Sydney to Brisbane Van Tour
Sydney campervan hire to Brisbane – approx 12 hours drive.
Recommend minimum 7 days.
Leaving our Milperra Depot (about a 30 minute drive to the city) head along the motorway (M5) and then straight over the Bridge, making sure to get a good look at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour and city skyline if you haven’t already!
A great first stop is Port Stephens only a 3 ½ hour drive north. Visit our local Space Station at Melaleuca’s (Ph. 02 49819422. 2 Koala Place, One Mile Beach) for a great discount on accommodation and loads of local info on activities like dolphin or whale watching, sand boarding or 4WD trips in the dunes, horse riding and lots more! As a relatively unknown area a few days here doing cheap, awesome activities is a pretty cool start to an east coast journey we think!
The next great place to visit is around Coffs Harbour, another 4 hours or so north. An area known for its sunny climate, surfie lifestyle and of course Big Banana this is a great area to give surfing a try or if you already know how check out some great local breaks. Our mates at Spot X (Ph. 02 66491404. 46 Arrawarra Rd, Arrawarra) can give the heads up on the best spots to surf (along with 2 for 1 board hire) or set you up with an accommodation/ learn to surf package. Again it depends on your addiction to the surf how long you’ll stay here. Another great little spot is Scotts Head. The beach is stunning and there is normally a wave.
Further up the coast is the iconic Byron Bay. There are plenty of quiet beaches along the way to stop for a picnic lunch or photo. The place to be green, Byron is home to all that is hippie. Peace man!! With picturesque beaches, a chance to spot dolphins and whales from the most easterly point in Australia or on a kayak, a top 10 scuba diving spot and no McDonalds! Byron is great to recharge the batteries and get in touch with your inner hippie. Our Space Station is the Arts Factory, which is itself is a must do! There you can find info on yoga retreats, great surf breaks and other free activities like bongo drumming!
A popular side trip from Byron Bay is the infamous Nimbin. Every March the town holds the Mardigrass, and no I didn’t misspell it! Our answer to Amsterdam is a 45 minute drive but there are plenty of other cool little towns in the area and Sundays are a great day to find local markets all around the area.
Another 1 ½ hour drive will get you across the border into Queensland and to Surfers Paradise. But if you want the scenic route go along the coastline through Chindera and Kingscliff. It adds another hour or so but is well worth the beach views and small town vibe along the way. Surfers Paradise is home to all that is glitzy. Nightclubs, theme parks, high rise buildings and huge shopping centres and to top it off meter maids… just ask around and you’ll find out who they are ;)
Aquarius Backpackers is the place to stay and get great deals on pub crawls, theme park entry and much more. Ph. 1800229955. 44 Queen St Gold Coast.
As a side trip if you have time the Springbrook National Park is just inland from Surfers Paradise and a great place to do some great hikes through temperate rainforest with the chance to see some amazing waterfalls and wildlife. There are campsites throughout the area you just need to check with the National Parks and Wildlife Service where it is permitted. Generally looking at $6-10 per person per night.
1 ½ hours on from Surfers Paradise will get you into Brisbane.
