Road trip itinerary from Brisbane to Byron Bay

Australia's East Coast is road trip that belongs on everyone's bucket list and the drive from Brisbane to Byron Bay is no exception. Starting from the vibrant city of Brisbane, as you head south towards Byron Bay, you'll take in scenes of expansive golden beaches, glimpses of the shimmering ocean, and lush hinterlands. While this scenic drive can easily be done in one day, where is the fun in that? If you're looking to make the most of this immensely rewarding trip, we're to help with our top tips for your Brissy to Byron roady.

What is the Brisbane to Byron Bay distance?

From the Brisbane Airport, where you can pick up your rental from theJUCY Brisbane branch, the drive time from Brisbane to Byron Bay is about 2 hours - 160 km.

How many days do you need in Byron Bay?

How long you stay in Byron Bay really depends on what you want to do. If you're short on time, a day or two lets you dip your toes in the water, check out the beaches, and explore the town. Got a bit more wiggle room? Spend 3-5 days to really soak up the vibes, hit the waves, and maybe take a day trip or two. But if you've got the luxury of a week, why rush? Take your time, discover hidden gems, and truly unwind in the laid-back atmosphere that Byron Bay is famous for.

How to get from Brisbane to Byron Bay?

A Brisbane campervan hire or JUCY car rental are great options to travel from Brisbane to Byron Bay. Firstly, you can easily pick up your vehicle from Brisbane Airport and hit the road, cruising south along the Pacific Highway. Having a vehicle for your Byron Bay road trip is a great choice if you want the freedom to explore as you please, and the flexibility to stay wherever, at a moments notice. As we're big fans of embracing adventure, why not follow your instincts? You can dally along the coast or veer inland, immersing yourself in the shady trails and refreshing waterfalls of national parks. A JUCY roady is all about the journey as well as the destination!

Top sights to see along the way for the ultimate Brisbane to Byron road trip:

Tamborine Mountain

The Gold Coast

Springbok National Park

Wollumbin National Park

Plenty of native wildlife

And many beautiful sandy beaches

BRISBANE TO THE GOLD COAST

78 kilometres - 1 hour

Brisbane is the perfect starting location for your Byron Bay trip, providing plenty of opportunity to see and do things on your way to the big stop, The Gold Coast. Some spots you might like to visit on this stretch include:

LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY

Start your journey with a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Get up close with some adorable koalas and other Aussie wildlife—it'sa great way to start your trip with some unique photo ops and unforgettable memories.

YATALA PIE SHOP

Next up, swing by the iconic Yatala Pie Shop for a delicious treat. Their mouthwatering pies are the perfect road trip fuel, and trust us, they’re worth every bite.

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

Tamborine is a lovely detour between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. There are a number of short walks here, so you can stretch your legs and breathe the fresh hinterland air. Plus, the views are totally worth it!

THE GOLD COAST

Woohoo, you’ve made it to the Gold Coast! Just south of Brisbane, this area is known for its endless stretch of pale sand and brilliant blue water. Here’s a rundown of some things to do during your stop:

Surfers Paradise:The heart of the Gold Coast, famous for its vibrant nightlife, bustling shopping streets, and of course, stunning beach. Why not soak up the sun on the golden sands, enjoy the local dining scene, or explore the SkyPoint Observation Deck for panoramic views.

Main Beach:Offers a slightly quieter vibe compared to Surfers Paradise. It's perfect coastal walks or for a relaxed beach day with pristine sands and clear waters.

Movie World:For a fun-filled day, head to Movie World, just a 30-minute drive from Surfers Paradise. This theme park is packed with thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and your favourite movie characters.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary:About a 30-minute drive south of Surfers Paradise, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit. Here, you can get up close with Australian wildlife, from kangaroos to koalas, and even take part in feeding sessions.

Burleigh Heads:Don’t forget to stop at Burleigh Heads, which offers a chilled vibe with a retro touch, popular with surfers. You can relax in one of the cosy cafes, stroll along the pine-fringed beach, or grab a surfboard and hit the waves. Plus, if you're starting your journey from theGold Coast branch, Burleigh Heads is an easy 20-minute drive north of Coolangatta.

Girl at the beach with a surfboard and a JUCY campervan

GOLD COAST TO THE HINTERLAND

After all the fun on the Gold Coast, you might feel it's time to head for the hills and immerse yourself in nature and explore the stunning hinterland.

TWEED HEADS

Leaving Coolangatta and the Gold Coast, you'll quickly cross the border into New South Wales, where you'llencounter the charming coastal town of Tweed Heads. Known for its beautiful river and relaxed vibe, Tweed Heads is a perfect spot to start your hinterland adventure.

SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK

If you're up for an adventure, the inland route from Brisbane to Byron Bay is every bit as enjoyable as the coast. From the beach, head west for an hour detour to discover the shady trails and picturesque waterfalls of Springbrook National Park.

One of the most popular spots here is the Natural Bridge, where a waterfall plunges through a curious rock formation into a turquoise pool below. While following the pleasant trail to reach the waterfall, see if you can spot birds such as paradise riflebirds, green catbirds and wompoo fruit-doves.

