Epic Brisbane to Melbourne Road Trip: Complete Coastal Drive Guide & Itinerary

Ready to take off on one of Australia’s most awesome adventures? The Brisbane to Melbourne road trip is the ultimate coastal drive through the country's most stellar landscapes, it’s in no way your average drive down the highway. We’re talking beaches that stretch to the moon and back, hidden national park gems that will have your jaw on the floor, and enough surfing spots to keep you riding waves all the way to the southern states.

Whether you’re planning a 7-day itinerary or thinking about a full 2-week exploration, this Brisbane to Melbourne drive by car, or should we say Spaceships, is about to become your new favourite Australian road trip.

So buckle up, Space Travellers. We're about to launch into the most comprehensive Brisbane to Melbourne drive guide in the galaxy, complete with day-by-day breakdowns, campervan-friendly stopovers, practical tips and all the stellar spots you need to hit between these two legendary cities.

Navigation:

• Quick facts - drive time, distance travelled
• Campervan planning guide - pro tips & perks
• 14-day itinerary - the full cosmic experience
• 7-day itinerary - the speedy option for time-travellers
• FAQs - all your burning questions answered

Let’s launch this Brisbane to Melbourne adventure!

Cooking meals on the road? Easy!

Brisbane to Melbourne Road Trip: Quick Facts

Before you hit the ignition, here’s everything you need to know about this epic journey:

• Total distance: 2100 km+ (coastal route). 1,680 km+ (inland route).
• Drive time: 17-25 hours non-stop (depending on route taken).
• Recommended duration: 7-14 days depending on what you’d like to see and do.
• Best time to travel: great year round. Peak season (Dec-Feb) will be busier with higher prices.
• Fuel stops: You’ll find towns at least every 100-200 km along this route. You won’t be stranded!
• Phone coverage: Generally fine along the coast, but may be a little patchy in some national parks.

Can You Drive From Brisbane to Melbourne in a Day?

Technically, yes. Should you? We’d advise not to. It’s almost an entire day behind the wheel with zero time to actually experience any of the incredible stops along the way. This route deserves at least a week.

Can You Drive From Brisbane to Melbourne in 2 Days?

Again, yes you could, but that doesn’t sound so fun. You’d be doing 8-9 hours of driving each day with maybe one quick stop. Some locals do this via the inland route on the Newell Highway, stopping in Dubbo or Parkes for the night. If your goal is speed, you could do this. If you’re after a holiday, driving from Brisbane to Melbourne in just two days is not ideal.

Drive from Brisbane to Melbourne in comfort in the 4-berth Family Campervan

Planning Your Brisbane to Melbourne Road Trip by Campervan

Brisbane to Melbourne by campervan covers roughly 2,000 km of pure Aussie gold. Drive through Queensland’s glittering coast, NSW’s legendary Byron Bay, through Sydney's famous harbour and down Victoria’s spectacular coastline. This is campervan territory at its finest.

The practical wins alone make campervans the ideal choice for your adventure. Campsites are often much cheaper than hotel/motel alternatives and give you the freedom to change your plans on a dime. This route has endless options of holiday parks, campgrounds and even free camping spots all along the coast. Your built-in kitchen saves you a fortune on eating out and everything you need is in your van with you, no need to pack and unpack at every stop.

Choosing Your Route, Coastal or Inland

There are plenty of different ways you could drive from Brisbane to Melbourne, each of which offers wildly different experiences.

The full coastal route (covered in this guide) takes you down the Pacific Highway (M1/A1) through every postcard perfect beach town you’ve ever seen. Pass Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, the lot. From Sydney, take the Princes Highway (A1) south through Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay and into Victoria along the stunning south coast. It may be the longer option, but that’s the whole point. You’ll get coastline views, stop in at surf beaches and secluded bays, enjoy tasty fresh food and actually experience what makes this part of Australia so legendary.

The Hume Highway route (Sydney to Melbourne inland) is pretty common and faster than the fully coastal route. You’ll still do the coastal run from Brisbane to Sydney, then cut inland on the Hume (M31) from Sydney to Melbourne. You’ll save a few hours but miss out on the south coast beaches like Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay and the Sapphire Coast.

