Classic Brisbane to Sydney road trip

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    Watch the surfers at sunset in Byron Bay | Travel Nation
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    Explore Brisbane's vibrant Southbank and man-made Streets Beach

    Explore Brisbane's vibrant Southbank and man-made Streets Beach | Photo credit: Tourism & Events Queensland

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    The area around Coffs Harbour is abundant with wildlife

    The area around Coffs Harbour is abundant with wildlife | Photo credit: Tourism & Events Queensland

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    Explore the iconic sights of Sydney

    Explore the iconic sights of Sydney | Photo credit: Destination NSW

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    Join a small group tour to the spectacular Blue Mountains

    Join a small group tour to the spectacular Blue Mountains

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    Spot whales and dolphins off the coast in Queensland | Travel Nation

    Go whale watching

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    Spot wildlife and meet koalas on an East Coast Australia road trip | Travel Nation

    Spot wildlife and meet koalas on an East Coast Australia road trip

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    Explore the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay | Travel Nation

    Explore the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 8

From: Brisbane

To: Sydney

From

£945

Exc. International flights (per person, based on 2 sharing)

Get a quote

or Call 01273 320580

See more ideas for: Australia

    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.

    Highlights of this Brisbane to Sydney road trip

    • Enjoy a scenic coastal drive and secluded beaches along the Pacific Highway
    • Hit the beach in Byron Bay and try a spot of surfing
    • Spend a day whale watching in Port Macquarie
    • Visit Circular Quay for views of the iconic harbour bridge and Opera House

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    Itinerary in brief:

    • 1 night Brisbane
    • 2 nights Byron Bay
    • 1 night Coffs Harbour
    • 1 night Port Macquarie
    • 2 nights Sydney

    Day 1: Arrive Brisbane

    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.


    Day 2: Brisbane to Byron Bay

    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.


    Day 3: Byron Bay

    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.


    Day 4:  Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour

    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!


    Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie

    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.


    Days 6: Port Macquarie to Sydney

    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.


    Day 7: Sydney

    We've included a illi-Langi The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming tour. This 90 minute tour takes you for a leisurely walkabout with an Aboriginal guide in The Rocks in Sydney. It's the perfect way to explore this area and gives you the opportunity to discover how the ancient Aboriginal DreamTime is still alive within the modern Sydney landscape. You'll learn about the billion-year-old harbour, marine environment, sandstone strata, waterways, flora and fauna and how it shapes Aboriginal thought and behaviour.

    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.


    Day 8: Departure

    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.

    Are you looking for more Australia ideas?

    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.

    What's included
    • Shared arrival transfer in Brisbane
    • Shared departure transfer in Sydney
    • Car hire with fully inclusive insurance
    • 7 nights accommodation
    Not included
    • International flights
    • Any meals not mentioned
    • Personal expenses
    • Tips & gratuities