How many overnight stops make a Sydney-to-Brisbane coastal drive enjoyable?

Allow daylight for the scenic detours and keep the final day's arrival flexible. The highway is efficient, while beach and lookout visits add time that map estimates do not show.

Pick a few overnight bases instead of changing rooms every day. Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers can break the drive, but choose stops for what you want to do rather than equal distances.