11 September 2024
8 mins Read
If you like driving through country towns and not past them, then a Sydney to Brisbane drive through New England High Country is for you.
Whether you’ve got a few days or even a week to meander through charming country towns, delightful cafes, classic bakeries and stunning scenery, the journey flows with memorable sights from start to finish. We map out the absolute must-experiences so you can wind down the window and watch the good times roll on.
No Sydney to Brisbane drive kicks off without dipping a foot in the unmistakable hum of the Harbour City.
A whip around Circular Quay, set right off Sydney Harbour, will help you tick off all the icons at once — think the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art (one of the city’s best art galleries) and The Rocks’ historical precinct among a healthy dose of retail boutiques and world-class restaurants.
Admire awe-striking installations at the Museum of Contemporary Art. (Image: Image by Document Photography)
For a change of pace, head to the northern beaches, home to some of the most exceptional stretches of sand and surf in Sydney. Land in Manly for excellent cafe culture and plenty of adventure, and stretch your legs right up the coastline for relaxed beach towns spilling over with laid-back hipster scenes.
Admire the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. (Image: Destination NSW)
Once you kiss Sydney goodbye, hit the road for two hours to reach booming Newcastle. Here, you’ll discover a city that’s growing in popularity, and so much more than a relaxed and breezy weekender.
Spend a breezy surfing weekend on Merewether Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Blessed with beautiful beaches of its own, cool cafes and a thriving arts scene, one stop in Newcastle is never enough to capture everything on offer.
Newcastle is blessed with beautiful beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Jana Restaurant & Bar, one of the city’s best restaurants, is the spot for foodies. With capacity for 75 diners, the eatery within the QT Newcastle spins magic out of humble ingredients.
The 75-seater Jana Restaurant & Bar is housed in the heritage David Jones building.
Keep exploring this beautiful corner of the world by grabbing your fuel to go. You’ll find top-notch takeaway coffee at the best cafes in Newcastle, including Good Brother Espresso Shop, Darks Coffee Roasters and Praise Joe.
Make a pit stop at Darks Coffee Roasters.
Keen to make a night of your adventure? There’s plenty of exceptional accommodation offerings in Newcastle including that QT you’ve already familiarised yourself with, as well as Quest Newcastle West and Crystalbrook Kingsley.
Crystalbrook Kingsley brings contemporary luxury to the CBD. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)
Journey about 3.5 hours and you’ll land in Tamworth, where country music thrives and the dining and entertainment scenes continues to grow. But first, coffee. Punch Double Picc in Muswellbrook into your Maps to find an outstanding fix.
Grab a cookie to pair with your warm brew at Double Picc.
Jump back into the car and push on to Willow Tree where The Plains Pantry is a non-negotiable for fresh local produce, sweet treats or healthy bites, aka lunch.
Have you really visited Tamworth though if you don’t snap a selfie at the Big Golden Guitar? It’s on the southern approach on the New England Highway, so you can’t miss it and despite the clichés, it’s rather a cool tribute to the town’s country music roots. So too, the bronze statues along the main street that pay tribute to an assortment of country music legends.
Snap a selfie at the Big Golden Guitar. (Image: Destination NSW)
Your exploration has only just begun. For casual eats, The Pig & Tinder Box Restaurant & Bar is a local favourite. Housed within Tamworth’s beautiful old bank building, it’s got a menu of creative share plates and traditional wood-fired pizzas.
The Pig & Tinder Box Restaurant & Bar serves up creative share plates. (Image: Destination NSW)
Meanwhile, Goonoo Goonoo Station’s Glasshouse Restaurant is Tamworth’s most celebrated dining destination. With sweeping views over rolling hills to the distant Liverpool Range, it oozes sophistication.
