One week isn’t enough to see the whole east coast, of course, but you can cover the biggest attractions on the stretch between the east coast’s biggest cities, Brisbane and Sydney. We’ve started the route from Sydney and ended in Brisbane but you can easily start in Brisbane and reverse the itinerary.
Days 1 and 2: Sydney
You can actually leave the car at home for the start of your road trip adventure, as the first few days are dedicated to exploring Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales (NSW) and the most populous city in the country.
We suggest at least two days to see the city’s highlights. Dedicate one day to downtown: The Rocks, Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, etc. Spend the other day at the beaches: walk from Bondi to Coogee or catch the ferry to the northern beaches.
For more details, read 10 free things to do in Sydney.
Day 3: Blue Mountains
Before you start your pilgrimage up the coast, today you will head about 45 minutes’ inland to the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains is a World Heritage region and one of the most spectacular sites in NSW. Don’t miss the Three Sisters walk and the view from Echo Point lookout.
For more information about the Blue Mountains, check out the Top places to visit in NSW.
Day 4: Newcastle and Port Macquarie
It’s finally time to go north of Sydney! Your first stop, after a 2-hour drive, is the laidback coastal city of Newcastle. Stretch your legs along Bathers Way, a coastal path that connects Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins! If time allows, take a dip in the Bogey Hole, one of the oldest pools in Australia, or visit Nobbys Lighthouse.
It’s then time for a 3-hour drive to Port Macquarie. The highlight of Port Macquarie is the koala hospital, the first of its kind in the country. Spend the evening at Town Beach, Lightning Beach or Queens Lake to catch the sunset.
Day 5: Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay
Today, you will have a 4-hour drive to Byron Bay. Break the journey up halfway with a quick stop in Coffs Harbour, where you can honour Australia’s love of ‘Big Things’ at the Big Banana monument. The Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout is also worth a quick stop; here, you’ll have panoramic views of Coffs Harbour and the surrounding mountains and beaches.
Spend the afternoon in the home of the Hemsworths, Byron Bay. This bohemian city is teeming with boutique shops and healthy cafes, and is world-famous for its surfing beaches. The main attraction is the Cape Byron Lighthouse, which sits on the most easterly point of Australia. Between June and November, you can spot migrating whales from the headland.
Day 6: Gold Coast
An hour north of Byron Bay is another world-renowned east coast location, the Gold Coast. After Brisbane, the Gold Coast is Queensland’s (QLD) second-largest city. If you want some adrenaline after all the beach time on your east coast journey, the Gold Coast is home to multiple theme parks: Movie World, Seaworld, Dreamworld and WetnWild.
If you want to maintain the relaxing pace of life, enjoy the golden sands of Surfers Paradise beach or take a stroll through the beaches and rainforest in Burleigh Head National Park. Catch the sunset at Mermaid Beach or Rainbow Bay, or tick off a bucket-list activity and learn to surf at Currumbin Alley.
Day 7: Brisbane
End your journey in the capital of QLD, Brisbane. A 45-minute drive north of the Gold Coast, the largest city in the state has plenty to offer for your last day:
- Swim or sunbathe at Australia’s only man-made beach in a city centre, Streets Beach.
- Take a photo with the Brisbane sign in South Bank.
- Tour the Brisbane City Hall’s Clock Tower for free!
- Stroll the Roma Street Parklands or the City Botanic Gardens for an escape into nature.
- Eat your way around the world at Eat Street, where more than 70 international vendors operate out of former shipping containers.
- Experience more culinary delights at one of Brisbane’s many food markets: Brisbane City Markets, Carseldine Artisan Markets or Riverside Markets.
- For views of the city, go to Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout or Kangaroo Point (perfect for watching the sunset).
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