road trip brisbane to canberra

14-Day Brisbane to Canberra Road Trip

Embark on an adventurous 14-day road trip from Brisbane to Canberra and explore some of Australia’s most stunning destinations. From beachside towns and lush rainforests to mountain ranges and cities, every day promises something new.

With useful amenities dotted around the route, keeping refreshed and fuelled up for your journey should never be an issue. This 14-day Brisbane to Canberra road trip is sure to guarantee stunning views, unforgettable memories, and countless stories for years to come.

Brisbane to Canberra Distance

Travelling between Brisbane and Canberra is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Australia’s east coast. The distance between these two cities is 1,249 km and takes about 14 hours by car, so be sure to plan for frequent stops to rest during your journey. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore country towns with rich histories, visit stunning national parks and forests, and stop by secluded beaches with breathtaking views. Enjoy the scenery as you make your leisurely drive from Brisbane to Canberra.

1249km trip distance

14 day roadtrip

Campervan recommended

Day 1-2: Brisbane to Gold Coast

Kicking off your 14-day Brisbane to Canberra road trip with a visit to the Gold Coast is a must – there are some amazing things to do here! Firstly, Sea World is sure to give you and your family an unforgettable experience. Other incredible amusement parks on offer include Movie World, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild, SkyPoint, and more – ideal for those longing for some thrill. For more of a relaxed atmosphere, take a stroll at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or Springbrook National Park. Meanwhile, surfing enthusiasts should check out Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach for excellent conditions. Last but not least, Surfers Paradise offers an unbeatable nightlife experience with its vibrant party atmosphere.

Sightseeing #1: Springbrook National Park

Characterised by closing canopies, vines, palms and a variety of epiphytes, Springbrook National Park contains a diverse environment that is recognisable as part of Australia’s subtropical rainforest. Taking in views of the plateau, Mount Cougal and Natural Bridge, visitors can witness the majestic beauty of this landscape while also taking advantage of signage and displays that explain the different habitats. Whether you’re an avid explorer or simply looking for a pleasant day out with friends and family, Springbrook National Park offers something for everyone.

Sightseeing #2: Surfers Paradise

Situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise beach is one of Australia’s most sought-after vacation spots. It is known for its three-kilometre stretch of soft golden sand, crystal clear waters and favourable climate conditions for a variety of sports activities. Its long white beach offers excellent relaxation and invigorating outdoor adventure, whether surfing or swimming. Additionally, many outdoor amenities nearby, such as bars, cafeterias and nightlife hotspots, make this beach perfect for everybody seeking a unique tropical experience. No 14-day Brisbane to Canberra road trip would be complete without visiting Surfers Paradise beach – it’s a definite must-see!

Day 3-4: Gold Coast to Byron Bay

Head south from the Gold Coast, and you’ll come upon the stunning Byron Bay, one of Australia’s top destination spots. The region offers spectacular beaches, charming stores and restaurants, amazing festivals and events, and a friendly community that make it the perfect place for relaxation and exploration during your 14-day Brisbane to Canberra road trip. Be sure to check out Cape Byron lighthouse, too – you won’t find an easternmost point quite like this anywhere else in the country.

Sightseeing #1: Cape Byron Lighthouse

Situated on the beautiful and rugged Cape Byron Headland, the Cape Byron Lighthouse is a picturesque landmark on the horizon of Byron Bay. The lighthouse, which is the most easterly point of mainland Australia, guides passing boats with its ray of light that measures up to 27 nautical miles. Moreover, the area’s prime location makes it a great destination for whale watching or simply admiring them from afar as they leisurely make their way past the cape.

Sightseeing #2: Tallow Beach

Even if you have never visited Byron Bay, you can surely imagine the breathtaking views of the region’s beautiful coastline. Tallow Beach offers a stunning display of natural beauty, with its iconic lighthouse at one end and Broken Head at the other. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but Tallow Beach is also a popular destination for pet owners as dogs are allowed to be off-leash within several kilometres of the shoreline.

Day 5: Byron Bay to Grafton

A stop at Grafton on the 14-Day Brisbane to Canberra Road Trip is an absolute must! During spring, the picturesque town transforms into an idyllic purple paradise with more than 2,000 stunning jacaranda trees filling up its streets and lining its verdant banks along the Clarence River. Tourists will be delighted by the breathtaking views of historic Victorian and Edwardian architecture across Grafton, making it a destination worth finding your way to on this fun road trip journey.

Sightseeing #1: See Park

See Park in Grafton is an ideal spot for a 14-day Brisbane to Canberra Road Trip. With a great view and plenty of natural areas, it provides the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. Whether you are gathering with friends and family or just appreciating the peaceful environment, See Park’s lush green surroundings offer something for everyone. In the months leading up to the trip, don’t forget to look out for the stunning Jacaranda Trees that blossom into vibrant displays of purple during October and November.

Sightseeing #2: Yuraygir National Park

Yuraygir National Park boasts abundant natural beauty, offering majestic views of the stunning coastline. But Yuraygir also offers much more – with rivers, lakes and estuaries dotted around its edges – making it an excellent spot for swimmers and snorkelers alike. For those on the lookout for a fishing adventure, nearby Sandon River is considered one of the state’s best spots for jewfish and groper. So make sure to pack your rod before heading off on your Brisbane to Canberra journey – you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

Day 6: Grafton to Woolgoolga

After five days of magnificent road-tripping from Brisbane to Grafton, you’ll feel excited and invigorated for the next leg of your journey – Woolgoolga. A hidden gem in Australia, Woolgoolga is quickly garnering admiration from travellers with its unique offerings. Explore lush hinterland vistas, stunning bays and beach Views; wander through markets, galleries and outdoor gardens; enjoy the aromas and flavours of some delicious Indian restaurants in this delightful town. Set your camera to shoot an abundance of picturesque views you will carry back home as a rich life experience.

Sightseeing #1: Guru Nanak Sikh Temple

Guru Nanak Sikh Temple is a symbol of devotion for Sikhs around the world who believe that it holds a print of Guru Nanak’s hand on a boulder. The Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, situated atop the sacred site where Guru Nanak once lived, is celebrated as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Sikhs and spiritual travellers everywhere. Exploring this beautiful temple and its scenic grounds will be an unforgettable experience for those journeying through Australia.

Sightseeing #2: Wedding Bells State Forest

Nestled in the small coastal town of Woolgoolga is Wedding Bells State Forest, an underexplored gem for those taking a 14-day road trip from Brisbane to Canberra. Although within easy reach of children, this walk also offers plenty of outdoor activities for the more adventurous adult – its creeks are perfect for a paddle, while its plentiful waterholes provide great opportunities for swimming. There is also an array of native flora and bird life to enjoy as you transition from ghostly flooded gum forest to rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled, and you’ll even see stag and elk horns, bird nest ferns, plus palm groves.

Day 7: Woolgoolga to Coffs Harbour

On day seven of your fourteen-day road trip, you will set out from Woolgoolga and make your way to Coffs Harbour – a popular tourist destination and home to some incredible attractions. Be sure to check out Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, where you can get up close to beautiful marine animals like seals, otters and more. Take time to admire breathtaking views at the Forest Sky Pier or marvel at the coastal habitats and wild animals at Muttonbird Island. Nature lovers should pay a visit to the picturesque North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, while those looking for family fun should head over to The Big Banana Fun Park. With such an impressive selection of sites, Coffs Harbour is sure to make the most of your road trip itinerary.

Sightseeing #1: The Big Banana Fun Park

If you’re road-tripping along the eastern shores of Australia from Brisbane to Canberra, a stop at the Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour should definitely be on your list of things to do! Australia’s original and most iconic attraction features some of the country’s most exciting activities. From the biggest indoor Giant Slide to a thrilling Toboggan Ride overlooking the Pacific Ocean to an awesome Laser Tag arena and 4D Ride Simulator, there’s something for everyone at this fun-filled family park. Don’t miss out – make sure it’s part of your next road trip adventure.

Sightseeing #2: Forest Sky Pier

An ideal stop on a 14-day Brisbane to Canberra road trip is the stunning Forest Sky Pier located in Coffs Harbour. This remarkable architectural feature provides travellers with a 180-degree panoramic view of both the Coffs Coast and Hinterland, as it projects almost 22 metres out over a rainforest that sits 15 metres above the canopy. It’s no wonder why this destination is so popular among sightseers—a visit to the Forest Sky Pier is bound to be unforgettable.

Day 8-9: Coffs Harbour to Newcastle

On days eight and nine of your road trip from Brisbane to Canberra, why not stop off in Newcastle? This historic Australian city has a lot to offer, with charming beaches, unique street art, iconic ocean baths and designer hotels. It’s no wonder Newcastle is affectionately known as ‘Newie’, with plenty of activities and sights on offer.

Sightseeing #1: Fort Scratchley

Perched atop a coastal headland in Newcastle, the 19th-century fortification known as Fort Scratchley is steeped in historical significance. This historic site was built in 1882 to defend against perceived Russian attacks at the height of colonial tensions. During its long history, the fort has served as a gunnery and also played an important role in World War II. It’s now open to visitors, who can explore the grounds and learn all about its fascinating past.

Sightseeing #2: Bogey Hole

Set at the base of King Edward Park, a significant part of Newcastle’s history, the Bogey Hole is ideal for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can start their sightseeing experience with a visit to this picturesque site to see the ancient volcanic extrusions which make up the surrounding cliff faces. Cast your eyes further outwards to observe surfers cut through the waves while taking in some of Newcastle’s famous skyline in the background. Regardless of whether you’re a visitor or a local, everyone will be able to appreciate why this historic landmark enjoys its reputation as one of Newcastle’s must-see tourist attractions.

