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.
