SYDNEY TO THE GOLD COAST IN 11 DAYS
Get ready for a journey you’ll never forget, full with coastal scenery, funky pubs, magnificent wildlife and laid-back beach villages.
A road journey from Sydney to the Gold Coast provides a little of everything. In Sydney, you’ll discover beaches and lively metropolis areas. Byron Bay gives up the relaxing beach life, while the Gold Coast provides limitless possibilities for adventure. Here’s how to go on a memorable coastline excursion.
What to anticipate
Check out Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley
Explore Newcastle, Port Stephens and Coffs Harbour
Seek for adventure, health and environment in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast
Fast facts
Time: 11 Days
Transport: Car\sPrice: $$
DAY 1: SYDNEY ICONS
Have breakfast in Bondi and equip yourself for the Bronte to Bondi coastline trek. As you make your way between beaches, you’ll stroll along the cliffs with views of the craggy shoreline and the pounding waves below. After your stroll enjoy a coffee at Three Blue Ducks in Bronte, or take a dip at the stunning Bronte Baths. Consider mastering the local sport with a surfing session at Bondi before heading for Sydney.
In the afternoon, go on a BridgeClimb Express on Sydney’s renowned Harbour Bridge. After the ascent, indulge yourself with a drink at the Opera Bar. This site boasts magnificent views of Sydney Opera House as well as the bridge you just climbed.
If you still have time, check out Sydney’s hip inner neighborhoods, such Newtown and Surry Hills. Chippendale has a lively art and cuisine scene – pop into White Rabbit Gallery, which has the greatest collection of modern Chinese art in the world. Spend the night in Sydney Harbour YHA, which is immediately around the block.
DAY 2: SYDNEY TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Today you’re headed to the Blue Mountains, around two hours from Sydney. To witness the lush forest and the blue color from the sky, enjoy one of Scenic World’s three rides: The Scenic Railway, The Scenic Cableway or The Scenic Skyway, a cable car trip giving 360-degree panorama of the ravines, cliff tops and valley below.
If you’d prefer experience the mountains from the ground, opt for a stroll instead. There are lots of treks for every fitness level, but if you’d prefer leave the planning to someone else, book a day trip. Make sure you go check out Echo Point to appreciate views of the Three Sisters.
DAY 3: SYDNEY TO THE HUNTER VALLEY
The Hunter Valley, situated a two-hour drive north from Sydney, features over 120 wineries, gourmet restaurants and spa getaways.
There are a few ways to get about as you sample your way through the region’s Shiraz and Semillon. You may go for the picturesque drive (with a designated driver or with a tour group) or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent bikes and cycle to the basement doors.
Beyond wine tastings, you’ll also discover chocolate stores, breweries, distilleries and restaurants, including BAUME at the exquisite Ben Ean estate.
After you’ve drank and nibbled, stay in the Hunter Valley YHA.
DAY 4: HUNTER VALLEY TO NEWCASTLE
Grab a rustic lunch in the Hunter Valley before continuing your drive to Newcastle, which takes around an hour.
After the short journey, you’ll be met by a glimpse of the ocean. In Newcastle, you’ll discover spectacular surf beaches, smart pubs, unique shops and a vibrant cultural scene. The city even holds Australia’s biggest surf festival, Surfest, in February.
With so much to explore, spend your day exploring the city and environs. Head to Peaberry’s for coffee that never disappoints, then afterwards, pop to MoneyPenny for a snug, laid-back environment with an interesting cuisine.
In the afternoon, make like the locals and stroll the shoreline, or soak up the sand and sun at Merewether Beach. Don’t forget to take a swim – and a snap – in the lovely Merewether Baths nearby.
Spend the night in Newcastle Beach YHA.
DAY 5: NEWCASTLE TO PORT STEPHENS
This morning check out the city before exploring the Newcastle coastline, stopping at Horseshoe Beach, Fort Scratchley and Anzac Memorial Way.
After the tour, travel for Port Stephens for a hefty dose of adventure. Get on a Quad Bike or Sandboard with Sand Dune Adventures in Williamtown on the way. You’ll have an experienced Aboriginal guide, so you’ll also get to learn a little about Australia’s indigenous heritage.
After your ride, proceed to Nelson Bay, a popular vacation playground featuring stunning beaches such as Fingal Bay Beach, Anna Bay Beach and Little Beach.
Choose from many backpacker housing alternatives for an overnight stay in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens or One Mile Beach.