Day 10-11: Newcastle to Sydney

Sydney is a vibrant city centre of New South Wales that is full of life and history, making it the perfect destination for an amazing road trip. There are countless attractions in Sydney, such as the iconic Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, as well as historical landmarks like Queen Victoria Building and The Rocks. While visiting Sydney, you also cannot miss out on the renowned Royal Botanic Garden Sydney or get a bird’s eye view from the Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye. At night, you can explore the vibrant night markets in Darling Harbour to get souvenirs and local delicacies. With something for everyone, a two-day stopover in Sydney during your Brisbane to Canberra road trip is something you should definitely not miss out on.

Sightseeing #1: Sydney Opera House

A marvel of modern architecture, the Sydney Opera House is an iconic landmark situated on the picturesque harbour of Sydney. Built and constructed through a series of impressive feats of engineering, the Opera House is one of the most distinctive and recognisable structures in the world. Famous for its impressive architectural design and technological innovations, visitors can soak up some incredible views from its many vantage points or attend one of the many events hosted here throughout the year. Sightseeing at the Sydney Opera House is sure to be a memorable experience, offering something special to all who visit.

Sightseeing #2: Bondi Beach

For a 14-day road trip from Brisbane to Canberra, Sydney provides overnight stops and plenty of exciting sightseeing experiences. Arguably the most popular of these spots is Bondi Beach. This iconic beach boasts a 1-kilometre glimmering beach strip that makes it ideal for enjoying long walks and relaxing on the golden shoreline. What’s more, world-class waves make it an ideal surf spot, providing a plethora of waves for surfing enthusiasts to enjoy throughout the year since Bondi Beach is open all year round.

Day 12: Sydney to Goulbourn

Goulburn is a perfect destination to add to your 14-day Brisbane to Canberra road trip on day 12. Known as Australia’s first inland city, it combines the best of rural living and city benefits, so there is something to suit everyone’s interests. You’ll discover stunning landscapes, heritage buildings with modern art galleries, boutique shopping and delicious eateries. Plus, regular events are held throughout the year, making it an ideal place for a short break or longer holiday stay. There’s no shortage of activities in Goulbourn; from exploring the natural beauty to soaking up its unique culture and history, you’ll have plenty of options for ways to fill your days.

Sightseeing #1: The Big Merino

The Big Merino is a must-see for anyone visiting Goulbourn. Not only is it the biggest Merino ram in the world, but it is also a symbol of the region’s thriving wool industry. Upon closer inspection, you’ll see that the Merino is actually modelled after Rambo, a stud Ram from the “Bullamallita” farm, which is one of the area’s many properties that work diligently to produce quality fleeces for textile manufacturers around the world. The gift shop located within The Big Merino is a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs and gifts, so don’t forget to take a peak before you leave.

Sightseeing #2: Belmore Park

Bellemore Park is one of the highlights in Goulbourn. Situated at the centre of the City and situated on the original market site, this prominent landmark is a favourite amongst locals and visitors. You can explore stunning monuments and ornaments, including a band rotunda, gardens, a fountain and a glass house conservatory, as well as honourable war memorials. Facilities like picnic tables, a children’s playground, public toilets (including an accessible toilet) and a public phone are available for travellers to enjoy their visit.

Day 13-14: Goulbourn to Canberra

End your 14-day Brisbane to Canberra road trip with a visit to the Australian Capital Territory for an experience like no other. The strong symbolic design of architect Walter Burley Griffin has truly made the city memorable, and, as such, many national functions occur here. From reconnecting with nature and discovering the Australian story at museums and icons to exploring wineries and shops and enjoying hot air balloon rides, Canberra offers something for everyone! Visit art galleries and indulge your inner foodie in Braddon. Don’t forget to take advantage of the city’s famous lake and the seasons’ many festivals and events. Prepare for Canberra to be one of your most remarkable experiences yet!

Sightseeing #1: Australian War Memorial

Visiting the Australian War Memorial in Canberra is an essential experience for all visitors to the nation’s capital. The memorial stands as a powerful tribute to all those who served their country, with its collection of records, photographs and artefacts providing an impressive insight into the history, courage and sacrifice of Australia’s men and women in times of conflict or peacekeeping practices. Situated along an important land axis from Parliament House on Capital Hill through the summit of Mount Ainslie, the memorial serves as a poignant reminder to take time to appreciate and pay tribute to Australia’s service members who have lost their lives – or lived – defending our nation.

Sightseeing #2: Alivio Tourist Park

Alivio Tourist Park offers visitors to Canberra a great place to stay in the heart of the city – a peaceful bushland setting convenient for sightseeing some of the National Capital’s biggest attractions. It provides modern, spacious accommodation options, including villas, cabins and motel rooms, plus amenities like its cafe, bar, pool and spa. All these facilities are supported by friendly, helpful staff that ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Happy Exploring!

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If you want to read more of our Brisbane adventures, come and explore the dedicated  Brisbane Road Trips . Happy Exploring!

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40 Best Stops Between Canberra and Brisbane

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How long is the drive from Canberra to Brisbane?

The direct drive from Canberra to Brisbane is 737 mi (1,186 km) , and should have a drive time of 11 hrs 25 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Canberra to Brisbane, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Sydney , the Gold Coast , Katoomba , Cessnock , Port Macquarie , Byron Bay , Coffs Harbour , Newcastle , Pokolbin , and Shoalhaven , as well as top places to visit like Circular Quay Wharf 3 and Fig Tree Lawn - Royal Botanic Garden, or the ever-popular Bondi to Coogee Walk.

Top cities between Canberra and Brisbane

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Port Macquarie

Coffs harbour, best stops along canberra to brisbane drive, bondi to coogee walk.

Circular Quay Wharf 3

Fig tree lawn - royal botanic garden.

Sydney Opera House

Port Jackson Bay

Australian reptile park, the entrance town centre management, hunter valley gardens.

Peterson House - Hunter Valley Winery

Blackbutt nature reserve, newcastle memorial walk, gan gan lookout, sea acres rainforest centre, koala conservation hospital port macquarie, trial bay gaol.

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Dorrigo National Park

Coffs coast wildlife sanctuary, the big banana fun park, the farm byron bay, cape byron lighthouse cafe, cape byron walking track, tweed regional gallery & margaret olley art centre, natural bridge, springbrook national park, coolangatta beach, skypoint observation deck.

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Surfers Paradise Beach

Warner bros. movie world, eagle street pier, top searches in brisbane, other popular road trips from canberra, explore nearby places.

• Boodjamulla National Park
• Mount Barney National Park
• Cooloola National Park
• Indooroopilly
• Everton Park
• Mount Gravatt
• Everton Hills
• Upper Mt Gravatt
• Mount Ommaney
• Acacia Ridge
• Albany Creek
• Eatons Hill
• Clear Mountain
• Mount Crosby

All related maps of Brisbane

• Map of Brisbane
• Map of Boodjamulla National Park
• Map of Gympie
• Map of Caloundra
• Map of Mount Barney National Park
• Map of Cooloola National Park
• Map of Windsor
• Map of Indooroopilly
• Map of Everton Park
• Map of Mount Gravatt
• Map of Everton Hills
• Map of Virginia
• Map of Brookfield
• Map of Upper Mt Gravatt
• Map of Mount Ommaney
• Map of Acacia Ridge
• Map of Albany Creek
• Map of Wacol
• Map of Brendale
• Map of Eatons Hill
• Map of Strathpine
• Map of Samford
• Map of Bray Park
• Map of Springwood
• Map of Capalaba
• Map of Lawnton
• Map of Hillcrest
• Map of Clear Mountain
• Map of Petrie
• Map of Mount Crosby
• Map of Cashmere

Brisbane throughout the year

• Brisbane in January
• Brisbane in February
• Brisbane in March
• Brisbane in April
• Brisbane in May
• Brisbane in June
• Brisbane in July
• Brisbane in August
• Brisbane in September
• Brisbane in October
• Brisbane in November
• Brisbane in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Brisbane?

Get inspired for your trip to Brisbane with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Brisbane Itinerary
• 2-Day Brisbane Itinerary
• 3-Day Brisbane Itinerary
• 4-Day Brisbane Itinerary
• 5-Day Brisbane Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from canberra to brisbane.

Yes! You can drive from Canberra to Brisbane.

How far is Brisbane from Canberra by car?

The drive from Canberra to Brisbane is 737 miles (1,186 km).

How long does it take to drive from Canberra to Brisbane?

Driving from Canberra to Brisbane should take you 11 hrs 25 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Canberra to Brisbane?

Gas from Canberra to Brisbane would cost around $65 to $151 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Canberra to Brisbane?

You could check out Circular Quay Wharf 3 and Fig Tree Lawn - Royal Botanic Garden, or the always popular Bondi to Coogee Walk!

What are the best cities to visit between Canberra and Brisbane?

People love visiting Sydney, Gold Coast, and Katoomba, among others.

What's the weather like in Canberra?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Canberra in January
• Weather in Canberra in February
• Weather in Canberra in March
• Weather in Canberra in April
• Weather in Canberra in May
• Weather in Canberra in June
• Weather in Canberra in July
• Weather in Canberra in August
• Weather in Canberra in September
• Weather in Canberra in October
• Weather in Canberra in November
• Weather in Canberra in December

What are some other road trips from Canberra?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Canberra.