The Newell Highway route (fully inland) is the fastest option. Head west from Brisbane through New South Wales country land on the A39 via Moree, Dubbo, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, then connect back onto Hume. It’s roughly 1,680 km of mostly farmland, country towns and long straight roads.

Visit the Gold Coast | photo: City of Gold Coast on Unsplash

14-Day Brisbane to Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary

Alright Space Travellers, this is it. The full cosmic experience. Two adventure-filled weeks to properly explore one of Australia’s best coastal routes without rushing, without FOMO and with plenty of time to discover hidden gems along the way. This is how you do the Brisbane to Melbourne drive right - the Spaceships way.

On average you’ll drive around 135 kms per day, which means not too long in the campervan and more beach sessions - YAY. This road trip itinerary mixes the classic must-see tourist spots with local treasures that will make you feel like a real explorer.

Day 1: Brisbane to Gold Coast

• Distance: 70 km
• Drive time: 55 minutes
• Where to stay: Jacobs Well Tourist Park to be close to the water or The Settlement in the middle of Springbrook National Park

Grab your campervan from the Spaceships Brisbane depot and head south towards the Gold Coast where you’re spoilt for choice with things to do. From theme parks like Wet’n’Wild or Movie World to beaches or nightlife, the Gold Coast is a hub for activity. Burleigh Heads is worth your time and the 30-minute headland walk is loved by both locals and tourists. If you’re after an adventure, head inland to Springbrook National Park (45 mins from Burleigh Heads) and do the 1 km Natural Bridge Walk, you’ll see a collapsed cave with a waterfall inside. The Best of All Lookout nearby gives you incredible views across the Gold Coast hinterland. Other top picks of the area are, of course, Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta or Tallebudgera Creek which is great for paddleboarding or kayaking.

Day 2: Brisbane to Byron Bay

• Distance: 100 km
• Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Where to stay: First Sun Holiday Park or Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

Spend the morning relaxing at the beach before continuing south, crossing the border into NSW by lunchtime. As you cruise into Byron Bay you’ll be met with peak coastal vibes. Visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse (lovely for sunrise/sunset) and walk the 3.5 km return track for sea views and potential whale spotting (from June to Nov). South of the lighthouse is Tallow Beach. Stretching 7 km long Tallow Beach is less crowded than Main Beach and The Pass and just as great for surfing. Spend your afternoon exploring Byron’s town centre or drive 15 minutes south to Lennox Head and Lake Ainsworth (The Tea Tree Lake), where the water is dark from tea tree oil and supposedly good for your skin.

Byron Bays iconic beaches

Day 3: Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour

• Distance: 230 km
• Drive time: 2.5 hours
• Where to stay: Sapphire Beach Holiday Park (10 km north of Coffs Harbour) or Big4 Park Beach Holiday Park

On day 3 you’ll be driving through some beautiful hinterland. As you leave Byron, take a 30-minute detour out to Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park. It’s a 100m waterfall that many skip due to time but the lookout is just a short walk from the car park and it’s awesome, especially if there has been rain. Continue south and around lunchtime you’ll reach Woolgoolga. This town has a large Sikh community, and the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple is wonderful and open to visitors everyday. Roll into Coffs Harbour by lunchtime, say hi to a giant banana and amusement park, or hit Jetty Beach for a swim. For things to do, visit Emerald Beach and hang with kangaroos, check out the Forest Sky Pier, see dolphins at the Wildlife Sanctuary or drive up to Sealy Lookout for sunset views over Coffs.

Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie

• Distance: 150 km
• Drive time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Where to stay: Flynns Beach Caravan Park or The Hatch Farm Stay Port Macquarie for something a little quieter

Have a sleep in or a morning beach session as today is an easy day. With just under 2 hours of driving you’ll have so much time to explore. On your way south stop at Nambucca Heads and see where the river meets the ocean. Spot the V-Wall, an outdoor art wall, where visitors over the years have painted their holiday messages in inspirational words. Next stop: South West Rocks. Trial Bay Gaol is worth a look - it’s old prison ruins right on the coast with incredible views and history. Push on to Port Macquarie and visit the Koala Hospital, you’ll see koalas recovering from injuries and learn about conservation. Spend your evening at Town Beach or walk along the coastal path to see more of Port Mac’s beautiful beaches like Flynns Beach or Miners Beach.

