Begin your Australia holiday with three action packed days in the stunning harbourside city of Sydney. Top of the to see list must be the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge – maybe even to do a bridge climb!

Close by are the wonderful Sydney Botanical Gardens and, in the city centre, stylish shops and restaurants, plus many grand buildings and museums celebrating the history and growth of this modern nation.

For the beach, head to Bondi or Coogee or take a scenic harbour ferry to fashionable Manly. Perhaps enjoy a trip to the Blue Mountains, less than two hours away.

Your chosen Sydney hotel

Pick up your car this morning and head out on the Pacific Highway to the lovely Hunter Valley winelands. You will travel through the forests and waterways of the scenic Hawkesbury River region and there are plenty of stops and detours along the way.

As you reach the Hunter Valley, you will see well tended vineyards scattered across the rolling hillsides. Stop for a tasting or two at one of the many cellar doors before spending the night in this beautiful part of New South Wales.

Sydney > Hunter Valley | 180 kms

Standard: Hunter Valley Resort

Deluxe: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Perhaps pick up a couple of your favourite Hunter wines before heading to the coast. First stop is Newcastle, New South Wales’ second oldest city, with an interesting history and a delightful foreshore walk to its lighthouse.

North of Newcastle is beautiful Port Stephens, a huge natural harbour surrounded by sheltered coves, rolling dunes and small fishing communities. You can stroll along deserted beaches, sandboard on the dunes or go on a local cruise to see the harbour’s bottlenose dolphins.

Hunter Valley > Port Stephens | 160 kms

Standard: Anchorage Port Stephens

Deluxe: Hotel Nelson

Follow the Pacific Highway north today through the dairy farms and the nut and fruit orchards of this fertile region.

For some spectacular coastal scenery, detour round Myall and Wallis Lakes or take the Ocean Drive into Port Macquarie. One of Australia’s first penal colonies, Port Macquarie is now a welcoming seaside town, with a beguiling Koala Hospital and a native wildlife park to visit.

Port Stephens > Macquarie | 220 kms

Standard: Country Comfort Port Macquarie Waters Edge

Deluxe: Rydges Port Macquarie

A shorter journey today takes you through a major fruit growing region, so be sure to stock up with fresh produce on your way. For an even more scenic drive, leave the highway on to some of the quieter, well signed tourist routes.

Your stop tonight is at Coffs Harbour, a popular holiday destination. As well as great beaches, the town has plenty of local shops, cafés and restaurants, plus delightful botanical gardens and a network of discovery walks.

Port Macquarie > Coffs Harbour | 155 kms

Standard: Best Western Parkside Motor Inn

Deluxe: Breakfree Aanuka Beach

The road heads inland today before returning to the coast at Byron Bay. The scenery is dramatic and there are plenty of country towns and National Parks to explore.

Byron Bay, with its laid back, anything-goes lifestyle, is popular with travellers of all ages and you have a full day to relax and explore here. You will find plenty of action on the town’s surfing beaches and there is a wonderful coastal walk out to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point of the Australia mainland.

Coffs Harbour > Byron Bay | 240 kms

Standard: Byron Bay Resort

Deluxe: Crystalbrook Byron Bay

Travel to the bright lights of the Gold Coast this morning. This is Australia’s holiday playground, with high-rise apartments, theme parks, restaurants and entertainment centres lining the near perfect golden sands.

Only an hour north, is the Queensland capital of Brisbane, where you have a two night stay. This vibrant city is the cultural heart of Queensland, with many historical buildings and museums. The Botanical Gardens are along the river front, across from the pleasant walks, cafés and markets of South Bank.

Byron Bay > Brisbane | 165 kms

Standard: Royal on the Park

Deluxe: Hyatt Regency

There is time to visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo and the alluring Glass House Mountains today, before a two night stay in fashionable Noosa.

This jewel of the Sunshine coast has some fine boutiques, galleries and restaurants, as well as sheltered, soft sand swimming beaches.

