City to Sand East Coast Explorer

Sydney, Australia’s most iconic city, is a vibrant hub of culture, beauty, and history. Home to nearly 20% of the country's population, it’s also Australia’s largest city. Perched along the stunning east coast, Sydney boasts an enviable mix of world-famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, alongside pristine white-sand beaches like Bondi and Manly. With a rich tapestry of history, art, and diverse culinary delights, Sydney offers something for every traveller, from sun-seekers and food lovers to adventure enthusiasts.

You will be met at the Sydney Airport by the driver and transferred to your Sydney accommodation.

Often mistaken as Australia's capital city, Sydney is a vibrant coastal city with plenty to see and do. Starting in Circular Quay you will catch your first views of the two big icons, Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From here you can catch one of the quintessential harbour ferries over to Manly Beach or Taronga Zoo, catching a glimpse of Kirribilli House, the Prime Minister's official Sydney residence, on the way over. Kirribilli is also home to one of Sydney's oldest markets at the Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre twice a month. It is known for its stalls of vintage clothing, arts, delicious street food and its lively community atmosphere - so if you are in town on a market day, you can't miss it. For a relaxing end to your day of exploration, your dinner options are aplenty. From high-end restaurants around Circular Quay that offer amazing views, to the Chinatown food courts and a broad range of eateries at Barangaroo, you will be spoiled for choice.

Step inside one of the world’s most iconic architectural wonders with the Sydney Opera House Tour. Discover the rich history, breathtaking design, and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site as you explore its striking interiors. Led by an expert guide, the tour takes you through the Opera House's stunning performance spaces, including the famous Concert Hall and Drama Theatre, offering a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes. Learn about the creative vision behind its construction, from its innovative design to its engineering challenges, and hear captivating stories of performances that have taken place over the decades. Whether you’re a lover of architecture, history, or the arts, this guided tour offers a unique and insightful experience, giving you a deeper connection to one of Sydney's most celebrated landmarks. The Sydney Opera House Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Sydney.

Experience luxury on the water with the Signature Dinner Cruise aboard the Clearview Glass Boat. This adults-only, all-glass vessel offers unobstructed 360-degree views of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a 3-course gourmet dinner featuring fresh seafood, tender meats, and decadent desserts, all paired with a selection of premium wines, beers, and soft drinks. Whether dining in the sophisticated main area or under the stars on the private Sky Deck, this cruise delivers an unforgettable evening of elegance and breathtaking sights on Sydney Harbour.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. Speak to the team to learn more!

Head to the Sydney CBD depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.

Your journey along the "Legendary Pacific Coast" begins by heading north out of Sydney along the Pacific Motorway (M1). If you feel like meeting some native wildlife, you could pop into the Australian Reptile Park, or for something more scenic, take the exit at Gosford for a great little stopover at Norah Head Lighthouse, standing proudly on the coast since 1903.
Back on the motorway, you will pass the Hunter Valley (one of Australia's most famous wine regions) and Newcastle as you continue your journey towards your destination, Port Macquarie. Home to 17 beaches, beautiful scenic walks, and the Koala Hospital, there is plenty to do. If time allows, we recommend the 9km Coastal Walk from town to Lighthouse Beach.

Nestled along the stunning coastline of New South Wales, Port Macquarie is a vibrant seaside town known for its beautiful beaches, lush hinterlands, and rich history. This coastal gem offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. Port Macquarie boasts a variety of pristine beaches, ideal for swimming, surfing, and soaking up the sun. Nature lovers can explore the nearby coastal walks, including the famous Coastal Walk, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean and chances to spot whales during migration season. The town is also home to the Koala Hospital, where visitors can learn about conservation efforts and see koalas up close.
For history enthusiasts, Port Macquarie’s heritage is on display at sites like the Historic Courthouse and the Port Macquarie Museum, which showcase the town’s colonial past. The vibrant town center offers a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

This experience includes an industry-first tasting and tour of the Shellar Door, a cruise out to the farm longlines on the scenic lower Hawkesbury River and an immersive pearl grading session inside the restricted-access Pearl Room. Follow the story of the Australian pearl from its ancient Indigenous beginnings through modern farming and grading techniques, all the way to the finished piece of unique pearl jewellery.

