Sydney to the Sunshine Coast
19 day Holiday Idea – from £2735
With flights from £3845
Journey from Australia’s most iconic city along the stunning New South Wales coast to Brisbane and Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast.
Highlights:
- Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens to the Sydney Opera House
- Enjoy a full day tour to the spectacular Blue Mountains
- Visit the Hunter Valley, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Sunshine Coast
- Spend two nights on incredible K’gari
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your East Coast Australia holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Arrive into Sydney for a four night stay giving you time to explore the harbour, beaches and inner-city precincts of this lively city. Spend time relaxing on Circular Quay surrounded by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, which you can climb if you are feeling adventurous. In the evenings there is a great selection of harbourside or city restaurants. There is also time to take the ferry to Manly, stroll along Bondi, or relax in the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Your chosen Sydney hotel
Day 4 – Blue Mountains
This morning take a full day tour to the majestic Blue Mountains, you’ll be stopping at the Jamison Valley, Leura, Echo Point and the iconic Three Sisters rocks. Ride the Skyway cable car or meet the koalas, kangaroos, wombats and others at the Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Your chosen Sydney hotel
Day 5 – Hunter Valley
Collect your car and leave the bright lights of Sydney behind as you cross the Harbour Bridge and head towards the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley along the Pacific Highway. Detour through the towns of Gosford and Newcastle and enjoy a scenic walk along the foreshore. From Newcastle, travel via Maitland into the Hunter Valley. With wineries in abundance, take the opportunity to taste and purchase some of Australia’s finest wines as well as explore the art and gourmet delights that the Hunter Valley offers.
Your chosen Hunter Valley hotel
Day 6 – Port Stephens
Leave the Hunter Valley and travel northeast to Port Stephens. Known as the Blue Water Wonderland, Port Stephens is a natural bay, twice the size of Sydney Harbour and almost completely enclosed by two dormant volcanic headlands. There is fabulous seafood to sample and more than 26 golden sandy beaches to explore. Perhaps take an afternoon cruise to see the Bottlenose dolphins.
Your chosen Port Stephens hotel
Day 7 – Coffs Harbour
Depart Port Stephens and continue north to Bulahdelah, the entrance to the Myall Lakes National Park. Travel north along the Lakes Way, a scenic route through rainforest with spectacular views of the inland lakes and ocean beaches.
Travel on through the Manning Valley and Taree to Port Macquarie. Continue on to Coffs Harbour, which is the start of the sub-tropical northern coast of New South Wales and the surrounding district produces timber, bananas, vegetables, dairy products and fish. The ‘Big Banana’ is open daily with a comprehensive display on the banana industry.
Your chosen Coffs Harbour hotel
Day 8 – Byron Bay
This northern stretch of New South Wales contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. From Coffs Harbour, the highway follows the coast to Woolgoolga and then turns inland towards Grafton, a graceful old country town on the banks of the mighty Clarence River.
From Grafton travel to Woodburn and on to Ballina, and then a further 38 kilometres to Byron Bay, which attracts surfers from near and far to Wategos Beach, on Cape Byron – its northerly aspect makes it one of the best beaches for surfing on the East Coast of Australia. Cape Byron is the most easterly point on the Australian coast.
Your chosen Byron Bay hotel
Day 9 – Byron Bay
Today is free to spend at your leisure. Enjoy the restaurants and cafes, take a surfing lesson or simply relax on the beach.
The powerful Cape Byron lighthouse was completed in 1901. Guided tours are available on certain days, run by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Byron Bay’s surf beaches are famous all around the world. Watego’s Beach, with its white sands and crystal waters, also has a break that is popular with bodysurfers and boogie boarders.
There are also some great drives in the Byron hinterland, with spectacular views of the coast.