• Canberra to Sydney drive
• Canberra to Melbourne drive
• Canberra to the Gold Coast drive
• Canberra to Brisbane drive
• Canberra to Katoomba drive
• Canberra to Cessnock drive
• Canberra to Adelaide drive
• Canberra to Hobart drive
• Canberra to Shoalhaven drive
• Canberra to Kiama Municipality drive
• Canberra to Port Macquarie drive
• Canberra to Ballarat drive
• Canberra to Dubbo drive
• Canberra to Cairns drive
• Canberra to Launceston drive
• Canberra to Torquay drive
• Canberra to Cowra drive
• Canberra to Greater Bendigo drive
• Canberra to Orange drive
• Canberra to Coffs Harbour drive
• Canberra to Byron Bay drive
• Canberra to Kosciuszko National Park drive
• Canberra to Bathurst drive
• Canberra to Mudgee drive
• Canberra to Summerlands drive
• Canberra to Pokolbin drive
• Canberra to Mosman drive
• Canberra to Noosa drive
• Canberra to Merimbula drive
• Canberra to Beechworth drive

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18 Best Road Trips from Brisbane

Home of the Lamington, Brisbane is an urban metropolis whose strongest suit is its proximity to so many more stunning Australian cities, parks, forests and beaches that are perfect to tackle on a day-long, weekend-long or even week-long road trip.

Choose from these 18 road trips from Brisbane and discover the beauty that this beautiful country has to offer. From bustling cities and coastal escapes to unique inland experiences and gorgeous tropical islands, there's sure to be a trip for you.

Take the plunge and keep reading to discover our favourite road trips from Brisbane, organised from the nearest to furthest.

Best road trips from Brisbane: a quick overview

Day trips from Brisbane (under 3 hours each way)

1. Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island (via MICAT Car Ferry)

45 minutes from Brisbane (60 km)

Why you should visit: The closest road trip on this list, this trip takes you right across Moreton Bay to Stradbroke Island and Moreton Islands, two gorgeous spaces perfect for a day's trip. You basically don't even have to leave the city to enjoy the picturesque vistas found on these two islands.

These heavenly islands are a wonderful and laidback day's escape from Brisbane, boasting rich Indigenous culture, diverse wildlife and tons of outdoor activities in the waters of the Coral Sea.

How to get there: To get to Stradbroke Island, direct yourself towards Cleveland, about an hour away from downtown Brisbane. From there, you can take a water taxi or car ferry across to North Stradbroke.

To get to Moreton Island, take the MICAT Car Ferry, a 90-minute journey. The ferry departs from the Port of Brisbane and operates on a demand-based timetable, meaning that on a quieter day you should expect fewer journeys to choose from.

Our highlights: While Stradbroke is busier and offers dining and shopping options, Moreton Island, which is entirely made up of sand, is more park-like and secluded.

You'll be able to spot dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and whales from the shores, and can admire koalas and kangaroos passing through the camping and park grounds.

Looking for a dose of history? Enjoy a historical walk along the Goompi trail on Stradbroke Island with a local Aboriginal guide to discover the rich culture of the people that have inhabited this island for millennia.

There's no better way to understand and appreciate this culture than to get in touch with the natural beauty that is so central to it.

We hope you've packed your walking shoes, as so much of Stradbroke and Moreton is best discovered on foot; the North Gorge Walk on Stradbroke Island is one of this island's most beautiful trails, taking you along the beautiful blue waters along the sea-facing coast.

There's no shortage of views on the islands, but we think the best one of is at the top of Moreton's tallest mountain. With a peak of just over 286 meters, you're sure to find breathtaking views of the sea and Gold Coast. Perfect for a photo op or to enjoy an unbeatable sunset.

Bonus: The original name of Stradbroke Island is Minjerribah; the island is still home to a large community of the Quandamooka People, the original caretakers of this land.

Our travel tips: We recommend booking your ferries in advance to ensure your spot, as well as your vehicles'. Keep in mind that ferry frequency changes depending on how high the demand is; while some days have ferries on the half-hour, others may just have one or two a day.

These gorgeous islands offer many outdoor activities; make sure to pack accordingly, including sunscreen, a bathing suit and a hat to protect you from the sun.

2. Lamington and Springbrook National Parks

Via canungra and tamborine mountain.

1 hour 30 minutes from Brisbane (110 km)

Why you should visit: Get a two-for-one deal on this road trip that takes you to Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, two of this region's most lush green spaces that boast lush forests, creeks, waterfalls, and dramatic lookouts.

You'll also have the chance to view an extremely rare marsupial, the Australian native and carnivorous quoll, indigenous to this region.

How to get there: These parks are located just south of Brisbane. To get there, exit the city via the M3, then get yourself to the M1. Tamborine Mountain is located about halfway to the National Parks, just off the M1. Once you've thoroughly explored Tamborine Mountain, you'll find Canungra about 10 kilometres away, and the two National Parks are easily reachable via State Routes 90, 99 and 97.

Our highlights: Take the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk to discover this beautiful region's natural offerings. This hour-long walk features a stop at the Rainforest Eco Gallery, which explores Tamborine Mountain's local and Indigenous History.

While there are tons of ways to discover Lamington and Springbrook National Park (including several guided tours), we think that there is no better option than exploring these stunning natural parks by yourself along one of many walking trails. Lace up your sneakers and get ready for a relaxing walk through some of Australia's most beautiful forests.

Looking for a dose of furry cuteness? Mountview Alpaca Farm is located just a few minutes' drive from Canungra; here, you'll be able to interact with and feed this docile and playful animal. This farm also boasts a wonderful gift shop.

If you're looking for a place to shop, the Gallery Walk on Tamborine Mountain is the spot for you, boasting over sixty art, craft, gift and knick-knack shops. You'll also be able to find tons of delicious locally made treats, including cheeses, chocolates, and signature wines.

Bonus: These two parks are quite different when it comes to size: while Lamington National Park, covers over 51,000 acres of land, Springbrook National Park is significantly smaller, at just over 15,000 acres.

Our travel tips: Make sure to check the national park's websites before planning your trip; depending on the season and precipitation levels, the park's trails may be closed.

3. Sunshine Coast

Via caloundra.

1 hour 20 minutes from Brisbane (120 km)

Why you should visit: There's nothing on this list quite like the Sunshine Coast, the nearest region of coastal beaches and relaxing towns that boast blinding white sands and crystal-clear waters, as well as Heritage-listed national parks and charming historic villages.

Discover secluded beaches and luxurious dining experiences on the Sunshine Coast, stopping along the way in Caloundra, the “southern belle” of this region that boasts a rich surf culture and lots of outdoor adventuring. It's the perfect combination of relaxation and outdoor fun.

How to get there: The Sunshine Coast is a region just north of Brisbane; to get there, take the M1 from Brisbane to Glenview. Then, take exit 188 to Caloundra, and in minutes you'll have arrived in this sunny destination.

Once you're finished with Caloundra, follow State Route 6 to the Sunshine Coast, which stretches more than 60 kilometres, meaning there are plenty of options for places to stop and take a swim in Australia's beautiful waters.

Our highlights: Being so close to the bountiful Coral Sea means you're sure to find some tasty and fresh meals, and true to form, this region is celebrated for its delicious seafood offerings.

For the gastronomes out there, make sure to grab a bite at one of the many restaurants along the coastline; there you'll be able to enjoy a wonderful meal and an even better view.

One of the Sunshine Coast's most popular attractions, the Australia Zoo is home to tons of native animals as well as the world-renowned Wildlife Animal Hospital. Take a break from the water to check out the many animals that call Australia home.

Health culture is super big in Australia, and there's no better way to get a taste of it than by checking out the Ginger Factory at Yandina, which offers free admission to its gardens, shopping facilities, walking trails and 120-year-old ginger train. You can also stop in at this factory's café where you can indulge in tastings of this delicious and healthy root.

Looking for a dose of cardio? There's no better way to get your heart pumping than by taking the 2-hour climb up Mount Coolum, a 25-million-year-old volcanic dome that offers unparalleled views of the surrounding National Parks and coast.

Bonus: Did you know that from 1962 to 1983, Mudjimba Island just off the Sunshine Coast was owned by 007 himself, the late great Sean Connery?

Our travel tips: The Sunshine Coast boasts over 60 kilometres of beaches, which means that with a little exploration you'll definitely be able to find the right beach for you.

Looking for something secluded? Try further north! Looking for something closer to restaurants and bustling with activity? Try a beach further south, near Caloundra.

4. Mt Barney National Park and Scenic Rim

Via wyaralong dam and boonah.

1 hour 50 minutes from Brisbane (130 km)

Why you should visit: The Scenic Rim was recently named one of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Regions, Best in Travel 2022, and we think this road trip offers unparalleled opportunities for nature exploration within its many forested mountains.

Take a trip to Mount Barney National Park and the greater Scenic Rim, a quick drive from Brisbane and boasting vibrant art galleries, craft breweries, and boutique vineries in its many small towns.

Stop at the massive Wyaralong Dam along the way, or visit the charming town of Boonah, whose scenery has been characterised as “Switzerland without the snow.”

How to get there: Take the M3 out of Brisbane, then continue along the M5 and State Route 93 towards Scenic Dam. Then, exit onto State Route 90 towards Wyaralong for a stop at this world-famous dam.

