Ultimate Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip: Discover the Adventure

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Felecia at Road Trips Australia

Are you ready for an epic Sydney to Gold Coast road trip? Join us as we reveal some of the best stops along the Pacific Highway, featuring iconic attractions like the Big Banana. Explore scenic coastal headlands, epic surf beaches and chill in trendy seaside towns. Stroll along expansive beaches or bask in the beauty of rainforests and waterfalls. Don’t miss the opportunity for a picturesque lunch stop and even the chance to witness the Whale migration! 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 the best Navigation Apps or create a food sensation with our meal-planning guide!

Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip Overview:

There are many sightseeing options 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.

When is the Best Time to See the Whale Migration: Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

The best time to see the Whale migration in NSW is between May and November. This road trip is perfect for land-based Whale watching, or book a boat tour from Port Macquarie or Yamba to get closer to the ocean giants!

Planning For a Successful 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 essential. 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 app/map downloaded or a 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, podcasts or movies.
• Plan for manageable daily distances to avoid driver fatigue.
• Plan to stop every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes.

11 Best Stops on The Pacific Highway: Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

Stop 1: Norah Head 127 km

Take in the magic coastal views from Norah Head. If the weather permits, enjoy a dip at Norah Bay Rock Pool or take a scenic stroll over the headland to Norah Head Lighthouse.

Stop 2: Fingal Bay 107 km

Pull off the highway at Nelson Bay, a perfect place for a scenic lunch stop at Fingal Bay foreshore. Explore the stunning beach reserve with facilities: a playground, a toilet block, and a café, or take in the views from the headland at Barry Park Lookout, where you may even spot a whale.

Stop 3: Kew 216 km

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: Port Macquarie 32 km

STAY at Port Macquarie. Discover various accommodation options to suit any budget- Lighthouse Beach Holiday Park offers easy access to Lighthouse Beach and the iconic beach Camel Ride!

For more sightseeing opportunities, visit Sea Acres Rainforest Centre to experience the informative boardwalk through the rainforest. Tacking Point Lighthouse and Lookout offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding beaches, and perhaps you can spot a Whale from this elevated headland.

Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip: Spot the Whale Migration between May and November!

Stop 5: Nambucca Heads 113 km

Explore the Nambucca Heads 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: Coffs Harbour 48 km

Coffs Harbour offers various road trip stop options to suit most! Families and big kids can have plenty of fun at The Big Banana Fun Park. If you crave a foodie or craft beer experience, you cannot go by King Tide Brewery. Another attraction along the highway is The Clog Barn, a Dutch-inspired souvenir shop.

Stop 7: Sapphire Beach 11 km

STAY at the idyllic beachside town of Sapphire Beach. Take in the island views from the South Solitary Island viewing platform or the White Bluff Lookout. Explore from Sapphire Holiday Park with direct access to Sapphire Beach.

Explore Stunning Coastal Locations: Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

Stop 8: Yamba 123 km

Continue to Yamba, where you can’t go by the lookout from Yamba Lighthouse across the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the mighty Clarence River. Further south, check out the coastal pools of Angourie Blue and Green Pools, an excellent place for a picnic, exploring, or swimming.

Stop 9: Ballina 100 km

Yet another BIG thing to pose for a photo with is the Big Prawn in Ballina…Beyond the Big Prawn is a string of seaside viewing locations. From Lighthouse Beach, Ballina Head Lookout, or stroll along the North Wall Ballina, which lines the Richmond River out to the ocean.

Stop 10: Byron Bay 31 km

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 from Cape Byron Lighthouse. This is also an ideal place for Whale spotting and relaxing by the stunning outlook. STAY Broken Head, Holiday Park with easy access to the beach and the Three Sisters coastal walking trail.

Travellers note: Be ready with good shoes to walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse and the most Easterly Point of Australia, as the Lighthouse limits parking. A larger car park is located at the Lighthouse trail, which starts on Brooke Drive, and parking fees apply.

Stop 11: Gold Coast 100 km

Finish this journey in Gold Coast City. 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 possibilities are endless on an epic road trip journey!

Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip of Coastal Splendour!

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 take time for scenic lunch stops 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 iconic routes. Pack your bags and prepare for an adventure showcasing the best of what New South Wales and Queensland have to offer!

Have more time to discover more? See our road trip from Brisbane to Cairns to extend this adventure to tropical North Queensland!

Road Trip Map: Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip