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Road trip from Melbourne to Brisbane itinerary help

Posted on 8/2/25 at 2:38 pm
Posted by ArmydawgMD
Member since Sep 2020
708 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 2:38 pm
Going for 2 weeks in January (summer down under). Gentlemen’s road trip with beaches, nature, wildlife, rooftop bars, chill days, and big nights. 2JAN flying into Melbourne-17JAN flying out of Brisbane. Relied on ChatGPT to make an itinerary, anybody know if this is reasonable/too much/optimal for the trip?

Day 1–2: Melbourne (Jan 4–5)
Activities:
City/Culture: Explore Fitzroy (street art, cafes), St Kilda (beach, Luna Park). Visit Queen Victoria Market for local food.
Nature/Wildlife: See penguins at St Kilda Pier (evening). Optional: Sunnyside North Beach (nudist, ~1 hr drive).
Nightlife: Rooftop drinks at Naked for Satan (Fitzroy) or Heartbreaker. Party at Revolver Upstairs (Prahran).
Accommodation: Hotel/Airbnb in Melbourne CBD or Fitzroy.
Note: Book nightlife for Jan 4 (Saturday). Check penguin viewing times.

Day 3: Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory (Jan 6)
Morning:
Nature: Drive (~1.5 hrs) to Mornington Peninsula for a quick beach stop (Sorrento).
Afternoon:
Drive (~3 hrs) to Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Camping/Wildlife: Camp at Tidal River Campground (book ahead; toilets, showers). Hike Squeaky Beach or Mount Oberon (~1–2 hrs). Spot wombats/emus.
Nightlife: Quiet night camping.
Distance: ~250 km.

Day 4: Wilsons Promontory to Sydney (Jan 7)
Drive: ~9 hrs long-haul to Sydney (stop in Lakes Entrance or Eden for lunch). Coastal route via Princes Hwy for scenery.
Chill/Nightlife: Arrive late afternoon. Quick drinks at Old Mate’s Place (rooftop, CBD).
Accommodation: Hotel/Airbnb in Sydney CBD or Bondi.
Distance: ~850 km.

Day 5–8: Sydney (Jan 8–11, 4 Nights)

Day 5 (Jan 8):
City/Culture: Walk around Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Explore The Rocks for history.
Nightlife: Party at Ivy Pool Club (CBD) or Frankie's Pizza for live music.

Day 6 (Jan 9):
Nature/Beaches: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk (~2 hrs, stunning ocean views). Optional: Lady Bay Beach (nudist, near Watsons Bay).
Culture: Visit Art Gallery of NSW.
Nightlife: Newtown dive bars (e.g., Courthouse Hotel) or Surry Hills (The Winery).

Day 7 (Jan 10):
Nature/Beaches: Ferry to Manly Beach for a chill day (preferred over Palm Beach for easier access and vibe; ~30 mins ferry). Swim, surf, or stroll Manly Corso. Optional: Palm Beach (~1 hr drive) for a quieter, upscale beach.
Wildlife: Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park (~45 mins drive) for kangaroos, koalas.
Nightlife: Kings Cross (World Bar) or Darling Harbour rooftop (Zephyr).

Day 8 (Jan 11):
Nature/Camping: Drive (~1.5 hrs) to Blue Mountains National Park. Hike to Wentworth Falls or see Three Sisters at Echo Point. Optional camping at Euroka Campground (book ahead; basic facilities, kangaroos) or return to Sydney.
Nightlife (if in Sydney): Metro Theatre for live music or Ivy Pool Club.
Accommodation: Hotel/Airbnb in Sydney CBD or Bondi (nights 5–7). Campground or Sydney hotel (night 8).
Distance: ~200 km (Blue Mountains round trip).

Day 9–11: Byron Bay (Jan 12–14, 3 Nights)
Drive: ~9 hrs from Sydney to Byron Bay (Jan 12, coastal route; stop at Coffs Harbour or Yamba for lunch).

Day 9 (Jan 12):
Nature/Beaches: Arrive late. Quick sunset at Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Nightlife: Drinks at Beach Hotel or The Rails.

