australia’s East Coast, especially when there are so many incredible places competing for your attention. But some of our favourite memories from driving between Sydney and Brisbane came from the smaller towns, unexpected detours and places we’d never even heard of before arriving.
I mean, who expects to find an abandoned aeroplane hidden in the middle of a forest, or Australia’s very own version of the Giant’s Causeway?
And that’s exactly why we love exploring beyond the usual tourist stops!
Hopefully, we’ve given you a few new places to add to your own adventure, whether you’re driving the whole way to Brisbane or simply looking for somewhere different to explore along the coast.
If you’d like to discover even more places along the way, our Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Map has all these hidden gems pinned to Google Maps, alongside other worthwhile stops and camping locations we’ve found during our travels.
It’s there to help you see what’s nearby, choose the places that interest you and leave plenty of room for those unexpected discoveries along the way.
Discover More Between Sydney & Brisbane!
We've pinned our favourite stops, scenic detours and hidden gems to one easy-to-use Google Map, including extra places you won't find in our blog guides!
