Lismore to Brisbane road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time
The best stops on a Lismore to Brisbane road trip itinerary are Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. By car, the distance from Lismore to Brisbane is 197km, and the driving time around 2h20m.
The drive from Lismore to Brisbane connects one of the largest towns in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales to Queensland’s capital.
When you reach Brisbane, top options include a Moreton Island day trip, climbing the Story Bridge and visiting native wildlife at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
There’s plenty to explore along the way, however.
Lismore to Brisbane distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Lismore to Brisbane is 197km. That makes for an estimated driving time of around two hours and 20 minutes.
9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
- Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
- Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
- Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
- Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
- XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
- Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
- See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.
You’ll leave Lismore along B62/ Bangalow Road, which passes Bexhill Quarry. The centrepiece of this quarry site turned into a park is the bizarrely bright blue pool in the middle.
The drive continues through Clunes, which offers charming shops and handsome churches. The rainforest walks of the Booyong Nature Reserve are nearby, too.
Lismore to Bangalow road trip: Bangalow to Ewingsdale
The best stop on the Lismore to Byron Bay leg of the Lismore to Gold Coast drive, however, is Bangalow. Here, Common People Brewing provides the craft beers, while there are several cafés and restaurants inhabiting Federation-style buildings.
Just before you join the Pacific Motorway, the St Helena Lookout makes for a good photo stop. But chances are, you’ll only be on the Pacific Motorway for one stop as Ewingsdale marks the turn-off for Byron Bay.
This is also where you’ll encounter The Farm Byron Bay, where Byron Bay hot air ballooning tours depart from.
8 amazing Byron Bay experiences worth booking today
- Experience the region’s glorious natural landscapes from above – on a hot air balloon ride.
- Go kayaking with dolphins – and get much closer to them than on a boat tour 🐬.
- Learn to surf – on a half day surf lesson 🏄♀️.
- Discover the local secrets – let a guide show you the hidden beaches and waterfalls 🏖️.
- Go on a three habitat wildlife safari – spotting koalas, kangaroos and flying foxes 🐨🦘.
- See glowworms light up the World Heritage-listed rainforest.
- Explore the Byron Bay hinterland – including the rainforest walk to Minyon Falls.
- Taste craft beers and spirits – on a tour of Byron’s breweries and distilleries 🍻.
- Also try… Skydives | Sea-kayaking | Whale-watching.
Lismore to Bangalow drive: Byron Bay to Brunswick Heads
Top Byron Bay activities include brewery tours, art and wine classes and turtle snorkelling tours. You can also try kayaking with dolphins, learn to surf and see glowworms in the hinterland national parks.
It’s another 45 minutes from Byron Bay to Tweed Heads, the most northerly town on the New South Wales coast. You’ll go past Belongil Beach and the Tyagarah Nature Reserve on the connection back to the Pacific Motorway.
Here’s why you should stay in Brunswick Heads – four fantastic experiences
- Take a snorkelling tour to the protected subtropical paradise – at the marine life-packed Julian Rocks.
- Take an eco-cruise through the rainforest – in the day time or on a sunset cruise.
- Watch migrating humpback whales between June and October – on a whale-watching cruise with a marine biologist guide.
- Take a nature kayaking tour along the river – choose from sunrise, daytime and sunset tours.
Brunswick Heads is arguably the best beach stop before the Queensland border. Here, you can kayak or cruise along the Brunswick River or take a snorkelling tour to Julian Rocks.
For Brunswick Heads accommodation, plump for the stylish Brunswick or the pool-centric Sails Motel.
Click through for the next section: Brunswick Heads to Tweed Heads.