Return to State Route 93, and within a few minutes you'll have reached the exit to Boonah. From Boonah, the Burnett Creek Road towards Mount Barney National Park, which is within the Scenic Rim region.

Our highlights: Mount Barney is a stunning national park, offering valleys, caves, rockpools and woodland forests, and we think that the best way to discover this wonderful attraction is by exploring it on foot. You'll have tons of trails to choose from, and you can even pack yourself a picnic to enjoy along the way.

Something unique about Mount Barney is that it's host to seven peaks above 1000m, which means you'll have tons of opportunities for mountain climbing and hiking through gorgeous forests. A great workout that ends with unparalleled views of this park!

For the particularly adventurous, we recommend the Discover Scenic Rim Adventure Park. This 680-acre property offers a host of activities that'll be sure to get your adrenaline flowing, including four-wheel driving, mountain biking, walking trails and several mazes.

Locals will tell you that the best way to get an idea of the Scenic Rim's sheer scale is through a unique and unforgettable hot air balloon ride across the region. You can choose from a variety of pickup locations, including Nerang and Canungra, as well as several operating companies.

Our travel tips: Just like with the other National Parks on this list, we recommend checking the Queensland Government website which will tell you about any closures or inclement weather warnings.

This road trip offers tons of locations that are perfect to explore by foot; pack a comfortable pair of shoes and be prepared to get a little workout in, especially at the national park.

5. Toowoomba and Darling Downs Region

Via ipswich.

1 hour 30 minutes from Brisbane (150 km)

Why you should visit: Coffee and wine anyone? This road trip takes you to Toowoomba, the largest inland city in Queensland which boasts a growing urban coffee culture; from there, you can explore the Darling Down region, celebrated for its award-winning vineyards.

Just 90 minutes from Brisbane, Toowoomba is a garden-filled city that is bursting with culture and fun activities. Pass through Ipswich on the way, Queensland's oldest provincial city that offers over 6000 heritage-listed sites. History and fun, all in one.

How to get there: This wine-forward region is easily accessible from Brisbane. First, get on the M3 and then the M5 out of Brisbane. Then, take the M7, M2 and Warrego Highway towards Ipswich, located along State Route 38.

Once you've enjoyed this town's many historical sites, get on the M2, then take the Warrego Highway to East Toowoomba. The Darling Down region is located just west of Toowoomba; the best way to discover the wineries in this region is to take a tour or choose a specific winery and make your way there.

Our highlights: Toowoomba is known for its stunning gardens; make sure to check out one of its several parks, including Laurel Banks, Queens Park and the Japanese Gardens. If visiting in the spring, you can also catch the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, the longest-running floral event of its kind in Australia.

While there are lots of museums to choose from in Toowomba, our favourite is the Cobb+Co Museum, home of Australia's national horse-drawn carriage collection and boasting unique exhibits which explore the region's heritage.

This town is known for its rising contemporary art scene, and the best part is that much of it is available for free! Follow the Laneway Street Art Crawl to take in the colorful graffiti in this area or visit the Toowoomba Gallery which boasts tons of works by Australian and Indigenous artists.

Did somebody say wine? This isn't the first destination on this list which boasts a rich wine culture, however, it's definitely the closest.

While there are tons of wineries to choose from in this area, Ballandean Estate Wines is the oldest winery on the Granite Belt and a great starting point on your journey to becoming a sommelier.

Bonus: Ever heard of the Australian “Lamington”? While Brisbane may now be home to this delicious treat, it was supposedly first made in Toowoomba by a cook improvising on an existing cake recipe for Lord Lamington, who visited this town in 1886.

Our travel tips: To avoid confusion, remember that Toowoomba refers to the region in which this city is found in, as well as the region itself.

Regarding visiting wineries, it's good to note that different vineyards will have different protocols for those looking to indulge in tastings. While some will offer tours and tastings for free or at a reasonable price-per-head, others may only offer bottles for purchase.

6. Gold Coast and Byron Bay

2 hours 10 minutes from Brisbane (170 km)

Why you should visit: This is the place to go if you're looking for a combination of nightlife, family fun, and stunning beaches. While other destinations on this list may offer beautiful beaches or wild nightlife, none combine the two quite like Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

Byron Bay is a unique destination on this list, a coastal town in the state of New South Wales that's known for its lively nightlife and gorgeous beaches. The Gold Coast is just north of Byron Bay, stretching along the Coral Sea. It boasts tons of amusement and theme parks, luxurious hotels and opportunities for water sports and beach fun.

How to get there: Byron Bay and the Gold Coast are basically one coastal drive down from Brisbane. Exit the city via the M1 Southbound, then take exit 69 from the M1, and soon you'll have reached the Gold Coast.

Continue exploring the coastline, or get back on the M1, which you can follow until you've reached Byron Bay.

Our highlights: Explore Dreamworld, one of Australia's favourite theme parks on the Gold Coast boasting a variety of rides and attractions, tons of on-site restaurants and a wildlife conservation park.

Make sure to check out Tiger Island, the only place on the Gold Coast where you can view these majestic animals up close.

If you're looking for a bit of history, make sure to check out the Byron Bay Lighthouse, built in 1901 and standing on the east-most point of the Australian mainland. You'll have to take a short climb to get there, but we're sure that you'll find the view to be worth it.

Take a trip to the silver screen at Warner Bros. Movie World. This is Australia's only film-related theme park and the oldest Warner Bros Park in the world. A visit here will allow you to discover tons of film memorabilia and film-related rides.

If that isn't enough, Warner Bros. Movie World also boasts tons of restaurants and on-site food options sure to satisfy any craving.

Before Byron Bay became the fun haven it is today, it was mostly covered by swamps! While most of the swamplands have been covered or built over, you can always walk the Cumbebin Wetland Sanctuary Boardwalk, which takes you back to Byron Bay's swampy beginnings.

Bonus: Craving a Big Mac? You'll have to be prepared for a drive out of the city as you won't find a Mcdonald's anywhere in Byron Bay, a result of protests from locals in the 1990s who kept out multi-national fast-food chains in favour of small businesses.

Our travel tips: Byron Bay is a small city in the larger Byron Shire. When booking accommodations, make sure to check that your room is located within the city itself and not somewhere in the suburbs.

Try to avoid visiting Byron Bay in the summer, which can get quite rainy and tends to be busy with tourists, opting for the autumn or spring instead.

7. Noosa and Great Sandy National Park

2 hours 20 minutes from Brisbane (180 km)

Why you should visit: Relaxed and luxurious, this road trip to Noosa and Great Sandy National Park is the perfect trip for a day or weekend getaway to somewhere fabulous and bougie.

Visit Noosa if you're looking for someplace to unwind and luxuriate; explore boutique accommodations and shops in this city, known for its fashion and food scene. If that wasn't enough, nearby Great Sandy National Park offers stunning sandy beaches and brilliantly coloured sands.

How to get there: Noosa is at the North-most point of the Sunshine Coast. To get there, exit Brisbane via the M1 then continue towards the Sunshine Coast. You'll pass most of the Sunshine Coast before reaching Noosa; from there, Great Sandy National Park is a quick 20-minute drive.

Our highlights: Is there anything better than getting luxuriously pampered while staying in a tropical paradise? During your stay in Noosa, we recommend visiting one of the four nearby spas, offering tons of services including massage, exfoliation, and hydro/aqua therapy.

There's no shopping district on the Sunshine Coast quite like Hastings Street, offering dozens of independent boutiques where you'll find everything from clothing to homewares. Just make sure you don't buy more than you can fit in your car, or you'll have a tough time getting back to Brisbane.

Whether you're a yoga novice or an expert in sun salutations, we think you're sure to enjoy catching a gorgeous sunrise during a morning beachside yoga class. There are a few different companies and types of yoga to choose from, and you may have to do a bit of research to find the option that's perfect for your level.

Explore Great Sandy National Park on foot or by four-wheel drive, depending on what kind of adventure experience you're looking for. This park is known for its colourful sands and many lighthouses, so keep an eye out for those during your exploratory walk or drive.

Bonus: The name “Noosa” comes from the local Aboriginal word “Noothera” or “Gnuthuru” which means shadow or shady place in the Kabi Kabi language.

Our travel tips: Noosa is a slightly more upscale beach town along the Sunshine Coast, so be prepared for pricier accommodation and attractions prices. We definitely think that the somewhat higher prices are worth it, given all the beauty that this destination has to offer.

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Weekend trips from Brisbane (3-5 hours each way)

8. Stanthorpe and Girraween National Park

3 hours 10 minutes from Brisbane (250 km)

Why you should visit: This road trip takes you to Stanthorpe, the biggest city in the Granite Belt which is celebrated for its wine production. Nearby Girraween National Park boasts tons of hiking trails and unique rock formations.

This inland escape is centred around Stanthorpe, known for its many wineries and home to a variety of delicious restaurants, chic cafes, boutique stores and galleries.

Outside of Stanthorpe, you'll find lush landscapes, picturesque vineyards and the stunning Girraween National Park, full of unique rock formations.

How to get there: To get to Stanthorpe, take the M3 out of Brisbane, then follow the M5 to merge onto National Highway 15. Follow this route all the way to Stanthorpe. To get to Girraween National Park, get back onto National Highway 15, then turn left onto Pyramids Road; within minutes you'll find yourself at the entrance to this beautiful park.