Your chosen Byron Bay hotel
Day 10 & 11 – Brisbane
For early risers, it’s well worth going a trip to the beach this morning to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Then depart Byron and travel north to Brunswick Heads. Continue along the coast via Pottsville Beach and Kingscliff and travel onto Brisbane via the Gold Coast,
Spend two nights in the lively city of Brisbane. Laze in the lush riverside gardens of South Bank, browse the Eagle Street markets and swim in its man made lagoon. Stroll through the City Botanic Gardens, shop on the famous Queen Street mall or take a ferry ride down the Brisbane River to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Your chosen Brisbane hotel
Day 12 & 13 – K’gari
Travel north to Hervey Bay and join the passenger ferry across to Kingfisher Bay, where you will stay whilst on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) for two nights. Whilst on the island you will enjoy a full day guided tour to explore the beauty spots of K’gari by 4×4.
Learn about the natural and cultural history of the world’s largest sand island, swim in the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie, walk along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek and drive along the spectacular 75 Mile Beach.
Your guided experience continues with stops at the famous Maheno shipwreck, the coloured sands of the Pinnacles and a refreshing swim in Eli Creek.
Your chosen K’gari hotel
Day 14 & 15 – Noosa
Spend the rest of your time on K’gari relaxing in the resort, before joining the ferry back to Hervey Bay and then on to the picturesque surf resort town of Noosa, where golden beaches, koala filled National Parks, and fine food and wine await.
Two nights here will allow you time to unwind, enjoy an optional tour through Noosa’s unique everglades eco system, and wander the boutiques of Hastings Street.
Day 16 & 17 – Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterlands
Today is a chance to see a different side to the Sunshine Coast region as you travel inland into the Hinterlands for a two night stay nestled amongst the rainforest on the outskirts of Montville, a wonderfully quaint village with a host of unique shops, galleries and food options.
Your two nights in your own private villa provides you with the opportunity to explore more of the region’s waterfalls and villages.
Narrows Escape, Montville
Day 18 – Brisbane
Return southward to Brisbane to return your hire car at the airport, ready for your flight home… or on to your next destination.
Your Itinerary
You can customise your East Coast Australia holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1 to 3
| Sydney
Arrive into Sydney for a four night stay giving you time to explore the harbour, beaches and inner-city precincts of this lively city. Spend time relaxing on Circular Quay surrounded by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, which you can climb if you are feeling adventurous. In the evenings there is a great selection of harbourside or city restaurants. There is also time to take the ferry to Manly, stroll along Bondi, or relax in the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Your chosen Sydney hotel
Day 4
| Blue Mountains
This morning take a full day tour to the majestic Blue Mountains, you’ll be stopping at the Jamison Valley, Leura, Echo Point and the iconic Three Sisters rocks. Ride the Skyway cable car or meet the koalas, kangaroos, wombats and others at the Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Your chosen Sydney hotel
Day 5
| Hunter Valley
Collect your car and leave the bright lights of Sydney behind as you cross the Harbour Bridge and head towards the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley along the Pacific Highway. Detour through the towns of Gosford and Newcastle and enjoy a scenic walk along the foreshore. From Newcastle, travel via Maitland into the Hunter Valley. With wineries in abundance, take the opportunity to taste and purchase some of Australia’s finest wines as well as explore the art and gourmet delights that the Hunter Valley offers.
Your chosen Hunter Valley hotel
Day 6
| Port Stephens
Leave the Hunter Valley and travel northeast to Port Stephens. Known as the Blue Water Wonderland, Port Stephens is a natural bay, twice the size of Sydney Harbour and almost completely enclosed by two dormant volcanic headlands. There is fabulous seafood to sample and more than 26 golden sandy beaches to explore. Perhaps take an afternoon cruise to see the Bottlenose dolphins.
Your chosen Port Stephens hotel
Day 7
| Coffs Harbour
Depart Port Stephens and continue north to Bulahdelah, the entrance to the Myall Lakes National Park. Travel north along the Lakes Way, a scenic route through rainforest with spectacular views of the inland lakes and ocean beaches.
