The Legendary Pacific Coast: Sydney to Brisbane road trip | Budget Car Rental

The Legendary Pacific Coast: Sydney to Brisbane Part 1

The Sydney to Brisbane road trip is one of Australia’s most legendary drives — and a great intro to road tripping for anyone who wants the freedom to stop where the coast looks good (which, let’s face it, is pretty much everywhere). With incredible scenery, iconic stops, and a mix of beach towns and rainforest detours, it’s one of the best self-drive holidays in Australia.

Whether you’re picking up your car rental in Sydney or dropping it off at a Budget car Brisbane location, this coastal road trip in Australia lets you explore at your own pace, on your own terms.

Grand Pacific Drive

There’s no shortage of Budget car hire locations along the Pacific Coast. Whether you’re flying into Sydney, wrapping up your adventure with a Brisbane drop-off or hiring a one-way rental we’ve got something for every type of road trip. Our friendly team can even help map out your journey and offer local tips for your drive. 

Hiring a Car for the Legendary Pacific Coast Road Trip

Part one of this road trip will take us from Sydney northward with highlighted stops in Terrigal, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, Dorrigo National Park, and Coffs Harbour.

Starting the Legendary Pacific Coast Road Trip in Sydney

Of course, Sydney is a destination in itself — but for this adventure, it’s just the starting point. You can easily spend a few days exploring Bondi Beach, the Opera House, and the Blue Mountains before hitting the highway. If you are stumped for things to do in Sydney check out our Sydney travel blogs. 

Once you’ve soaked up the Sydney sights, collect your Budget rental and start the road trip from Sydney to Brisbane — this is where the real fun kicks in.

1st Stop: Port Stephens

After leaving Sydney and starting your Legendary Pacific Coast adventure, the first part of the trip takes you past Terrigal, which is known for ocean front cafes and lovely boutique shopping. The Entrance is a beachside town north of Terrigal with family friendly happenings including a water playground and daily pelican feedings. Newcastle is the next town north with a strikingly scenic lighthouse, dining options, and plenty of history in Australia’s second oldest city. Finally, arrive in Port Stephens harbour in the town of Nelson Bay. Port Stephens is the dolphin capital of Australia and there is much to see and do while here. Of course, one of the must see activities for tourists on holiday is a dolphin watching cruise. There are also many beaches that line the coastline, peninsulas and the bay. Water activities, fishing, and exploring the unique character and charm of this area are all things you can have on your “to do” list here.

 

2nd Stop: Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is a vibrant coastal city with personable seaside villages and plenty of things to do. As pictured above, camel riding tours on the beach are one of the highlights for holiday goers here. The Koala Hospital is also a favourite for tourists and locals alike. Other fun things to do while visiting here include beach fun, surfing, beach sports, boating and other water sports, biking, hiking and scenic flights. It is also a great place to relax on the beach, in a spa, or a cruise down the Hastings River.

 

3rd Stop: South West Rocks

South West Rocks is a short drive north and should definitely make your list of places to stop on the Legendary Pacific Coast drive. The quiet ocean side city is a great place for fun in the sun all year round. In addition to surfing and beach activities, you can explore the history and culture in this historic city. Tour the Smoky Cape Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in New South Wales. 

Hat Head National Park lines the coast and protects the beautiful landscape and marine life within. It also houses the Hastings-Macleay Important Bird area, so be on the lookout for unique and majestic feathered friends. If a dive adventure is what you seek, look no further than Fish Rock Cave. Just off the coast of South West Rocks is Fish Rock Island which has an underwater cave created by a fault in the island. The 125 metre long dive cave is filled with so many fish and other marine life that gave the island its name.

 

4th Stop: Coffs Harbour

After leaving South West Rocks, head north to Coffs Harbour, you should stop in Dorrigo National Park to experience the amazing view of the Gondwana Rainforest from the 70 metre high skywalk. Then it’s on to Coffs Harbour where you can go on cruise adventures off the coast year round. From June to November, whale watching cruises will give you that once in a lifetime experience. From December to April you can take a sail and snorkel cruise and get into the coral sea for a close up view of the amazing marine life. Coffs Harbour has plenty of family vacation spots including Big Banana theme park, Dolphin Marine Magic, and the Butterfly House. The beaches in Coffs Harbour are famous for fresh seafood eats and fun surf.

Looking Ahead

That’s it for Part One of the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip. Stay tuned for when we pick up in Yamba and make our way through Ballina, Byron Bay, and Surfers Paradise, finishing up in sunny Brisbane — with easy drop-off at one of our Budget  car rental Brisbane locations.

If you're planning a self-drive holiday,  the Sydney to Brisbane road trip is a classic that delivers every time. And with Budget Cars in your corner, you're free to hit the road — your way.