Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is much faster and often cheaper.

You can take a train from Sydney to Brisbane, but it takes over 14 hours.

Is the Pacific Highway safe?

Yes, it is a major, well-maintained highway.

What is the best way to get around Brisbane?

Public transport is excellent, especially the ferries.

Brisbane

Flight Driving

Port Kembla to Brisbane

Updated: 27 May 2026

The journey from Port Kembla to Brisbane covers approximately 950 kilometers. Driving via the M1 Pacific Motorway is the most common road route, taking about 10 to 11 hours. Alternatively, you can travel to Sydney Airport and take a direct flight to Brisbane. This route takes you north along the coast, passing through major regional centers in New South Wales.

Total Distance: 950 km driving distance, 750 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Sydney Airport is significantly faster than driving.

Cheapest Way

Flying with a budget airline is often cheaper than the cost of fuel for driving.

Compare Port Kembla to Brisbane Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 30 mins (flight time)	10 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	$130 - $350	$160 - $260 fuel
Operator	Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia	Personal Vehicle
Route	Sydney Airport (SYD) to Brisbane Airport (BNE).	M1 Princes Motorway to M1 Pacific Motorway, continuing north.
Tip	Book in advance for the best prices on this high-frequency route.	Plan for an overnight stop in a town like Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie.

Travel Tips

Flight Booking
Compare prices across multiple airlines using a comparison site.
Driving Breaks
Plan your stops along the Pacific Highway to avoid driver fatigue.
Brisbane Transport
Use the Translink Go Card for all public transport within Brisbane.
Weather
Brisbane is warm year-round; pack light clothing.
Airport Transfers
Use the Airtrain for a fast transfer from Brisbane Airport to the city.

Safety Tips

Fatigue
Take a break every two hours if driving the Pacific Highway.
Wildlife
Be cautious of wildlife on the road, especially at night.
Emergency
Keep a mobile phone and charger in your car.
Road Conditions
Check for roadworks or accidents on the Pacific Highway before departing.