New South Wales Self Drive Itineraries

10-Day city, coast & glamping adventure in Sydney and beyond

Tired of the same walls and journeys around the few square kilometers from your home the last 2 years? CheapTickets.sg has planned and sorted out the journey you need to take to renew your love of travel. Taking in the coastline on the drive from Sydney up to small seaside town of Port Stephens, reconnect with your travel buddies by the bay of clear blue seas with a beach full of adventures before a trip to the mountains to see canyons and waterfalls before exploring the white sands of Jervis Bay with dolphins and beach picnics. Last but not least, the ultimate stop in Sydney, stay on the doorstep of iconic Bondi Beach and take the city side hikes and cruise the bay to see the city icons before travelling home.

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney and Port Stephens

Arriving into Sydney International, pick up your rental car straight outside of international arrivals or collect off-site and put your first address in: Port Stephens.

Day 2: Meeting dolphins and desert adventures

Take in the beautiful Bay of Port Stephens, home to shoals of dolphins with a dolphin discovery cruise, relaxing on the deck as you discover the habitat of these wonderful mammals.

Day 3: Encounter with sharks, koalas and Tomaree Head Summit hike

Spend the morning with a close encounter with the sharks and rays at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters. As well as the opportunity to enter the safe calm waters you will learn about the animals and importance of the ecosystems of the sea life in a natural environment.

Day 4: Blue Mountains National Park

After breakfast in your tent make your way to the on-site koala hospital where from Monday to Thursday 10am to 12pm you can see the current patients being cared for in the clinic. After an early lunch at the cafe it's time to drive 3 hours (278 km) south to your next accommodation in The Blue Mountains National Park.

Day 5: Echo Point and the Three Sisters

Either make an Aussie style breakfast of avocado on sourdough that you picked up the evening before at the store or grab something at Bakehouse on Wentworth and start your morning adventure. If you want a sitdown breakfast book a table at The Lookout Echo Point for a fantastic vantage point

Day 6: Huskisson, Jervis Bay and whale watching

The small bay side town of Huskisson in Jervis Bay is the perfect base to explore the area. There are plenty of chalet style or small rental home accommodation options walking distance from the main highstreet or further down the bay in Vincentia.

Day 7: Shopping and dining in Huskisson

To make the most of this spectacular area, we suggest making this a day at total leisure to enjoy a picnic and a swim at the beach. Be sure to wear your sunscreen, and swim with caution as there are no lifeguards on many of the beaches.

Day 8: Kiama blowhole, Symbio Wildlife Park and Bondi

Today it's time to head back to the city, to see the icons of Sydney. The Grand Pacific Drive route is 196km and takes just over 3 hours door to door, if you are not tempted to stop. With plenty to see en route it might take you longer than planned, so leave early!

Day 9: Coogee walk, Icebergs Bondi, Hornby Lighthouse and Sydney

With Bondi on your doorstep it's time to grab breakfast and head to the beach, and maybe take a surf lesson with some of the resident coaches. Be briefed in beach safety and get the basics to stand up on the waves, or for those more experienced, hire a board and go and join the locals.

Day 10: Grounds of Alexandria and enjoying Sydney

If you are flying home this afternoon or evening why not end your trip with some more spectacular Aussie food at The Grounds of Alexandria. This instagramable cafe is uniquely positioned in an an industrial estate on route to the airport, but dont let that fool you.

8-Day Grand Pacific Drive

Take on the Grand Pacific Drive, which winds through the Royal National Park and across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, before calling at laid back surf towns, riverside hubs and bustling holiday villages. Hit the road for sparkling beaches, dramatic coastline, funky towns, historic museums, lush rainforest, waterfalls, wineries and great pubs.

Create your own CheapTickets.sg free and easy self drive in New South Wales by booking your flights, hotels & car hire online with our itinerary guide. With 7 night self drives from only $1200 per person, based on 2 adults travelling together, you can get the best deal on your trip to New South Wales.

Key Self Drive Facts: Duration 8 Days, 7 Nights • States covered: New South Wales and Southern Queensland • Flight Gateway: In to Sydney, Out of Brisbane • Highlights: Food & Wine, Beach Culture, Nature, Wildlife, Country Towns and Villages.

Day 1: Sydney to Central Coast

Start your trip with a day or two exploring Sydney and its close surrounds before starting your self drive. While you're in the city, look up a city car rental location nearest to your hotel and save yourself an inconvenient trip back to the airport!

Day 2: Port Stephens

Drive approximately 90 Minutes from the Hunter Valley to Port Stephens – home to more than 160 bottle-nose dolphins. Book a dolphin watch cruise to get closer to these highly social mammals, or experience whale watching from May to November.

Day 3: Port Macquarie

Continue north from Port Stephens to Port Macquarie. Visit the world’s only Koala Hospital, a volunteer-run centre dedicated to the rescue, care and eventual release of sick and injured koalas.

Port Macquarie is also renowned for

Day 4: Coffs Harbour

Just another 90 Minutes drive will take you to Coffs Harbour. Visit the delightful Nambucca Heads that lies at the centre of the North Coast region, famous for its surf beaches, fresh oysters, seafood and the colourful Vee Wall where visitors can inscribe their mark or name on the seawall. Get your adrenaline pumping with

Day 5: Byron Bay

Stay a night at Byron Bay, Australia's eastern-most point, world famous for its stunning beaches, yoga and massage therapies, vibrant weekend food and craft markets and surfer-chic vibe. Migrating whales and dolphins love this spot too. Go kayaking with dolphins or learn to surf in the Bay.

Day 6: Tweed Heads

Continue northwards and arrive in the lush Tweed Valley that is nestled in the caldera of the ancient Wollumbin, Mount Warning shield volcano, part of Australia’s Green Cauldron.

Day 7 - 8: Gold Coast & Brisbane

Make your way to the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Arrive at the bustling Surfers Paradise, where you can join a learn-to-surf class, or kick back and relax at one of the many alfresco beachside cafés!

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