Sydney To Gold Coast Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Sydney to Gold Coast road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in Australia. The 845 km of Sydney to Gold Coast drive takes around 8 hours and 51 mins without stops.

This article includes 18 top tips that turn your Sydney to Gold Coast drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast, take your coffee and keep reading!

6 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Sydney To Gold Coast

On the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top six hotels on the Sydney – Gold Coast route!

1. Little National Hotel Sydney

Little National Hotel Sydney is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip. Driving from Sydney to Little National Hotel Sydney might take around 7 mins. The hotel is conveniently located for business and leisure travelers. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, with a comfortable bed, good lighting, and a well-designed bathroom. The rooftop bar is excellent for cocktails and light meals. I appreciate being able to order meals via menu log or deliveroo. The staff are helpful and accommodating. Check the Little National Hotel Sydney, one of the best hotels in Sydney, New South Wales, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Forster Motor Inn

Another hotel where you can choose to stay on the road trip to Gold Coast from Sydney is Forster Motor Inn. Located in Forster, New South Wales, the hotel is 314 km away from Sydney, and it would take 3 hours and 29 mins to drive. The motel is an excellent value, with comfortable beds, clean and spacious rooms, and a fantastic staff. It allows guests to bring pet dogs and is within walking distance from shops and restaurants. If you want to learn more about the Forster Motor Inn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.

3. City Centre Motel

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the City Centre Motel. City Centre Motel is located in Kempsey, New South Wales, it’s 837 km away from Sydney. You can arrive there in 8 hours and 36 mins of non-stop driving. The motel room was clean, with comfortable beds and well-maintained facilities. The staff at reception were warm and friendly during the check-in and check-out processes. Guest rooms offer a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. Additionally, guests can access the internet with the free wifi offered by the motel. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of City Centre Motel for more information.

4. Royal Palms Motor Inn

If you are taking the road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, is must have a place you should visit. Royal Palms Motor Inn is one of the best hotels in town. It is Royal Palms Motor Inn, 537 km from Sydney, and it would take 5 hours and 36 mins to drive. The guest rooms at this hotel offer a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. The beds are comfortable, and the rooms are nicely sized, with everything guests might need, including a microwave, toaster, and kettle. The staff is helpful, and the overall experience is excellent. Prices are reasonable. If you need more info about the price and availability of Royal Palms Motor Inn, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. Cape Byron Retreat

Our next hotel is Cape Byron Retreat, Byron Bay, New South Wales. It will take 8 hours, and 3 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Sydney. The hotel is located 10 minutes from the city center, where guests can find all the supplies they need or enjoy a meal out if that is their preference. The views of the hinterland offer a tranquil setting. Check the Cape Byron Retreat on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Cape Byron Retreat for reviews, prices, and availability.

6. RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast

Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast is RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Gold Coast, Queensland, within 8 hours and 51 mins drive from Sydney. The staff at this hotel are courteous and professional. The rooms are comfortable, and the dining experiences are all delicious. The wait staff is excellent, and there are plenty of things to do at this hotel, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

In this part, we explained six hotels you can stay at on the road from Sydney to Gold Coast. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who take the same Sydney to Gold Coast route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Sydney to Gold Coast. We have six restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

6 Best Restaurants On The Sydney To Gold Coast Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Sydney to Gold Coast road trip. This section lists the six restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Harvest Buffet Sydney

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip with Harvest Buffet Sydney. Harvest Buffet Sydney is located in Sydney, New South Wales, and is 3.3 km from Sydney. So it would take 11 mins of driving. This restaurant is an excellent option for anyone looking for a good meal. The environment was fresh and pleasant, and the staff was always welcoming and helpful. The chicken curry and duck dishes were both tasty and reasonably priced. For more information about Harvest Buffet Sydney, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Harvest Buffet Sydney.

