7-Day Brisbane to Sydney Campervan Road Trip: East Coast Madness
Looking for the ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip? Consider this your Wicked-approved guide to sunshine, secret swim spots, epic national parks, and the kind of freedom that only comes from living out of a van and forgetting what day it is.
The best part? You’ve got a Wicked camper, which means bright colours, louder-than-life vibes, and more van-side compliments than you’ll know what to do with.
Grab the keys. Let’s roll!
Day 1: Brisbane Gold Coast
Drive time: ~1 hour
Ease out of Brisbane and hit the coast straight away. The Gold Coast is your warm-up lap with surf breaks, palm trees, and enough cafes to caffeinate an army.
Things to Do
- Burleigh Heads National Park - Take the coastal walk for classic GC views.
- Currumbin Rock Pools - A freshwater oasis with easy unsealed-road access (rental-friendly).
- Miami Lookout - Perfect for sunset + your first "OMG road trip!!" photo.
Where to Stay
Gold Coast hinterland holiday parks or campgrounds.
Day 2: Gold Coast Byron Bay
Drive time: ~1 hr 15 min
Cross the border and slide into Byron Bay, also known as the land of kombucha, beautiful humans, and beaches that belong on a postcard.
Things to Do
- Cape Byron Lighthouse - Sunrise here is elite and happens to be the first sunrise of Australia.
- Wategos Beach - Small, classy, beautiful.
- The Farm - The perfect lunch stop when you're trying to behave healthy on a road trip.
- Byron Markets - If your dates line up, they're a whole vibe.
Where to Stay
Byron is busy, so book ahead. Or stay slightly inland (Bangalow, Ewingsdale) for cheaper + quieter options.
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Day 3: Byron Bay Yamba Grafton
Drive time: ~2.5 hrs
Today's theme: chill coastal towns and river life. Yamba is one of the East Coast's most underrated gems.
Things to Do
- Yamba Main Beach + Ocean Pool - Less crowds than Byron, same-level beauty.
- Angourie Blue Pool - A local favourite freshwater swimming hole.
- Clarence River drive into Grafton - Slow, scenic, and ridiculously photogenic.
Where to Stay
Grafton holiday parks or riverside camps. Plenty of low-cost options.
Day 4: Grafton Coffs Harbour Nambucca Heads
Drive time: ~2 hrs
Prepare for scenery, giant fruit statues, and one of the best lookouts on the East Coast.
Things to Do
- The Big Prawn - Because a Wicked road trip demands at least one weird giant thing. Don't forget about the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.
- Sealy Lookout / Forest Sky Pier - Epic views and accessible via a sealed road.
- Coffs Jetty - Stroll, swim, or smash fish & chips.
- Nambucca Heads V-Wall - Colourful painted rocks + a chilled afternoon vibe.
Where to Stay
Stay near Nambucca Heads or Macksville. River sunsets here are underrated.
Day 5: Nambucca Heads Port Macquarie Crescent Head
Drive time: ~2 hrs
Surf towns, koalas, and rolling green hills. This part of NSW is heaven in slow motion.
Things to Do
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital - Free entry, adorable, wholesome.
- Tacking Point Lighthouse - Iconic white lighthouse, perfect for sunrise or sunset.
- Crescent Head Surf Lookout - Even if you don't surf, the views slap.
- Kempsey Bakery - Possibly the best baked goods on the East Coast.
Where to Stay
Crescent Head Holiday Park or surrounding campgrounds.
Day 6: Crescent Head Port Stephens
Drive time: ~3.5 hrs
Welcome to dunes, dolphins and bright blue bays.
Things to Do
- Tomaree Mountain Summit Walk - A must-do. The views look fake.
- Shoal Bay + Fingal Bay - Two of the most beautiful beaches in NSW.
- Nelson Bay Marina - Cafes, gelato, dolphin cruises.
- Stockton Sand Dunes - Absolutely massive.
Where to Stay
Coastal holiday parks in Shoal Bay, Fingal or Anna Bay.
Day 7: Port Stephens Sydney
Drive time: ~2.5 hrs
The final stretch brings you into Australia's biggest city and one of the most iconic van-life finishes.
Things to Do
- Stop in Newcastle - Coffee at Darby Street, beach at Merewether.
- Detour through Royal National Park - Legal sealed-road access only; great coastal lookouts.
- Roll into Sydney across the Harbour Bridge - The grand finale moment.
Extra Tips for Your Brisbane to Sydney Campervan Adventure
- NSW has loads of free/cheap camps, just use CamperMate & Hipcamp.
- Weather changes fast on the East Coast, so pack layers.
- Weekends in Byron, Port Mac, and Sydney get busy; book any camp spots or activities ahead.