Self-Drive New South Wales

Day 1

Arrival Byron Bay

Upon arrival you’ll be met at the airport by a representative and escorted to your rental vehicle.

You'll drive to your accommodation and the remainder of your day will be spent at leisure.

Day 2

Byron Bay

Start your trip in style with breakfast at the Byron Bay lighthouse while watching sunrise at Australia’s most easterly point. Then enjoy a relaxing morning, lazing on the beach, surfing, and watching for whales out to sea.

In the afternoon, your private guide will escort you along the Cape Byron walking track. You’ll explore rainforest and coastal paths, while looking for turtles, dolphins, stingrays and whales.

Day 3

Byron Bay – Coffs Harbour – Port Macquarie

In the morning, you'll drive with your private guide to Coffs Harbour.

After lunch enjoy a guided tour of Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, or embark on a seaplane flight over the region.

Continue to Port Macquarie and check into your hotel. The town is renowned for boutique wineries and oyster farms – we can arrange for guided tours and tastings.

Day 4

Port Macquarie – Port Stephens

It’s an early departure from Port Macquarie for the drive to Port Stephens, renowned for beaches, marine wildlife, and crystal-clear waters.

After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring the beaches and watching for pods of dolphins and whales.

Day 5

Port Stephens – Hunter Valley

Today you’ll drive to the Hunter Valley.

If visiting in May, you’ll attend the Lovedale Long Lunch for a weekend of foodie fun. 

If visiting at other times of the year, don’t worry: the Hunter Valley is brimming with vineyards, and we will arrange for a private guided tour with wine tastings and gourmet cuisine.

Day 6

Hunter Valley

Today you’ll continue to explore the Hunter Valley's vineyards, complete with private guided tours.

Day 7

Hunter Valley – Blue Mountains

It’s an early start today for an memorable experience: a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Hunter Valley followed by champagne breakfast.

Afterwards, you’ll drive to the Blue Mountain National Park. Wander the paths in search of kangaroos and birds, stopping at a viewpoint as you go.

Day 8

Blue Mountains

After breakfast, your private guide will take you for a full-day tour of the Blue Mountains. Start your day at the Eagle Hawk lookout, before exploring the Narrowneck Plateau and Wentworth Falls.

After lunch enjoy an authentic cultural experience at the Waradah Aboriginal Centre, with song and dance performances and arts and crafts demonstrations.

Day 9

Blue Mountains - Sydney

Continue east to Sydney after breakfast, stopping en route to meet some of Australia’s most famous inhabitants, including kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, crocodiles, wombats, dingoes and an array of birdlife.

Check into your Sydney accommodation, where we can arrange guided tours and tastings.

Day 10

Sydney

Meet your guide after breakfast for a full-day tour of the highlights of Sydney. You’ll see Australia’s first parliament, Hyde Park Barracks, St Mary’s Cathedral, and Sydney Harbour with its famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Continue to Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and Rushcutters Bay, and finish with a trip to Bondi Beach.

Day 11

Sydney

Your final day begins with a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House.

The tour continues at Taronga Zoo with a two-hour tour with a zookeeper, before a leisurely lunch.

In the evening enjoy Vivid Sydney, a unique annual event of lights, music and ideas (end of May only).

Day 12

Departure

Today you’ll drive to the airport where you'll drop off your hire vehicle and embark on your onward journey home.