NEW SOUTH WALES

Tour	Days	Operator	Code	Full Itinerary
City Highlights	5		SDT1
East Coast Explorer	11		SDT4

City Highlights - 5 Days
Melbourne - Albury - Canberra - Sydney

Tour Code: SDT1

This self-drive tour is a journey between the two biggest cities in Australia with a stop en route in the Nations Capital.

What's included?

What's not?

Your Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Melbourne to Albury (308 km)
Pick up you rental vehicle and depart Melbourne for the twin cities of Albury/Wodonga. Albury-Wodonga straddles the New South Wales and Victorian border on Australian's largest river, the Murray. En route we recommend, that you stop in the historical town of Beechworth - famous for it's Gold Rush past, where more than 30 buildings have been classified by the National Trust, and if time allows browse through the antique shops of neighbouring Yackandandah. Accommodation: The Greentree Inn, Albury

Day 2 - Albury to Canberra (349km)
This morning, depart Albury and head along the Hume Highway to Australia's National Capital - Canberra. Don't forget to stop in the quintessential Australian town of Gundagai on the Murrumbidgee River, which is the home of the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox statue. Accommodation: The Canberra Rex

Day 3 - Canberra
Today is at leisure to explore Australia's National Capital. Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and the Prime Minister's official residence" The Lodge" are just a few of the many places worth visiting. Around Lake Burley Griffin, you will find national attractions, monuments in their own rights but full of wonderful exhibits that convey a sense of Australia's history, culture and lifestyle. Maybe, visit the 195 metre high Telstra Tower on Black Mountain for a great view of the National Capital. Accommodation: The Canberra Rex

Day 4 - Canberra to Sydney (298km) approximate
A drive of less than 4 hours will take you past the scenic southern highlands of New South Wales, including villages such as Berrima, Moss Vale and Bowral. Make sure to stop in Berrima, a former penal outpost - Berrima Gaol was once among the most feared penal institutions in the colony. Many of its sandstone cottages in the town now survive as arts and crafts stores bakeries, tearooms and a good old-fashioned sweet shop. Accommodation: The Cambridge Park Inn

Day 5 - Depart Sydney
Today, it's time to drop off your rental car in Sydney

Prices Per Person

East Coast Explorer - 11 Days
Sydney - Port Stephens - Coffs Harbour - Surfers Paradise - Noosa - Hervey Bay - Rockhampton - Airline Beach - Townsville - Cairns

Tour Code: SDT4

A tour of great contrast from the city style of Sydney through rural New South Wales into Queensland and the beaches of the Gold and Sunshine Coast then right up from Rockhampton to the Tropical North of Queensland finally reaching Cairns.

What's included?

What's not?

Your Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Sydney to Port Stephens (204km) approximate
Pick up your rental car and cross the Harbour Bridge and head north via the Freeway. Leave the freeway at Gosford and follow the coast route through The Entrance and Budgewoi and continue to Newcastle, a city with a proud industrial heritage. From Newcastle it is approximately an hour drive to Port Stephens often referred to as the "Dolphin Capital of Australia". The port is home to about 140 resident bottlenose Dolphins. Try to make time for one of the many Dolphin watch cruises operating out of the harbour. Accommodation: County Comfort

Day 2 - Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour (432km) approximate
To the north of Port Stephens is the Great Lakes region, which includes Myall Lakes National Park, a refuge for pelicans, sea eagles, kangaroos and koalas. Passing through Forster rejoin the Pacific Highway and continue toward Coffs Harbour. Port Macquarie is also worth visiting. Accommodation: Novotel Opal Cove Resort

Day 3 - Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise (357km) approximate
Rejoin the Pacific Highway and continue your journey north via the town of Grafton and Ballina. We recommend you leave the Pacific Highway and take the alternative coastal route for some breathtaking scenery and of course Byron Bay and Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Australia. As you cross the Tweed River, New South Wales falls behind and what opens ahead is Queensland's Gold Coast. Accommodation: Mercure Resort Surfers Paradise

Day 4 - Surfers Paradise
Today is at leisure. Maybe visit one of the many fun Theme Parks such as Movieworld or Seaworld or simply relax on the beach. Accommodation: Mercure Resort Surfers Paradise

Day 5 - Surfers Paradise to Noosa (205 km) approximate
A short 45 minute drive will take you to Brisbane. We recommend you take the time to explore Queensland's capital city and maybe even visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary located 20 minutes outside the city or visit the Australian Woolshed for their famous Ram Show and some Billy tea. The Etamogah Pub and the Big Pineapple might also some of the fun things to visit on your way to Noosa. Accommodation: Ocean Breeze Resort

Day 6 - Noosa to Hervey Bay (148km) approximate
Travel inland and join the Bruce Highway and continue along the Bruce Highway passing through Gympie, a one-time Gold Mining town, then to Maryborough, which has a railway museum amongst its attractions. From August to November humpback whales visit the warm waters of Hervey Bay. Time permitting we suggest a half-day Whale Watching tour or a trip to Fraser Island. Accommodation: Kondari Resort (Yellow Flag)

Day 7 - Hervey Bay to Rockhampton (439 km) approximate
The first major city on the way to Rockhampton is Bundaberg in the heart of Queensland's sugar country. We recommend you visit the world famous rum distillery before heading further north. The modern city of Gladstone is 235km north of Bundaberg, based on one of Australia's busiest harbours. Another hours drive and you reach Rockhampton. Accommodation: Centre Point Motor Inn (Yellow Flag)

Day 8 - Rockhampton to Airlie Beach (486km) approximate
From Rockhampton travel through sugar cane fields via the town of Mackay to the holiday resort of Airlie Beach. We recommend you stop in Mackay, a tropical city with a charming country character boasting many attractions such as Farleigh Mill, Cape Hillsborough National Park, Eungell National Park and over 31 beaches within 45 minutes drive. Accommodation: Club Crocodile (Green Flag)

Day 9 - Airlie Beach to Townsville (252km) approximate
From Airlie Beach drive to Townsville. We recommend that you visit Townsville's rich hinterland, bordered by mountain ranges. Accommodation: Townsville Plaza Hotel (Yellow Flag)

Day 10 - Townsville to Cairns (345km) approximate
From Townsville north, the highway sticks pretty well to the coast, offering plenty of peaceful little spots for picnics. We recommend a detour to the township of Atherton and the lush, cool plateau of the Atherton tableland before reaching Cairns. Accommodation: Palm Royale Cairns

Day 11 - Cairns
Drop off your rental car in Cairns.

Prices Per Person

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