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital was established in 1973 and is a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. The Hospital is a popular tourist attraction which welcomes thousands of national and international visitors every year. The Hospital is also a scientific research, training and education centre.
The Koala Hospital consists of exhibit enclosures, a treatment clinic, intensive care units and rehabilitation yards, many of which have trees for koalas to learn to climb as part of the rehabilitation process. There is also a Koalaseum - a museum for Koalas which provides information on koala evolution and biology and interactive displays so visitors can touch koala fur or look down a microscope at koala poos (scat).
Admission is free, so we recommend bringing some cash to donate to their valuable conservation work.

Today's drive will cover about 400km (250 miles) up the Pacific Coast, leaving you plenty of opportunities to stop off and take in the sights. From Port Macquarie, head north on Pacific Highway (A1) for about 150km (93 miles) to reach your first stop of the day, Coffs Harbour. Home to the iconic Big Banana, Australia's first "big thing" built back in 1964. Stop at the cafe for a coffee or banana split, or head into town to take a stroll on the Coffs Harbour Jetty. From Coffs Harbour, snake along the coast for 120km until you reach signs for Yamba. This sleepy hamlet has beaches that rival those of Byron Bay but remain a little more low-profile. Take a stroll on one of the beautiful beaches, or head to the Pacific Hotel for some great views. From Yamba, return to the Pacific Highway (A1) and continue to head north. If you want an opportunity to spot a second "big thing" today, take a short detour into Ballina to see the Big Prawn. Back on the highway, it's just 30km (18 miles) further to your final destination, Byron Bay.

Nestled on the easternmost point of Australia, Byron Bay is a vibrant coastal town renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and bohemian charm. Famous for its pristine beaches, the area attracts surfers, sunbathers, and nature lovers alike. Main Beach, with its golden sands and inviting surf, is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, while Wategos Beach offers a quieter, more secluded setting, ideal for a peaceful escape. 
Byron Bay's laid-back vibe extends to its town centre, where boutique shops, organic cafes, and eclectic art galleries line the streets. The town is also home to a thriving food scene, with everything from casual beachside dining to upscale restaurants offering fresh, local produce. For those seeking a deeper connection to the area’s culture, Byron Bay hosts various wellness retreats, yoga studios, and holistic health services, embodying its reputation as a hub for alternative lifestyles. The town's iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, perched on the highest point of the eastern coast, offers spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and is the perfect spot to catch a breathtaking sunrise. Surrounding the town, the Byron Bay Hinterland offers lush rainforests, waterfalls, and walking trails, ideal for those wishing to explore the region's natural beauty.

The drive from Byron Bay to Brisbane will see you crossing state lines from New South Wales to Queensland. This drive will take a little over two hours, so have a leisurely start to your morning before heading west out of Byron Bay and onto the M1. Travel past Coolangatta, a surf and diving mecca revered for its unpretentious culture and bountiful array of aquatic life and continue through the Gold Coast, famed for its white-sand beaches, theme parks, and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Stop at the iconic Surfers Paradise, take a surf lesson, or, for a bird's eye view of the city and surrounding beaches, head up the 270m tall (886 foot) Q1 building. From the Gold Coast, continue on the M1 to the state capital, Brisbane.

Discover the best of the Gold Coast on the Gold Coast City Tour & River Cruise with Aquaduck Gold Coast, a unique experience that combines the thrill of an amphibious vehicle adventure with a serene river cruise. This exciting tour offers a fantastic way to explore the stunning city and its waterways.
Your journey begins aboard the iconic Aquaduck, a purpose-built vehicle that transitions seamlessly from land to water. First, enjoy a city tour, where you'll be guided through the vibrant streets of the Gold Coast, passing by popular landmarks, beautiful beaches, and iconic attractions. Learn about the area's history, culture, and development from your expert guide, who shares fascinating insights along the way. Then, the Aquaduck takes to the water, launching into the calm waters of the Broadwater for a relaxing river cruise. As you glide along the river, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the city's skyline, luxurious waterfront homes, and lush parks, while your guide provides commentary on the local environment and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds, marine life, and other coastal creatures.

Explore more of Brisbane before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!