DAY 6: PORT STEPHENS TO COFFS HARBOUR
There’s no better way to start the day than with a little of wildlife. While you’re still at Nelson Bay, arrange a dolphin tour along the Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. Dolphins stay in the area all year round, so you have a good opportunity to view them as you enjoy the sunlight.
After the boat, settle down for lunch at Little Beach Boathouse before a hike to Tomaree Head. The trek affords you excellent views of Port Stephens and its shoreline.
In the afternoon, take out for Coffs Harbour, situated four hours from Port Stephens. On the way, stretch your legs at Port Macquarie, home to uncrowded beaches, woodland walking trails and even a walk-through labyrinth composed of two-metre (6.5-foot) high hedges.
After landing in Coffs Harbour, check into the Coffs Harbour YHA for accommodation near to the beach.
DAY 7: COFFS HARBOUR TO BYRON BAY
Today, start out on a horse-riding excursion with HWH Stables. You’ll wander around the calm Boambee Beach and even into the splashing waters.
After your ride, eat lunch at Shearwater Restaurant and Café. Then, you may paddleboard and canoe below the restaurant, or do some shopping in the local stores. If you didn’t get a chance to ride a wave in Bondi, you have another opportunity in Byron. Sign up for a lesson with Let’s Go Surfing.
In the afternoon travel three hours north to Byron Bay, noted for its laid-back beach attitude and spectacular surf. You’ll want to stay a few night in Byron, so select from numerous local hostels, such Nomads, Byron Bay YHA, and Wake Up! Byron Bay Hostel.
DAY 8: BEACHES AND BYRON BAY
Start your day the way the natives do. Grab a cappuccino and go to one of the area’s lovely beaches.
After a refreshing dip, stroll the town and experience Byron’s burgeoning restaurant scene. Grab breakfast at Bayleaf Cafe before truly delving in to everything Byron Bay has to offer.
This coastal town offers something for everyone. Ocean-lovers may learn to surf, snorkel with sea turtles, and go kayaking with local dolphins. If you’re in need of a dose of wellness, relax and unwind with Beachside Yoga and Massage.
If you still have energy to spare, spend the night at one of Byron’s greatest party bars, Cheeky Monkey’s.
DAY 9: HEAD TO THE HINTERLAND
Beauty abounds in Byron no matter where you turn. After you’ve experienced the city, go to the hinterland for shimmering rivers, tumbling waterfalls and deep forest. The five-hour return Mount Warning summit trail starts at the Breakfast Creek parking area before weaving through the rainforest and concluding with 360-degree views of the hinterland and ancient shoreline.
Within the hinterland you’ll also discover Crystal Castle a natural refuge that’s home to the largest crystals in the world. Here, you may stand between two towering crystals, walk the calm Shambhala Gardens and sit in an old amethyst grotto, leaving you rested and revitalized.
DAY 10: BYRON BAY TO THE GOLD COAST
Indulge in one final Byron Bay breakfast before traveling little over an hour to the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast is famed for its huge lengths of beach, thrill-seeking options, and great nightlife. Begin your experience in Broadbeach, where you may paddle across the sea on a stand-up paddleboard.
Next, if you’re not ready to leave the sea, try your hand at a kitesurfing instruction, where you’ll learn to traverse the ocean while a kite pushes you. Alternatively, get your adrenaline racing on a Jet Boating excursion, where you’ll accelerate, spin and slide over the sea.
For sunset, come to SkyPoint and start your SkyPoint Climb. SkyPoint Climb is Australia’s tallest exterior building climb and provides you 360-degree views of the Gold Coast.
DAY 11: SAY GOODBYE TO THE GOLD COAST
On your last day at the Gold Coast, get your pulse pumping one more time. Take the jump of lifetime with Gold Coast Skydive, where you’ll dive with an instructor and land on the stunning Kirra Beach.
If you’d rather spend your final day lazing, travel around twenty minutes to Burleigh Beach in the lively town of Burleigh Heads. You may soak up the sunlight on the beach, or check out the elegant coffee shops and restaurants around.
On your last evening, continue along the coast to Brisbane, or fly back to Sydney and continue your Australian journey.
Topic: Sydney to the Gold Coast
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/iloveaustralia.page/
I am arguably the most popular Australian writer of all time. I am from the town of Karrinyup in rural Western Australia. When I was young, I was fascinated by the unique landscape of Australia, and I decided to support himself by writing books about the Australian landscape.
