As you cross the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney, soak up the stunning scenery of Marramarra National Park and Strickland State Forest. Further north is the beautiful Hunter Valley. This region is the oldest wine producing area in New South Wales and the hillsides are cloaked in neat, ordered vineyards.

Many wineries offer cellar door tasting and excellent food offerings.

Sydney > Hunter Valley | 180 kms

Standard: Hunter Valley Resort

Deluxe: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Head back to the coast today, to Newcastle, NSW’s second biggest port. If you can, walk out to Nobby’s Head Lighthouse for some great ocean and city views.

Not far from Newcastle is Port Stephens, a beautiful natural harbour, fringed by quiet beaches, hidden coves and sleepy fishing communities. You can take a sand dune tour here or a cruise to see the bottlenose dolphins that live in the harbour. In the evening, be sure to sample some of the area’s renowned seafood.

Hunter Valley > Port Stephens | 160 kms

Standard: Oaks Pacific Blue, Port Stephens

Deluxe: Hotel Nelson

Enjoy a little more time in Port Stephens before driving on to Port Macquarie, passing dairy farms and fruit and nut orchards on the way. Off the highway, the scenic Lakes Way provides spectacular rainforest, lake and ocean views.

Port Macquarie began as a penal colony but now has a delightful Wildlife Park and Koala Hospital to visit. There is also a coastal walk connecting places of interest and providing access to many  of the town’s best beaches.

Port Stephens > Port Macquarie | 220 kms

Standard: Country Comfort Port Macquarie Waters Edge

Deluxe: Rydges Port Macquarie

Your journey today travels between rainforest clad mountains and the Pacific Ocean, through one of Australia’s main fruit growing regions. There are several signed Tourist Routes you can follow, through pretty country towns and coastal communities.

The main highway meets the sea again at Coffs Harbour, a popular year-round tourist destination. There are art and craft shops here and plenty of beachside cafés. The town’s impressive botanical gardens also have several guided discovery walks.

Port Macquarie > Coffs Harbour | 155 kms

Standard: Best Western Parkside Motor Inn

Deluxe: Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort

The drive to Byron Bay contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia, with many National Parks and historic towns to explore on the way.

Byron Bay, itself, is a lively resort, famed for its easy-going, ‘bohemian’ lifestyle and surfing culture. It is popular with travellers of all ages and your two night stay will let you soak up the atmosphere and let you explore the golden beaches and the rainforest of the hinterland. Byron is also Australia’s most easterly point and there is a fine coastal walk out to the Cape Byron lighthouse.

Coffs Harbour > Byron Bay | 240 kms

Standard: Eco Beach Resort

Deluxe: Crystalbrook Byron

Early risers can head to the beach this morning to watch the sun rise over the Pacific. Then travel north to the twin towns of Tweedy Head and Coolangatta, separated by the Queensland border.

Between here and Brisbane, is the Gold Coast, Australia’s holiday playground, with luxury high-rise apartments, exciting theme parks, a casino and famous Surfers Paradise beach.

Return your car to Brisbane this afternoon at the end of your Pacific Coast self drive.

Byron Bay > Brisbane | 165 kms