There’s something special about setting out on a Sydney to Noosa road trip, watching the city skyline get smaller as the coastline opens up ahead. When done right, this is the kind of trip where every stop adds something new, from sleepy coastal towns to lively cities.
*This guide is provided by KINTO Australia to help plan your East Coast road trip.
Along the way, you’ll discover the best stops Sydney to Brisbane has to offer, destinations you won't want to rush through but are worth slowing down and lingering. This 10-Day East Coast Itinerary has rugged coastal walks, hidden beaches, local hotspots, and moments that will take your breath away.
KINTO Australia has locations all along the East Coast, at every destination in this itinerary, so you can easily hire a KINTO vehicle wherever your journey begins. Whether you’re following the full 10-day itinerary or creating your own, you have the flexibility to start your trip at a location that suits you, subject to availability.
Fast facts
Travel time: 10 days
Distance: 1096 km
Transport: KINTO car hire
‘This guide is intended as general travel information only. Travel times, distances and conditions may vary. Always check local conditions and plan accordingly”.
Day 1–2: Sydney
Kick off your Sydney to Noosa Road Trip in Sydney, where the bustling city meets the beautiful coast. Ease into your trip by spending a day or two exploring some of the city’s most iconic sights.
Things to do in Sydney
Take in the harbour up close at the Sydney Opera House, or head to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a historic sandstone seat carved in 1810, popular for its panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s a wonderful spot to pause, grab a coffee and take it all in.
If you’re looking for something more active, take the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a 6 km one-way track passing some of Sydney's most famous beaches, including Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee. Stop for a swim and soak up the rugged coastline views along the way.
Wander through the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. With a magnificent showcase of flora, lovely planted gardens, picnic-perfect stretches of grass and rare botanical plants, it's a terrific way to relax before the drive ahead.
Travel Tip
Before you leave the city, it’s the ideal time to pick up your Sydney car hire with KINTO Australia. KINTO has a range of convenient on-street parks, giving you the flexibility to start your trip on your own schedule.
Day 3: Gosford
Just over an hour north of Sydney lies Gosford, NSW, a waterfront city with stunning beaches and remarkable national parks.
Things to do in Gosford
Break up the drive by visiting the Australian Reptile Park. Get up close with Australian wildlife, hand-feed kangaroos in the free-range area, meet Hugo the giant Galapagos tortoise, and watch live demonstrations like funnel-web spider milking or crocodile feeding. It’s a stop that’s both fun for the whole family and memorable.
Lace up your walking shoes and take on the Bouddi Coastal Walk. This 8.5 km one-way trek meanders through bushland and along the scenic coastal boardwalk with incredible ocean views. Keep an eye out for birds, or whales (during migration season), swim or simply enjoy the fresh air and views.
Why is Gosford worth the stop?
Often overlooked, Gosford is easily one of the best stops from Sydney to Brisbane, particularly for nature lovers. Surrounded by national parks, sweeping ocean views and dramatic cliff panoramas, it’s a perfect place to enjoy nature's beauty.
Day 4–5: Port Stephens
The next stop is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes north of Gosford, renowned for its sand dunes and turquoise waters.
Things to do in Port Stephens
A must-do activity if you’re in Port Stephens is sandboarding or quad biking on the Stockton Sand Dunes. The dunes are the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, with some reaching heights of over 30 meters.
If it’s coastal views you’re after, the Tomaree Head Summit walk is for you. A short but challenging 2.2 km return walk taking you up the steep path to the summit. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a marvellous ocean in front of you and picturesque mountains to the sides.
Local Tip
If you’re hiking Mt Tomaree, go early to avoid the crowds and see the idyllic sunrise views.
Day 6: Gold Coast
Set out early and use this day to cover ground toward the Queensland border. Around 6 hours of driving gets you to Byron Bay, a scenic hotspot, for a walk, a swim, or a break. From there, you’ll continue on to the Gold Coast.
Things to do in Gold Coast
Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and get up close to native wildlife. There are keeper talks, fun experiences, a miniature train, a tree-top challenge, and more.
Head to Topgolf Gold Coast to test out your swing. Top Golf isn’t about the perfect game, but having a good time with friendly competition and fun games.
In the evening, explore the nightlife scene; there’s no shortage of places to unwind after a long day on the road.
Travel Tip
Plan your fuel stops in advance, as there may be long stretches between stations.
‘Travel times and conditions may vary. Always check local conditions and road safety requirements”
Day 7: Brisbane
Day 7 calls for a change of pace, starting with a short drive under an hour to Brisbane.
