A Sydney to Brisbane road trip is one of the most popular routes for tourists and backpackers in Australia. Encompassing a 927km stretch of the country’s eastern coastline, the route passes through major cities such as Newcastle and Gold Coast while also stopping by scenic Coffs Habour and Byron Bay. In this blog, we’re going to guide you through the whole trip, detailing where to stop and where you can find work.
Hunter Valley
After leaving Sydney on the M1 highway, drive for around two hours until you reach Newcastle, a vibrant harbour city located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, which is renowned for wine growing and horse breeding.
Port Macquarie
Further along the coast road, around halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, you’ll find Port Macquarie. This small coastal town is spoilt for beautiful beaches and nature reserves, while the Koala Hospital attracts a variety of visitors. As Port Macquarie is a popular tourist destination, backpackers can find plenty of seasonal work, as well as hospitality jobs where board is free if you work in a hostel or hotel.
Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour can be found an hour or two’s drive north. This city is host to several national parks and a popular underwater diving spot. See if you can spot the Big Banana too!
Byron Bay
In the uppermost reaches of New South Wales, you’ll discover Byron Bay, one of Australia’s most popular coastal resorts. With stunning views attracting tourists from near and afar, backpacker jobs in the service industries are aplenty. Try visiting in April or May – in the height of summer, the small town can be overwhelmed by those seeking work.
Gold Coast
Our final stop before Brisbane is Gold Coast, Australia’s largest non-capital city. A renowned surfing destination, the city experienced a tourism boom in the 1980s and will host the Commonwealth Games for the first time in 2018. Tourism fuels the city, accounting for one in every four jobs, but, unsurprisingly, given its size, work in the city is hugely varied. If you’re into your surfing head to local spots like Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads or Broadbeach and see what’s on offer – you might just get lucky!
