Australia Itineraries: AU25
Pacific delight (Self Drive)
Download This Itinerary
Day 1: Sydney - Newcastle
Arrive at Sydney Airport and pickup vehicle from car rental agency. Take the scenic route to the Central Coast via Umina for an indulgent lunch at Bells at Killcare. Continue north for 30 minutes to Bateau Bay, where you’ll find the popular Coast Walking Track through Wyrrabalong National Park. It's a leisurely six kilometre (3.7 mile) return walk across clifftops, with native wildflowers and ocean views. Then drive the last leg to Newcastle, Australia's second oldest city. This city landmark opened in 1935 and is the largest ocean pool complex in the Southern Hemisphere. Stay close to the action at the nautical-inspired Novotel Newcastle Beach. Overnight in Newcastle.
Day 02: Newcastle - Pokolbin
Today check out from the hotel. Start the day by indulging in Newcastle cafe culture in the up-and-coming East End. After a swim at the city's famous Nobbys Beach, venture an hour inland to the premier wine region in New South Wales, the Hunter Valley. Renowned for semillon and shiraz, the Hunter has more than 120 wineries, including household names McGuigan and Tyrrell's. Check in to The Convent for the night. It's a gorgeously restored historic building with 17 elegant guest rooms. Overnight in Pokolbin.
Day 03: Pokolbin- Port Stephens
Today check out from Hotel. Splash out with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Hunter Valley's rolling vineyards before farewelling wine country for the sandy beaches of Port Stephens. Drive 100 kilometres (62 miles) east to Nelson Head Lighthouse. Port Stephens is Australia’s dolphin watching capital, so join a morning cruising, swimming or sea kayaking tour. In the afternoon, explore the vast sand dunes of Stockton Beach in the nearby Worimi Conservation Lands. Stay at one of the peninsula’s many upscale oceanfront resorts, such as The Anchorage or Amarna. Overnight in Port Stephens.
Day 04: Port Stephens - Coffs Harbour
check out from the Hotel. Start the day with an invigorating two hour walk to Tomaree Head Summit, which rises 160 metres (525 feet) above the entrance to Port Stephens. View od Boondelbah and Broughton islands. Continue another 160 kilometres north to the holiday haven of Coffs Harbour, where no trip is complete without a photo at the Big Banana, a symbol of the region’s rich tropical fruit industry. The family-friendly activities continue at the Butterfly House, where visitors can walk around an indoor tropical habitat, home to 300 Australian butterflies. Then retire to BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort for the night. Overnight in Coffs harbour.
Day 05: Coffs Harbour - Byron Bay
Today check out from the Hotel. Spend the morning exploring the splendours of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, just off the Coffs Harbour coast. Bellingen for lunch. Check in to The Byron at Byron resort, which captures the region’s characteristic laid-back luxury with spacious suites set among 45 acres of subtropical rainforest with direct access to Tallow Beach. Overnight in Byron Bay.
Day 06: Byron Bay
Today Start the day with one of the most stunning skydive experiences in Australia: a jump from 14,000 feet above the Byron Bay coastline. Spend the afternoon exploring the boutiques and eateries around nearby Bangalow in the Byron Hinterland, before returning to town for a sunset swim at popular Clarkes Beach. Overnight in Byron Bay.
Day 07: Byron Bay - Gold Coast Hinterland
Today check out from Hotel. Hike the Cape Byron Walking Track and see the first rays of light turn the Byron Bay Lighthouse pink. Continue the road again for the 90 minute drive north over the Queensland border and into the lush Gold Coast hinterland, a green wedge of bushwalks, lookouts and mountain retreats. Spend the night at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat to restore body and mind with indulgent spa treatments, movement classes and an organic menu designed to improve stomach, digestive and liver health.Overnight in Gold Coast Hinterland.
Day 08: Gold Coast Hinterland
Today spend the morning hiking a portion of the breathtaking Gold Coast Hinterland Walk, which stretches 54 kms.. Find the region’s famous theme park quartet — Wet'n'Wild, Sea World, Movie World and Dreamworld. Afterwards, lively Cavill Avenue awaits, with its shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Stay in one of the beachside high-rises that define the Gold Coast landscape.Overnight in Gold Coast Hinterland.
Day 09: Gold Coast Hinterland - Brisbane
Today check out from Hotel. Depart the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast for Queensland’s more relaxed yet sophisticated capital city, Brisbane100 kms, the city offers a wealth of activities to celebrate the end of your road trip. Make a detour out to Moreton Island, climb the Story Bridge for jaw-dropping views, or see an outdoor performance at Riverstage. Explore on own. Overnight in Brisbane.
Day 10: Brisbane - Home bound
Today check out from Hotel and drive to Brisbane Airport. Drop your vehicle to car rental agency at the airport and fly out.