Natural Bridge waterfall and pool

The Natural Bridge by Paul Welding

MOUNT WARNING, WOLLUMBIN NATIONAL PARK

An hour and half south of Springbrook National Park is Mount Warning, where from the top, you can see the first sunrise on mainland Australia!

The trail is 4.4 kilometres each way and takes around two hours. You'll walk through subtropical rainforests and up the slopes of the ancient volcano and luckily, you don't need any special equipment and a moderate fitness level is sufficient. The last 400 metres can be challenging, as it's a near vertical climb over rocks, but the views are totally worth it!

Among the Aboriginal community, the name Wollumbin means ‘cloud catcher', and you'll understand why when you stand at the top. The view of the sun lifting over the horizon, illuminating low clouds blanketing the valley below and snagging on the curves of the Byron Hinterland, is truly spectacular.

Scenic view at Wollumbin National Park

Photo by Jamourous

THE HINTERLAND TO BYRON BAY

63 kilometres - 1 hour

It's a short and scenic drive from Wollumbin National Park to Byron Bay. Famous for its laid-back hippie vibes, creative markets, and hip cafes, Byron Bay is a hotspot for travellers. Be prepared for some traffic and bustling cafes, but the experience is well worth it. Whether you're here for yoga, stunning sunsets, beach buskers, or delicious food, you'll find plenty to love. For a great beach-side stay, we recommend Wake Up! Byron Bay.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND BYRON BAY:

WATEGOS BEACH (3 kilometres - 5 minutes) - If you're looking to escape to somewhere quieter, head to Wategos Beach. This is an epic picnic spot, and the sheltered waters make it perfect for swimming.

CAPE BYRON HEADLAND (4 kilometres - 10 minutes) - Just 3.5 kilometres from the town centre, Cape Byron is home to the famous lighthouse perched on a rocky cliff. As the easternmost point on mainland Australia, it's a prime spot for catching spectacular sunrises. It's also a great vantage point for spotting humpback whales, with around 30,000 passing by between June and November each year. Don't miss the Cape Byron walking track, a 3.7 km loop that takes about two hours to complete, offering breathtaking views.

THE FARM (6 kilometres - 10 minutes) - Another great place to stop and enjoy the countryside is The Farm, a working farm and micro business hub. You can stop in at the bakery, buy fresh produce or enjoy some lunch at the restaurant, before going for a stroll through fields of crops and animals.

BANGALOW (15 kilometres - 20 minutes) - Just outside of Byron Bay, is the charming town of Bangalow in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Here in this little country town, you'll find great food, antiques, galleries and markets here.

MINYON FALLS LOOKOUT (34 kilometres - 45 minutes) - Further inland is the Minyon Falls lookout, on the fringe of the Northern Rivers region. The falls are an impressive 100 metres high, tumbling over massive rhyolite cliffs. The walking track gives you great views of the surrounding rainforest and distant views of the coast.

JUCY campervan driving coast road to Cape Byron

BYRON BAY TO BRISBANE

Didn't check off everything on your list from Brisbane to Byron Bay? No worries! Why not flip the journey and travel from Byron Bay back to Brisbane?

Alternatively, extend your adventure and spend some extra time in the vibrant Gold Coast, giving you the chance to explore more of Queensland's stunning coastline. You can drop off your JUCY rental at ourGold Coast branch, near the Gold Coast airport, or continue all the short trip back to Brissy to complete the loop!

READY TO ROAD TRIP FROM BRISBANE TO BYRON BAY? BOOK YOUR JUCY CAMPERVAN HIRE OR CAR RENTAL TODAY!

MORE ROAD TRIPS FROM BRISBANE

Not ready to give back your JUCY keys? Check out these road trips from Brisbane!

A road trip itinerary from Cairns to Brisbane - you can do this trip in reverse to get a taste of tropical north Queensland.

Brisbane to Sydney Road Trip Itinerary - keep the adventure going all the way down the East Coast of Australia

Brisbane to Noosa Road Trip - explore picturesque beaches, quaint coastal towns and breathtaking views.

FAQs - Planning Your Trip from Brisbane to Byron Bay

What is the best month to travel to Byron Bay?

If you're all about the hot weather and don't mind a bit of a crowd, aim for summer which is December through February. This is when the beaches are buzzing, perfect for catching waves or just soaking up some rays, with temperatures hitting an average high of 27 degrees Celsius and low of about 20 degrees.

If you prefer slightly cooler temperatures, spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) might be more your vibe. You still get great weather, averaging temperatures from 16 to 24 degrees Celsius, without the peak-season hustle and bustle. Plus, you might score yourself some sweet deals on things to do.

What is the cheapest way to get from Brisbane to Byron Bay?

One of the cheapest ways to get from Brisbane to Byron Bay is by catching the Greyhound Australia. This service starts in Brisbane and heads towards Sydney with a stop to Byron Bay along the way. Bus tickets start around $30, and the bus service runs three times a day. Whilst this is a cost-effective option, the bus trip can add about an hour to your journey, making it just over 3 hours. With this in mind, we reckon a JUCY rental is the way ahead, so you can make the journey your own (though we might be slightly biased!)