Driving Sydney to Brisbane best places to stop?

[oopsandbabycoconut]

We are going to Aus in January and have 5 days in Sydney before driving north to Brisbane and back. We have 2 weeks to get to and from Brisbane. Where are nice places to stop on the way. We are travelling with DD who will be 17 months so want to tray and spend a night or 2 when we stop so she doesn't spend all holiday in the car. Also want to make a stop at Australia Zoo.

Are we being unrealistic?

www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g255055-c3001/Australia:Sydney.To.Brisbane.Coastal.Route.Drive.html

You may find the above helpful.

Having been to both cities I would use an alternative means of transport - I would look into flying to Brisbane and staying in that area (or out on the Sunshine Coast, its quieter than the Gold Coast)

Australia Zoo can be reached from say Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in a day but it'll be a long day trip.

www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g255055-c3001/Australia:Sydney.To.Brisbane.Coastal.Route.Drive.html

Hi Thanks for that. We are not driving in Sydney just picking up the car on the way out. We are staying in a Brisbane city centre hotel so will park the car there and use alternative transport once we are there. Flying to Brisbane is not an option as we are taking some stuff from Sydney to Brisbane for a friend that is too big and cumbersome to fly with.

With Australia Zoo - it is on DH's wish list but alot of it he knows is not likely to happen. Will add it as an 'if we have time' trip.

Hiya!

I've travelled that route many times although it was all pre-kids. I'd suggest stops at Forster-Tuncurry (lovely beaches, pelicans, riverbanks), Allawara (just North of Coff's Harbour and there is a fantastic caravan park there with chalets right on the beach), Yamba and Byron Bay. Stay at least 3 days in Byron as it's so beautiful and there's loads to do.

I'd also suggest staying in caravan parks as much as possible as they're cheaper than motels and usually much nicer, you get to be in or close to the bush and beaches so see loads of birds, possums and other wildlife. Don't forget your sunnies and sunscreen as it's hot in January - get the best value sunscreen and children's hats/sunsuits from the subsidised Australian Cancer Council shops in Sydney.

Have a great time!

Oops sorry - nappy brain.

That's Arrawarra not Allawarra and they have a website:

www.arrawarrabeachholidaypark.com/

Oops sorry - nappy brain.

That's Arrawarra not Allawarra and they have a website:

www.arrawarrabeachholidaypark.com/

Don't forget it's summer hols in Oz so peak season (equivalent of August here). All these places are going to be very busy, so I would look at booking.