Went a tad crazy and asked ChatGPT "What is the best scenic route by car from Sydney to Brisbane over 8 days", and here's the answer I got:
"The drive from Sydney to Brisbane offers a variety of scenic routes, allowing you to explore beautiful landscapes, coastal areas, and charming towns.
Here's a suggested itinerary for an 8-day road trip, keeping in mind that travel times and preferences may vary. This itinerary assumes you have a rental car and are open to detours and side trips:
Day 1: Sydney to Newcastle- Start your journey in Sydney and head north to Newcastle.
- Explore Newcastle's beaches, the foreshore, and the historic sites.
- Overnight in Newcastle.
Day 2: Newcastle to Port Macquarie- Drive along the Pacific Highway to Port Macquarie.
- Visit the Koala Hospital and enjoy the coastal scenery.
- Overnight in Port Macquarie.
Day 3: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour- Continue north to Coffs Harbour.
- Explore the Big Banana, Muttonbird Island, and the Jetty.
- Overnight in Coffs Harbour.
Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay- Head to Byron Bay, known for its beaches and vibrant culture.
- Relax on the beaches, explore the Cape Byron Lighthouse, and enjoy the lively town.
- Overnight in Byron Bay.
Day 5: Byron Bay to Gold Coast- Drive to the Gold Coast, famous for its theme parks and stunning beaches.
- Visit Surfers Paradise, enjoy the theme parks, or explore the hinterland.
- Overnight on the Gold Coast.
Day 6: Gold Coast to Brisbane via Mount Tamborine- Take a detour through Mount Tamborine for rainforest walks and panoramic views.
- Continue to Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city.
- Explore the South Bank, Brisbane River, and the city's cultural precinct.
- Overnight in Brisbane.
Day 7: Brisbane to Sunshine Coast- Drive north to the Sunshine Coast.
- Visit Noosa, explore the national parks, and relax on the beaches.
- Overnight on the Sunshine Coast.
Day 8: Sunshine Coast to Brisbane- Spend the morning exploring more of the Sunshine Coast.
- Return to Brisbane in the afternoon, and if time allows, visit any remaining attractions.
This itinerary provides a mix of coastal beauty, nature, and urban exploration. Adjustments can be made based on personal interests and preferences. Ensure to check road conditions, and consider the weather when planning your trip. Additionally, keep in mind that this is a suggested itinerary, and you may want to adapt it based on your own preferences and the time you want to spend in each location."