Sydney is an Australian national treasure and a world-renowned city thanks to the famous Opera House and vibrant city life. The Land Down Under’s most popular city is also the capital of New South Wales and the perfect place to start a road trip of the country’s sunny East Coast.

While in Sydney, you should take time to admire the main attractions, like the harbour-facing Opera House and amazing Skywalk with 360-degree views of the city. Meanwhile, have fun exploring Bondi, the beach district with the world-famous Bondi Beach and miraculous surf scene.

Port Stephens is two hours north of Sydney, and it will immediately captivate you with incredible coastal views, hiking trails, and natural wonders. While it may be very far from populous Sydney, Port Stephens immerses you in the outdoors and allows you to get up close with some incredible Australian wildlife, including dolphins. With incredible natural landscapes and 26 beaches within its boundaries, Port Stephens gives you a taste of what types of marvels to expect on the rest of your journey.

Myall Lakes National Park is a geologist’s dream. There are fascinating rock formations throughout the 23,000-acre park, such as sandstone, mudstone, and Myall syncline. This park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get in touch with nature through hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

You’ll be able to lounge on the lakeside and enjoy the breeze, and even visit a rainforest just seven miles away from the park. Now that you’ve had some time to relax on the beach, a journey through Myall Lakes National Park will help you encounter another exciting side of Australia’s landscape.

Bellingen has a little something for everyone. It’s a historical indigenous site, so you’ll find cultural infusions woven throughout the town. From restaurants filled with exciting flavours and markets with hand-made goods, Bellingen, Australia, offers visitors a chance to experience a more relaxed and less touristy side of the East Coast.

Camping is a real treat in this part of Australia thanks to the expansive fields and nearby Gondwana rainforest. The Bellingen wilderness is home to unique animals like flying foxes, platypuses, and dozens of species of Australian wild birds.

The name is fun to write, fun to say, and the place is 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 hiking 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 best. Byron Bay contains some of the most amazing beaches in Oz, 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 most eastern points in the country and a fantastic place to go whale watching. Once you wrap up your trip here, you can drop off in Brisbane.