Surf Your Way From Sydney to the Gold Coast on this 7 Day Road Trip

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

With empty beaches, plenty of waves, and the opportunity to encounter marine life (keep reading if you want to surf with dolphins!), this trip is the epitome of coastal bliss. Don’t book a holiday to Surfers Paradise for your next break – do this instead. Spend your days exploring quiet surf towns near the occasional national park, and while away your nights under the stars by a crackling campfire.

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Quick Overview

The road trip from Sydney to the Gold Coast spans over 900 kilometres. Starting from Sydney, this itinerary takes you through iconic coastal towns and pristine beaches, ending on the vibrant Gold Coast. It’s the perfect mix of surfing, beachside camping, and laid-back coastal exploring. The trip has plenty of adventure, tips to enjoy a sunset beer, and local knowledge on where to grab your coffee after a morning surf.

The best part is that you can undertake this journey at your own pace. You’ve got plenty of pristine Australian coastline, surf, and stunning beaches to enjoy – how you do it is entirely up to you.

This itinerary serves as a guide to the best spots along the Sydney to Gold Coast coastline, and is meant to be spread over seven days. But, if you’re human, you’ll most likely fall in love with a place (or three!) and find yourself wanting to linger there. You can choose to make your road trip as brief or or as long as you want. Consider this itinerary your compass.

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Quick Facts Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

Distance: Approximately 900km
Duration: 7 days
Start: Sydney
End: Gold Coast

About the Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

Having traversed Australia in my childhood (caravan homeschooling) and into my adulthood (chasing my childhood), I’ve had the privilege of seeing more of this land than the average lucky Australian. Amongst many surf trips and memorable roadies, the coastal journey from Sydney to Queensland is one that frequently calls me back.

What makes this coastline so memorable? Besides its unmatched beauty and the abundance of wildlife, it’s the freedom of choice it offers.

With countless destinations scattered along the 900-kilometre frankly massive stretch of coastline, you have endless choices. That’s what’s so special – you might say that therein lies the charm – the myriad random roads leading to the ocean, inviting you to take a look. Expect to find a hidden gem during your journey, and embrace the inevitable urge to stay a bit longer.

Day 1: Sydney to Seal Rocks via Newcastle

Total distance covered: 285km
Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Hot tip: Treachery Camp is the perfect off-grid campsite at Seal Rocks

Rise ‘n’ shine early for your first morning on the road. You’re headed for Seal Rocks, but fair warning: it’s a place that’ll draw you in.

This ocean town is just over three hours from Sydney, but once you’re there, you can easily convince yourself that you’re on an island far, far away.

You can break up your drive to Seal Rocks with a stop in Newcastle, but if you’re like me and eager to enjoy paradise, then just head straight for Seal Rocks and set up camp.

Read more: How To Find Yourself a Quiet Campsite

With some of the finest beaches in New South Wales, plenty of opportunities for scenic hiking, and abundant marine life and whale watching opportunities (April to November), Seal Rocks should be high on your list.

It’s a quiet surfing and fishing village with zero restaurants, no supermarkets, and just the one cafe – Single Fin – which opens whenever it’s owners feel like it should be (welcome to village life!). Smiths Lake (a 20-minute drive away) offers some restaurants and cafes but the closest main town is Forster, so take this into account when considering your lunch and dinner plans.

Note: December to January can be quite busy, so be prepared to share the beaches.

Day 2: Seal Rocks to Crescent Head via Forster

Total distance covered: 205km
Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Hot tip: Take your time driving from Crescent Head to Point Plomer to find empty beaches and a wave to yourself

Start your morning by hiking up to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. It’s the best place to spot whales!

If you’re looking for a wave you can surf at Seal Rocks however, it’s a softer wave and better suited to beginners. Head around to Sandbar or Boomerang Beach if you want to score.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse | @nicole.banks.writing

As you leave Seal Rocks, you’ll pass through Forster. Use this chance to stock up on fuel and groceries, and throw some coldies in the esky. Then, hit the road and continue your journey north to Crescent Head.

The coastal town of Crescent Head is bloody beautiful, plain and simple.

It can only be described as a surfers paradise, and the world-famous Crescent Point break is one of the longest rides in Australia. This surf town remains authentic and keeps its original charm, unlike other surf towns further north.

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For me, the most magical place to spend the night near Crescent is Point Plomer Campground. It’s a grassy headland area suitable for caravans and tents that sits directly on the beach. You take a 20-minute dirt road heading south, pass many secluded beaches and arrive at paradise.