Travel on through the Manning Valley and Taree to Port Macquarie. Continue on to Coffs Harbour, which is the start of the sub-tropical northern coast of New South Wales and the surrounding district produces timber, bananas, vegetables, dairy products and fish. The ‘Big Banana’ is open daily with a comprehensive display on the banana industry.
Your chosen Coffs Harbour hotel
Day 8
| Byron Bay
This northern stretch of New South Wales contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. From Coffs Harbour, the highway follows the coast to Woolgoolga and then turns inland towards Grafton, a graceful old country town on the banks of the mighty Clarence River.
From Grafton travel to Woodburn and on to Ballina, and then a further 38 kilometres to Byron Bay, which attracts surfers from near and far to Wategos Beach, on Cape Byron – its northerly aspect makes it one of the best beaches for surfing on the East Coast of Australia. Cape Byron is the most easterly point on the Australian coast.
Your chosen Byron Bay hotel
Day 9
| Byron Bay
Today is free to spend at your leisure. Enjoy the restaurants and cafes, take a surfing lesson or simply relax on the beach.
The powerful Cape Byron lighthouse was completed in 1901. Guided tours are available on certain days, run by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Byron Bay’s surf beaches are famous all around the world. Watego’s Beach, with its white sands and crystal waters, also has a break that is popular with bodysurfers and boogie boarders.
There are also some great drives in the Byron hinterland, with spectacular views of the coast.
Your chosen Byron Bay hotel
Day 10 & 11
| Brisbane
For early risers, it’s well worth going a trip to the beach this morning to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Then depart Byron and travel north to Brunswick Heads. Continue along the coast via Pottsville Beach and Kingscliff and travel onto Brisbane via the Gold Coast,
Spend two nights in the lively city of Brisbane. Laze in the lush riverside gardens of South Bank, browse the Eagle Street markets and swim in its man made lagoon. Stroll through the City Botanic Gardens, shop on the famous Queen Street mall or take a ferry ride down the Brisbane River to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Your chosen Brisbane hotel
Day 12 & 13
| K’gari
Travel north to Hervey Bay and join the passenger ferry across to Kingfisher Bay, where you will stay whilst on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) for two nights. Whilst on the island you will enjoy a full day guided tour to explore the beauty spots of K’gari by 4×4.
Learn about the natural and cultural history of the world’s largest sand island, swim in the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie, walk along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek and drive along the spectacular 75 Mile Beach.
Your guided experience continues with stops at the famous Maheno shipwreck, the coloured sands of the Pinnacles and a refreshing swim in Eli Creek.
Your chosen K’gari hotel
Day 14 & 15
| Noosa
Spend the rest of your time on K’gari relaxing in the resort, before joining the ferry back to Hervey Bay and then on to the picturesque surf resort town of Noosa, where golden beaches, koala filled National Parks, and fine food and wine await.
Two nights here will allow you time to unwind, enjoy an optional tour through Noosa’s unique everglades eco system, and wander the boutiques of Hastings Street.
Day 16 & 17
| Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterlands
Today is a chance to see a different side to the Sunshine Coast region as you travel inland into the Hinterlands for a two night stay nestled amongst the rainforest on the outskirts of Montville, a wonderfully quaint village with a host of unique shops, galleries and food options.
Your two nights in your own private villa provides you with the opportunity to explore more of the region’s waterfalls and villages.
Narrows Escape, Montville
Day 18
| Brisbane
Return southward to Brisbane to return your hire car at the airport, ready for your flight home… or on to your next destination.
This Holiday Includes
Flights & More
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:
- Extra nights in Sydney, Brisbane or any location en route
- A climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- A stopover to Australia in Singapore, Dubai or another destination
Next Step
Please get in touch with our Australia Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Sydney to the Sunshine Coast
19 day Holiday Idea – from £2735
With flights from £3845
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.
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