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. 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.

Accommodation: Sydney - 2 Nights

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

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch

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

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 245 km | 152 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Hunter Valley - 2 Nights

Enjoy a spectacular balloon flight over the Hunter Valley - Australia's premier vineyard region - offering the perfect backdrop for the flight of a lifetime. Discover the beautiful Hunter Valley from a whole new perspective. Soar over the vineyards and discover the beauty of the Hunter region from above as you fly up to 4,000 feet above the valley floor.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 245 km | 150 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 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.

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: 155 km | 95 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Coffs Harbour - 2 Nights

The Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience is an immersive walking tour celebrating the rich heritage of the Gumbaynggirr people. 

Taking place at the culturally significant "Niigi Niigi" (Sealy Lookout) within the Orara East State Forest, this experience offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Connect with Gumbaynggirr culture through stories, songs, language, and insights into the traditional uses of native plants. It's a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Gumbaynggirr people and their enduring connection to the land.

Included Meals: Morning Tea

Today's destination is the hip, free-spirited beach town of 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, surfing and yoga on the sands. 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: 3 hours

Accommodation: Byron Bay - 2 Nights

Discover the wonders of Australian wildlife near Byron Bay on a guided Wildlife Safari through eucalyptus forests, rainforests, and grasslands. Encounter iconic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, flying foxes, and a variety of bird species.

If conditions are right, you may also spot pademelons, echidnas, tawny frogmouths, and water dragons. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by the diversity, from native hens, ducks, and waders to vibrant parrots, kookaburras, magpies, currawongs, wrens, and robins. Learn to tell the difference between kangaroos and wallabies, or between flying fox species, as you explore these natural habitats rich with life and captivating wildlife encounters.

Included Meals: Lunch

Drive across the state border into Queensland and head to the iconic 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: 95 km | 58 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Gold Coast - 2 Nights

Experience two unforgettable Gold Coast adventures that blend adrenaline with natural wonder. By day, race across the Broadwater on a thrilling jet boat ride from Surfers Paradise, carving through canals with high-speed spins, sweeping turns and stunning views of luxury waterfront homes, with chances to spot dolphins along the way. As night falls, slow the pace on a guided torchlit rainforest walk to Curtis Falls, where the sounds of nocturnal wildlife surround you. Beneath the canopy, discover glowing worms lighting the forest like a starry sky, creating a truly magical after-dark experience immersed in nature’s hidden beauty.

Brisbane offers the perfect finale to your Queensland self-drive adventure, combining relaxed subtropical charm with vibrant city energy. 

From riverside dining and cultural precincts to lush parklands and nearby natural escapes, the city invites you to slow down and soak up its warm atmosphere. With a thriving arts scene, acclaimed restaurants and plenty to explore at your own pace, Brisbane delivers a memorable mix of urban sophistication and outdoor lifestyle before your journey comes to an end.

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

Accommodation: Brisbane - 2 Nights

Experience the beauty of Moreton Bay on a small-group winery and brewery tour from Brisbane. At a charming agricultural venue, enjoy freshly brewed coffee and seasonal regional produce while soaking in the peaceful rural surroundings. 

Visit a boutique winery offering exclusive guided tours and wine tasting, showcasing the region’s craftsmanship. The day continues at a vibrant craft brewery, where a generous tasting paddle is paired with a hearty lunch. With stunning scenery, gourmet flavors, and warm local hospitality, this tour provides a perfect escape for wine and beer lovers seeking something special.

Included Meals: Lunch

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 Pacific Coast Explorer Self Drive Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.