Things to do in Brisbane
Take a stroll through South Bank Parklands. Spanning 15 hectares, this riverside precinct features open lawns, cafes, and family-friendly spaces, making it the ideal place to slow down after being on the road.
Put your bathers on and take a dip at Streets Beach, a unique inner-city lagoon located within the South Bank Parklands. You’ll also find The Boat Pool nearby and Aquativity, an interactive water-play park for kids.
Make your way to Howard Smith Wharves for dinner. The lively dining precinct offers everything from casual dining to more refined options.
Day 8: Maroochydore
In under two hours, you’ll arrive in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, where the driving is done for the day and the coastal lifestyle takes over.
Things to do in Maroochydore
If you’re here on a Sunday, a visit to the Cotton Tree Markets is a must. Stop here for fresh produce, handmade arts, jewellery, food and more. The markets are a wonderful way to start the day and see what local makers have to offer.
Go paddleboarding on the Maroochy River, where calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for beginners and a relaxing way to get out on the water.
Around 30 minutes from Maroochydore is the renowned Australia Zoo. Venture into the zoo and see the massive Crocoseum and Wildlife Warriors show, hand-feed kangaroos, pat koalas and much more. You might even see Rob or Bindi if you’re lucky!
Local Tip
Early mornings in Maroochydoore are magic, with the beach to yourself, a coffee, and the soothing crash of waves.
Day 9–10: Noosa
Finish up this 10-Day East Coast Itinerary with an hour drive to the final stop and one of Australia’s most iconic coastal holiday destinations, Noosa. Known for its surfing hotspots, cafes, shopping and beautiful nature.
Things to do in Noosa
Hike through Noosa National Park, where spectacular coastal scenery meets eucalypt forest and woodlands. Visit the lookouts to soak in the views, wander the boardwalk trails, and keep an eye on the trees for wild koalas.
Noosa is well known for its surf. Grab your board and surf in one of the world's surfing reserves located from north Sunshine Beach to about Noosa National Park headland and up to the Noosa River Mouth. Other hotspots are Noosa Main Beach and The Points.
Hastings St is the heart of Noosa Heads. It's the main strip loved for the blend of restaurants, cafes and bars. Enjoy a sunset drink at one of the bars and unwind after a successful road trip, hitting the best stops along this Sydney to Noosa Road Trip.
Tips for your Sydney to Noosa Road Trip
Best time to go
One underrated time of year is in Autumn (March–May). An Autumn road trip in Australia is a good travel time as you’ll enjoy:
- Mild, comfortable weather that’s not too hot or too cold
- Fewer crowds at popular locations along the coast
- Good conditions for long stretches of driving and for outdoor activities
Autumn is a quieter, more relaxed time to travel. For those seeking Active Travel Australia, this means fewer people on the trails and cooler weather for coastal walks and hikes.
KINTO tips
- Before heading out on a road trip, it's important to understand local laws and rules that may differ from state to state. If you don’t know where to begin, check out our guide to Australian road rules for driving for more information.
- Book car hire early. Demand can increase around weekends and holidays, so secure your KINTO in advance to avoid missing out.
- Having the right car can make all the difference on a long trip. KINTO offers a convenient car hire service with a range of spacious and comfortable cars to fit all your bags and souvenirs.
Not sure which car is right for you? Here’s How to Pick the Right KINTO for you.
Final Thoughts
This Sydney to Noosa Road Trip isn’t just about the final destination; it’s also about the moments in between. Discovering new spots you love, magnificent coastal views, and unforgettable memories you create along the way.
With KINTO car hire, you have the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, pull over when a sight catches your eye, linger in the stops you love and make the trip your own.
Ready to start your East Coast adventure? Book your KINTO vehicle today and hit the road with confidence.
‘Vehicle availability, locations and pricing subject to change. Users should verify details prior to travel’
Where can I hire a KINTO for an East Coast roadtrip?
There are over 350 KINTO locations across Australia. KINTOs can be collected from many locations along the East Coast. If you’re searching for Brisbane car hire, Gold Coast car hire, or Noosa car hire, use the KINTO car locator to find car rental near you.
How long does a Sydney to Noosa road trip take?
Directly driving from Sydney to Noosa can take about 11-12 hours. But a 10-day East Coast Itinerary lets you enjoy the journey while stopping to explore destinations along the way.
Is autumn a good time for an East Coast Australia road trip?
Yes. An Autumn road trip in Australia offers mild, comfortable weather and falls outside peak travel times, so there are fewer crowds.