Our highlights: Iconic of Girraween National Park is Balancing Rock, a massive formation that hangs in the air and which is a favourite selfie spot for the Girraween's many visitors. As they say: if you didn't take a picture, did it even happen?

Calling all wine lovers! As we've already established, the Granite Belt has some of the most delicious wines in the world; we think there's no better way to discover this region's many vineyards than through a bicycle tour.

Choose from either a self-guided or host-led to discover the fruits of this beautiful region.

For the foodies out there, we highly recommend taking a tour of the Truffle Discovery Centre in Stanthorpe, where you'll have the opportunity to pick up a range of truffle products.

Stanthorpe is actually one of the few places in the world where the rare French Black Perigord Truffle is available all year, so it's the perfect spot to stock up on this coveted fungus.

Our travel tips: While the colder climate and elevation is to thank for Stanthorpe's wine and food offerings, there's no denying that it can get quite cold in the winter. If visiting during the colder months, make sure to pack warm layers.

9. South Burnett

Via glass house mountains.

3 hours 50 minutes from Brisbane (270 km)

Why you should visit: The South Burnett region is an ideal weekend escape destination, boasting tons of wineries throughout Queensland's newest wine region as well as hiking and biking trails.

This road trip is truly for the lovers of agritourism and natural attractions; discover tons of vineyards, learn about this region's historical peanut industry, or take in the beautiful surrounding mountains and lake regions.

How to get there: To get to South Burnett, exit Brisbane via the M1, which you can follow all the way to the Glass House Mountains. From there, take Coonowrin Road, Glass House Woodford Road and Beerburrum Road until you reach D'Aguilar Highway.

Take D'Aguilar Highway for about 130 kilometres, then get onto Memerambi Gordonbrook Road which will take you into the centre of the South Burnett region.

Our highlights: This road trip takes you to this fabulous destination via the Glass House Mountains, a collection of rocky peaks that are the favourites amongst mountain climbers.

If you're in the mood for relaxation along the water, we recommend taking a trip to Lake Boondooma. There, you'll have the opportunity to swim or sail in tranquil waters or enjoy a picnic along this serene body of water's peaceful shores.

South Burnett is a wine lovers' paradise; we recommend creating your own path through this region's famous wineries, many of which offer free tastings. Just make sure to call in advance to let them know you're coming and check opening/closing hours.

Discover the Kingaroy Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the town's agricultural history before enjoying a trip to Kingaroy's Peanut Van. This factory's heritage-listed peanut silos have been housing this delicious nut since 1969 and are a signature monument in this region.

Take a journey through the remains of an ancient volcano on your visit to the Bunya Mountains, the second oldest national park in Queensland. This area features over 35 kilometres of walking trails as well as a summit 1100m over sea level, guaranteed to get your blood pumping.

Our travel tips: South Burnett enjoys a warm and subtropical climate, but its nights tend to be quite cool (this is one of the reasons why grapes grow so well here.). Be sure to pack something warm to wear in the evening regardless of the season.

Long weekend trips from Brisbane (5-8 hours each way)

10. Fraser Island

6 hours from Brisbane (350 km)

Why you should visit: Fraser Island (K'Gari) is an incredibly unique ecosystem, unparalleled by any other island in the world. A World Heritage Listed site, this stunning island is the only place in the world where a rainforest has been known to grow from sand.

It's also host to over 100 freshwater lakes (despite being surrounded by saltwater), forty of which are entirely made up of rainwater. This road trip is the ideal long weekend trip, and a must-see for nature lovers who are looking to experience a unique natural world.

How to get there: Just a 6-hour drive away, Fraser Island is easy to reach. Take the M1 out of Brisbane and follow it for several hours, until you reach State Route 57. Then, follow this road until you reach River Heads – Fraser Island.

From here, you can take a car ferry to Fraser Island.

Our highlights: Fraser Island is host to numerous gorgeous landscapes and natural wonders, which you can explore on foot or via four-wheel drive. You'll be able to see subtropical rainforests, wild beaches, towering sand dunes and turquoise lakes on this magnificent island.

Discover the stunning wildlife native to this land, which includes dingoes, kangaroos, sugar gliders and brushtail possums; gaze into the blue waters to catch a glimpse of whales, dolphins and dugongs (aka sea cows).

Take a drive along the 75-mile beach along the east coast of Fraser Island, where you can get a look at some of the island's biggest attractions including the Maheno shipwreck and the bubbly rock pools, called Champagne Pools.

One of the most interesting ways to discover this island's beauty is by plane; take a 15-minute tour of Fraser Island through a company called Air Fraser Island, the only tour company operating flights through this tropical paradise.

Bonus: Did you know that Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island?

Our travel tips: If taking the 75-mile beach drive, make sure to follow the speed limit (80 km/h) and make sure to keep an eye on the tides to avoid getting caught in a slippery situation.

11. Rockhampton and Yeppoon

8 hours from Brisbane (680 km)

Why you should visit: This road trip pairs Rockhampton, a busy commercial centre, with Yeppoon , a secluded beach, striking an ideal balance of metropolitan attractions and a retreat into nature.

Nicknamed ‘The Beef City', Rockhampton is the commercial centre of Central Queensland, boasting beautiful Victorian architecture and a historical past. Nearby Yeppoon is considered a hidden secret of this region for its secluded waters and proximity to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

How to get there: To get to Rockhampton, take the M1 out of Brisbane. Then, merge onto Bruce Hwy/A1 and follow it directly to Rockhampton.

If looking to explore Yeppoon, simply hop onto Yeppoon Road which will take you to this gorgeous beach.

Our highlights: Discover the Capricorn Caves, a unique system of above-ground caves in a limestone ridge located 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton; one of the largest privately owned cave systems in Australia.

Looking to get a taste of history? Take a walk and explore Rockhampton's historic centre, where you'll find tons of Victoria-era buildings as well as the famous six statues of bovines dedicated to this city's steady beef industry.

We highly recommend a visit to the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, widely regarded as one of the best in regional Australia and boasting guided tours through its 33-hectare property.

Rockhampton Heritage Village is the perfect place to discover and get in touch with this city's rich history; here, you'll find memorabilia and artefacts dating as far back as the 1850s as well as an entire village complete with a school, fire station, cottages and more.

Bonus: Did you know that Rockhampton was once in the running to become Australia's capital city? The honour eventually went to Canberra, ACT, which you'll find further along this list.

Our travel tips: Accommodation and activity prices for this city tend to be higher during the summer months and weekends, so make sure to book according to your budget.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Brisbane to Rockhampton

Longer trips from Brisbane (Over 8 hours each way)

Via Myall Lakes National Park and Newcastle

9 hours 40 minutes from Brisbane (950 km)

Why you should visit: This epic road trip will take you from Brisbane to iconic Sydney , Australia's most recognizable and largest city; discover beautiful Myall Lakes National Park and Newcastle along the way.

Sydney offers countless opportunities for exciting adventures and cultural experiences. It's the perfect road trip destination for those looking to enjoy a big city and discover an arts scene that's truly unrivalled by the rest of Australia.

How to get there: Take the M1 out of Brisbane, then continue along the Pacific Highway; this highway will take you along Australia's Eastern Coast towards Sydney. Along the way, you'll have the option of stopping at Myall Lakes National Park and Newcastle.

Our highlights: There's no building in Australia as iconic as the stunning Sydney Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon. This multi-venue performing arts centre sitting in Sydney Harbour is a must-see for any visitor making the trek out to this bustling city.

Bondi Beach is a busy and historic beach, easily reachable from Sydney's centre via public transport or personal vehicle. This beach is known for the trendy bars, cafes and boutique shops that surround it.

Take a stroll through Sydney's famous Royal Botanic Gardens, Australia's oldest living scientific institution and the place to find tons of rare plant species native to the country. The best part about this attraction is that there is no entrance fee.

For the art-heads, the Art Gallery of New South Wales boasts a rich collection of Australian, European, and Asian art. This gallery is located just a minutes' walk from the Botanic Gardens, so you could definitely tackle both in a day.

Bonus: Did you know that the Sydney Opera House was first formally opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1973?

Our travel tips: Bondi Beach can get quite crowded during the peak swimming season; to avoid crowds, try to visit during the shoulder seasons or early in the morning when people will be fewer. Also, make sure to pack sunscreen; the sun in Sydney is particularly strong.

Finally, traffic in Sydney is known to be quite bad; the best move to see the city is to leave your car at the hotel and explore by foot/public transit.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Brisbane to Sydney

13. Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays

12 hours 30 minutes from Brisbane (1,110 km)

Why you should visit: This is the road trip for those looking to discover the Southern Great Barrier Reef , the world's largest coral reef. You'll also have the chance to stop at Airlie Beach on your way to the islands, a resort town where you'll find crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef in a variety of different ways, including by snorkel or by boat, or cruise through the 70+ islands that make up The Whitsundays.

How to get there: Getting to the Whitsundays is relatively simple: first, take the M1 out of Brisbane, and then follow the A1 towards Airlie Beach. Take State Route 59 to arrive at the resort town, then easily continue to The Whitsundays, just a few minutes away by car.

Our highlights: One of the top-rated beaches in all of Australia, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see for anyone looking to get the best out of the Whitsundays. Explore the stunning reef by snorkel or enjoy a hike up to the Hill Inlet lookout to see this paradise from above.

There's no better way to discover the seventy-plus islands that make up the Whitsundays than by cruise. There are several services that offer tours; you can choose from luxurious boat cruises to adventurous multi-day kayaking adventures.

