6-Night Self-Drive Sydney to Brisbane - Gold Coast

Day 2

Accommodation

Beachside Spa Resort - Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 10 AM.

Must-See Sites

Port Macquarie, New South Wales

On the Map: Port Macquarie is a coastal town in New South Wales, on the southeastern side of Australia. The town is reached via route A1 from Newcastle (to the southwest) and from Coffs Harbour (to the north).

Known for its koala population, Port Macquarie is a popular destination among travelers who wish to catch a glimpse of the famed tree-hugger. Visit the Koala Preservation Society’s Koala Hospital and witness the healthcare treatment for koalas that have been injured via bushfire, dog attacks and car accidents. The city and surrounding region is known for its fresh produce including oysters and award-winning strawberries. Enjoy the oysters at a local eatery or stop by Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries to taste their jams and preserves. Once you have filled up on local produce, head to the sea for some whale watching. As Port Macquarie is the second most easterly point in New South Wales, the migrating whales are close to shore and can even be seen from the beaches and cliffs.

Overnight Location

Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

On the Map: Coffs Harbour is a coastal town in New South Wales, on the eastern side of Australia. The town is reached via route A1 from Port Macquarie (to the south) and from Byron Bay (to the north). 

As part of the area known as Bananacoast – due to the economy surrounding bananas – Coffs Harbour is home to the Big Banana, one of the oldest and most-visited ‘big things’ in Australia. While the banana brings people to this coastal city, visitors stay for the fresh seafood and spectacular scuba diving. The city lies on the southern edge of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, where visitors can scuba dive with grey nurse sharks, turtles and whales (during their migrating season). If scuba diving isn’t for you, head to the nearby Dorrigo National Park, a World Heritage rainforest, and walk above the canopy along the Wonga Walk (an elevated walkway). End your day at the Jetty Strip, which has over 20 cafes and restaurants featuring local seafood and produce. 

Day 3

Accommodation

Beachside Apartment - Byron Bay, New South Wales

Room Type: Studio

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10.00am.

Must-See Sites

Grafton, New South Wales

On the Map: Grafton is a city in the Northern Rivers region of the Australian state of New South Wales. The city is reached via route A1 from Coffs Harbour (to the southeast) and from Byron Bay (to the northeast).

Grafton, a small city that lies on the Clarence River, is known for its stunning jacaranda trees. The beautiful purple trees line the city’s broad avenues. The Jacaranda Festival in October draws a big crowd of visitors and features nine days of street parades, parties, music, food and wine. Visit this colorful city in October and November and be treated with some of the most vibrant views New South Wales has to offer.

Overnight Location

Byron Bay, New South Wales

On the Map: Byron Bay is a coastal town in New South Wales, on the eastern side of Australia. The town is reached via route M1 from Gold Coast (to the north) and via route M1 & A1 from Coffs Harbour (to the south).

Byron Bay is known for its surf culture, outdoor activities, sparkling beaches and nearby World Heritage rainforest. Take surfing lessons and experience one of Australia’s favorite activities or enjoy the bay from above via hot-air balloon. If hiking is more your style, head to the hills to climb Mount Warning, part of an extinct volcano. For those looking to feed their adrenaline, sky diving offers fantastic views of the entire Byron Bay region. Whether you choose to kick back and relax on the beach or test your sense of adventure, Byron Bay has something for everyone. 

Day 4

Accommodation

Beachside Apartment - Byron Bay, New South Wales

Room Type: Studio

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10.00am.

Overnight Location

Day at Leisure in Byron Bay, Australia

For your day at leisure in Byron Bay, there are numerous activities for you to try, including surfing lessons, kayaking with dolphins, or skydiving over the bay! Or you may also choose to spend the day relaxing at one of the city’s many beaches,  dining at their laid-back restaurants or just enjoying your resort!

Day 5

Accommodation

5-Star Luxury Boutique Hotel - Brisbane, Queensland

Room Type: King Suite

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Must-See Sites

Mount Coot-Tha, Australia

On the map: While the base of the Mount Coot-tha reserve contains Queensland’s premier botanic gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, the peak of the mountain features the stunning Mt. Coot-tha Lookout - offering panoramic views of the city and greater metro area. With walking tracks all throughout the reserve, visitors are encouraged to use their feet to explore this beautiful city oasis. Once visitors are satisfied with the view, they can stop by the Summit Restaurant for an award-winning meal. For those who are just looking for a quick bite, the Kuta Cafe is the perfect go-to!

Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Queensland

On the map: Located at the foot of Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens are recognized as Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic gardens. Since its opening in 1976, the 56 hectare (138 acre) botanic garden has offered people a place to relax and enjoy nature. The gardens house several displays including: the Tropical Display Dome, a Japanese garden, a bonsai house, a fern house, the Arid Zone and Cactus House, the Exotic Rainforest, the Australian Rainforest, the Fragrant Plant and Herb Garden, a temperate garden, the Lagoon and Bamboo Grove, Australian Plant communities, and the National Freedom Wall. The gardens play host to the annual Japan Cultural Festival every August, which features a Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese calligraphy, and ikebana flower displays. Be sure to spend some time exploring the different sections of the garden and even stop at the nearby Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium - Queensland’s largest planetarium!

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Australia

On the map: As the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must-see for those traveling to Brisbane. Located just 12 km (7 miles) from downtown Brisbane, the sanctuary is the perfect day-trip for anyone staying in the area. Lone Pine first opened in 1927 - during the height of the koala fur trade - as a refuge for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas. Today, the sanctuary serves as a destination to meet these beautiful creatures and as a wildlife research center aimed at maximizing positive environmental impacts. Not only can you interact with koalas, but you also have the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and meet a wide variety of Australian wildlife in their natural settings. 

Lamington National Park, Australia

On the Map: Lamington National Park is located in southern Queensland, just across the border from New South Wales. The park is roughly 46 km () southwest of Gold Coast and can be accessed via Binna Burra Road from Beechmont. 

Lying on the Lamington Plateau of the McPherson Range in Queensland, Australia, the Lamington National Park is known for its rainforests, birdlife, ancient trees, and waterfalls. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and is made up of two sections: Green Mountains and Binna Burra. The Green Mountains section features lush rainforests and ancient trees, while the Binna Burra section features extensive walking tracks and is the less-developed portion of the park. Be sure to head to the Araucaria Lookout to spot Australia’s largest remaining forest of hoop pine - a beautiful native tree. For those hoping to see the most waterfalls on one path, prepare for a 17 km (11 mile) hike along the Toolona Creek Circuit. The hike will take you past 8 different waterfalls on the way to the main event - Chalahn Falls!

Overnight Location

Brisbane, Queensland

On the Map: Brisbane is a coastal city in the Queensland state of Australia. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 78 km (48 miles) northwest of Gold Coast and 360 km (224 miles) south of Bundaberg. 

Known for its urban lifestyle and outdoor adventure opportunities, Brisbane has something for everyone! As the city sits on the Brisbane River, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do both on the river and above it. Rent kayaks and travel down the river, or for those looking for a thrill, climb the famous Story Bridge and be treated with panoramic views across the city. Head to the eastern side of Brisbane and spend time on Moreton Bay, home to low-lying sandy isles complete with turquoise waters. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of the city’s famed restaurants to enjoy the local Queensland produce. With a tropical feel in an urban setting, you won’t want to miss a trip to this “city on the rise”. 

Day 6

Accommodation

5-Star Luxury Boutique Hotel - Brisbane, Queensland

Room Type: King Suite

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Interactive Aboriginal Theatre Show and Dinner

Brisbane, Queensland

Experience a fun-filled evening of powerful storytelling, unique and authentic Aboriginal rituals & a hearty Australian Char-grilled feast. You'll be taken back in time to the 1800s, walking through various interactive scenes where live theatre tells the story of Jarrah and his brothers. This is a uniting story of how two cultures come together to form a nation.  The experience is set within a 19th Century Australian village, complete with the largest Pre-Colonial Aboriginal village including authentic Gunyah (Aboriginal hut) dwellings.

Highlights:
All guests participate in our traditional Aboriginal welcome
Journey from Dreamtime to 1800s Australia through an audio/visual experience
Hearty Australian Buffet feast, followed by sumptuous desserts
Water, Coffee, Tea, Hot chocolate included, Licensed bar available

Overnight Location

Brisbane, Queensland

On the Map: Brisbane is a coastal city in the Queensland state of Australia. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 78 km (48 miles) northwest of Gold Coast and 360 km (224 miles) south of Bundaberg. 

Known for its urban lifestyle and outdoor adventure opportunities, Brisbane has something for everyone! As the city sits on the Brisbane River, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do both on the river and above it. Rent kayaks and travel down the river, or for those looking for a thrill, climb the famous Story Bridge and be treated with panoramic views across the city. Head to the eastern side of Brisbane and spend time on Moreton Bay, home to low-lying sandy isles complete with turquoise waters. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of the city’s famed restaurants to enjoy the local Queensland produce. With a tropical feel in an urban setting, you won’t want to miss a trip to this “city on the rise”. 

Day 7

Depart From

Depart from Brisbane Airport, Queensland

Return to Brisbane Airport at least two hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.