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Australia Self Drive Tour

Embark on an unforgettable Australia Self Drive Tour, taking you along the stunning east coast from Brisbane to Melbourne. This scenic route spans some of Australia’s most iconic cities, beaches, and natural wonders. From the vibrant streets of Brisbane to the coastal beauty of Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and the bustling urban energy of Sydney and Melbourne, this self-drive adventure offers a perfect blend of city life, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

Australia Self Drive Tour: The Best Costal Road Trip

Start your journey in Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, known for its laid-back vibe and scenic riverside views. As you drive down to the Gold Coast, enjoy world-famous attractions like Warner Bros. Movie World, and Sea World, and pristine beaches like Surfer Paradise and Palm Beach. Further south, Byron Bay offers a relaxing stop with its iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse and celebrity-filled beaches. Continuing your coastal adventure, stop by Coffs Harbor and Newcastle, each offering unique attractions such as Nobby’s Lighthouse and vibrant nightlife. 

Australia Self Drive Tour: Coastal Road from Brisbane to Melbourne

Sydney is the heart of this drive, where you’ll experience the Sydney Opera House, Harbor Bridge, and Darling Harbor, famous for its Saturday night fireworks. After soaking in Sydney’s urban charm, the drive continues toward Canberra, Australia’s capital, with its historic landmarks. It ends in Melbourne, a city known for its artistic flair, culture, and shopping at Chad Stone Shopping Centre.

This Australia Self Drive Tour offers flexibility, allowing you to explore stunning beaches, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations. With plenty of scenic stops and memorable experiences, this is the ultimate road trip for adventure lovers seeking to experience the best of Australia’s eastern coast.

Best Season and Months to visit Australia

Summer
December – February

This is the busiest season, with warm temperatures and crowded beaches. Rain is more frequent, particularly in December and January, so plan accordingly.

Shoulder Seasons
March-May

These periods offer fewer crowds, lower accommodation costs, and pleasant weather. Mild temperatures and the dry season in northern regions make it great for booking international flights.

Low season
June – August

Fewer tourists, cheaper flights, and great accommodation deals. The cooler, temperate climate is ideal for hiking, with lively cities like Melbourne and Sydney offering plenty of activities.

Spring
September – November

Spring offers vibrant wildlife, wildflowers, and outdoor activities like dining, water sports, and coastal hikes. Visit northern Australia in April or May for fewer crowds and a cooler, drier climate.

Trip cost

US$ 11888 per person

Minimum group size

18 pax 9 cars

Room

Twin sharing basis

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Activities: Explore the city, enjoy a ride on the City Tram, visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, and explore Brisbane City Hall around the Brisbane River.

    Viewpoint: Visit Mount Coot, and The Summit Lookout for panoramic views.

    Hotel: Novotel Brisbane South Bank

  • Day 2

    Brisbane to Gold Coast (60 km, 1-2 hours)

    Activities: Explore Warner Bros Movie World or Dream World, Sea World, SkyPoint Observation Deck, and Pacific Fair Shopping Center. End the day with an oceanfront dinner at Palm Beach. (Optional: White Water world, Wet and Wild)

    Estimated Entrance fee: Dream world AUD 119 and Observation Deck AUD 30 Per person.

    Hotel: Novotel Surfer Paradise

  • Day 3

    Gold Coast to Byron Bay (1-2 hours) / Coffs Harbour (2-3 hours) / Newcastle (5 hours)

    Activities in Byron Bay: Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse, have lunch, and explore the surroundings including Main Beach / Byron Beach.

    Activities in Coffs Harbor: Short hangout at the Coffs Harbor Jetty.

    Activities in Newcastle: Experience the nightlife with live music, visit Nobby’s Lighthouse, and have dinner.

    Hotel: Novotel Newcastle Beach

    More Activities: Visit visitnewcastle.com.au for more options.

  • Day 4

    Newcastle to Sydney (3 hours)

    Activities in Newcastle: Explore Newcastle City, visit Nelson Bay, go off-road driving around the area, and enjoy camel riding, quad bike, and whale and dolphin watching on the sand dunes.

    Scenic Stops: Central Coast, Wyong, and Lake Macquarie. These are perfect for short stops or a swim.

    After Arriving in Sydney: Check-in at a hotel near Darling Harbor (suggested area for vibrant nightlife).

    Hotels: Park Royal, Sofitel, or Hyatt Regency

    Activities: Fine dining, pubs, gaming, and Saturday night fireworks at Darling Harbor.

  • Day 5

    Explore Sydney City

    Activities:
    ◦ Morning: Breakfast, Ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly beach, with the view of Harbor Bridge, and Opera House.
    ◦ Royal Botanical Gardens: Walk through the gardens and continue to Martin Place.
    ◦ Town Hall: Visit the Victoria Building and learn about Queen Victoria’s letter that will be opened in 2085.
    ◦ Hyde Park: Relax in this amazing park, which is known for its water fountains and memorials.
    ◦ The Rocks: Visit this historic area under the Harbor Bridge, enjoy the market, and taste local food.
    ◦ Evening: Visit Star Casino for a drink or gambling experience.

  • Day 6

    Free Day for Shopping and Relaxation

    Shopping Spots: Pitt Street Mall, World Square, Queen Victoria Building, Darlinghurst, and Paddy’s Haymarket.
    Relaxation: Take the day at your own pace, exploring Sydney.

  • Day 7

    Explore Outer Sydney

    Activities:
    ◦ Take a ferry ride from Darling Harbour to Parramatta. Drive to Harris Park for lunch, ( Little India of Australia ).
    ◦ Catch a train to Bondi Junction and then a bus to Bondi Beach. Experience the iconic beach and visit Waverley Cemetery.
    ◦ Trip to La-Perouse Beach for the sunset.

  • Day 8

    Sydney to Canberra (3 hours drive)

    Activities in Canberra: Visit Parliament House, the War Memorial (a must-see), and the Australian Mint ( Currently close ). If time allows, head to Mount Ainslie Lookout for panoramic views.
    Hotel: Novotel Canberra

  • Day 9

    Canberra to Melbourne (9 hours drive)

    Stops: Take a few short breaks and stop for lunch during the drive.
    After Arriving in Melbourne: Explore the Docklands and Marina, with free tram rides to the city area.
    Dinner: Riverside dining along Yarra River.
    Hotel: Crown Melbourne

  • Day 10

    Explore Melbourne

    Activities:
    ◦ Morning: Visit the Shrine of Remembrance and the Eureka Sky-deck at Eureka Tower.
    ◦ Shopping: Head to Chad stone Shopping Centre, the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere.
    ◦ Beach Time: Optionally, visit St Kilda Beach.
    ◦ Hotel: Crown Melbourne

  • Day 11

    Great Ocean Drive, The greatest road trip of Melbourne

    Partial drive on Great Ocean Drive out of 664 Km.

    Hotel to Apollo Bay– 3 hrs and continue Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia

  • Day 12

    Departure

    Drive to Melbourne Airport (about 30 minutes) for your flight.

Are you ready for Adventure?

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