Pacific Coast Explorer Self-Drive

14 nights from €2,849 per person Including Flights

Overview

Explore the beauty of the Pacific Coast on this fantastic eight night Sydney stay and self-drive tour. Starting with 3 nights to explore in Sydney and visit the gorgeous Manly Beach, your trip will take you on a journey full of delicious food and wine in the Hunter Valley and divine seafood in Port Stephens, before heading to the stunning surf beaches in Byron Bay. Admire beautiful landscapes in Lakes Way and Coffs Harbour along the way, ending your journey in Brisbane (TM + ATS).

This is also a great idea for a motorhome holiday - this would be a guide only, and you'll need to contact our travel experts for a more detailed motorhome itinerary.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the Sydney Harbour, Bridge and Opera House
  • Take a recommended Scenic Helicopter flight over the Blue Mountains
  • Taste some of Australia’s finest wines in Hunter Valley
  • Tuck into fresh seafood and relax on the beach at Port Stephens
  • Drive through luscious rainforest along the Lakes Way
  • Explore Byron Bay – one of the best beaches for surfing in Australia’s east coast
  • Watch the sunrise in Byron Bay

Tailor-make this holiday:
Our travel specialist can tailor-make this itinerary to your requirements, whether you’d like to extend your stay, change a hotel or perhaps you would like an upgraded stay along the way – our experts will be happy to create a tailor-made holiday for you.

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • CAR licensed & bonded
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Australian Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
Why Australian Sky?
Protected
Your money is safe We safeguard your money with ATOL protection and have membership to codes of best conduct.
Why Australian Sky?
Award Winning
We answer quickly On average, calls are answered within three rings. We also respond within hours to emails.
Why Australian Sky?
Award Winning
We offer expert advice and great service Our luxury tailor-made holidays are created with impeccable service from start to finish.

Day 1

Arrive in Sydney

Fly into Sydney and enjoy 3 nights exploring the cities highlights. Book a Sydney Harbour lunch or dinner cruise to explore on your day of arrival, a great way to see the unmissable sights of the Opera House, Botanical Gardens and the fabulous Darling Harbour while enjoying a seafood buffet on board.

Overnight we recommend: Adina Apartment Sydney Darling Harbour or The Tank Stream

Day 2

Sydney

Today get collected from your hotel at 8am and take a trip to the stunning Manly Beach just half an hour out of the city centre, a great way to relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the south Pacific. You'll be back early afternoon allowing the afternoon at leisure - you can head over to the beautiful Botanical Gardens and get immersed in the rich culture of the Cadigal people, learning about the aboriginal bush foods.

Day 2

Sydney & Blue Mountains

We recommend taking a helicopter scenic flight today over the breathtaking World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, with its gorges of up to 760 metres deep and the dense eucalyptus forests and cascading waterfalls, it is truly not to be missed. You’ll fly over Wentworth Falls, the famous 3 sisters rock formation, Jamieson Valley and the Warragamba dam before returning to Sydney via the harbour bridge and Sydney's famous beaches.

Spend your afternoon in the buzz of the Rocks district enjoying the many art galleries, restaurants and bars on offer.

Day 4

Sydney to Hunter Valley (247km)

This morning collect your car, its time to embark on the next part of your adventure, travel north over the Harbour Bridge and onto the Pacific Highway. If you fancy a detour through the small towns of Gosford and Newcastle, they are utterly charming, the latter offering a lovely scenic walk along the foreshore. You’ll then drive via Maitland and arrive in the Hunter Valley, a wonderful area with an abundance of wineries – take part in a wine tour to taste test Australia’s finest wines, and tuck into gourmet cuisine.

Standard: Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill I Superior: Crowne Plaza Resort I Boutique: Kirkton Park Hotel

Day 5

Port Stephens (161km)

Today depart Hunter Valley and journey northeast to Port Stephens, a lovely natural bay over twice the size of Sydney Harbour, enclosed by two soaring, dormant volcanic headlands. Whilst here, tuck in to delicious seafood and sunbathe on one of the 26 gorgeous golden sand beaches, or even take an afternoon cruise to see the Bottlenose dolphins.

Standard: Ramada Resort Shoal Bay I Superior: Nelson Resort I Boutique: Anchorage Port Stephens

Day 6

Coffs Harbour (240km)

Venture north today to Bulahdelah - the entrance of Myall Lakes National Park. You’ll drive along Lakes Way, a picturesque route through the rainforest, with amazing views of inland lakes and ocean beaches, before travelling through the Manning Valley and Taree to Port Macquarie. Afterwards, continue to Coffs Harbour – this is the start of the sub-tropical northern coast of New South Wales, and a beautiful area where the surrounding district produces timber, vegetables, dairy, bananas and fish. In the afternoon, take a trip to The Big Banana, a fantastic display on the banana industry.

Standard: Best Western Zebra Motel I Superior: Sanctuary Resort Coffs Harbour I Boutique: Ramada Resort Coffs Harbour

Day 7

Byron Bay (240km)

Start by following the coastal highway to Woolgoolga, before turning inland towards Grafton, a charming old country town nestled on the banks of the majestic Clarence River. You’ll then travel to Woodburn and on to Ballina before reaching Byron Bay, a popular area for surfers and trendy travellers.

Standard: Lord Byron Resort I Superior: Breakfree Eco Beach I Boutique: The Byron at Byron Bay

Day 8

Byron Bay

The day is at leisure for you to explore stylish Byron Bay. Take on the waves with an afternoon of surfing, tuck into fresh food at the restaurants and cafes, or simply relax on the beach.

Optional add on: Byron Surf Experience

Standard: Lord Byron Resort I Superior: Breakfree Eco Beach I Boutique: The Byron at Byron Bay

Day 9

Brisbane (165-180km)

Wake up early to watch the stunning sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, before leaving Byron bay and travelling north to Brunwick Heads. You then have a choice of routes: either continue along the coast via Pottville Beach and travel via the Gold Coast, or travel inland to Murwillumbah. There’s a shorter, direct route to Brisbane, or you can drive via Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise for something a bit more scenic. If time allows, take a detour to the striking Gold Coast Hinterland, stopping at Lamington National Park along the way.

Standard: Novotel Brisbane I Superior: Emporium Hotel Southbank

Day 10-14

Brisbane to Port Douglas

Return your car at the airport today. You must return the car at the city or airport by the same time it was picked up on day 1, or you’ll be given an additional charge.

Fly onwards to the highlight of your trip - The Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle into this beautiful beach destination. We recommend a Great Barrier Reef cruise and snorkel, a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation and day trip to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Standard: Bay Villas Port Douglas I Superior: Thala Beach Reserve Port Douglas

Day 15

Departure day

Transfer back to the airport today for your onwards flight.

  • All accommodation (options of Standard, Superior or Boutique hotels available)
  • Standard car hire for 6 days (options to upgrade car)
  • Maps

What’s not included

  • International flights
  • Meals

Book today

Talk to our travel experts for more information and to book or tailor-make your holiday

01 6649920 Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun

Australian Sky also recommends