2. Spice Monkey Forster

Spice Monkey Forster is another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Gold Coast from Sydney. Located in Forster, New South Wales, Spice Monkey Forster is 313 km from Sydney and would take 3 hours and 28 mins to drive. The Kingfish sashimi, duck curry, and barramundi at the Forster restaurant were all excellent. The portions were generous, and the service was excellent. The staff was friendly and polite, making for a perfect dining experience. If you want to learn more about Spice Monkey Forster, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

3. The Garden Bar & Kitchen

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is The Garden Bar & Kitchen. It will take 4 hours and 34 mins of car drive to take 436 km from Sydney to The Garden Bar & Kitchen, Kempsey, New South Wales. The establishment offers a variety of wines that can be ordered by glass or bottle. The table on the covered deck had a picturesque view of the Macleay River and farmland beyond. It was a very tranquil setting for lunch. The service was friendly and prompt. The food was attractively presented and tasted great. You can check The Garden Bar & Kitchen on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Urban Espresso Lounge

Urban Espresso Lounge deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. The coffee was excellent, and the meal was enjoyable. The Corn Fritter stack and pancakes were both delicious and well-presented. Urban Espresso Lounge is 536 km from Sydney, and it would take 5 hours and 35 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Urban Espresso Lounge, you can check it out on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

5. The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co

If you enjoy dining, The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co would be an excellent choice in Byron Bay, New South Wales. It’s 766 km from Sydney and would take 7 hours and 58 mins of car driving. The restaurant offers excellent service, with food served promptly. The oysters, steak, pork, and pasta were all cooked perfectly. The restaurant boasts a beautiful setting and pleasant ambiance. If you want to learn more about The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

6. Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant, Gold Coast

Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast is Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant, Gold Coast, Gold Coast, Queensland. It will take 9 hours and 4 mins of driving to reach Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant, Gold Coast, from Sydney. The food at the restaurant was fantastic. We had a delightful evening. The atmosphere was great. The sushi was delicious and some of our best in town. For more information about Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant, Gold Coast, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.

This section lists our six restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 845 km journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Gold Coast road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Sydney to Gold Coast. Keep reading.

6 Places To Visit On The Sydney To Gold Coast Drive

A unique experience awaits you on Gold Coast. However, on your road trip, there are also some unique destinations, like Sydney and New South Wales. We want to explain the top six destinations we recommend on the Gold Coast route.

1. Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Sydney to Gold Coast road trip. Located in Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney Opera House is 1.6 km away from Sydney, and it would take 6 mins to drive. The Sydney Opera House is an iconic building in Australia and a focal point of the city. Tours of the Opera House can be scheduled ahead of time through their website. There are also some fantastic restaurants, coffee houses, and shops nearby. The Opera House is located next to a ferry terminal, which is easy to access. At night, the Opera House is illuminated with colorful projections, making it an even more beautiful sight. If you want to learn more about the Sydney Opera House, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

2. One Mile Beach

One Mile Beach, Forster, New South Wales, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop on the Sydney to Gold Coast route. It’s 212 km from Sydney, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 31 mins of driving. This beach features a long stretch of sand, a large dune at one end, and the surf club cafe at the bottom. The cafe is open on set days and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The beach is also excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. If you want to learn more about One Mile Beach, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.

3. The Slim Dusty Centre

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast is Kempsey, New South Wales. And if you visit Kempsey, New South Wales, we suggest you visit The Slim Dusty Centre. You can arrive at The Slim Dusty Centre after 4 hours and 26 mins of driving. The Slim Dusty Centre, located in Kempsey, is a multi-purpose facility that includes Visitor Information, a Retail Shop, the Nulla Nulla Art Gallery, Dusty’s Dinner Camp Cafe, and the Slim Dusty Museum. The museum boasts an extensive collection of memorabilia, and the “This is your Life” show is a must-see. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of The Slim Dusty Centre for more information.

4. Dolphin Marine Conservation Park

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, Coffs Harbour, and New South Wales on the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip. Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is 537 km from Sydney, and you can arrive there after the 5 hours and 36 mins of drive. Visitors to the Dolphine Marine Conservation Park are in for a fantastic experience. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and guests can spend some time up close with the dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. It’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Dolphin Marine Conservation Park before going there.

