East Coast Explorer – Sydney to Brisbane
Our 15-day East Coast Explorer itinerary starts in the beautiful city of Sydney before winding north through the Hunter Valley to the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast. There’s ample time for activities (surfing, cycling, hiking, SUP and more) as well as soak up the laid-back lifestyle or beach-front Australia.
Highlights
Climb Sydney’s Harbour Bridge
Bushwalk in the Blue Mountains
Bike ride through the Hunter Valley
Port Stephen’s dolphins & dunes
Surf lesson in Coffs Harbour
Laid-back Byron Bay beach life
15 days from £3,495 pp
Plus international flights from £1,200.
A two-week holiday in East coast Australia for a family of four usually costs from £13,980 plus flights, depending on the style of accommodation.
East Coast Explorer day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, Arrive in Sydney
On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. This evening perhaps take a stroll around Circular Quay to see the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. This evening perhaps take a stroll around Circular Quay to see the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Day 2, Sydney
Get your trip off to an exciting start with a climb to the very top of Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll be fully suited up before climbing up vertical ladders and raised walkways until you get to the apex of the bridge. Savour the breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Opera House, and sparkling harbour below before returning to ground level for a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of The Rocks, packed with cafes and small shops.
From here you can visit the Sydney Opera House and younger kids might like to let off steam in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
In the afternoon, perhaps head to Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most famous and lively beaches. Wander through the Bondi Markets, where you can browse unique arts and crafts stalls and pick up some souvenirs. It’s also worth a stop at Bondi Icebergs Pool, an iconic ocean pool with incredible views of the coastline.
Day 3, Sydney
This morning younger children might like to visit Taronga Zoo, one of the best in the world and a great place to see Australia’s indigenous wildlife. Older children might enjoy a visit to Cockatoo Island, a penal colony from the 1800s where you will hear stories of the convicts who first arrived in Australia.
Later, hop on a ferry and head to Manly Beach. This laid-back seaside suburb is ideal for a family afternoon. Relax on the sandy shores, take a dip in the ocean, or add a little family competition with some paddleboarding. You can also walk along the coastline to Shelly Beach where there is an excellent cafe for an ice-cream or early dinner.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed family dinner at one of the restaurants in Darling Harbour. As darkness falls, watch the city’s iconic backdrop come alive with shimmering lightsm reflecting in the water.
Day 4, Blue Mountains
Pick up your rental car this morning and head out of the city for a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Blue Mountains.
Begin your day with a visit to Echo Point, where a short bushwalk leads you to the breathtaking view of the Three Sisters rock formation. More active families might like to take the slightly longer trail to Katoomba Falls, an impressive waterfall with great views over the Jamison Valley.
From here head to the pretty town of Leura where you can stop in a cafe or buy a picnic and enjoy lunch al fresco at one of the many viewpoints. In the afternoon it’s worth visiting Govetts Leap and walking to Bridal Veil waterfall. Here the water gushes 180m over a sheer cliff and there are sweeping views across the valley to the Grose Wilderness.
Return to Sydney in the evening.
Day 5, Sydney to Hunter Valley
After breakfast, leave Sydney and drive two hours to the Hunter Valley. The countryside here is beautiful, with rolling hills that are home to Australia’s oldest vineyards and dotted with wineries, art-galleries and boutique hotels. Spend the day exploring the region, perhaps visiting Hunter Valley Gardens or indulging in local produce at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.
Day 6, Hunter Valley
Rise early for a stunning sunrise hot air balloon ride. Embrace the calm of the morning as you float across the stunning vineyards and sprawling farmland.
Later, hire bikes (or e-bikes) an follow one of the cycling routes through the valley, stopping along the way for wine-tasting (for the adults) and grape-tasting (for the kids). If you are not interested in wine, this is still a gorgeous area to explore; the bikes come equipped with a basket on the front so you can stop at a deli and buy a picnic and find a beautiful spot. You may well see kangaroos and wallabies bouncing past!
Read More Day 7, Hunter Valley to Port Stephens This afternoon head out to Birubi Beach in a 4WD truck and try your hand at sandboarding. There are dunes of all different grades so you can start easy, savouring the view of the rolling sand dunes stretching to the ocean. Then when you are ready, take it up a notch (or leave the children to it), and head down the longer steeper dunes for a dose of adrenalin. Later perhaps take a dip in the ocean at Shoal Bay before enjoying a family dinner of fresh Australian seafood at a relaxed beachfront restaurant. Day 8, Port Stephens Later head to a nearby beach that is renowned for snorkelling. There’s a great little tea-room here where you can have lunch before taking to the water to snorkel amidst the seagrass and kelp forest, eyes peeled for octopus, blue groupers, sea horses and damsel fish. In the afternoon, visit a koala reserve where you can follow boardwalks through a range of scenic forest, scrub, wetland and coastal environments. Keep a watch for koalas snoozing happily in the branches above you. Day 9, Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour Upon arrival in Coffs Harbour, perhaps take a walk along Jetty Beach and enjoy a swim. Day 10, Coffs Harbour Later we suggest that you visit Forest Sky Pier, an elevated walkway that extends 21 meters over the forest canopy, providing panoramic views of Coffs Harbour and the coastline. Muttonbird Island is also great to visit, with its bustling seabird rookery. Day 11, Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay Spend the afternoon at Surfers Paradise, where the family can enjoy the beach, shopping, and dining. In the evening, take in the views from the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Day 12, Byron Bay Day 13, Byron Bay Day 14, Byron Bay Day 15, Gold Coast
After breakfast, drive two hours to the coastal paradise of Port Stephens.
Start your day with a dolphin-watching cruise from Nelson Bay. There is a large population of bottlenose dolphins here so the chance of a sighting is very high; you can also enjoy commanding views to Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands.
A slightly longer drive today, around 4.5 hours up the coast to Coffs Harbour. It’s worth stopping en route at the charming town of Port Macquarie for lunch and a visit to the Koala Hospital.
Start the day with a surf lesson. This coastline is one of Australia’s premier surfing destinations, and before long with a little bit of tuition, you’ll be surfing like a local. Or this children will be, and the parents can retire with dignity to the beach?!
Continue your journey north with a 3-hour drive to Byron Bay, Australia’s most famous beach town. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Byron Bay is also home to a vibrant food scene and artistic community so there are masses of boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants.
Start the day with a walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and, if you’re lucky, spot dolphins off the coast. Afterwards, spend time on one of Byron Bay’s beautiful beaches or join a dolphin kayaking tour, where you can paddle alongside these playful creatures.
Take a day trip into the Byron Bay Hinterland for a day of exploring its lush rainforests and quaint villages. Here you can visit the Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, where you can walk among giant crystals and enjoy the peaceful gardens. It’s also worth stopping by the town of Bangalow for lunch and a wander through its boutique shops before returning to Byron Bay.
A final day to enjoy the coast. You might like a lazy beach day or perhaps head north to the Gold Coast to visit one of its renowned theme parks (including Sea World, Dreamworld and Movie World). These parks offer rides, shows and a wide range of attractions that will appeal to many families. Another option is to visit the Wet’n’Wild waterpark, the biggest in Australia and featuring a bewildering number of water-slides, rapids and a giant wave pool.
A final spot of beach time before you drive north to Brisbane Airport for your flight home.
Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.
01728 752751
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