Rent a fire cage and buy wood from the reception – campfire beers are essential for this site.

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There are waves here on either side of the Headland, but it’s the main beach that’s most magical. If you wake early you might be lucky enough to surf with a pod of 30+ dolphins. 

Your other option is to spend the night in Crescent Head at Crescent Head Holiday Park looking towards Crescent Point, or at one of the other campsites on the road to Point Plomer.

Never stayed at a Holiday Park before? Eva hadn’t either but she ended up loving it. 

Day 3: Crescent Head to Nambucca Heads via South West Rocks

Total distance covered: 82km
Total driving time: 1 hour 5 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes from Point Plomer)
Hot tip: Spend as long as you can before leaving for Nambucca Heads, this place is special.

If you spend the night at Point Plomer, make sure you wake up early to catch the dolphins playing in the cove. Enjoy this place as much as you can before leaving, or just stay a few extra nights.

You can grab a morning coffee at Black Fish Cafe in Crescent Heads. This is easily the best coffee in town. Then, continue north to Nambucca Heads. If you have the time, I suggest stopping at South West Rocks and seeing Trial Bay – what a stunning place! 

Driving into the area of Nambucca Heads you will immediately be struck by how beautiful this region is. 

The town has a variety of shops, great coffee (Good Time Charlie’s), restaurants, beaches, and walking trails. If you’re looking for a wave, head to Main Beach or north to Valla Beach. If walking is more your thing, the Nambucca Heads Lookouts Loop is an easy walk with great views.

Feeling naughty? Head to Matilda’s for pizza and wine. On weekends, they fire up the grill outside so you can enjoy a beer by the river.

Day 4: Nambucca Heads to Brooms Head via the Big Banana or Waterfall Way

Total distance covered: 184km
Total driving time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Hot tip: Make sure you do your shopping before reaching Brooms Head

I hope you had a great rest because tonight, you’ll be sharing your campsite with kangaroos.

Today’s drive is another short one, so if you’re looking to enhance your adventure, you have some options. 

As you pass through Coffs Harbour, you’ll encounter the famous Big Banana if you want a photo.

It’s an Aussie right of passage | @mydreamadventure

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Alternatively, I recommend venturing up into Dorrigo National Park via the scenic Waterfall Way. While this detour will add an extra hour to your journey, the sights and rainforest trails along the Waterfall Way are truly spectacular.

Check out Crystal Shower Falls while you’re there. 

Two hours north of Nambucca Heads lies the next destination: Brooms Head, one of those unique beachfront villages that are becoming rarer as they inevitably get popular.

Make sure to spend a night at Red Cliff Campground if you’ve got the gear. Nestled beside the beach, this campground offers outdoor toilets and running water, but it’s the breathtaking views and the friendly kangaroos that make you pinch yourself. 

While camping in Brooms Head itself is an option, Red Cliff is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Catch some little waves right in front of camp or take a stroll along the empty beach. Once the sun goes down, gather around the campfire with a cold beer for a perfect end to the day.

Keep the good vibes going | @thetantrap

Day 5: Brooms Head to Iluka via Yamba and Angourie

Total distance covered: 82km
Total driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Hot tip: If you’re visiting Yamba on a Wednesday or Sunday, check out the local markets

Wake up with the kangaroos and enjoy a slow morning. 

From Brooms Head it’s only a 40-minute drive north to Yamba and Angourie, where you can score some world-class waves and enjoy some incredible walking trails. You can even walk back to Coffs Harbour from here! 

A shorter option is The Yuraygir Coastal Walk, which is an incredible journey along the coast of Northern NSW. It’s possible to complete the 65km trail with camping stops, or break it up into shorter segments. 

The drive from Yamba to Iluka takes less than an hour, so enjoy your time and don’t rush. 

Iluka is a quiet seaside village, surrounded by kilometres of empty beaches and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest. Spend your time here enjoying the secluded beaches and make sure you check out the Iluka Rainforest Walk.

Day 6: Iluka to Lennox Head and Byron Bay

Total distance covered: 126km
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Hot tip: Check out Back Beach to find kangaroos on the headland

Enjoy a yummy breakfast at The Freshwater Kitchen or bid farewell to Iluka and grab your coffee en route at The Little Local Cafe. Look for the coffee cart next to the Iluka Golf Club as you leave town.

