There are road trips, and then there are Australian road trips.
The kind where the playlist gets louder, the coffee stops become part of the adventure, and every detour leads to another incredible beach, coastal town or hidden gem. If you’re planning a holiday from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, a two-week road trip is the perfect way to experience some of Australia’s most spectacular coastline.
From the crystal-clear waters of Port Stephens to the laid-back beach towns of the Mid North Coast and the stunning hinterland of Queensland, this journey is packed with unforgettable experiences. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to relax and recharge before reaching your final destination, Glen Eden Beach Resort in Peregian Beach is a stop you’ll be glad you made.
Leave the city behind and head north towards Port Stephens, where golden beaches, giant sand dunes and resident dolphins set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Spend your days exploring Nelson Bay, climbing Tomaree Head Summit for panoramic views, or jumping on a dolphin-watching cruise. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Stockton Sand Dunes offer everything from sandboarding to quad biking.
It’s the perfect introduction to the relaxed coastal lifestyle that awaits further north.
Continue north along the Pacific Highway towards Port Macquarie, one of the most loved coastal destinations in New South Wales.
Walk the famous Coastal Walk from Town Beach to Lighthouse Beach, visit the Koala Hospital, or simply spend an afternoon relaxing by the ocean. With beautiful cafés, family-friendly beaches and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why so many visitors end up staying longer than planned.
As the journey continues, Coffs Harbour offers a mix of adventure and natural beauty.
Visit the iconic Big Banana, explore Muttonbird Island, or spend a day chasing waterfalls in nearby national parks. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful on the east coast, making it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy a few lazy afternoons.
Don’t forget to stop at one of the many coastal lookouts along the way—you’ll quickly realise that the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination.
No east coast road trip is complete without a stop in Byron Bay.
Known for its relaxed atmosphere, surf culture and breathtaking coastline, Byron is the kind of place where schedules tend to disappear. Spend your mornings walking to Australia’s most easterly point at Cape Byron Lighthouse and your afternoons exploring boutique shops, local markets and beachside cafés.
Whether you’re surfing, whale watching or simply enjoying a sunset at Wategos Beach, Byron Bay delivers the quintessential Australian coastal experience.
Cross into Queensland and spend a couple of days exploring the Gold Coast.
While Surfers Paradise is famous for its skyline and nightlife, there is so much more to discover. Explore Burleigh Heads National Park, enjoy family-friendly beaches, visit theme parks or discover hidden gems in the lush Gold Coast Hinterland.
From rainforest walks to beach swims, the Gold Coast offers something for every traveller.
The final stretch of the journey brings you to one of Australia’s most loved holiday destinations—the Sunshine Coast.
While Noosa often steals the spotlight, many travellers are discovering the quieter charm of Peregian Beach, where stunning natural surroundings meet a relaxed village atmosphere.
And that’s where Glen Eden Beach Resort comes in.
After days of driving, exploring and ticking destinations off your bucket list, Glen Eden Beach Resort offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and truly enjoy your surroundings.
Nestled between Peregian Beach and the pristine dunes of the Sunshine Coast, Glen Eden feels like a hidden sanctuary. Surrounded by native bushland and just moments from the beach, it’s the kind of place where mornings start with birdsong and evenings end with the sound of waves rolling onto the shore.
Unlike busy high-rise accommodation, Glen Eden offers spacious townhouse-style apartments designed for families, couples and groups looking for room to relax.
Spend your days:
Sometimes the best part of a road trip isn’t another attraction or lookout. It’s finding a place where you can finally stop rushing and enjoy the moment.
Peregian Beach also makes an ideal base for exploring the wider Sunshine Coast.
Within easy reach you’ll find:
Whether you’re chasing adventure or relaxation, everything is close enough for a day trip while still allowing you to return to the peaceful surroundings of the resort.
A two-week road trip from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast isn’t just a holiday—it’s a collection of moments.
It’s sunrise coffees overlooking the ocean. It’s discovering small towns you never planned to stop in. It’s finding a beach you have all to yourself. It’s spontaneous detours, local bakeries, road trip playlists and memories that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked the car.
And when the journey finally brings you to the Sunshine Coast, Glen Eden Beach Resort is the perfect place to pause, recharge and enjoy the very best of coastal Queensland.
So fuel up, pack your swimmers, and hit the road. Your ultimate east coast adventure is waiting.