Day 10 (Jan 13):
Nature/Beaches: Hike Cape Byron Lighthouse trail (~1–2 hrs) or swim at Main Beach. Optional: Tyagarah Beach (nudist, ~15 mins drive).
Culture: Browse Byron Bay Markets (if on) or local galleries.
Nightlife: Party at The Northern or Stone & Wood Brewery for craft beers.

Day 11 (Jan 14):
Chill Day: Relax at Wategos Beach or try kayaking with dolphins (book via Go Sea Kayak).
Nightlife: Big night at Beach Hotel (DJs) or Woody’s Surf Shack.
Accommodation: Hotel/Airbnb in Byron Bay.
Distance: ~750 km.

Day 12: Byron Bay to Sunshine Coast (Jan 15)
Drive: ~3 hrs to Sunshine Coast (Noosa Heads).
Activities:
Nature/Beaches: Relax at Noosa Main Beach or hike Noosa National Park (coastal trail, ~1–2 hrs; spot koalas).
Nature: Drive (~1 hr) to Glass House Mountains. Short hike (e.g., Mount Ngungun, ~1 hr, moderate) for panoramic views.
Chill/Nightlife: Stroll Hastings Street (Noosa) for cafes. Drinks at Village Bicycle or Solbar (Maroochydore).
Accommodation: Hotel/Airbnb in Noosa.
Distance: ~220 km.

Day 13: Sunshine Coast to Brisbane (Jan 16)
Drive: ~1.5 hrs to Brisbane.
Activities:
City/Culture: Explore South Bank (Queensland Art Gallery, GOMA). Stroll Roma Street Parkland.
Wildlife: Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (~20 mins drive).
Nightlife: Rooftop drinks at Felons Brewing Co. or party in Fortitude Valley (Cloudland, The Beat Megaclub).
Accommodation: Hotel/Airbnb in Brisbane CBD or South Bank.
Distance: ~100 km.

Day 14: Brisbane & Departure (Jan 17)
Morning:
Chill/Culture: West End markets for souvenirs or Mount Coot-tha for views (~30 mins drive).
Afternoon:
Return rental car at Brisbane Airport and depart
Note: Confirm flight time for car return logistics.
Distance: ~15 km (city to airport).
Posted by CuseTiger
Member since Jul 2013
8947 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 3:13 pm to
It's been 15 years since I've been to Sydney + Brisbane so I'm sure others on here can provide more recent suggestions. But, for sydney, near the opera house is a massive rose garden (think it might be the Palace Rose Garden but double check). Really nice to walk around and if you're already walking around near the opera house, would recommend.

The other place I went there that I really enjoyed was the aquarium

Sydney to me was like a New York City so I was good after about two days

The blue mountains are a must. One of the tours I did went on a cool hike around there, absolutely beautiful. I'd probably just suggest staying up there rather than driving back to Sydney for your last night in that area and then you'll have a head start on your way up to Byron.

Byron Bay is a cool beach spot. Nice hike right along the beach by I think it's a lighthouse. Also went skydiving in that area, that was memorable!

From Byron, I might suggest you stop in the gold coast for a night instead of going all the way up to sunshine. Good bars + restaurants right along the beach. I just realized it's one night going to the sunshine coast. I'd probably take away the 4 nights in Sydney and do 3 nights there to save another night for the sunshine coast or gold coast.

Brisbane (Brissie for short) was the equivalent of a charlotte NC to me. Good sized city, lots of things going on, but not NYC esque like Sydney. Maybe that's changed over the last 15 years but hopefully someone on here can chime in. In brisbane, there's a water taxi that runs along the river that you can hop on/off of such as going to the west end market. It makes some stops near bars/restaurants and ran pretty late. The public transportation system was good too. The koala sanctuary was cool. See if you can stop at a glow worm cave while on this trip, that was a highlight that I still remember.
Posted by Mingo Was His NameO
Brooklyn
Member since Mar 2016
36379 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 3:28 pm to
In Sydney, just spend a full day downtown for the opera house and the royal garden. For the beaches, just stay at Bondi and do the Bondi to Coogee trail. Manly and the other beaches are close, but it’s not worth losing 2+ hours of your day on travel.

