Sydney to Brisbane:
7-Day Coastal Adventure

Your incredible East Coast adventure kicks off in the heart of Sydney! Meet your enthusiastic tour guide and fellow travelers at our central meeting point, where the excitement is palpable and friendships begin to form. This is more than just a meet-and-greet—it's the start of something special.

Your experienced guide will provide a comprehensive tour briefing, sharing insider tips and answering all your questions about the week ahead. You'll receive your welcome pack filled with essential information, maps, and exclusive discount vouchers for activities along the route.

The evening is yours to explore vibrant Sydney at your own pace. Perhaps take a sunset stroll along Circular Quay, grab dinner in the historic Rocks district, or simply relax at your comfortable accommodation and prepare for the adventures that await. Your guide can recommend the best local spots based on your interests—whether that's rooftop bars with Opera House views, hidden laneway restaurants, or peaceful harbor walks.

Rise and shine! Today we embark on our coastal journey, departing Sydney and heading north into the renowned Hunter Valley—Australia's oldest wine region and home to over 150 wineries. This isn't just a wine tour; it's an immersion into sustainable viticulture and organic farming practices.

Your first stop is an award-winning organic vineyard where environmental stewardship meets exceptional wine production. Walk through the vines with passionate vintners who'll explain how they work in harmony with nature to create world-class wines. The property's commitment to preserving local ecosystems makes every sip taste even better. Enjoy a guided tasting session featuring 5-6 premium wines, each paired with artisanal local cheeses that complement the wine's unique characteristics.

After lunch in a charming Hunter Valley village, continue to the breathtaking coastal paradise of Port Stephens. Known as the "dolphin capital of Australia," this stunning bay area boasts 26 pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the famous Stockton Sand Dunes—the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Check into your comfortable Port Stephens accommodation with ocean views. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore. Take a coastal walk, rent a kayak, or simply relax on the beach watching the sunset paint the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink.

Welcome to your free day in paradise! Port Stephens offers endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation. Start your morning with an optional guided hike up Tomaree Mountain with your tour guide. This moderate 30-minute climb rewards you with absolutely spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the coastline, islands, and the vast Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon. It's the perfect spot for that Instagram-worthy sunrise photo!

The massive Stockton Sand Dunes await thrill-seekers. These towering golden dunes rise up to 30 meters high and stretch for 32 kilometers along the coast. Book the exhilarating sandboarding experience (optional add-on) and feel the rush as you carve down the dunes with the ocean as your backdrop. It's like snowboarding, but on sand—and much warmer!

Animal lovers won't want to miss the Dolphin Discovery Cruise (optional add-on). Port Stephens is home to over 140 resident bottlenose dolphins, and sightings are practically guaranteed. These intelligent, playful creatures often swim right alongside the boat, putting on a show with their acrobatic leaps and synchronized swimming. The knowledgeable crew provides fascinating insights into dolphin behavior and marine conservation.

Prefer a more relaxed pace? The calm waters are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, or simply spend the day beach-hopping between Nelson Bay's stunning shores. Fresh seafood restaurants line the waterfront—treat yourself to oysters harvested right here in the bay, fish and chips on the beach, or a gourmet seafood platter as the sun sets.

Today we continue our northward journey along the Pacific Highway, one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives. Our first meaningful stop is the renowned Port Macquarie Koala Hospital—Australia's first koala hospital and a beacon of hope for these beloved marsupials.

This isn't your typical tourist attraction. The Koala Hospital is a working veterinary facility dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and sick koalas. During your guided tour, passionate volunteers share heartwarming rescue stories and explain the critical conservation challenges facing koalas, including habitat loss, disease, and climate change. You'll see koalas at various stages of recovery, from newly admitted patients to those almost ready for release back into the wild. Every visit directly supports their lifesaving work.

After a lunch stop in the charming coastal town of Port Macquarie, we continue to Coffs Harbour. This relaxed coastal city is perfectly positioned halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, making it an ideal stopping point. Known for its year-round pleasant climate and the iconic Big Banana (Australia's first "Big Thing"), Coffs Harbour offers beautiful beaches, lush hinterland, and a laid-back coastal vibe.

Check into your comfortable accommodation and spend the evening exploring. The Coffs Harbour Jetty is perfect for sunset strolls, or grab fish and chips and dine on the beach as you watch local fishermen reel in their catches.

Today promises to be one of the most profound and memorable experiences of your journey. After a leisurely morning at your resort—perhaps a swim, a walk on the beach, or simply relaxing—we head into Coffs Harbour for lunch before an afternoon that will change how you see Australia forever.

