Blog The Secret Gems on the Sydney to Brisbane Drive

If you’re planning a trip from Sydney to Brisbane over your holidays, your preparations start right here! You’ll discover the lesser-known wonders on the Sydney to Brisbane drive, plus a handy list of nearby campgrounds so all you have to do is finalise your plans and enjoy the sights en route.

“John and I come from Sydney but live on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, so we’ve done this trip over a hundred times. These are some of the best places you’ve never been, and they’re not going to be overrun like the big-ticket towns,” our expert Karen explains.

Let’s take a look!

Where to Stop on Your Sydney to Brisbane Drive

First Stop: Crowdy Bay National Park

Located near Port Macquarie, approximately four hours from Sydney, few coastal hotspots can deliver the way Crowdy Bay National Park does. In addition to beach camping, there are plenty of walking tracks, fishing spots, and picnic areas to take advantage of.

There are four options for accommodation within Crowdy Bay National Park’s grounds. All four provide facilities for campers, caravans, and tenting. You can choose from four budget accommodation options – Kylie’s Beach Campground, Diamond Head Campground, Indian Head Campground, or Crowdy Gap Campground. All of these have space for caravans or tenting options if you’re looking to branch out during your stay.

The Crowdy Bay Park has plenty of wildlife to spot including koalas. There’s also a historic heritage spot to visit – Kylie’s Hut served as Australian novelist Kylie Tennant’s escape to write.

Second Stop: Bellingen

Bellingen is evidence that small towns can create big memories for visitors who stop by. A beautifully scenic part of the mid-north coast, Bellingen is only an hour and a half from Port Macquarie. If exploring the great outdoors is your thing, you’ll love the stunning waterfalls, river activities like canoeing, and World Heritage-listed rainforest. Also known for its fabulous foodie culture, Bellingen has a microbrewery and community markets that feature local produce, live music, and so much more.

Several local farms provide space for campers, whether you’re in a caravan, tent, or camper. Big Sky Farm has plenty of space for caravans and motor homes, but amenities are not provided. Likewise, Bunya Farm has the space but doesn’t provide amenities. Alternatively, you can check out Bellinger River Camping or Levenvale Farm.

Dorrigo National Park is only thirty minutes from Bellingen, which makes it an excellent stop if you’d like to explore the wider area. It can be a launchpad for an endless number of adventures.

Third Stop: Hastings Point

Located in Tweed Shire, Hastings Point is just over a three-hour drive from Bellingen. Once you arrive, it’s time to relax and soak up the slower pace. You’ll love the tranquillity of the beautiful beaches, but this sleepy coastal town (the smallest in Tweed Shire) is also surrounded by a stunning national park and an estuary. Enjoy scenic walks, a spot of fishing, golf, bowls, and weekend markets. Visit the Marine Discovery Centre, check out Tropical Fruit World, and take a tour of the Husk Farm Distillery. There you can enjoy a walk-through of the distillery, see the team in action, and taste rums and gins.

The Hastings Point Holiday Park is an ideal spot to lay your head for the night, and the best part is that Brisbane is only an hour and a half drive away when it comes time to leave in the morning. Sure, you could keep on driving and miss this beautiful stop altogether – but why hurry back to the busy pace of life just yet? This last stop is the perfect chance to breathe out and truly relax.

Want more destination inspiration? Check out our Top 10 Off-Road Camper Destinations In NSW