Visit The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour

Day 5: Port Macquarie to Newcastle

• Distance: 240 km
• Drive time: 3 hours
• Where to stay: Camp Shortland to stay beachside or NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park

Drive south and stop at Forster for a swim. The Forster Ocean Baths are fun saltwater pools  right on the edge of the ocean. Myall Lakes National Park is a picturesque lake system with hardly any development. If you have a kayak or paddleboard you will love this place, even just driving through is incredible. Arrive in Newcastle by late arvo and hit Nobby’s Beach for a swim or walk around Newcastle Harbour and check out the street art. Glenrock State Conservation Area has a bunch of walks and mountain bike tracks through coastal forest as well as a lagoon. You can easily access the area from the Merewether end and walk there at low tide.

Day 6: Newcastle to Central Coast (Terrigal)

• Distance: 90 km
• Drive time: 1.5 hours
• Where to stay: Dunleith Tourist Park has a great atmosphere or Little Beach Campground for a nice setup with easy beach access

Another short driving day means time for sightseeing - and you're spoilt for choice here. Chill out for the morning in Newcastle before heading south. Take the Pacific Motorway (M1) or the A43 towards Catherine Hill Bay - the A43 hugs the coast and is much more scenic than the motorway. In Catherine Hill Bay there is an old coal mining beach with crystal clear waters and not too many people, the old coal loader jetty is iconic. Continue to The Entrance and discover activities such as pelican feeding, explore the boardwalk and mall, or visit the Reflections Norah Head Lighthouse. Terrigal itself is the Central Coast's gem. Take the 10-minute walk up the headlands to The Skillion for views over Terrigal Beach.

Day 7: Central Coast (Terrigal) to Sydney

• Distance: 95 km
• Drive time: 1.5 hours
• Where to stay: Camping is limited in central Sydney, most campsites are a little further out of town. Try Tunks Crossing Campsite, Lane Cove Tourist Park or Sheralee Tourist Caravan Park

On your way to Sydney drive through the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, it showcases a great mix between scenic beauty and history. Stop at West Head Lookout, one of Sydney's best views, to see the spectacular Pittwater and Broken Bay. Arrive in Sydney and hit the classics: Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. From Circular Quay, walk through The Rocks (historic area with markets on the weekend), and grab dinner at one of the harbour restaurants. If beaches are more your thing, visit Manly or Bondi, or for something less touristy, try Bronte Beach and swim in the ocean pool, or Milk Beach in Vaucluse, a smaller beach with harbour views.

Sydney Harbour views - Halfway point between Brisbane and Melbourne | photo: Caleb on Unsplash

Day 8: Sydney Rest Day

Sydney is the halfway point between Brisbane and Melbourne on this coastal road trip, roughly 950 km from each city. So why not take a day off of driving and spend more time exploring one of Australia's most vibrant cities? Visit anything you may have missed yesterday or explore the Taronga Zoo, Royal Botanic Gardens, Paddington Markets (Saturday), or Darling Harbour. The Barangaroo Reserve is a new harbour foreshore park and a stunning sunset spot. If nightlife is your thing, you’ll find something going on in Sydney every night of the week.

Day 9: Sydney to Jervis Bay

• Distance: 190 km
• Drive time: 2.5 hours
• Where to stay: Jervis Bay Holiday Park or Green Patch Campground

20 minutes south of Sydney is Australia’s oldest national park, Royal National Park. Do the short walk to Wedding Cake Rock or simply just drive through the park, it’s amazing. Next, stop is Kiama for the famous Blowhole. Visit at high tide to see water spray up to 25 m in the air. Continue down to Jervis Bay and prepare for your mind to be blown. The water here is like none other! Turquoise, crystal clear and some of the whitest sand you’ll ever see. Hyams Beach is the famous one, but Murrays Beach or Chinamans Beach have the same white sand and clear water often with fewer people. Some beaches are located within Booderee National Park (entry fees apply for vehicles but it’s worth it). See all the best things to do in Jervis Bay or spend your time swimming, snorkelling and relaxing.

