One-way road trip
Sydney to Brisbane one-way car rental
The short answer
Driving Sydney to Brisbane runs up the Pacific coast, about 910 km on the now fully divided Pacific Highway, past Coffs Harbour and the Byron hinterland. Pick up in Sydney, drop off in Brisbane, and take as long as the beaches tempt you.
Last checked Oct 21, 2026By Brett Gould2 sources ↓
Distance907 km (564 mi)
Driving time9 h 30 minest., no stops
Allow4-7 days
Right carAny car
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The drive
- The route is the Pacific Highway, recently upgraded to divided highway most of the way, so it is a comfortable about 910 km and about 9.5 hours of driving. Easy over two days, better over three or four with beach stops.
- This is a one-way rental: collect in Sydney and return in Brisbane, so you never retrace the coast. A one-way fee may apply and is quoted before you book.
- It crosses one state border (New South Wales into Queensland) near the Gold Coast, with no stop required.
Highlights along the way
- Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast, an easy first run of beaches out of Sydney.
- Coffs Harbour, roughly the midpoint, with the Big Banana and long surf beaches.
- Byron Bay and the hinterland, the lighthouse, the markets and the green hills behind.
- The Gold Coast, theme parks and surf just before Brisbane.
Related questions
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Quick answers
How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Brisbane?
About 9.5 hours of driving, about 910 km on the Pacific Highway. Comfortable over two days, or three to four with beach stops.
Can I rent a car one-way from Sydney to Brisbane?
Yes. Pick up in Sydney and set Brisbane as your return city when you search. Any one-way fee is quoted before you book.
Is the Pacific Highway a good drive?
Yes. It is now divided highway most of the way, well serviced and scenic along the coast. The main thing to plan for is heavier holiday traffic.
What is there to see between Sydney and Brisbane?
Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast are the classic stops, all an easy detour off the highway.
Sources
1Google MapsDistance and drive time, no stops, rounded to 15 minutes.maps · checked Oct 21, 2026
2Rental company termsRoads, ferries, one-way fees, night driving and kilometers, as shown on each booking.rental terms · checked Oct 21, 2026
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