You can cruise or kayak through the nearby Everglades or explore the coastal Noosa National Park. If you are lucky, you will see koalas here, plus plenty of other wildlife along its forest and bush trails.

Brisbane > Noosa | 150 kms

Standard: Noosa Blue Resort

Deluxe: Peppers Noosa Resort

This morning, visit the old gold mining town of Gympie, with its heritage  museum and gold panning site, before heading back to Hervey Bay on the coast or K’gari for a two-night stay.

The waterfront town of Hervey Bay is known for its whale watching cruises in season, and also as a gateway to K’gari, formerly Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island and a World Heritage listed site. There are 4-wheel-drive trails around the island through pristine rainforest and past crystal clear lakes, and your FREEDOM consultant can book a day tour or island stay for you.

Noosa > K’gari | 190 kms

Standard & Deluxe: Kingfisher Bay Resort (K’Gari)/Ramada by Wyndham (Hervey Bay)

Look out for fields of sugar cane as you drive towards Bundaberg. This well known Queensland town has distilled rum from the cane since 1889 and exports it throughout the world.

Carry on through the forests and farmland of Queensland’s coastal strip until you reach the charming seaside town of Agnes Water. It boasts seven kilometres of pristine beach and over 250 days of sunshine a year, and makes the perfect stopping place for the night.

K’gari > Agnes Water | 220 kms

Standard: Sandcastles 1770

Deluxe: 1770 Beach Shacks

Venture out along Agnes Water’s forest boardwalks before you begin your drive to Rockhampton, visiting the old port of Gladstone on the way.

The early colonial city of Rockhampton has lots to explore, from its lush tropical gardens to its fascinating Heritage Village. Several prominent bull statues around the town show it is also the centre of Queensland’s beef producing region.

Agnes Water > Rockhampton | 225 kms

Standard & Deluxe: Edge Apartment Hotel

The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Rockhampton, so, from now on, you are well and truly in the tropics. You will pass through more sugar cane fields, cattle stations and forests as you drive to the coastal town of Mackay, set at the mouth of the Pioneer River.

There is an informative Walking Trail around many of town’s heritage buildings, giving you an insight into Makay’s pioneering history and development.

Rockhampton > Mackay | 330 kms

Standard: Rydges Mackay Marina

Deluxe: Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina

After a short drive today, it is time to relax with a two night stay at the popular seaside resort of Airlie Beach.

From here, you can explore the stunning Whitsunday Islands or even the Great Barrier Reef. There are boat trips, cruises and scenic flights available from the town’s marina or neighbouring Shute Harbour, and we can pre-book some of these for you.

If you would prefer a quieter day out, head for the secluded beaches and forest walking trails of nearby Conway National Park.

Mackay > Airlie Beach | 150 kms

Standard: Heart Hotel

Deluxe: Coral Sea Resort

An hour north of Airlie Beach is the picturesque seaside town of Bowen, a great place to stop for a coffee or seafront walk before driving on to Townsville.

The coastal city of Townsville is the administrative centre for all of North Queensland. There is a delightful beachfront park and marina, a walk through reef aquarium and an excellent Tropics Museum. Be sure to drive up to Castle Hill Lookout for a fabulous view of the city and coastline.

Airlie Beach > Townsville | 275 kms

Standard: Mercure Townsville

Deluxe: Grand Hotel Townsville

Your Australia East Coast holiday finishes with a three night stay in the tropical holiday town of Cairns. The lively Esplanade has plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants and the palm fringed beaches of Palm Cove and Trinity Beach are not far away.

We suggest you keep your car to explore the area, including the scenic drive to Port Douglas, the Daintree Forest and the beautiful lakes and waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands.

A highlight for many, however, will be a day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, and your FREEDOM consultant can arrange this for you.

Townsville > Cairns | 335 kms

Standard: Mercure Cairns

Deluxe: Crystalbrook Riley