Sydney To Brisbane Self Drive

Days 1 & 2: Arrive Sydney and drive to Newcastle
Arrive into Sydney Airport and pick up your home on wheels before setting off on your campervan adventure. Heading out of Sydney, you’ll drive past the famous Palm Beach, also known as Summer Bay, where the one and only Home and Away is filmed. We recommend spending a day (or two) getting acquainted with Newcastle, a coastal town with 8 beaches close by for you to check out. Newcastle’s harbour is home to coal ships, freight ships, fishing boats, ferries, yachts, kayaks and private vessels, making for chaotic but exciting viewing.

Day 3: Newcastle to Forster
On your way to Forster you’ll travel past Wallaroo and Bulahdelah State Forest and Wallingat National Park - there are picnic spots aplenty. Visit Main Beach, a protected beach ideal for families, and with a range of other beaches surrounding the area, you’ll be able to take your pick which one to swim at. Walking along the Bicentennial Trail, you can sample fresh local oysters farmed in Wallis Lake and climb the steep 223-m summit of Cape Hawke for spectacular views. There are few places in the State that offer such a superb choice of fishing.

Days 4-5: Forster – Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie is a beautiful place to visit, surrounded by waterways, beaches, parks, gardens, and walking trails, there is plenty to do for families, couples and backpackers alike! New South Wales’ only koala hospital is located on the grounds of Roto house and is the first hospital dedicated to the care and preservations of koalas. You can go and watch the koalas fed daily by local volunteers.  It’s also worth trying to fit in some time to complete the 9km coastal walk from the break wall on Town Green to Lighthouse beach.

Days 6-7: Port Macquarie – Coffs Harbour
No trip to Coffs Harbour is complete without a trip to the Big Banana. The Big Banana boasts The Banana Slip Water Park (with the largest inflatable water-slide in the world). With lots of great beaches to visit, you could learn to surf, visit mutton-bird island to connect with local wildlife, and don’t forget to include a trip to the Forest Sky Pier. Located at Sealy Lookout, The Forest Sky Pier offers an amazing panoramic view from mountains to the Coffs Harbour coastline. The Pier extends 21 metres out from the Lookout and stands 15 metres above the forest floor.

Days 8-9: Coffs Harbour – Byron Bay
You’ll understand immediately why people flock to this amazing part of Australia. Music is intrinsic to this little town, which is home to Splendour in the Grass, the Blues Fest and the Falls Festival. Byron Bay is also renowned for its spiritual connections and you can experience a range of land, sea, air, art or mind and body activities. Yoga on the beach at sunset is not an uncommon sight and is a great way to unwind after a long day. One other thing you don’t want to miss about Byron Bay is the famous Byron Bay cookies. You’ll probably find yourself snatching up enough to fill your pockets for the rest of your trip!

Days 10-11: Byron Bay – Gold Coast
Two days probably won’t be long enough for you to do everything you want while staying at the Gold Coast. Visit Q1 and take in 360-degree views of the coast and its surroundings. A mecca for tourists, the Gold Coast beaches are always busy with sunbathers and swimmers, the exciting nightlife will draw you in, along with amazing shopping and lots to see and do! Some great day trips from the Gold Coast also include Tamborine Mountain and the Gold Coast Hinterland, where you can get in touch with nature and wander through a mountain top village (you definitely want to indulge in some of the delicious fudge), where there is even an old-fashioned cuckoo-clock shop!

Days 12-13: Gold Coast – Stradbroke Island
To get to Stradbroke Island, you’ll need to head north to Cleveland. With lots of cafes and Jacaranda trees to shade under, it’s worth stopping and grabbing a bite to eat before boarding the ferry. It’s a good idea to pre-book the ferry over during peak seasons as it can get very busy, however, sailings to the island are every hour.
Fondly referred to as ‘Straddie’ by the locals, the island has an abundance of activities for all ages and fitness levels. Popular with surfers, boaties and fishing enthusiasts, the island is renowned for its native wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, manta rays, kangaroos, koalas, and spectacular shore views of the annual humpback whale migration. You might even get lucky and see ‘Migaloo’ one of the only Albino whales in the world.

Day 14: Stradbroke Island – Brisbane - UK
Arriving in Brisbane, Queensland’s most populous city, you’ll be able to explore the Brisbane River, while away the afternoon in either Roma Street Parklands or the Botanic Gardens, shop along Queen Street, or pop over to South Bank and swim at the man-made beach. Pop into Gramercy coffee in the Wintergarden and enjoy one of the best coffees in Brisbane with a handful of gluttonous delights! Drop your campervan back at Brisbane Airport before your flight, then catch your flight back to the UK, armed with wonderful memories of your Australian adventure.