Days 1-3
Sydney
You’ll arrive in Sydney and be transferred to the Hyatt Regency Sydney where you’ll spend three nights. Here you’ll have plenty of time to explore the major sights of Sydney including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, as well as getting to know the fine restaurants and bars scattered across the city. Sydney offers an almost limitless range of things to do so make the most of your time here.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Sydney
Day 4
Hunter Valley
After collecting your car you will depart Sydney and travel north over the Harbour Bridge and onto the Pacific Highway. If you fancy a quick detour, the small towns of Gosford and Newcastle are utterly charming, the latter offering a lovely scenic walk along the foreshore. You’ll then drive via Maitland and arrive in the Hunter Valley, a wonderful area with an abundance of wineries – take part in a wine tour to taste test Australia’s finest wines, and tuck into gourmet cuisine.
Overnight: Leisure Inn Pokolbin (or upgrade to Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley)
Day 5
Port Stephens
In the morning you’ll depart from the Hunter Valley and journey northeast to Port Stephens, a lovely natural bay over twice the size of Sydney Harbour, and enclosed by two soaring, dormant volcanic headlands. Whilst here, tuck in to delicious seafood and sunbathe on one of the 26 gorgeous golden sand beaches, or even take an afternoon cruise to see the Bottlenose dolphins.
Overnight: Ramada Resort Shoal Bay (or upgrade to Hotel Nelson)
Day 6
Coffs Harbour
Today you will leave Port Stephens and venture north to Bulahdelah, the entrance of Myall Lakes National Park. You’ll then drive along Lakes Way, a picturesque route through the rainforest, with amazing views of inland lakes and ocean beaches, before travelling through the Manning Valley and Taree to Port Macquarie. Afterwards, you’ll continue to Coffs Harbour – this is the start of the sub-tropical northern coast of New South Wales, and a beautiful area where the surrounding district produces timber, vegetables, dairy, bananas and fish. In the afternoon, take a trip to The Big Banana, a fantastic display on the banana industry.
Overnight: Best Western Zebra Hotel (or upgrade to Sanctuary Resort Motor Inn Coffs Harbour)
Day 7
Byron Bay
Start by following the coastal highway to Woolgoolga, before turning inland towards Grafton, a charming old country town nestled on the banks of the majestic Clarence River. You’ll then travel to Woodburn and on to Ballina before reaching Byron Bay, a popular area for surfers and trendy travellers.
Overnight: Lord Byron Resort (or upgrade to Beach Suites)
Day 8
Byron Bay
The day is at leisure for you to explore stylish Byron Bay. Take on the waves with an afternoon of surfing, tuck into fresh food at the restaurants and cafes, or simply relax on the beach.
Overnight: Lord Byron Resort (or upgrade to Beach Suites)
Day 9
Brisbane
Wake up early to watch the stunning sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, before leaving Byron bay and travelling north to Brunwick Heads. You then have a choice of routes: either continue along the coast via Pottville Beach and travel via the Gold Coast, or travel inland to Murwillumbah. There’s then a shorter, direct route to Brisbane, or you can drive via Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise for something a bit more scenic. If time allows, take a detour to the striking Gold Coast Hinterland, stopping at Lamington National Park along the way.
Overnight: Novotel Brisbane
Days 10-12
Noosa
On day 10 you’ll drive to the resort town of Noosa, blessed with stunning golden sand and a rainforest backdrop. You’ll spend three nights here.
Overnight: Mantra French Quarter
Day 13
Depart from Noosa
Today you’ll depart from Noosa and drive back to Brisbane airport, where you’ll catch your flight home.