Bondi is my favorite place in the world. Weather will be amazing in January. Fresh food, fruit, and coffee right on the beach. Local shops and vendors right off the beach, etc. There’s an upscale Italian restaurant at the icebergs that was really nice. Food wasn’t anything to write home about but the view over the beach is awesome.

Also worth a day at blue mountains, but weather up there can be hit or miss. Low clouds can roll in and sit unexpectedly and you may not be able to see shite. The little towns up there are pretty neat though.
Posted by CuseTiger
Member since Jul 2013
8947 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 3:36 pm to
quote:

Bondi is my favorite place in the world

Bondi was pretty sweet. I think they had a shark attack or two just before/after I went there.

quote:

Also worth a day at blue mountains, but weather up there can be hit or miss

Maybe OP plans this trip day of when he arrives and sees what the weather looks like in the few days he's there. Perfectly fine walking around the opera house in the rain, but Bondi/Blue Mountains would be perfect on a sunny day

OP, last thing i forgot to mention is you mentioned this is a guys trip. See if there are any aussie rules football matches or rugby matches anywhere from Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane while you're there. Not sure if schedules go out that far, but I went to an Aussie/All Blacks rugby match while I was there and it was awesome
Posted by Mingo Was His NameO
Brooklyn
Member since Mar 2016
36379 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 3:38 pm to
quote:

OP, last thing i forgot to mention is you mentioned this is a guys trip. See if there are any aussie rules football matches or rugby matches anywhere from Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane while you're there.


Fall sport. They’ll be playing cricket in January
Posted by CuseTiger
Member since Jul 2013
8947 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 3:43 pm to
quote:

Fall sport

I timed my trip right then from July-Nov

quote:

They’ll be playing cricket in January

Eh...Not my cup of tea. Been to one, was much longer than a baseball game
Posted by SuperDomed
Member since May 2010
973 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 3:53 pm to
I would argue you’re missing out on one of the most beautiful adventures you can do in Australia, Great Ocean Road. It’s just southwest of the city center and about 150 miles of road along the coast. I would try to organize that to be the beginning of the trip, and condense some of the other stops between Melbourne and Sydney. Some really cool stops between Sydney and Brisbane, I’d probably keep that as is. Highlight of your trip will likely be Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you get to hold a koala and take a photo. I still remember the name of the one I first took a photo with (Cinnamon). Went back to Australia about 10 years later and she was still alive! In the “retirement” area of the park, no longer taking photos.
Posted by Mingo Was His NameO
Brooklyn
Member since Mar 2016
36379 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 4:04 pm to
quote:

Highlight of your trip will likely be Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you get to hold a koala and take a photo.


Posted by LemmyLives
Texas
Member since Mar 2019
13165 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 5:43 pm to
Make sure everyone applies for a Visa well in advance. If any of your friends had any run ins with the law, it can involve a lot of back and forth, and can take longer than expected.

In Melbourne there is a lot of interesting architecture on skyscrapers which was unexpected. I believe there is a helicopter tour of the river running through downtown which you can take. And always, always have an umbrella. I've never seen weather change quite as fast in localized spots as I have in Melbourne.
Posted by ArmydawgMD
Member since Sep 2020
708 posts
Posted on 8/2/25 at 6:13 pm to
Sweet. One of the guys recommended this now and also Philips Island. Is it worth seeing the whole road or just going to Apollo Bay and back?
Posted by Aussietigerfan
Sydney, Australia
Member since May 2015
2563 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 4:31 am to
Hey mate,

You will find in most of Australia the pub scene is often better than nightclubs. The rocks in Sydney is definitely a place i’d recommend for a beer.
Coogee pavillion (coogee pav) is a great spot for a rooftop beer right on the beach.