While visiting Airlie Beach, make sure to take a dip in the pristine waters of the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a stunning freshwater oasis right by the beach which offers an opportunity to relax in the mellow waters of this man-made pool.

We can't think of anything more relaxing than heading towards the Whitsundays' many stunning beaches for a picnic. If you're looking for a taste of something local, head down to the Whitsunday Markets, which are open Saturdays and boast tons of fresh produce, food stalls and massage tents.

Bonus: Did you know that the Great Barrier Reef, which the Whitsundays are a part of, is the largest living ecosystem in the world?

Our travel tips: If you're looking to stay near the Whitsunday Islands, opt for accommodation on Airlie Beach, which is nearby and which will be more affordable than the opulent resorts on the islands themselves.

Be prepared for a good number of tourists if you're visiting during the peak season; Whitehaven Beach is, after all, rated as one of if not the best in Australia.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Brisbane to Airlie Beach

14. Canberra

12 hours 20 minutes from Brisbane (1,270 km)

Why you should visit: This road trip will take you to Australia's capital city of Canberra. While you may think that other, more renowned cities such as Melbourne or Sydney might have been chosen as the capital, it's actually Canberra that won the prestigious title.

Visit Canberra via the historical city of Orange to discover a capital brimming with arts and culture; and just outside the city, you'll find beautiful natural reserves and stunning mountain ranges that are certainly worth exploring.

How to get there: To get to Canberra, take the M3 out of Brisbane. Then, get yourself onto Warrego Highway then A39 and Newell Highway for just over 700 kilometres until you reach Mendooran Road.

From there, take Mitchell Highway and continue until you've reached Orange, then get onto Barton Highway which you can follow to Canberra.

Our highlights: We recommend checking out Australia's new Parliament House in downtown Canberra, a gorgeous contemporary building that is open to the public for tours and educational exhibits.

Also downtown in Canberra's centre, you'll find Lake Burley Griffin which is surrounded by galleries, museums, cafes, restaurants, and parks, as well as cycling and walking paths. There's no better way to discover Canberra than by taking a walk through its downtown core, starting at this famous lake.

Discover the National Gallery of Australia in this bustling city, which is the custodian of the world's largest and most outstanding collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Here you'll find touring and permanent exhibitions featuring works by some of the greats and new artists.

For the foodies, visit Orange along the way to discover some of Australia's best fine-dining restaurants and vineyards. Orange is the ultimate foodie dream.

Bonus: Canberra is one of the few capital cities that were built exclusively with the purpose of being a capital city. Some other examples include New Delhi, Washington DC and Ankara.

Our travel tips: If you're considering visiting the Australian parliament, keep in mind that opening hours may vary—make sure to check online before heading over.

15. Melbourne

18 hours 10 minutes from Brisbane (1,790 km)

Why you should visit: This road trip takes you to two of the largest metropolitan cities in all of Australia: Melbourne and Sydney. It's the perfect trip for those who are more interested in Australia's cosmopolitan rather than natural offerings.

Melbourne is one of Australia's main cultural capitals, full to the brim with delicious food, amazing music venues, inspiring art galleries and multicultural festivals.

How to get there: Take the M3 out of Brisbane, then follow the Pacific Highway for several hundred kilometres until you've reached Sydney. From Sydney, get onto the M5, and follow the M5 until you've reached the M31, which you can follow through Victoria until you reach Melbourne.

Our highlights: There are an endless number of art museums and galleries in the city of Melbourne; one of the standouts is the National Gallery of Victoria, founded in 1861. This is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, boasting a wonderful collection from both local artists and recognized greats.

A major landmark in Melbourne's business district, Queen Victoria Market covers over seven hectares and is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a morning to shop around this massive space, where you'll find everything from rare Australian fruits to wonderful souvenirs.

There's no view of Melbourne that can quite compare to the one you'll get if you climb the Melbourne Skydeck. Located at the top of one of Melbourne's tallest skyscrapers, this enclosed viewing deck is the ideal place to see the city in its entirety from above.

Discover the beautiful architecture and a lively cultural hub at Federation Square, a venue for arts, culture and public events that sits right on the edge of Melbourne's central business district.

Featuring cafes and bars around a large and paved square, this district is the perfect place to let loose and enjoy Melbourne's distinct artistic culture.

Bonus: Did you know that Melbourne has the largest tram system outside of Europe, as well as the fourth largest in the world overall?

Our travel tips: There are tons of festivals taking place in Melbourne year-round – if you're looking for an extra good time, try to plan your trip to coincide with one of this city's many popular events.

Also, make sure to purchase your public transport pass at a station or retail outlet, as they aren't available for purchase on the trams themselves.

16. Cairns and Daintree Rainforest

22 hours from Brisbane (1,820 km)

Why you should visit: This road trip is for those looking to discover two unique ecosystems: the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian Rainforest. This road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is also the northmost out of the ones on this list.

Cairns is a unique city in Australia, boasting laid-back vibes and uniquely beautiful natural spaces. Take a snorkel dive into the world's largest ecosystem or relax in one of this city's many trendy cafes and bars.

On the other hand, the Daintree Rainforest offers an unparalleled experience, with its emerald-green foliage and fascinating wildlife.

How to get there: Take State Route 15 out of Brisbane, then follow the M1 to Bruce Hwy/A1 which will pretty much take you straight to Cairns City. When you're ready to explore nearby Daintree Forest, follow National Route 1 and Captain Cook Hwy northbound. You'll have to take a ferry across the Daintree River to reach this beautiful tropical paradise.

Our highlights: If the offerings of the Great Barrier Reef aren't enough to satisfy your hunger for discovering marine life, we recommend checking out the Cairns Aquarium which connects you with 16,000 species of animals across 10 different ecosystems and 71 different exhibits.

Take a walk (or a run) along the Cairns Esplanade, one of the most scenic workout spots in Australia which overlooks the Coral Sea.

If you're visiting Cairns, you absolutely must take the time to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. The world's largest living ecosystem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning underwater paradise spans over 350,000 square kilometres up the coastline and is positively brimming with marine life.

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest in the world, dating back over 135 million years. It's an absolute must-see on this list, boasting a complex ecosystem and stunning vistas.

There are several ways to discover this paradise, including two and four-hour walking tours as well as self-guided walking trails.

Bonus: The Great Barrier Reef is home to innumerable species including 6 species of turtles, 215 species of birds, 17 species of sea snakes and more than 1500 species of fish!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Brisbane to Cairns

17. Adelaide

Via murray-sunset national park.

22 hours from Brisbane (2,070 km)

Why you should visit: If you're looking for a taste of the outback as well as something metropolitan, then this road trip is for you, taking you through Murray Sunset National Park before arriving at the bustling centre of Adelaide.

Visit Adelaide if you're looking for lush green parks, historic buildings and wonderful cultural offerings; the Murray-Sunset National Park is Victoria's premiere protected natural space, offerings tons of opportunities for outdoor fun and is famous for its pink lakes.

How to get there: Adelaide is quite the drive from Brisbane , but luckily it takes you through some beautiful passages in outback Australia. First, exit Brisbane via the M3. Then, take Warrego Highway in the direction of Adelaide through central New South Wales.

Follow the Sturt Highway/A20 and Hattah-Robinvale until you've reached Murray-Sunset; from there, follow Mallee Highway then National Highway M1 until you've reached Adelaide.

Our highlights: If you're looking for a combination of the natural and the historic, look no further than the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, a 51-hectare public garden that was opened in 1857 and where you can discover Australia's most fascinating plant species.

One of the oldest fresh food markets in Australia, the Adelaide Central Market is the ideal spot to shop for fresh produce or dine in one of several cafes and eateries.

Grab some cash (certain vendors may not accept card payment) and fill up on delicious goodies before heading over to one of Adelaide's many parks for a picnic.

Feeling up to a bit of culture? The Art Gallery of South Australia is a historic art museum that boasts the second-largest state art collection of Australia, including some works by Monet, Pissarro, and Renoir.

Murray Sunset National Park is host to a slew of natural wonders and gorgeous sights, though none are as famous as this park's pink lakes. These stunning bodies of water are unique to this region, and a must-see if stopping by Murray Sunset.

Our travel tips: If you want to catch the pink lakes while they're at their most pink, try to visit during late summer, when the water salinity level is such that the lakes will be the perfect bright bubble-gum pink.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Brisbane to Adelaide

18. Uluru and Alice Springs

32 hours from Brisbane (3,220 km)

Why you should visit: This road trip takes you right into the middle of the Australian outback , complete with stunning desert vistas and arid landscapes. If you're looking for something different than a beachy town or tropical forest, this trip is the one for you.

Discover Alice Springs, nicknamed the “Capital of the Outback”, where you'll find arid desert landscapes, beautiful gardens and Uluru, an Indigenous sacred site that will take your breath away.

How to get there: This is the furthest road trip on our list, but it's totally worth the drive. Take the M3 out of Brisbane, then follow the Warrego Highway, A39 and B76 to Castlereagh Highway.

From there, take the Stuart Highway until you've reached Uluru. Alice Springs is located about an hour's drive from this stunning monolith.

Our highlights: An ancient sandstone monolith located within the centre of arid Australia, Uluru is estimated to be around 600 million years old and is an incredibly significant Aboriginal sacred site and one of the country's most visited attractions.

Alice Springs is a popular outback destination for those looking to escape into Australia's red deserts. There are tons of art galleries to choose from in this town, many of which feature the works of local Indigenous artists.

