The Pacific Coast Explorer Self-Drive

Head north from Sydney along Australia's 'Legendary Pacific Coast' drive and you'll take in New South Wales' rolling vineyards, national parks and surf beaches.

5nights INDEPENDENT TOUR

Suggested route & duration

Suggested duration: 5 nights Sydney to Brisbane

  • Hunter Valley 1 night

  • Port Stephens 1 night

  • Coffs Harbour 1 night

  • Byron Bay 2 nights

About this independent tour

SELF DRIVE
The Pacific Coast Explorer is a recommended self-drive itinerary including 6 days car hire with co-pilot kit and accommodation for 5 nights in mainly 4 star hotels.

Recommended highlights

HUNTER VALLEY The Hunter Valley can be reached on a day trip from Sydney, but on this scenic self-drive you can drive over the Harbour Bridge onto the Pacific Highway, exploring the towns of Gosford and Newcastle before spending the night in these beautiful winelands. The Hunter Valley has over 120 wineries amidst its rolling hills, including some big-name brands, so you can tailor your cellar door visits to your favourite grape varieties.

PORT STEPHENS Port Stephens is a natural estuary over twice the size of Sydney Harbour, almost enclosed by volcanic headlands. Here you'll have the choice of 26 golden sandy beaches to explore. Bottlenose dolphins inhabit the waters and this is also a great spot to see koalas.

COFFS HARBOUR The road from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour has been voted one of Australia's best tourist drives. Backed by emerald-clad peaks, Coffs Harbour is the start of the sub-tropical northern coast of New South Wales and optional activities range from Segway tours to whitewater rafting.

BYRON BAY Byron Bay attracts surfers from near and far, but there's plenty here for non-surfers, too. Cape Byron is the most easterly point on the Australian coast and there's a lovely walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. The town itself has a boho vibe and arts and café culture.

Tailor your tour

This itinerary is completely flexible, so you can choose your own number of nights and accommodation, add excursions – you might like to book a wine tasting tour of the Hunter Valley, or a surfing lesson in Byron Bay – and extend your holiday. If you can extend your trip, we recommend continuing your self-drive up the East Coast to Cairns.