Watch the surfers at sunset in Byron Bay
Explore Brisbane's vibrant Southbank and man-made Streets Beach | Photo credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
The area around Coffs Harbour is abundant with wildlife | Photo credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Explore the iconic sights of Sydney | Photo credit: Destination NSW
Stop to soak up the scenery in the Blue Mountains
Spot whales and dolphins off the coast in Queensland
Spot wildlife and meet koalas on an East Coast Australia road trip
Explore the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay
This Brisbane to Sydney road trip will take you on an 8-day journey down the east coast of Australia on the Pacific Coast Highway. Breath-taking views, spectacular beaches and quaint seaside towns line the route and you can take things at your own pace stopping in Byron Bay, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, finishing with 2 nights in Sydney.
After a night exploring Brisbane, Queensland’s largest city, make your way down the scenic coast stopping first in Byron Bay, famous for its surfy, hippie vibe and long white sandy beach. Next, head to Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, both small seaside towns with an abundance of wildlife opportunities such as whale and dolphin watching. From here it’s the final stretch to the vivid city of Sydney to take in some of the key sights such as the Opera House, Botanical Gardens and Bondi Beach.
This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.
On arrival into Brisbane Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by shared transfer, with the rest of the day free to explore Brisbane.
Why not take the ferry along the river or simply stroll along the beautiful Southbank for great views of the city skyline? There are so many shops, bars and eateries that you will be spoilt for choice for dinner along the waterfront. This artsy city also as an abundance of museums and exhibitions to visit.
Today you’ll collect your car rental and make the 2-hour drive south to one of Australia’s quintessential beachside towns, Byron Bay. You have 2 nights here to unwind in this hedonistic town on the famous beach or soaking up the relaxed vibe in one of the many cafes or bars.
Today you can indulge in one of the many activities available, from learning to surf in some of the best waves in the world, whale watching or walking the Cape Byron Track to the lighthouse which lies on Australia’s most easterly point.
You will head to Coffs Harbour today. This stretch of driving contains some of the most beautiful landscapes on this coastline so take your time to make stops for photos. If you’re into nature then this city will appeal with its fantastic beach walks and an abundance of wildlife from birds, butterflies and dolphins. Coffs Harbour is also most famously known for the Big Banana monument and adventure park!
2 hours further along the coast, you will find yourself in Port Macquarie. Another coastal town with a laidback vibe but with a variety of activities to keep you entertained. From May to November Port Macquarie is one of your best options along this coast for whale watching (most commonly humpback whales). If a cruise isn’t for you there are many coastal walks with headlands to peer over to try and spot the whales as they make their way across the harbour. Other popular highlights include the Koala hospital and the Port Macquarie’s Sea Acres Rainforest Centre where you can walk along an elevated boardwalk to get up and close with the rainforest.
Enjoy your final drive towards Sydney for your last 2 nights. Drop your car rental at a downtown depot or alternatively add on a day and drive to the Blue Mountains. Your days here are free to do as you choose. Wander through Hyde Park, visit local wildlife at the Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour or simply enjoy a drink and soak up the view of the Sydney harbour by the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
If you are feeling particularly energetic, why not walk the scenic coastal route from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach via many scenic coves where the blue waters crash against the jagged coastline? Alternatively, you could relax in the sun, try out surfing or meander around the many cafes.
We can arrange a multitude of city tours from the Harbour Bridge climb and Harbour cruises to day trips outside the city such as Hunter Valley. Have a chat with your consultant to discuss your options.
Your trip ends here, take your shared transfer to the airport to your next destination. If you would like to extend your time in Australia we have some great suggestions about what you could add on to make the most of your trip!
The summer season in on this stretch of coastline runs from December to February with hot sunny weather expected in Sydney daily. Rain is common however during this time in Brisbane despite high temperatures. The optimum time to visit along this stretch would be Spring (September to November) for warm days with less rain. Winter can bring cold and rainy conditions from June to August.
We’re experts in planning tailor-made holidays, so whether you’re looking for a luxury Australia holiday, ideas for a road trip, a Great Barrier Reef holiday or multi-stop flights to Australia with stopovers – let us help you with the planning. Our experts can tailor-make precisely the trip you’re looking for - this itinerary is purely a suggestion, so please contact us with your dates and requests, and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.
7 nights in 3* accommodation.
Accommodation in this standard includes:
