Classic Brisbane to Sydney road trip

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!