Self-Drive New South Wales
Take an extra day in Newcastle to do the 5km ‘Bathers Way’ walk. Look for dolphins and whales, which can be spotted close to shore. Follow the yellow signs that are full of interesting historical anecdotes along the way.
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.
Enjoy breakfast at Byron Bay lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point
See Coffs harbour and the Great Dividing Range on a seaplane flight
Discover fines wines and gourmet cuisine in Hunter Valley
Soar over the Hunter Valley in a hot air balloon before a champagne breakfast
Go on an exclusive backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House
Lightfoot Travel is a fully licensed global tour operator with a 24/7 support line for our guests, giving you peace of mind on your holiday . We have three core values that underpin our commitment to creating meaningful holidays for our guests.
AUTHENTICTravel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create holidays that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
EXPERT Travel with confidence, guided by experts. Our team boasts decades of first-hand knowledge and we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for our guests. We specialise in unveiling the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known destinations.
PERSONAL Your journey is as unique as you are. We take the time to understand what inspires and excites you, creating 100% tailormade itineraries that reflect your personality, interests, and holiday aspirations. Our bespoke holidays are designed to elevate every moment of your travel experience.