There's no better way to explore Australia's Outback than by bike, which you can rent within Alice Springs. This is a popular form of transport because of how flat Alice Springs is, making it an easy terrain to traverse on two wheels.

Because Alice Springs is so secluded, there is very little light pollution in the night sky, meaning that it's one of the best places in the country to stargaze and catch a beautiful sunset.

Our travel tips: While visitors are no longer allowed to climb Uluru, you can still see this stunning attraction from various viewpoints.

Alice Springs is relatively small; expect chill and laidback vibes, and make sure to wear your sunscreen and hydrate.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Brisbane to Alice Springs

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Road Trip Brisbane to Canberra Summary

Travelling by road in Australia is often the longer and more time-consuming option. However, it is also the option that gives you a much greater appreciation for the countryside. The trip that I took was outlined in a short post on the day before leaving “ Road Trip From Brisbane to Canberra “.

Travelling the Australian countryside by road is something that I have wanted to do for some time. To have the opportunity to see the countryside, the towns and everything else between the cities. But at the best opportunities I had, other commitments always seemed to manifest. Finally, the opportunity and the time presented itself, albeit a short condensed time frame.

Update: You can now read the whole journey in three posts.  Part 1: Southbound  |  Canberra  |  Part 2: Northbound

Sharing The Journey

I am a little disappointed to say that this is the first step in sharing the journey. My original plan was to share the journey as it happened, but the impracticalities of this quickly became apparent.

The journey took place over eight days between the 6th and 13th of November 2017. Travelling with two friends, while also making stops, eating meals and sleeping all contributed to my challenge. There is something to be said for solo travel, which is how I have completed almost every other trip.

Today though I would like to start the ball rolling with a little from the trip. I have some basic stats from the drive and the walking. Also, I am going to be working hard to get the rest of the journey written up with plenty of photos to share soon.

Road Trip Quick Stats

Sharing the statistics of a journey is something that I love to do and have done in the past. While for a short eight-day drive to Canberra they may not be all that impressive, I still wanted to include them.

Over the eight-day trip, we covered a total of 2,910 km. Each day we were travelling this come in around 415 km per day. The shortest driving day was between Dubbo and Narrabri with 328 km travelled. The longest driving day was the last day from Narrabri to Brisbane with 666 km travelled.

Prior to departing Brisbane, I had worked out a rough route for each day. Based mostly on the directions provided by Google Maps with one or two adjustments. However, they did not take into account other stops and deviations that might be made. Below is the list I provided in the original post and in brackets the actual distance driven each day.

6th Nov: Brisbane to Coffs Harbour – 391 km (413 km) 7th Nov: Coffs Harbour to Taree – 227 km (329 km) 8th Nov: Taree to Gosford – 243 km (364 km) 9th Nov: Gosford to Canberra – 352 km (366 km) 10th Nov: Canberra 11th Nov: Canberra to Dubbo – 429 km (444 km) 12th Nov: Dubbo to Narrabri – 263 km (328 km) 13th Nov: Narrabri to Brisbane – 579 km (666km)

The distance travelled each day is only for the main travel. Short side trips or driving while in Canberra are not included.

Road Trip Drive Time

Travelling so many kilometres takes quite some time, especially when you start making deviations. The thought that much of the travel will be on highways can quickly see you significantly underestimating the time it will take.

In total for the above driving, there was a total of 40 hours in the car driving. With seven travel days, this worked out to about 5.6 hours driving each day. Some days did work out to be less driving time such as the day between Gosford and Canberra with around 4.5 hours. But the day from Narrabri to Brisbane was over 7 hours of driving.

For me, the time was not a great issue. Because the payoff was getting to see many new areas that I had not visited before.

Road Trip Walking

I have not made much mention of my daily walking habits and goals here, but they are something important to me. My daily goal for over two years has been to walk 15,000 steps per day. Which to date I have achieved every day with just three exceptions.

There was a concern in my mind that maybe I would face missing this goal again while on this trip. The combination of so much driving and the other day to day necessities could have tripped me up. But I am happy to say that I managed to fit 15,000 steps into every day as well. Walking a total of 134,551 steps over the eight days I was travelling, or 16,819 steps per day on average.

Updates to Come

Currently, I have some updates in mind that I want to share over the next couple of weeks. Mostly they will cover the day to day travel and attractions that we visited. However, I also have a couple of ideas to share about some of the lessons I learned on this short trip. Along with a little something about the planning aspects of the trip.

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Driving Brisbane to Canberra

I’m seeking advice from Rioters who have driven the Brisbane-Canberra route recently. I am flying to Brisbane to buy a campervan and will be starting the drive back to Canberra the same day. I’m a bit nervous about both Cunningham’s Gap and the Toowoomba Range as I am not familiar with the vehicle, but I don’t relish the thought of the Pacific Highway either. I’m planning to take two days with an overnight stop.

Anyone care to share their recent experience of the Newell/New England/Pacific Highways?

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I drive from Brisbane to Warwick up Cunningham’s Gap twice every fortnight. The road is fine. A few roadworks, but just slower speed limits. I’m driving from Brisbane to Merimbula via Canberra soon thru warwick & Goondiwindi. Just wondering if anyone has good ‘short cuts’ off the Newell for us to take. Cheers,

Haaaa! Take that AmarooStu . I didn’t actually administer the upper cuts as I was waiting for you to get back ETB…

I wanted to let all you helpful Rioters know how I went. I picked up the van on the nothern Gold Coast, drove to family in Brisbane, and by the time I arrived I realised I had been worrying about nothing. As long as I remembered it was over 5m long and heavy in the rear end it was very easy driving and parking. When I woke up the next morning it was clear blue skies, so I worked out how the 12v, gas, water, and 240v worked, borrowed some linen, and headed south along the coast. It was so much fun that one day stretched into four with overnight stops in caravan parks at Sawtell, Lighthouse Beach (Port Macquarie) and Newcastle. I don’t know that I’d enjoy driving the Pacific Highway if I were in a hurry, but it was a great trip at a moderate pace. The four days of sunshine certainly helped. So, Pork Hunt, it seems those self-administered upper cuts were unwarranted after all! I’m heading back up to Brisbane next week, via the Newell this time. And thanks for the tip about the camp book Maya123, I’ve got a hold of it for some weekend reading.

Definitely head inland at this time of year. You should go through Toowoomba and stay away from Warwick. Nothing wrong with the place but it’s not the route to take. A good 5 hours drive from BrisVegas will get you Moree and if you’re still fresh and have daylight you could even get to Narrabri for a meal and a kip. Depends on how long you want to drive on the 2nd day. Digital map services claim around 8 1/2 hrs from Moree so it will be a full days drive wherever you overnight. If the campervan doesn’t have a UHF radio you should consider taking a hand held unit. CB trucker talk is still the best source of information on the road and the safest way to overtake big rigs. Drive safe, have fun and please stay in the left hand lane. 10-4! COPY! OVER!

AmarooStu said :

Pork Hunt said : Um AmarooStu, OP is buying a C-A-M-P-E-R-V-A-N, what need do they have for a motel?

That’s a big assumption by you they are taking pillows/sheets/blankets on a plane trip. Do you have insider knowledge that I don’t?

I guess I will have give myself six upper cuts for that one after reading #12… If I had bought it, I would have slept in it.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I can see that my indecision is well justified! To answer a couple of your questions – yes I am driving on my own, and no I won’t be taking any linen or other basic necessities with me so will be stopping in a motel along the way. I’ve decided to overnight with family in Brisbane and then push off early the next morning. I’ll take it easy on roads and use the full two days if needs be. I’ve done several straight-throughts both ways in cars over the years but no need for such haste this time. I am nervous about the Gap and the Range more than anything else so I guess I’ll just see how I feel when I wake up. Wish me luck!

My Husband and I did this drive just the other day with the kids. The Pacific Highway is pretty good these days. As others have said alot of the small towns are bypassed now and alot of the road is duel carriage way. We always travel this route at night, especially at this busy holiday time. We find at night that the roads are alot less busy and it is easier to navigate with out the frustration of slow drivers in front of you. We can do the drive in 13hrs, obviously in just a regular car with no caravan As you are doing it on your own, the half way point between Brisbane and Canberra is around Taree.

Pork Hunt said :

Um AmarooStu, OP is buying a C-A-M-P-E-R-V-A-N, what need do they have for a motel?

We did it in August in one long (14 hour) day with two of us sharing the driving (not a campervan, though). We’d allowed two days at the end of our trip but on waking refreshed and early decided to push as far as we could so that we had the second day at home to get organised for going back to work.

We took the Pacific Highway all the way, and were pleased with the pace now that there are so many bypasses in; our first trip up was in 2007 and there are so many places we went through then that you no longer see at all.

I’m certainly not suggesting that you should try it in one day, of course. In fact, given that you are going to be driving (1) on your own(?), (2) an unfamiliar vehicle, (3) a campervan, (4) on the same day you’ve flown up to collect it, you might find two days to be pushing it.

I’d be coming inland via Toowoomba, Goondiwindi,Moree, Dubbo, Cowra, Yass. You can go that way via Warwick, but thats on the Cunningham Hwy as well. Its the same distance both ways. Travel time on the coastal route is apparently shorter, probably due to more 110km roads, but it can take longer if there are road works or traffic jams getting through Sydney.