From Iluka it’s just over an hour’s drive to reach the Northern Rivers and Lennox Head – a charming coastal town that (like most of our destinations on this trip!) you won’t want to leave.

Just 15 minutes south of Byron Bay, Lennox Head has all the luxuries of its northern neighbour, minus the crowds and influencers. Home to world-renowned surf breaks and golden beaches, head up to Pat Morton Lookout to really get an idea of this beautiful region.

From Lennox you can either drive directly to Byron, or, I recommend heading inland to Bangalow and the surrounding area for some epic eateries.

The food scene in the Northern Rivers region is legendary, and Bangalow boasts some undeniably delicious hotspots. If you love good food and drink, then make sure to check out Ciao Mate, and You Beauty. 

You Beauty is a favourite of mine, there’s a pub-like familiarity to the space and the menu kicks ass. Make sure you order the Croc Toast! Trust me. 

Byron Bay has quickly become one of Australia’s most popular surf towns and is known for its bohemian vibes, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches. But, the town and the tourists it attracts has changed over the years.

Read more: You’ve Been to Byron Bay, But Have You Experienced Bundjalung Country?

These days I prefer to spend my nights away from Byron Bay; however, if you want to check out the bustling surf town then make sure you book a place in advance.

Byron Bay Highlights: Head to the Beach Hotel for a sunset beer, The Pass for a surf, and Treehouse for a tasty pizza.

Day 7: Byron Bay to the Gold Coast via Brunswick Heads

Total distance covered: 97km
Total driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Hot tip: This will be your last day of calm before reaching the Gold Coast so take it slow.

Start your morning at Bayleaf Cafe if you’re in Byron Bay, or Kopi if you’re in Lennox.

Then venture north towards the vibrant town of Brunswick Heads, where you can soak up the sun, atmosphere, and enjoy a cold Ginger Beer at Hotel Brunswick. This establishment is a must-stop spot for any traveller headed along the coast.

Continue your journey north as you creep your way towards the Gold Coast. If you want to get wet, stop at Cabarita Beach for a surf, then continue on until you reach the Goldy.

The Gold Coast has famous nightlife, world-class surf breaks, and a lively atmosphere. With seemingly endless cafes, eateries, and bars at your fingertips – there’s nothing left to do but enjoy yourself!

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Essential Gear

• Beach gear (don’t forget to slip, slop, slap)
• Hardy duffel bag
• Drink bottle (to stay hydrated on the road)
• Camping equipment (or your trusty van)
• Surfboard/bodyboard
• Beach chair (especially if your significant other or bestie is going to be hanging on the sand while you’re cutting waves)
• Camera (you’re going to want to capture this)
• Good hiking shoes

Read more: 10 Super Handy Car Accessories for Your Summer Road Trip

Tips For the Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

• Take it slow – it’s not a race
• Catch as many sunrises and sunset as you can
• Good food is a perk of road tripping over camping, enjoy every opportunity for a meal out
• Plan your petrol stops before you head out, nothing ruins a road trip quicker than running out of fuel
• You’re going to want to head to Rick Shores set on the iconic Burleigh beachfront – don’t leave without getting the bug roll!

Read more: 50 Lessons From a Road Trip Across Australia

FAQs Sydney to Gold Coast Road Trip

How difficult are the Roads?

The roads are suited for beginners. The dirt road from Crescent Head to Point Plomer is easy-driving.

Is it illegal to free camp in NSW?

Free or wild camping, AKA being able to camp wherever you please, doesn’t exist in Australia in the way it does in some other countries. You’re generally only allowed to stay at appropriate sites that allow overnight camping. You’re often allowed to wild camp in certain national parks, but you have to check with the rangers or the park’s plan of management.

If you don’t want to be camping illegally, you need to be pitched up at an official campground, or private property, or somewhere that has a plan of management that incorporates wild camping.

How do I find free campsites Australia?

One of the best ways to find free campsites in Australia is to use one of the many websites and apps that are popular for this purpose. A good one is WikiCamps.

Where can I camp for free in South East Queensland?

There are a number of options for free camping in South East Queensland. You can grab a weekend escape with a 20 hour limit at Little Yabba Creek or spend a couple of days at the hike-in Ngumbi Campsite.

Can I just do part of this road trip?

This road trip is designed so you can pick and choose what you’d like to see and do. You don’t even have to go the whole way! Explorer Georgia had a great time driving 766km from Sydney to Bryon Bay.

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