Cook beachside on your #SpaceshipsRoadTrip

Day 10: Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay

• Distance: 109 km
• Drive time: 1.5 hours
• Where to stay: NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort or Little Paddocks Mogo

Have breakfast with that Jervis Bay view and maybe another swim before you hit the road. Stop in Ulladulla for lunch at the harbour, and Cupitt’s Winery is nearby if you’d like to grab some local wine. About 15 minutes before Batemans Bay, pull over at Murramarang National Park and walk down to Pebbly Beach. You’ll find kangaroos everywhere lounging on the sand like they own the place. The best time to see kangaroos is early morning or sunset but you’ll likely see them any time of day. Finally arrive at Batemans Bay and settle in. It’s a classic Aussie holiday town with good beaches, a river estuary and tasty fish and chips. If you’re still looking for things to do, drive another 20 mins south to reach Mogo and wander around the Mogo Zoo. It's privately owned and super well done with a range of big cats and exotic animals.

Day 11: Batemans Bay to Merimbula

• Distance: 175 km
• Drive time: 2.5 hours
• Where to stay: NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Park or Merimbula Lake Holiday Park

Today you’re entering the Sapphire Coast - a gorgeous stretch of coastline that is praised for being unspoiled. Stop at Narooma and do the 0.5 mile walk to Australia Rock where the rock formation actually looks like the shape of Australia. Just 9 km offshore from Narooma is Barunguna/Montague Island. It’s a protected nature reserve and a fantastic place to see seals, penguins, dolphins, birdlife and sometimes whales. Make your way to Merimbula and park up for the night. The town is charming and less crowded than spots further north. Walk out to Short Point for sunset or explore Bar Beach and Main Beach. Just 10 minutes south of Merimbula is Pambula, where the beach and river mouth are equally as gorgeous.

Day 12: Merimbula to Lakes Entrance (Victoria)

• Distance: 267 km
• Drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Where to stay: Waters Edge Holiday Park or NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park

You’re crossing into Victoria today! From Merimbula follow the A1 Highway south through the Croajingolong National Park. Stop at Mallacoota, a beautiful lake and inlet town that’s pretty remote or Point Hicks to see the first place Captain Cook saw Australia. Arrive at Lakes Entrance by late afternoon. The town is touristy and popular for water-based activities but the lakes are epic. From town, walk over the footbridge to Ninety Mile Beach and watch the sun go down for the first time on your trip in Victoria.

Explore Wilsons Prom on the way to Melbourne | photo by Ryan

Day 13: Lakes Entrance to Wilsons Promontory

• Distance: 280 km
• Drive time: 3.5 hours
• Where to stay: Tidal River Camp (inside the park, book early) or Prom Central Caravan Park

Wilsons Promontory is Victoria's crown jewel and an amazing national park to visit. Located on the southernmost tip of Australia’s mainland, set up camp at Tidal River and use this as your base to explore. 30 minutes from Tidal River is Squeaky Beach, the Prom's most photographed beach. The white sand genuinely squeaks when you walk on it and the turquoise water is stunning. If you’re up for a hike the 7 km return walk up to Mount Oberon Summit has a 360-degree view from the top that is epic or just take it easy and relax at Norman Beach where you may just spot a wombat!

Day 14: Wilsons Promontory to Melbourne

• Distance: 225 km
• Drive time: 3+ hours
• Where to stay: Find a campground for the night or drop your campervan off and book into accommodation for your stay in the city.

