Day 1
Arrive in Sydney
Welcome to Sydney, Australia's oldest and grandest city. Blessed with a stunning natural harbour, golden beaches, and a pleasant climate, Sydney offers the perfect introduction to the country.
Start your adventure with a stroll around Circular Quay, where the Harbour Bridge stands at one end and the Opera House at the other. What better way to begin your Australian holiday?
Accommodation: Adina Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour – 2 Nights
This centrally located hotel features a swimming pool, fitness centre, and sauna, with views over Cockle Bay. Offering self-contained apartments with flat-screen TVs and private balconies, the Adina Apartment Hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the Sydney Aquarium and Chinatown. Located in Sydney’s entertainment hub, you’ll find shopping, dining, and cultural attractions right at your doorstep.
Day 2
Sydney Sightseeing Tour
Embark on a half-day panoramic Sydney tour, where you'll experience breathtaking views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Starting in the historic Sydney Old Town, the tour takes you along the eastern suburbs' scenic coastline, with a stop at Watsons Bay for stunning views over Sydney Harbour. Visit the famous Bondi Beach, stroll along its promenade, and watch the Aussie lifeguards in action. Your journey ends back at Circular Quay, having passed through Paddington, Chinatown, and Darling Harbour.
Day 3
Sydney to Port Stephens via Hunter Valley Wine Country (Approximate Distance: 295 km | Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins)
Pick up your rental car and drive across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, heading towards Port Stephens. Stop at Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region, to enjoy stunning vineyard views. The region, home to over 150 wineries, offers a scenic lunch stop as you admire the beautiful landscapes. Keep an eye out for wild kangaroos along the way!
Port Stephens, a picturesque bay with 26 beaches and a population of bottlenose dolphins, is your next destination.
Accommodation: Anchorage Port Stephens – 2 Nights
Nestled on the white sands of Port Stephens, Anchorage offers luxurious accommodation with stunning views over the bay. Located near Newcastle, this Hamptons-style retreat provides comfortable rooms with balconies or verandas, most offering uninterrupted water views.
Day 4
Port Stephens at Your Leisure
Spend the day exploring Port Stephens at your own pace. Popular activities include:
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Swimming with Bottlenose Dolphins (Sept-May)
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4WD sand dune tour with sand tobogganing
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Whale-watching cruises (May-Oct)
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Hiking to the summit of Mt Tomaree for panoramic views
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Horseback or camelback beach rides
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Swimming with sharks and rays at the Irukandji Shark & Ray Centre
Day 5
Port Stephens to Port Macquarie (Approximate Distance: 220 km | Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins)
Drive to Port Macquarie, located on New South Wales's Mid North Coast. Known for its beautiful beaches and year-round pleasant climate, Port Macquarie is the perfect spot for a coastal stroll along its 9km Coastal Walk, or enjoy a casual fish-and-chip meal by the waterfront.
Accommodation: Mantra The Observatory Port Macquarie – 1 Night
This hotel is just a short walk from Town Beach, offering an indoor pool, a day spa, and apartments with kitchen facilities. Relax in the sauna, or enjoy a BBQ in the outdoor area after a day of sightseeing. The hotel also features electric car charging stations.
Day 6
Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour (Approximate Distance: 155 km | Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins)
Head to Coffs Harbour, a subtropical coastal town framed by lush forests and banana plantations. The Forest Sky Pier offers stunning views of the city and coastline, or visit the Solitary Islands Marine Park to swim with humpback whales (June-Oct).
Accommodation: BreakFree Aanuka Beach, Coffs Harbour – 1 Night
Located on the beachfront, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort features a day spa, swimming pool, and restaurant. Accommodation options include air-conditioned apartments with ocean views, cable TV, and DVD players.
Day 7
Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay (Approximate Distance: 235 km | Driving Time: 3 hours)
Next, journey to the vibrant, free-spirited town of Byron Bay, known for its thriving arts scene and relaxed beach culture. Visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse for panoramic views, or watch the professional surfers at The Pass.
Accommodation: The Lord Byron – 2 Nights
Just a short walk from the main beach and town centre, The Lord Byron offers a pool, tennis court, and modern rooms with private balconies. Guests can enjoy the outdoor hot tub or borrow bikes for exploring the town.
Day 8
Byron Bay & Hinterland Kayak Tour
Join a full-day guided kayak tour, beginning with a bush walk to Minyon Falls. After a refreshing swim, enjoy a BBQ lunch before heading back to Byron Bay for a dolphin kayak tour in the Marine Park. Spot dolphins, whales (May-Oct), and turtles while taking in spectacular views of the coastline.
