If it’s a bucket list road trip you’re looking for, then the Pacific Coast is the way to go. Take the next week off work, plan a trip with your mates or family and drive along Australia’s Pacific Coast going from Sydney and ending it in Brisbane.
On the road, you’re never short of things to see with beautiful scenery, beaches, and towns to explore along the way. If you’re unsure on what to see in each stop of this one-week road trip, then let this be your guide.
Where to Begin
Your road trip starts either in Brisbane or in Sydney. This guide will start off in Sydney. You can bring your own vehicle, or rent a car with Alpha Car Hire from our Sydney branch for this trip. Before you set off in your seven-day drive, make sure you have all the supplies you need. When that’s done, take a short tour of some of Sydney’s best tourist attractions including the Sydney Opera House, which is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After you’ve seen and did everything you want in Sydney, it is now time to start your journey.
Day 1: Sydney to Lake Macquarie [134km, 1.75hrs]
What to see in Lake Macquarie: visit some of Lake Macquarie’s nature spots including Blacksmith Beach and Yuelarbah Walking Track. Of course, you shouldn’t forget to check out the Lake itself, as Lake Macquarie is Australia’s largest permanent coastal saltwater lake, with a size that’s four times bigger than Sydney harbour.
Day 2: Lake Macquarie to Nelson Bay [80km, 1.3hrs]
What to see in Nelson Bay: Nelson Bay is the place to go if you want to see dolphins in action. You can also spend the day “sleeping with the fishes” as they offer scuba diving activities as well as fishing. If water-based activities are your favourite thing in the world, then you’re bound to enjoy your stay in Nelson Bay.
Day 3: Nelson Bay to Port Macquarie [250km, 3hrs]
What to see in Port Macquarie: Visit the Port Macquarie Museum for a chance to see what life was like in the town when it was where convicts were sent for their crimes. Visit the Koala Hospital where over 200 koalas are rescued every year, to get a chance to meet and hand feed them. But first, be sure to confirm the hospital’s visiting schedules beforehand.
Day 4: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour [160km, 2hrs]
What to see in Coffs Harbour: There’s a lot of things to do in Coffs Harbour. If you’re into sports, golf, cycling and depending when you visit the city, rally car competitions and other competitive sports can be witnessed here. But if you’re looking to just sit back and relax on your holiday, you can take a scenic drive through Coffs Harbour’s roads or visit its many national parks, forests and reserves.
Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Evans Head [183km, 2.5hrs]
What to see in Evans Head: Driving can take a lot out of a person. Luckily, Evans Head is the best spot to relax with its white sand beaches and breathtaking view. It’s the best way to recharge before continuing on to the last few days of your journey along the Pacific Coast.
Day 6: Evans Head to Byron Bay [80km, 1hr]
What to see in Byron Bay: Start your day by catching the sunrise by Byron Bay Lighthouse. After that, you can explore Byron Bay’s lesser known beaches and check out some great surf spots, veterans and newbies alike will enjoy. You can also check out Nimbin, a village best known for having that 60s vibe. It’s a tour that everyone in the family is sure to love.
Day 7: Byron Bay to Brisbane [166km, 2hrs]
What to see in Brisbane: The final stop in your seven-day road trip is Brisbane. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia, and you can make the most out of your stay by taking a ride on the CityCat. The CityCat is a ferry service that glides through the Brisbane River. This is the fastest and one of the most comfortable ways to check out the city. After this, you can check out the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Test your wits and climb the high-rise bridge to see Brisbane from a bird’s eye view.
The places and activities mentioned above are only some of the things you can do and visit when you arrive at each stop. You can ask the locals for any other hidden places or just go where your wanderlust takes you for a more exciting journey. So, pack your bags and set off to the legendary 7-day trip to see the Pacific Coast of Australia. And as always, stay safe on the road.
Win a Free Road Trip
Want to go for a holiday and explore Australia? No worries, because if you vote for your favourite Australian road trip on the Alpha Car Hire website, you stand a chance to win a free vacation for two worth $4000. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit these tourist attractions and more.