11 Day Pacific Coast Explorer - Sydney to Brisbane Itinerary

Welcome to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities. Blessed with a glorious natural harbour, golden beaches and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis offers a stunning introduction to Australia.

Explore Sydney At Your Leisure

Enjoy some free time to discover Sydney in depth, at your own pace.

Settle in with a stroll along Circular Quay. With the Harbour Bridge at one end and the Opera House at the other, is there any more iconic place to begin your Australian dream vacation?

Sailing through Sydney Harbour really is a must-do. Take a ferry to Manly for a laid-back beach day, or cruise to Taronga Zoo, whose stunning location offer outstanding harbour views for visitors and animals alike. Tackle the Bondi to Bronte walking trail along the sandstone cliffs for panoramic views of the South Pacific Ocean.

However you choose to spend your day, Sydney is guaranteed to win your heart.

Accommodation: Sydney - 2 Nights

Today's Blue Mountains Deluxe Day Tour is a journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region.

Blue Mountains Guided Day Tour

Your journey to the Blue Mountains takes you through picturesque villages to spectacular views and waterfalls.

Stop for morning tea at Calmsley Hill, a working farm which is also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Learn all about the unique trees of the Australian forest, and find out the cause of the blue haze which gives the region its name.

Take lunch at the Hydro Majestic Hotel with magnificent valley views before you, then spend the afternoon visiting a selection of stunning Blue Mountains lookouts.

The last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens to admire the sweeping views and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice before travelling back to your hotel.

Collect your rental vehicle and take a leisurely drive to the famous Hunter Valley.

Hunter Valley

Australia’s oldest wine region is home to a staggering 150 wineries, from the biggest names to tiny boutique growers. It’s only a 40-minute drive from one end of the Valley to the other so there's plenty of time to admire the region's sweeping landscapes: you're likely to encounter your first wild kangaroos here too.

Fortified and Fromage Wine Experience

Savor an exclusive tasting at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard led by our wine expert in our historic museum. Enjoy premium wines and three barrel tastings exclusive to this package. Paired with local artisanal cheese, each tasting is a sensory delight. As a memento, each pair takes home a bottle of fortified wine. This bespoke experience is a treat for discerning palates, creating lasting memories of fine wine and culinary excellence.

Approximate Distance: 244 km | 152 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 24 mins

Accommodation: Hunter Valley - 1 Night

Hit the road once more and discover delightful Port Macquarie on New South Wales's Mid North Coast.

Port Macquarie

With beautiful beaches and a sensational year-round climate, friendly Port Macquarie is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations. Get your bearings with a stroll along the 9km Coastal Walk from town to Lighthouse Beach, with a soundtrack of giant waves crashing against the rocks.

Feast on fish and chips by the waterfront in the company of the local pelicans & seagulls and enjoy the relaxed coastal vibe of this charming location.

Approximate Distance: 242 km | 150 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 12 mins

Accommodation: Port Macquarie - 1 Night

Journey to subtropical Coffs Harbour for more fun in the Australian sunshine.

On your way up to Coffs Harbour, take a break from driving at South West Rocks. This is the location of Fish Rock Cave and Australia’s best ocean cave dive. Venture into the 125m long cave and travel right through the centre of a small island! Fish Rock is also home to an amazing array of marine life and is known as the habitat for Grey Nurse Sharks.

Coffs Harbour

Fringed by forest covered hills and leafy banana plantations, the uncrowded beaches of Coffs Harbour really are a winner.

For superb views of the city and coastline, head to the Forest Sky Pier: it juts out 21 metres (68 feet) and hovers 15 metres (49 feet) above the forest floor! It's a great way to get acquainted with Coffs Harbour.

Approximate Distance: 153 km | 95 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 39 mins

Accommodation: Coffs Harbour - 2 Nights

Spend a relaxing day in chilled-out Coffs Harbour with no driving and no schedule to worry about.

Visit the Big Banana to see where Australia's obsession with "Big Things"began and take an iconic Aussie selfie. Set up camp on sheltered Diggers Beach, a favourite local surf swim and fishing spot.

Nature lovers will enjoy wandering along the causeway to Muttonbird Island. The walk to the top offers incredible views of the coast and mountains and it's a great spot to soak up the sunset over the Marina.

Suggested Activity: Swimming with Whales

Extending along 75 kilometres of coastline, Solitary Islands Marine Park is the place to see a huge range of aquatic wildlife. You'll find Nemo here, and Dory too! But the main attractions are the humpback whales - you can even swim with them from June to October.

Local experts Jetty Dive will take you out for a Whale Swim, where you can don a snorkel and see the giant humpbacks passing under the water. They can also help you with dive courses and charters.

Today's destination is the hip, free-spirited beach town of Byron Bay.

Byron Bay

Byron is one of Australia's most creative locations, with a huge population of musicians, writers and designers living here and enjoying the relaxed beach lifestyle. Think chic boutiques, luxury wellness retreats, organic cafes and yoga on the sands.

Byron is blessed with a world-famous right hand surf break known as The Pass, where you can watch pro surfers ride the waves or try it yourself.

Perched atop Australia's most easterly point, the Cape Byron Lighthouse shines brightly over Byron Bay - in fact it's the most powerful lighthouse in Australia. Stroll to Cape Byron to check out the expansive views - you'll probably spot a dolphin or two.

Approximate Distance: 239 km | 149 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 58 mins

Accommodation: Byron Bay - 1 Night

Drive across the state border into Queensland and head to the iconic Gold Coast.

Gold Coast

The glitzy Gold Coast is famed for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots and theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. The white sand beaches stretch across 57 kilometres (35 miles) of coastline. With a choice of 21 beaches, there's a perfect patch of sand for everyone, from the family-friendly sheltered waters of Coolangatta and Currumbin to the resort strip of Surfers Paradise.

Approximate Distance: 93 km | 58 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 12 mins

Accommodation: Surfers Paradise - 1 night

Brisbane

Brisbane is Queensland's capital city. With subtropical weather all year round and a wealth of cultural attractions, world class arts and impressive natural wonders it's an exciting final destination on your Self Drive Tour.

Brisbane Views: Mt Coot-tha Lookout & Brewery Tour

Built in 1918 the Mt Coot-tha Lookout is home to the television broadcasting hub of Queensland and is a must-do Brisbane experience. You will journey by coach to the peak of Mt Coot-tha, 287 metres above sea level.

Set amongst beautifully manicured gardens in the natural Brisbane Forest Park, the lookout offers panoramic views of the city out to Moreton Bay.

After you have filled your memory card with photos, your tour continues to the famous XXXX Brewery for a tour and tastings. You’ll never think of beer in the same way when you’ve learned it’s colourful past, the challenges for brewers and the behind the scenes production. There’s an alehouse and bar menu too.

Approximate Distance: 79 km | 49 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Accommodation: Brisbane - 2 Nights

Spend today on a tropical island escape, just 75 minutes from Brisbane. Wade into the ocean at dusk to handfeed the island's visiting wild dolphins.

 Moreton Island: Tangalooma Island Resort

Cruise to idyllic Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island, where a winning combination of crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and untouched national park awaits. Choose from sand tobogganing, snorkelling among Tangalooma's shipwrecks, a jetboat tour or a catamaran cruise along the pristine shoreline.

As the sun sets, guests are invited to wade into the ocean beside the resort jetty to handfeed the wild dolphins at sunset. Getting this close is an unforgettable experience.

Say farewell to Brisbane today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 11 Day Pacific Coast Explorer Self Drive Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.