Day 9
Byron Bay to Brisbane (Approximate Distance: 165 km | Driving Time: 2 hours)
Cross into Queensland and head to Brisbane via the iconic Gold Coast. Known for its golden beaches, surfing spots, and theme parks, the Gold Coast is perfect for a stop along the way.
Arrive in Brisbane, Queensland’s subtropical capital, known for its vibrant arts scene and cultural attractions.
Accommodation: Punthill Brisbane – 2 Nights
Punthill Brisbane offers comfortable apartments just a short walk from Queen Street Mall. The hotel features a pool, fitness centre, and on-site restaurant. Rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, iPod docks, and modern amenities.
Day 10
Free Day in Brisbane
Explore Brisbane at your leisure. Take a river cruise past the city’s landmarks, or visit the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). You can also relax at the man-made Streets Beach in South Bank, or shop in Fortitude Valley.
Day 11
Brisbane to Noosa (Approximate Distance: 150 km | Driving Time: 2 hours)
Enjoy a scenic drive to Noosa, renowned for its stunning beaches and surrounding national parks. En route, consider visiting the Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin.
Accommodation: Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas – 2 Nights
Located in the heart of Noosa National Park, Peppers Noosa Resort offers luxurious villas with private balconies. Enjoy the outdoor pool or pamper yourself at Stephanie’s Ocean Spa. The resort is a short walk from Hastings Street's shops and restaurants.
Day 12
Fraser Island 4WD Day Tour
Embark on an adventurous 4WD tour of Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Explore 75 Mile Beach, take a guided rainforest walk, swim in Lake McKenzie, and enjoy a scenic tour through towering forests.
Day 13
Noosa to Hervey Bay (Approximate Distance: 160 km | Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins)
Travel to Hervey Bay, known as the whale-watching capital of the world. The sheltered waters of the bay are home to migrating humpback whales from July to November.
Accommodation: Mantra Hervey Bay – 1 Night
Mantra Hervey Bay offers comfortable accommodation with views of the whale-watching waters. The hotel is conveniently located near shopping and dining options.
Day 14
Hervey Bay to Rockhampton (Approximate Distance: 385 km | Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins)
Continue your journey to Rockhampton, where you can explore the town's rich history and heritage as Australia’s “Beef Capital”.
Accommodation: Empire Apartment Hotel Rockhampton – 1 Night
Situated along the Fitzroy River, this hotel offers modern rooms with river views, an on-site restaurant, and an outdoor pool. It's located just 10 minutes from the airport.
Day 15
Airlie Beach: Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands (Approximate Distance: 485 km | Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins)
Drive to Airlie Beach, a tropical resort town perfect for exploring the Whitsunday Islands. Enjoy the lagoon, take a ferry to the islands, or relax on the beautiful beaches.
Airlie Beach Accommodation: at Marina Shores, Airlie Beach – 2 Nights
This luxury resort offers 1–4 bedroom self-contained apartments with stunning ocean views. Enjoy a day at the beach or relax by the pool, all within walking distance of Abel Point Marina.
Day 16
Cruise the Whitsundays: Hamilton Island & Whitehaven Beach
Cruise to Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach. Explore Hamilton Island’s attractions before sailing to Whitehaven Beach for a swim in crystal-clear waters and a picnic lunch.
Day 17
Airlie Beach to Townsville (Approximate Distance: 275 km | Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins)
Drive north to Townsville, Australia’s largest tropical city. Visit the Reef HQ aquarium or take a ferry to Magnetic Island.
Townsville Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville – 1 Night
This 4-star hotel offers modern rooms with stunning views of the city, Magnetic Island, and Castle Hill. Enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool or dine at the on-site restaurant.
Day 18
Townsville to Cairns (Palm Cove) (Approximate Distance: 350 km | Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins)
Continue your journey to Cairns, a hub for reef cruises, snorkelling, and rainforest adventures. Relax at the Cairns Esplanade lagoon after your drive.
Accommodation: Peppers Beach Club, Palm Cove (Cairns) – 2 Nights
Peppers Beach Club offers luxury accommodation in a tropical beachfront setting. Enjoy the lagoon-style pool, spa, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 19
Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Take a full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel, scuba dive, or enjoy glass-bottom boat tours over vibrant coral gardens. You may also spot marine life such as turtles, rays, and tropical fish.
Day 20
Fly home
Time to go home or continue your travels.
