Australia · Route map
Pacific Coast Explorer: Sydney to Brisbane
Drive the iconic Pacific Coast from Sydney to Brisbane, blending world-class wine, coastal rain forests, and pristine beaches.
- 1
Sydney
1 night
Harbour city start and car pickup
- 2
Hunter Valley
2 nights
Oldest wine region, kangaroos, local produce
- 3
Port Stephens
2 nights
Massive sand dunes and resident dolphins
- 4
Bellingen
2 nights
Bohemian river town and rainforest waterfalls
- 5
Byron Bay
2 nights
Iconic lighthouse, beaches, and coastal cool
- 6
Lamington National Park
2 nights
Ancient Gondwana rainforest and canopy walks
- ✦6 stops · 11 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Sydney
Arrive into Sydney
Flight · Morning · Sydney
Land in Sydney and make your way to the harbor city.
Walk from Spit Bridge to Manly
Excursion · Afternoon · Northern Beaches
A gorgeous ten-kilometer coastal trail showcasing Sydney's secret beaches and native bushland.
Grab a cold schooner at the 4 Pines Brewpub after finishing the walk at Manly Wharf.
Overnight in Sydney
Accommodation · Evening · Sydney Harbour
Into the Wine Country
Collect hire car in Sydney CBD
Car hire · Morning · Sydney
Self-drive Sydney to Hunter Valley
Self-drive · Morning · Hunter Valley
Drive takes approximately two hours.
Sip legendary Semillon at Tyrrell's
Excursion · Afternoon · Pokolbin
Taste aged wines at one of Australia's oldest family-owned vineyards.
Ask to see the original slab hut built in 1858.
Overnight in Hunter Valley
Accommodation · Evening · Pokolbin
Hunter Valley indulgence
Sunrise hot air balloon flight
Excursion · Morning · Pokolbin
Float over misty vineyards as the sun rises over the Brokenback Range.
Keep an eye out for mobs of kangaroos bouncing through the vines below.
Artisanal tasting at Usher Tinkler
Excursion · Afternoon · Pokolbin
Housed in a beautifully restored historic church, pairing natural wines with local salumi.
The pickled figs on their cheese boards are absolutely legendary.
Overnight in Hunter Valley
Accommodation · Evening · Pokolbin
To the Blue-Water Paradise
Self-drive Hunter Valley to Port Stephens
Self-drive · Morning · Port Stephens
Drive takes approximately one and a half hours.
Explore Stockton Sand Dunes
Excursion · Afternoon · Anna Bay
Step onto the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Book a Birubi Beach cultural quad bike tour led by traditional Aboriginal guides.
Overnight in Port Stephens
Accommodation · Evening · Shoal Bay
Dolphins and Coastal Views
Cruise with resident bottlenose dolphins
Excursion · Morning · Nelson Bay
Wear your swimmers; some boats have boom nets you can ride in.
Hike to Tomaree Head Summit
Excursion · Afternoon · Shoal Bay
A short, steep walk offering panoramic views over the marine park.
Bring binoculars; between May and November, this is a prime whale-watching perch.
Overnight in Port Stephens
Accommodation · Evening · Shoal Bay
The Road to Bellingen
Self-drive Port Stephens to Bellingen
Self-drive · Morning · Bellingen
Drive takes approximately three and a half hours.
Swim in the Never Never River
Excursion · Afternoon · Bellingen
Head to the Promised Land loop for crystal-clear pools overhung by rainforest.
Overnight in Bellingen
Accommodation · Evening · Bellingen Valley
Ancient Rainforest Canopy
Walk the Dorrigo Skywalk
Excursion · Morning · Dorrigo National Park
Walk among the treetops of a World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest.
Look for the brightly colored paradise riflebirds feeding in the canopy.
Stroll bohemian Bellingen main street
At leisure · Afternoon · Bellingen
Pop into the old emporium for locally crafted treasures and great vintage finds.
Overnight in Bellingen
Accommodation · Evening · Bellingen Valley
Heading to Byron Bay
Self-drive Bellingen to Byron Bay
Self-drive · Morning · Byron Bay
Drive takes approximately three hours.
Swim at Wategos Beach
Excursion · Afternoon · Byron Bay
This sheltered cove is perfect for spoting dolphins surfing the gentle peeling waves.
Overnight in Byron Bay
Accommodation · Evening · Byron Bay
Byron Icons and Hinterland
Cape Byron Lighthouse walk
Excursion · Morning · Byron Bay
Walk to Australia's easternmost point.
Do this at dawn; you'll be among the first in Australia to see the sun.
Afternoon exploring Bangalow village
At leisure · Afternoon · Bangalow
The rustic drive gets you away from Byron's crowds into gorgeous green dairy country.
Overnight in Byron Bay
Accommodation · Evening · Byron Bay
Up into the Rainforest
Self-drive Byron Bay to Lamington National Park
Self-drive · Morning · Lamington National Park
Drive takes approximately two hours.
Walk the O'Reilly's Treetop Walkway
Excursion · Afternoon · Lamington National Park
A suspension bridge walk nine levels above the forest floor.
Pick up some wild bird seed at the gift shop to feed the crimson rosellas.
Overnight at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Accommodation · Evening · Lamington National Park
Gondwana Discovery
Hike the Box Forest Circuit
Excursion · Morning · Lamington National Park
A beautiful walk past ancient brush box trees and rushing waterfalls.
Wear sturdy shoes; the damp logs can get quite slippery after rain.
Glow worm tour at dusk
Excursion · Afternoon · Lamington National Park
Turn off your torch to fully appreciate the thousands of tiny bioluminescent lights around you.
Overnight at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Accommodation · Evening · Lamington National Park
Homeward Bound from Brisbane
Self-drive Lamington National Park to Brisbane
Self-drive · Morning · Brisbane
Drive takes approximately two hours.
Drop off hire car at Brisbane Airport
Car hire · Afternoon · Brisbane Airport
Depart from Brisbane Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Brisbane Airport
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