This time of year, the Pacific Highway will be busy with Hoilday traffic. But in the last few years, the Pacific Hwy is my preferred route as the dual carriageway highways bypass most of the old bottlenecks. I’ve driven Cumminghams Gap (CG) a few times. To be honest, going up the Clyde Mountain from Batemans Bay is steeper. CG is frequented by trucks so you will have to patient and in a campervan, they may be faster than you heading up onto the range. Overnight stops? Kempsey/Port Macquarie on the Pacific or Armidale/Tamworth on the New England. Just call ahead to motels when you are ready to rest as your progress in a Campervan will be slower than a sedan. Safe travels and enjoy the new Campervan!

When you pick up your campervan, a useful book for finding places to camp on your drive is the camps book. It mostly lists free places to stay. Most useful if your van is self-contained, but the book lists whether the camp-site has toilets and/or showers. I use it, even though I only sleep in my car and don’t have a toilet and shower, as do some vans. Generally then there is no worry whether somewhere is booked out, and accommodation might be busy this time of year. http://www.campsaustraliawide.com/?gclid=CJfKvNGe-cICFQJ9vQod0isAcg

Pleasantly surprised with the Pacific Highway. Left Canberra 0600 arrived at Gold Coast 2000 with an hour stop at Tuggerah. Most of the towns bypassed and road is dual carriageway up until about Kempsey then there are bursts of carriageway/2 way. Wouldn’t fault it

MrPC said :

If taking the New England Highway, my father insists there’s a back route that is worth using to avoid Cunningham’s Gap again. I’m pretty sure if you google the route from Mount Alford, QLD to Liston, NSW, you’ll get the idea.

Correction, Mount Alford QLD to Morgan Park QLD. There’s still some dirt on the road via Liston.

If taking the Newell Highway route (highly recommended – it’s mostly straight flat terrain), forget Cunningham’s Gap, and go via Toowoomba. The road is newer, better quality, 10km shorter, doesn’t have the perpetual roadworks at Cunningham’s Gap, and gets you to Goondiwindi quicker. This is a good easy drive overall, though you will very much want to take a printed map of the route if you’re unfamiliar with it – especially the turns within Molong and then onto Canowindra. You’d also do well to pronounce Canowindra correctly if you ever have to use that word – the i is silent.

If taking the New England Highway, my father insists there’s a back route that is worth using to avoid Cunningham’s Gap again. I’m pretty sure if you google the route from Mount Alford, QLD to Liston, NSW, you’ll get the idea. However, you’ll find there are a lot of hills and 50km/h towns along the NSW section of the New England Highway that just make this a tedious route. Given a choice between New England and Pacific, I’d lean towards Pacific, except on a holiday weekend, as from an engineering perspective, its worst bits are comparable to the majority of the New England Highway.

Trucks. Trucks and more Trucks. This was my experience last time I traveled on the Newell/New England Highways. But if you take it easy and take your time then shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.. Just watch your speed. Lots of mobile speed cameras on those roads.

This time of year, the Pacific Highway will be busy with Hoilday traffic. But in the last few years, the Pacific Hwy is my preferred route as the dual carriageway highways bypass most of the old bottlenecks.

I’ve driven Cumminghams Gap (CG) a few times. To be honest, going up the Clyde Mountain from Batemans Bay is steeper. CG is frequented by trucks so you will have to patient and in a campervan, they may be faster than you heading up onto the range.

Overnight stops? Kempsey/Port Macquarie on the Pacific or Armidale/Tamworth on the New England. Just call ahead to motels when you are ready to rest as your progress in a Campervan will be slower than a sedan.

Safe travels and enjoy the new Campervan!

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Distance between Brisbane and Canberra

Driving non-stop from brisbane to canberra.

How far is Canberra from Brisbane? Here's the quick answer if you have friends taking shifts as driver so that you can make the entire trip by car without stopping.

Nonstop drive: 745 miles or 1199 km

Driving time: 12 hours, 46 minutes

This is a really long drive, so it's not very realistic to drive nonstop. To get a better idea of how long this road trip would actually take, scroll down to calculate how many hours it would be if you drive with stops .

Flying non-stop from Brisbane to Canberra

Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line between Brisbane, Queensland and Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula. For a long distance, this appears as a curve on the map, and this is often the route that commercial airlines will take so it's a good estimate of the frequent flyer miles you'll accumulate as well.

Flight distance: 587 miles or 944 km

Flight time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

The straight line flight distance is 158 miles less than driving on roads, which means the driving distance is roughly 1.3x of the flight distance.

Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/8th of the time it would take to drive.

This is a medium length flight, so unless you have a nice private jet, you might be booking a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

Brisbane to Canberra road trip

Let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Canberra, and you want to stop along the way to rest. If it's a real road trip, you might want to check out interesting stops along the way, eat at great restaurants, and maybe even find a hotel to stay overnight. That's what Trippy is perfect for, helping you figure out travel plans in detail.

Based on the length of this trip, we think you could spread out this fun road trip over more than one day.

Road trip: 2 days of driving

With the full itinerary planned out, we can estimate your total travel time for this trip.

Travel time: 15 hours on the road with 1 overnight

Start in Brisbane .

Drive for about 3 hours , then stop in Angourie and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 1.5 hours then stop in Coffs Harbour and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 2 hours then stop in Port Macquarie and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 1.5 hours then stop in Forster . Stay overnight. The next day, drive for about 1.5 hours , then stop in Newcastle (Australia) and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 2 hours then stop in Sydney and stay for 4 hours. Drive for 2 hours then stop in Kangaroo Valley and stay for 1 hour. Finally, drive for about 2 hours and arrive in Canberra .

Brisbane to Canberra airports and flights

In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline (whether it's first class or coach). So that means we really need to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination.

To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Eventually you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports and flights. But for now, here's an example we've selected to give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports.

Departure airport: Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Arrival airport: Canberra International Airport (CBR)

With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown.

Getting to the airport: 24 minutes

Getting to your destination: 11 minutes

Now finally, let's look at an actual flight from BNE to CBR on Qantas Airways and figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off and landing, and time to taxi on the runway.

Commercial flight time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Brisbane to Canberra including time spent getting to/from the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself.

Total travel time: 4 hours

Plan a trip to Canberra

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Canberra . Trippy has an entire Q&A community where you can post questions and get answers from expert travelers or locals who know the area. For instance, you might be interested in the answers to this question: Need help to understand various location during the car trip. . Check out some of the questions people have asked about Canberra like What is your favorite restaurant in Canberra? . Click the button below to explore Canberra in detail.

How far is it the other way?

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the distance from Canberra to Brisbane , or go to the main page to calculate the distance between cities .

If you happen to know Brisbane, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Brisbane!

More info on this route: drive from Brisbane to Canberra road conditions alternate routes Google driving directions

Honest tourism information about Australia

Canberra to Brisbane road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time

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Canberra to Brisbane road trip: Sydney to the Hawkesbury River

The quickest route from Canberra to Brisbane doesn’t go through central Sydney – it cuts along motorways to the west and north.

However, Sydney is the obvious place to break the journey for a few days. Australia Travel Questions has a big Sydney guide if you’re planning to go into the centre. Recommended activities include kayaking tours around the lesser-seen crags of Middle Harbour, tall ship cruises and behind the scenes tours of Sydney Opera House .

13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book

• (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour .
• Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour .
• Save money with a multi-attraction pass .
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour .
• Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
• See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise .
• (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour .
• Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour .
• Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
• Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons .
• Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
• Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk .
• (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure .

There are some attractions nearer the route, however, particularly in the Western Sydney Parklands. These include the Lizard Log Playground  and  Calmsley Hill City Farm  in  Abbotsbury , plus Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee Park and the Chinese Gardens in the  Nurragingy Reserve .

Other good green spaces further north include the Bidjigal Reserve  near Castle Hill and Cumberland State Forest  in  West Pennant Hills .

Other short detours worth taking before reaching the Hawkesbury River are the architecturally-dazzling  Rose Siedler House  in Wahroonga , the Bobbin Head picnic ground in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park and Galston Gorge in Berowra Waters National Park.

Before crossing the Hawkesbury River in Brooklyn, you might wish to join the  Riverboat Postman cruise . This postal boat brings tourists along as it delivers mail to small river communities like  Dangar Island .

Skip the queues – and get the best prices – with mobile-friendly advance tickets for these top Sydney attractions .

• Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
• Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
• Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
• Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
• Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.

Where to stop between Canberra and Brisbane: Central Coast

The Central Coast is on the other side of the Hawkesbury Bridge, although beach towns such as  Terrigal  or  The Entrance require a substantial detour.

Stay near the Pacific Motorway, though, and the  Broken Bay Pearl Farm  in Mooney Mooney shows how pearls are cultivated on its  pearl farm tour .

Nearer Gosford , you’ll find the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary,  Australian Reptile Park  and Girrakool Loop walking track.

3 experiences to book in Gosford

• Australian Reptile Park day pass – learn (safely) about Australia’s snakes and spiders.
• Try your hand at flying with a jetpack – or try flyboarding instead.
• Soap-making experience – make your own smellies.

Glenworth Valley  near Popran National Park, meanwhile, runs activities such as abseiling ,  horse-riding  and  quad biking .

Pleasant photo stops before hitting Newcastle include Somersby Falls, Strickland Falls and the Jilliby Lookout.  Treetops Adventure Central Coast  and  Amazement Farm and Fun Park  will eat a bit more of your time.

Click through to the next section: Newcastle and Port Stephens.