Welcome to Sydney!

It is New Year’s Eve – arrive in Sydney this morning to watch the harbour firework celebrations as we ring in the start of 2026, before the conclusion of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Series.

You could choose to watch the iconic New Year fireworks from the steps of Sydney Opera House or the Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, you could make it a very special evening and join a New Year’s Eve Cruise of Sydney Harbour.

After Sydney’s dazzling New Year’s Eve celebrations, you can enjoy a sightseeing cruise on Sydney Harbour, or a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Go behind the scenes of the iconic Sydney Opera House, or complete the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Alternatively you could just relax on Bondi Beach or wander around the The Rocks for history and markets. Sydney’s attractions make a perfect lead-up to the thrilling and final 5th Ashes Test.

All eyes will now be in the SCG for the 5th and final Test Match of the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series, and you will have your choice of seats reserved so that you don’t miss any of the action.

The Sydney Cricket Ground masters the blend of traditional with modern and never fails to deliver absorbing cricket.

Your Ashes cricket package includes hotel accommodation and tickets to every day of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match (All Day 5 tickets will include General Admission only, with unreserved seating).

Freedom Destinations is a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series. Licence no. CATO2526/005

Collect your choice of Australian motorhome – the Sydney depot, staff will guide you through the features before you head off on the open road. The beauty of a motorhome is that every day is a new adventure and you don’t necessarily need to plan your route beforehand, but this itinerary acts as a suggestion.

Spend your first night surrounded by the vines and vineyards of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales premium wine producing region. Here you can indulge in some of the finest food and wine.

Sydney > Hunter Valley | 250 kms

Today you will travel to the coastal paradise of Port Stephens, a beautiful natural bay famed for its picturesque beaches, sweeping sand dunes and pristine waters. Walk some of the many coastal walks, dine at one of the harbour fronted al fresco restaurants or take a cruise to see the local dolphin inhabitants of the bay.

Hunter Valley > Port Stephens | 88 kms

Depart Port Stephens and continue passed the inland lakes and national parks to Coffs Harbour. Spend the night in a local motorhome park amongst the rainforests, banana plantations and coastal scenery of this popular holiday destination.

Port Stephens > Coffs Harbour | 360 kms

Journey north to Byron Bay where the pace of life slows down and the focus is on the unique Aussie coastal lifestyle. Relax on the sands of Byron Beach and watch the skilled surfers effortlessly ride the waves, watch the sunset from the Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point, and indulge in some of the local artisan food which can be bought from local markets.

We’ve earmarked two nights in Byron Bay, but alternatively you may wish to leave a day early to stay a night in the Gold Coast, where you’ll find 50 km of sandy beaches stretching from Coolangatta on the New South Wales border, past  Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise. There are also bars and restaurants aplenty and numerous theme parks and family attractions. Not to mention migrating humpback whales in the Pacific waters between June and early November and caves, waterfalls and walking trails in Lamington National Park.

Coffs Harbour > Byron Bay | 233 kms

Journey through Brisbane and, if time permits, spend your day exploring Queensland’s capital city. Meander along the lively Southbank precinct with its museums, children’s play areas and al fresco dining outlets, shop till you drop on Queens Street or relax and unwind with the locals in the Botanical Gardens, all within easy walking distance of each other.

Tonight, spend the evening in the Nature Coast’s Hinterlands just one hour north of Brisbane. The eleven dramatic peaks are a nature lovers paradise with its walking tracks and lookout points. Browse through the quaint townships with their artisan food produce and hand-crafted treasures or visit the world famous Australia Zoo which is nestled between the peaks.

Byron Bay > Brisbane > Glasshouse Mountains | 245 kms

Drive up the coast, passing the surf clubs and lively esplanades of the Nature Coast’s beach resort towns before arriving in popular Noosa. This desirable holiday destination is brimming with fashionable outlets, a fine mix of restaurants and nearby natural wonders in the form of the Noosa National Park where you will get the best chance of spotting a koala in the wild.

We would recommend a few days here to take in the relaxed sophisticated lifestyle. Peruse the shops and boutiques of Hastings Street, relax on the soft sands of Noosa Beach afterwards and be sure to join the locals in a lively evening at the local surf club overlooking the beach.

Glasshouse Mountains > Noosa | 87 kms

Drive back towards Brisbane and return your motorhome to the Brisbane depot, before transferring to your downtown hotel.

Over the next couple of days you will be able to explore Brisbane at your leisure. You can choose to wander along the South Bank and across the Storey Bridge, to the Howard Smith Wharves, on the banks of the Brisbane River.

Further afield we recommend a visit to the lookout at Mount Coot-Tha and the Botanic Gardens, or a day-trip to Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin and his family. A visit to Moreton Island is another wildlife spectacle as you can come face to face with the resident dolphins.

Noosa > Brisbane | 158 kms

As this part of your holiday comes to a close, return to Brisbane Airport in time to check-in for your onwards flight.

Maybe you are returning home, or maybe you are continuing your Australia holiday. Your FREEDOM consultant will be pleased to arrange this for you.