Sydney's an Australian national treasure and a world-renowned city, thanks to the famous Opera House and its vibrant city life. Australia's most popular city is also the capital of New South Wales and the perfect place to start a road trip along the country's sunny east coast.
While in Sydney, take time to admire the main attractions, like the harbour-facing Opera House and the amazing Skywalk with 360-degree views over the city. And make sure to have fun exploring Bondi, the beachside neighbourhood with the world-famous Bondi Beach and its legendary surf scene.
Port Stephens is about a two-hour drive north of Sydney, and it'll immediately have you hooked with stunning coastal views, walking trails and natural wonders. Although it's a fair way from bustling Sydney, Port Stephens immerses you in the outdoors and lets you get up close to amazing Australian wildlife, including dolphins. With dramatic natural landscapes and 26 beaches within its boundaries, Port Stephens gives you a taste of the kinds of marvels you'll find on the rest of your trip.
Myall Lakes National Park is a geologist’s dream. There are fascinating rock formations throughout the 9,300-hectare (about 23,000-acre) park, such as sandstone, mudstone and the Myall syncline. This park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to connect with nature through walking, kayaking and fishing.
You can relax by the lakeside and enjoy the breeze, and even visit a rainforest just 11 kilometres from the park. Now that you’ve had some time to unwind on the beach, a trip through Myall Lakes National Park will show you another exciting side of Australia’s landscape.
Bellingen has a little something for everyone. It’s a place with a rich Indigenous history, so you’ll spot cultural influences woven throughout the town. From restaurants bursting with exciting flavours to markets selling handmade goods, Bellingen, Australia, offers visitors a chance to experience a more relaxed, less touristy side of the east coast.
Camping’s a real treat in this part of Australia, thanks to the wide-open fields and the nearby Gondwana rainforest. The Bellingen wilderness is home to unique animals like flying foxes, platypuses and dozens of species of native Australian birds.
The name is fun to write, fun to say and even more fun to experience. Along Sydney’s Mid North Coast lies the charming town of Woolgooga, offering an interesting mix of rolling hills, crystal-clear waters, shimmering beaches and incredible rainforest walking trails.
The name, by the way, comes from the Australian Aboriginal word for “bush plum”, which is a lovely edible fruit that grows throughout the region. Visiting Woolgoolga doesn’t take long, but it leaves a lasting impression on visitors thanks to its pristine nature, peaceful energy and welcoming locals.
Last but not least, you've arrived in beautiful Byron Bay. After the hard work of lounging on beaches and exploring rainforests, it's time to refresh yourself with — you guessed it — more time on the beach. But the beaches you'll find here are some of Australia's finest, perfect for swimming, surfing and lounging to your heart's content.
Another must-see attraction while you're here is the Cape Byron Lighthouse, one of the easternmost points in the country and a fantastic spot for whale-watching. Once you wrap up your trip here, you can drop off in Brisbane.