If you’re looking for a great place to have lunch or dinner with a nice harbour view. Book an outdoor seating at 6 head restaurant. My favourite by far
Posted by ArmydawgMD
Member since Sep 2020
708 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 6:34 am to
Hey mate, I’ve incorporated your recs:

MELBOURNE-Sunday 4jan26:Land in Melbourne. Will need a relaxing day after travel. Airbnb checkin. Go to a spa. Have a nice meal. Do the penguin viewing on st kilda pier in melbourne at sundown. Go out drinking.

MELBOURNE-Monday 5jan26: Leave in morning for great ocean rd (3hr), loop back to apollo bay and bells beach. Hang out at beach. Drive back to melbourne. Go out drinking.
6hrs driving

MELBOURNE- Tuesday 6Jan: Phillips island and back to Melbourne for afternoon/evening. Or in reverse and see the penguin parade at Philips that evening
3.5 hrs driving

Leave Melbourne- travel 7JAN: wake up kinda early and hit the road for Wilson’s Prom. Spend the afternoon there, and start making our way towards Sydney. Stop at Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance for the night
6.5 hrs driving

Arrive in Sydney-Thursday 8JAN: hit the road for final drive to Sydney. Canberra. See about scalping tickets to the cricket game. The rocks pub.
8 hrs driving

SYDNEY-Friday 9jan26- walk from coogee beach to bondi beach. Coogee pavilion. Beach day. Go up towards lady bay! Then back to party in sydney

SYDNEY-Saturday 10jan26- blue mountains (1 hr) and featherdale wildlide preserve on ride back!! Explore sydney.
3 hrs driving

SYDNEY- Sunday 11jan26- we can come up with something fun. But will probably need some recovery. 6 head restaurant.

SYDNEY-BYRON BAY-Monday 12jan26 -get out early- sydney drive to byron bay. (7:45 drive). Tyagarah and kings beach. Sunset at cape byron lighthouse
8 hrs driving

BYRON BAY-Tuesday 13jan26- hang out around byron bay. Hit up beaches and chill. Another byron bay night!

BRISBANE- Wednesday 14jan26- drive from byron to brisbane (2hrs).
2 hrs driving

BRISBANE-Thursday 15jan26-koala reserve!

BRISBANE-Friday 16Jan26- Noosa day trip!!
Vs. Moreton Island (boat ride)
4 hrs driving

Saturday 17jan26- fly back out of brisbane
Posted by Mingo Was His NameO
Brooklyn
Member since Mar 2016
36379 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 8:41 am to
I’m not going to lie, this trip looks miserable.

You’re taking a 13+ hour flight to spend the entire time driving, including 7 hours the day after you land? Wooooo, going to be tough

Also, you put go out partying several times. Not sure what you are looking for, but Sydney, at least, wasn’t a big late night party scene and they’ll throw people out of bars that look too drunk
Posted by ArmydawgMD
Member since Sep 2020
708 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 8:50 am to
The important thing is we can shift up the actual day by day when we get there to avoid a long drive immediately.

But roadtripping is a better way to see a country than flying in between cities so we will manage.

I’m sure it be a lot of day drinking on the beach more than late night clubbing
Posted by Aussietigerfan
Sydney, Australia
Member since May 2015
2563 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 2:10 pm to
If you’re going to drive to Sydney id also recommend visiting a coastal town like huskisson,NSW for a couple nights. It will be busy that time of year but its an awesome spot with the whitest sand and crystal clear water. Perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Really popular pub there husky pub.

Canberra is very dull i wouldn't recommend stopping there at all. A country town like Bowral would be much nicer, which has really good cafes and pubs all down the main strip.

How old are you boys?

Cheers
Posted by ArmydawgMD
Member since Sep 2020
708 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 4:50 pm to
33-42
Posted by Aussietigerfan
Sydney, Australia
Member since May 2015
2563 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 7:49 pm to
Yeah i’d steer well clear from a few of those clubs that AI sent like revolver and ivy. I’m early 30s myself. Definitely do a pub crawl in the rocks especially on a weekend
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