Pacific Coastal Drive
SELF DRIVE TOUR
HUNTER VALLEY | PORT MACQUARIE | COFFS HARBOUR | BYRON BAY | TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN
One of the most iconic self-driving tours of Australia we have is from Sydney along the sun-drenched Pacific coast to Brisbane. Experience some of Australia’s most picturesque seaside locations and the remarkable Hunter Valley on this journey of discovery.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Explore the boutique wineries of the Hunter Valley
• Glorious beaches in laid back Byron Bay
• Explore the lively marina in Coffs Harbour
• Stunning beaches, rocky headlands and koalas galore in Port Macquarie
• Tamborine Mountain for subtropical forest, charming villages and mountain air
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
Day 1 : Sydney – Hunter Valley (153 miles)
Collect your car from the downtown rental office and head north via Cressnock towards the Hunter Valley. The Hunter is home to some of Australia’s most unique boutique wineries that produce vintages not available outside Australia. Vines in the Hunter Valley’s fertile soils produce some of the world’s best wines. Australia’s oldest wine region is particularly known for its acclaimed semillon, family owned wineries and innovative young winemakers. You’ll also find farm gate produce suppliers, making this a real foodie experience.
Day 2 : Hunter Valley - Port Macquarie (186 miles)
Spend the morning exploring some of the great boutique wineries of the Hunter Valley. Then join the Pacific Highway and take the scenic route through the Great Lakes. The scenic drive passes through pretty beach and lakeside communities and is a peaceful change from highway. From the south, after Bulahdelah, take the Lakes Way turn-off and explore coastal scenery at it’s best. The drive takes in breath taking views of Myall, Smiths and Wallis Lakes. Pass Taree and follow the white sand coastline to Port Macquarie.
Day 3 : Port Macquarie
A free day in Port Macquarie. Originally founded as a penal colony and home to the first sugar cane plantation in Australia, Port Macquarie is a seaside resort with extensive beaches, hidden coves and bays with rocky headlands like Nobby Head. It’s also well known for its native koala population and is home to the Billabong Koala Park and the Koala hospital.
Day 4 : Port Macquarie - Coffs Harbour (101 miles)
Depart Port Macquarie and rejoin the Pacific Highway. Travel via Kempsey and Nambucca Heads to arrive at Coffs Harbour.
Day 5 : Coffs Harbour
A free day to explore Coffs Harbour; affectionately known as the Big Banana after the first Australian banana plantations that were established here in the 1880’s. There’s a raft of a fabulous beaches and a preponderance of water-based activities, action sports and wildlife encounters, making it hugely popular with families and couples alike.
Day 6 : Coffs Harbour - Byron Bay (154 miles)
Depart Coffs Harbour via South Grafton and Maclean. Travel along the coast road through the pretty resort town of Lennox Head, to reach Byron Bay.
Day 7 : Byron Bay
Explore Byron Bay. As well as glorious beaches and your resort facilites, local activities abound. From tandem hang-gliding and parachute jumps to kayaking, surfing (or learning to surf), bicycling or horse riding (activities are not included)
Day 8 : Byron Bay – Tamborine Mountain (85 miles)
Perhaps call into Surfers Paradise before making for the cooler climes of the hinterland and Tamborine Mountain
Day 9 : Tamborine Mountain
A free day to explore the village. At every turn you will encounter breathtaking scenery and views, abundant wildlife and clean mountain air. There is a strong cottage industry including many local arts and crafts, a host of attractions, award winning wineries and top-class restaurants, country markets, festivals and events.
Day 10 : Tamborine Mountain – Brisbane (50 miles)
It’s a short drive to Brisbane airport where you will drop off your car