Last day on the road! Take your time leaving the Prom. Maybe do another short walk or one last beach session before hitting the road. Then head north toward Melbourne where you have a choice: travel straight into the city, or add one final detour along the Mornington Peninsula. If you have time, the peninsula is lovely.  Stop at Flinders, Portsea, or Point Nepean National Park. They are all lovely coastal towns with beaches and cafes. Otherwise, cruise into Melbourne, return your campervan at the Melbourne Spaceships depot and get ready to explore the iconic city. Melbourne has plenty of highlights to see like Federation Square and Flinders Street Station, Hosier Lane for street art, or any restaurant, cafe or rooftop bar for delicious food and drink (Melbourne does this better than anywhere).

14-Day Aussie Road Trip Wrap Up

Two weeks, over a thousand kilometers travelled, countless beaches and national parks. This is how you road trip Australia, the Spaceships way. You’ve hit all the Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria icons all without rushing and enough time to actually experience each place, not just tick it off.

Land in Melbourne city at the end of your coastal road trip

Short on Time? Here’s a 7-Day Road Trip from Brisbane to Melbourne Option

If you’ve only got 7 days to explore but still want to experience the magic of Brisbane to Melbourne by car, it’s absolutely doable. You’ll just need to be strategic about what you want to see and plan your long-drive days. The key is to combine stops and skip some of the smaller detours to keep you moving and on the road. Here’s a 7-day Brisbane to Melbourne road trip plan:

Day 1: Brisbane to Byron Bay (165 km)
Day 2: Byron Bay to Port Macquarie (380 km)
Day 3: Port Macquarie to Sydney (380 km)
Day 4: Sydney to Jervis Bay (200 km)
Day 5: Jervis Bay to Batemans Bay (115 km)
Day 6: Batemans Bay to Lakes Entrance (440 km)
Day 7: Lakes Entrance to Melbourne (320 km)

What are the best stops between Brisbane and Melbourne?

Look, you could literally stop at 50 different places on this route and have an amazing time, but here are the few that will genuinely make the trip unforgettable:

• Byron Bay - Contagious coastal energy.
• Sydney - Yeah it’s touristy, but it’s iconic.
• Jervis Bay - The water looks photoshopped, but it’s real.
• Murramarang (Pebbly Beach) - Kangaroos chilling on the beach like it's their job.
• Sapphire Coast - Pristine beaches and fewer crowds.
• Wilsons Promontory - The whole park feels like proper wilderness.

What is the halfway point between Brisbane and Melbourne?

Sydney is roughly the halfway point between Brisbane and Melbourne, being around 900-950 km from both cities. It’s an ideal spot to take a rest day, stock up on supplies and explore what the city has to offer before continuing south.

How long is the trip from Brisbane to Melbourne?

When driving, the coastal route is 1,900-2,100 km depending on detours. The inland Newell Highway route is about 1,680 km. In terms of drive time, we recommend 7 days minimum to hit the highlights or ideally 10-14 days to avoid rushing and long hours behind the wheel. Flying from Brisbane to Melbourne is also an option taking just over 2 hours.

How many days from Melbourne to Brisbane?

Same as Brisbane to Melbourne by car - allow 7-14 days. The route works perfectly in both directions. The stops, distances and recommended duration are identical either way.

What's the best time of year for a Brisbane to Melbourne road trip?

Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are both ideal times. You’ll likely have mild weather, fewer crowds and lower prices than peak season. Summer (December-February) brings both the people and the heat. Expect busier beaches and higher accommodation costs. Winter (June-August) is quieter and cheaper, but pack layers especially for Victoria. Whale watching season runs from June to November if that’s on your bucket list.

Do I need a 4WD campervan for this trip?

Nope. The Pacific Highway and all other roads needed for this route are fully sealed and well maintained. Regular 2WD campervans will handle this route perfectly.

Blast off and hit the road with the whole family!

Ready to Hit the Road?

It’s time to do more than just imagine waking up to ocean views. Let’s get you on the road and cooking breakfast with a beach backdrop, changing plans because that random town you just passed looked incredible, or simply just enjoying wherever the road takes you. No matter if you're planning to do the quick 7-day option or smash out the whole 14-day journey (our pick, obviously), you’re about to experience an unforgettable road trip.
Stop planning and start doing. Grab your Spaceships campervan, load up the essentials, queue that road trip playlist and launch into this Aussie adventure.

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