Deep in the ancient Orara East State Forest, you'll be welcomed by the Gumbaynggirr people, the Traditional Owners of this land for over 40,000 years. This isn't a staged performance—it's an authentic cultural exchange that honors and preserves one of the world's oldest living cultures.

Your Gumbaynggirr hosts will guide you through the forest, sharing their profound connection to Country (the Aboriginal concept encompassing land, sky, rivers, sites, seasons, plants, animals, and ancestors). Learn about the Gumbaynggirr language—one of the few Aboriginal languages still spoken today—and discover how specific words capture complex relationships with the natural world that have no English equivalent.

Hear Dreamtime stories passed down through countless generations, explaining the creation of the landscape you're standing on. Watch traditional music and dance performances, including the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo. Learn about bush tucker (native food plants) and traditional medicines—knowledge systems refined over millennia that modern science is only now beginning to appreciate.

Perhaps most importantly, understand the ongoing challenges facing Aboriginal communities and how tourism that respects and elevates Indigenous voices contributes to cultural preservation. The profits from this experience directly support the local Gumbaynggirr bilingual school, ensuring this precious language and culture survive for future generations.

Return to your accommodation with a deeper appreciation of this ancient land and the people who've cared for it since time immemorial. Tonight's dinner conversations will be rich with reflection and newfound understanding.

Get ready for Byron Bay—the crown jewel of Australia's East Coast! This world-famous coastal town perfectly blends laid-back surf culture, artistic creativity, environmental consciousness, and natural beauty that'll take your breath away. As we drive north, the landscape becomes increasingly lush and tropical, signaling our arrival in this special corner of New South Wales.

En route, we stop in the charming riverside town of Yamba for lunch. This hidden gem offers pristine beaches and the stunning Angourie Blue Pool—a natural saltwater pool carved into the rocks. Take a refreshing dip in this impossibly blue oasis before continuing to Byron.

Byron Bay greets you with its infectious energy and stunning natural setting. We'll start with a visit to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, perched atop dramatic cliffs at Australia's most easterly point. The lighthouse walk offers spectacular ocean views, and if you're visiting during migration season (May-November), you might spot humpback whales breaching just offshore! Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and sea turtles year-round.

Check into your beautiful beachfront resort accommodation, where you can literally roll out of bed onto the sand. The rest of the day is yours to discover why Byron Bay captivates everyone who visits.

For surf enthusiasts, this is your moment! Book a surf lesson (optional add-on) with experienced local instructors who'll have you standing up and riding waves—the ultimate Byron Bay experience. The gentle beach breaks at The Pass and Wategos Beach are perfect for beginners, while experienced surfers can challenge themselves at the famous breaks around the point.

Prefer exploring from a kayak? The morning sea kayaking tour (optional add-on) lets you paddle alongside dolphins and sea turtles in the calm morning waters. Your guide knows exactly where the dolphins like to play, and paddling alongside these graceful creatures is absolutely magical.

The town itself is a treasure trove of independent boutiques, organic cafes, artisan markets, wellness studios, and creative spaces. Grab a smoothie bowl from one of the health-conscious cafes, browse handmade jewelry and clothing, or watch the sunset from one of the beachfront bars where local musicians perform. Byron's bohemian spirit is contagious—don't be surprised if you start planning your return visit before you even leave!

Your final day has arrived—but what a spectacular finish! After a peaceful morning in Byron Bay (perhaps a sunrise beach walk or one last swim?), we head north into Queensland and the glittering Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast is Australia's playground—57 kilometers of stunning beaches, world-famous theme parks, glittering high-rises, and an energy that's infectious. We'll cruise through the iconic Surfers Paradise, where golden beaches meet a skyline of modern towers. Stop for photos at the famous Surfers Paradise sign and take in the views from this beach mecca that draws visitors from around the world.

Continuing north, we enter Brisbane—Queensland's vibrant capital city. Younger and more relaxed than Sydney, Brisbane combines river city charm with cultural sophistication and year-round sunshine. Check into your comfortable Brisbane accommodation and freshen up for the evening.

Tonight, we celebrate! Join your guide and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at one of Brisbane's excellent restaurants. Share favorite moments, exchange contact information, and laugh about the adventures you've shared. These aren't just travel companions anymore—they're friends you've made along one of the world's most beautiful coastlines.

As you reflect on the week, you'll realize you've experienced so much more than a tour. You've surfed (or at least tried!), met dolphins and koalas, connected with ancient Aboriginal culture, tasted world-class wines, explored pristine beaches, made new friends, and created memories that'll last a lifetime. This is the East Coast of Australia—and you've seen it at its absolute best.