5. Cape Byron Lighthouse

Located in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Cape Byron Lighthouse ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Sydney to the Gold Coast. You must take 8 hours and 6 mins of driving to arrive at Cape Byron Lighthouse. The Cape Byron Lighthouse is located on Australia’s most easterly point and offers a shining light over Byron Bay. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk from the car park up to the lighthouse and a few small trails down the other side with good views of the coastline and lighthouse. If you want to learn more about Cape Byron Lighthouse, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

6. Sea World, Gold Coast

Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast is Sea World, Gold Coast, and Gold Coast Queensland. Sea World, Gold Coast is 851 km from Sydney, and it would take 9 hours and 2 mins to drive. If you’re looking for a fun day out, Sea World on the Gold Coast is worth a visit. There are plenty of rides and attractions to keep you entertained, and the shows are worth checking out. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is reasonably priced. We had a fantastic day and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun day out. For more information about Sea World, Gold Coast, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Sydney to Gold Coast

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Sydney to Gold Coast drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Sydney To Gold Coast?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip takes approximately 8 hours and 51 mins to drive. The driving distance between Sydney and to Gold Coast is 845 km.
• If you want to make the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be one day and 22 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Sydney-Gold Coast route, you will have to walk for seven days and 2 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Sydney To Gold Coast?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Gold Coast. You can visit Sydney, New South Wales; Forster, New South Wales; Kempsey, New South Wales; Coffs Harbour, New South Wales; Byron Bay, New South Wales; Gold Coast, Queensland, on the road. Here we list six places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Sydney to Gold Coast journey, you can check the 6 Best Places To Visit On The Sydney To Gold Coast Road Trip.

1. Sydney Opera House: 1.6 km / 6 mins to drive from Sydney | 844 km / 8 hours and 50 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
2. One Mile Beach: 212 km / 2 hours and 31 mins to drive from Sydney | 696 km / 7 hours and 17 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
3. The Slim Dusty Centre: 423 km / 4 hours and 26 mins to drive from Sydney | 422 km / 4 hours and 26 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
4. Dolphin Marine Conservation Park: 537 km / 5 hours and 36 mins to drive from Sydney | 312 km / 3 hours and 18 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
5. Cape Byron Lighthouse: 768 km / 8 hours and 6 mins to drive from Sydney | 95.6 km / 1 hour and 20 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
6. Sea World, Gold Coast: 851 km / 9 hours and 2 mins to drive from Sydney | 9.5 km / 18 mins of driving to Gold Coast.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Sydney To Gold Coast?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast. We have selected six hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 6 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Gold Coast From Sydney section.

• Little National Hotel Sydney: 1.2 km / 7 mins to drive from Sydney | 844 km / 8 hours and 50 mins to Gold Coast.
• Forster Motor Inn: 314 km / 3 hours and 29 mins to drive from Sydney | 562 km / 5 hours and 55 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
• City Centre Motel: 837 km / 8 hours and 36 mins to drive from Sydney | 1,662 km / 17 hours and 1 min of driving to Gold Coast.
• Royal Palms Motor Inn: 537 km / 5 hours and 36 mins to drive from Sydney | 310 km / 3 hours and 16 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
• Cape Byron Retreat: 770 km / 8 hours and 3 mins to drive from Sydney | 96.3 km / 1 hour and 16 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
• RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast: 850 km / 8 hours and 51 mins to drive from Sydney | 5.5 km / 10 mins of driving to Gold Coast.

Where To Eat Between Sydney to Gold Coast?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Sydney to Gold Coast drive, you can consider the six restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 6 Best Restaurants On The Sydney To Gold Coast Road Trip.

1. Harvest Buffet Sydney: 3.3 km / 11 mins to drive from Sydney | 845 km / 8 hours and 51 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
2. Spice Monkey Forster: 313 km / 3 hours and 28 mins to drive from Sydney | 562 km / 5 hours and 57 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
3. The Garden Bar & Kitchen: 436 km / 4 hours and 34 mins to drive from Sydney | 411 km / 4 hours and 20 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
4. Urban Espresso Lounge: 536 km / 5 hours and 35 mins to drive from Sydney | 312 km / 3 hours and 19 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
5. The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co: 766 km / 7 hours and 58 mins to drive from Sydney | 92.3 km / 1 hour and 11 mins of driving to Gold Coast.
6. Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant, Gold Coast: 852 km / 9 hours and 4 mins to drive from Sydney | 10.5 km / 20 mins of driving to Gold Coast.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast. We have listed six hotels, six restaurants, and six places to visit on the Sydney to Gold Coast drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Sydney to Gold Coast and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.