Sip premium wines at Goonoo Goonoo Station’s Glasshouse Restaurant overlooking the rolling hills. (Image: Destination NSW)
Culture vultures should stop by the Tamworth Regional Gallery, located in the heart of town, and if you’re feely weary, Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges is a five-star beauty with stylish rooms, an inviting bar and one impressive steakhouse.
Head to Tamworth Regional Gallery for all things art. (Image: Destination NSW)
Keep trucking about 1.5 hours to find Armidale, where community spirit soars.
Stop by Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse to recharge. (Image: Destination NSW)
Hunt down Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse for wine tasting (and potentially your night’s digs) as well as picnicking amid spectacular country gardens with a cheese platter.
Sip some of their finest drops. (Image: Destination NSW)
Before you jet off, grab a bottle of something special to enjoy at your next destination.
Take one for the road. (Image: Destination NSW)
No trip to the ‘Cathedral City,’ dubbed so thanks to the town’s wonderous colonial buildings, is also in good proximity to hiking trails, like those found in the Washpool National Park and Gibraltar Range National Park.
Witness the sunrise over the Dandahra Crags walking track in Gibraltar Range National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
If it’s time to slow down and recharge your Sydney to Brisbane drive, Petersons is incredibly lush but there’s also the Tattersalls Hotel Armidale which dazzles in Art Deco style.
Stay in the Art Deco-style Tattersalls Hotel Armidale. (Image: Destination NSW)
Soldier on another two hours and you’ll bump into Tenterfield, just 20 kilometres away from the Queensland border. A visit to this town is not complete without visiting the historic Tenterfield Saddler, made famous by the great Peter Allen. The original saddlery is filled with interesting memorabilia and leather goods but it’s the old bones that are guaranteed to fascinate.
Visit the historic Tenterfield Saddler. (Image: Destination NSW)
Glenrock Gardens is another must-discover in all its 10-acre glory. There’s a working farm on site but simply wandering around the tranquil property is sure to fill up your cup.
Bask in the lush, 10-acre glory of Glenrock Gardens.
On the main street of Tenterfield is The Corner, a sprawling store filled with homewares, fashion, jewellery, accessories and gifts you’ll struggle to say no to. When sleep time calls, The Commercial Boutique Hotel offers eight luxurious rooms above a tastefully restored pub decked out in Art Deco extravagance.
Step into the restored pub at Commercial Boutique Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)
Next stop along your Sydney to Brisbane drive is Stanthorpe, one of the beautiful Queensland towns along the state’s Granite Belt.
Hop between vineyards in the stunning Stanthorpe. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Wine country flourishes in this neck of the woods so take your time as you hop between vineyards including Tobin Wines and Symphony Hill Wines, both technically in nearby Ballandean, and Ridgemill Estate.
Pop by Tobin Wines for cellar door tastings. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Take advantage of the town’s excellent glamping stay, Alure Stanthorpe, by spending the night.
Hit refresh with a relaxing glamping stay at Alure Stanthorpe. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
It’s nothing but misty mountains and cattle-dotted farmscapes so prepare to unwind amid one heck of a backdrop.
Soak in the outdoor tub at sundown. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
You made it all the way to Brisbane, the buzzing Queensland capital. From riverfront dining and laneway bars to world-class art galleries and breathtaking nature exploration, the city has evolved into one of Australia’s most exciting destinations.
Nothing beats riverfront dining at Howard Smith Wharves. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Don’t miss Howard Smith Wharves, one of Brisbane’s best entertainment precincts scattered with killer bars and restaurants, plus one of the best breweries in the country.
Drink by the river with dazzling views of the Story Bridge. (Image: Tourism Australia)
As for a comfy bed to help you recharge overused batteries, you’re spoilt for accommodation options. Think plush five-star hotels, achingly cool boutique hotels and one of the world’s highly acclaimed urban oasis’.
Soak up waterfront views on a sun lounger. (Image: Tourism Australia)
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Would love to do this drive ,looks and sounds amazing
fantastic – just what i needed for my inland journey from sydney to brisbane