Is the M1 toll road expensive?

Yes, tolls can add up to $50 depending on the route taken through Sydney.

Can I take a train to Brisbane?

Yes, the XPT train runs from Sydney Central to Brisbane Roma Street daily.

How long is the flight?

The flight time is approximately 90 minutes from Sydney to Brisbane.

Are there rest stops on the M1?

Yes, there are numerous service centers like Wyong and Heatherbrae.

Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is faster, but driving allows you to explore coastal towns.

Kurrajong

Brisbane

Flight Driving

Kurrajong to Brisbane

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey from Kurrajong to Brisbane covers approximately 950 kilometers. You can drive via the M1 Pacific Motorway, which takes roughly 10 to 11 hours. Alternatively, travel to Sydney Airport for a 90-minute flight to Brisbane. The drive offers coastal views through the Mid North Coast. Ensure you plan for rest stops in towns like Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie. This route connects the Hawkesbury region to the Queensland capital.

Total Distance: 950 km driving distance, 780 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Sydney Airport takes 1.5 hours plus transit time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest for groups of three or more people.

Compare Kurrajong to Brisbane Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 30 mins	10 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	$120 - $350	$150 - $200 in fuel
Operator	Qantas or Virgin Australia	Personal Vehicle
Route	Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to Brisbane Airport.	M1 Pacific Motorway via Newcastle and Gold Coast.
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance for the lowest fares.	Avoid the M1 during Friday afternoon peak hour to save two hours of traffic.

Travel Tips

Airport Parking
Use long-term parking at Sydney Airport to save money compared to daily rates.
Toll Roads
Ensure your E-Toll tag is active for the M1 and Sydney tunnels.
Traffic Apps
Use Live Traffic NSW to check for accidents on the M1 before departing.
Hydration
Keep a large water bottle in the car as the drive through northern NSW can be hot.
Accommodation
Book hotels in Brisbane CBD near the train line for easy access to public transport.

Safety Tips

Fatigue Management
Stop every two hours for a 15-minute break to prevent driver fatigue.
Wildlife
Be cautious of kangaroos on the road, especially during dawn and dusk.
Weather
Check for flood warnings on the Pacific Highway during the wet season.
Emergency
Keep a physical road map in your vehicle in case of mobile reception blackspots.