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Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife

  
Duration: 9 Days
     
Starts: Sydney
     
Finishes: Brisbane

(This tour can also be travelled in reverse order)

The Rainforest, Beach and Wildlife self-drive has been created to highlight the very best of Australia in only 9 days. The drive takes you through the scenic backcountry of the New South Wales Central Coast, over high mountain ranges and along the stunning coastline.

This all-encompassing itinerary will have you sipping wine in Australia’s oldest wine region, spotting Kangaroo’s, Koala’s and other native Australian wildlife in the National Parks and lazing on some of the most pristine golden beaches.

Day 01

REST AUSTRALIA TOURS will meet you on arrival at the airport and assist with any questions. We will transfer you to your accommodation in Sydney, where you will receive your travel documents. We recommend you stretch your legs with a walk around Sydney’s Botanical Gardens and along the harbour foreshore taking in the sights of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Day 02
Approximate driving time 3 hours, 186 km

Pick up your rental car from the city office and drive north towards Newcastle. Just shortly after setting off, one of today’s highlights will be driving over the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take in the majestic view as you approach this iconic structure. Continue north through Sydney’s suburbs before leaving the motorway and taking the scenic drive through the rolling hills and green pastures of NSW’s rural and
wine country.

Visit the Hunter Valley gardens nestled in the heart of the Hunter vineyards. With over 60 acres of spectacular international displays the gardens will amaze you. Spend the afternoon visiting the cellar doors and sampling the local wines, cheeses and chocolates - if you want on a self-guided cycling tour fun for all ages (optional). Late in the afternoon relax over a fine wine watch for playful Kangaroos amongst the vines.

Day 03
Approximate driving time 5.5 hours, 318 km – (approx. 60 km of unsealed roads)

Start today with an enchanting hot air balloon ride over the vines followed by a champagne breakfast (optional). In the cool morning air, expect to see an abundance of native wildlife.

Today’s drive will take you through the breath-taking Barrington Tops National Park, regarded as one of the beautiful in all of Australia. Your journey will travel inland past Musswelbrook before turning eastwards and traversing through the National Park. Devils Hole, Thunderbolts Lookout Track and other short walks make the day truly unforgettable.

Finish the day in the beautiful country setting of the Eastern foothills of Barrington Tops National Park.

Day 04
Approximate driving time 3.5 hours, 261 km

Leaving the foothills and continue following the coastal Pacific Highway northbound. Visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie en-route and learn more about our cuddly friends, their lifestyle and habitat. Continue onto the seaside town of South West Rocks with its stunning crescent shaped beach before ending today at the base of Dorrigo National Park.

For the next 2 nights stay in the picturesque village of Bellingen. Set on the beautiful Bellinger River this charming town is perfect for a relaxing break and an excellent base for exploring Dorrigo National Park.

Day 05
Approximate driving time 1 hour, 57 km Wonga Walk 2-3 hours, 6.6km - Grade 2 easy to moderate

A short drive along the picturesque Waterfall Way brings you to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. Dorrigo National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area offers stunning scenery that has been millions of years in the making. The park contains a range of forest types that protect an enormous variety of animals and birds, like red-necked pademelons, the vibrantly coloured wompoo fruitdove and the spectacular regent bowerbird. Explore nearby Dorrigo before returning to Bellingen for your overnight stay.

Day 06
Approximate driving time 3.5 hours, 280 km

Back on the motorway continue past the coastal city of Coffs Harbour. “Coff’s” as it is affectionately known is one of the largest regional cities in New South Wales and a great spot for morning tea. Today though, set your sights on the relaxed and cosmopolitan beach side town of Byron Bay. Byron Bay is the most easterly point on mainland Australia’s and an early start tomorrow to see the sunrise is a must.

Day 07

No driving today, instead spend the day relaxing and finding your inner peace. Whether it be shopping in the myriad of fashion boutiques and surf shops, a chilled out day on the stunning golden beaches, kayaking with the dolphins, walking through the National Park to Cape Byron Lighthouse...

Day 08
Approximate driving time 3.5 hours, 219 km

Heading west away from the coast the scenery soon changes. The green rolling hills of the hinterland greet you as you travel towards the inland town of Lismore. Stop here and grab a supplies for a picnic lunch further along the drive.

Continue through the small picturesque town of Kyogle before turning right to Border Ranges National Park. Drive the historic Lions Road before stopping for a picnic lunch at the Border Lookout. After lunch, cross into Queensland, through Beaudesert and onto Tamborine Mountains.

Tamborine Mountains are an idyllic setting with boutique vineyards, arts and crafts, scenic view points and short bush walks to take in the fresh clean air.

Day 09
Approximate driving time 2 hours, 123 km

Leaving the cooler climate travel down the mountains roads towards the world famous Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. One of the most iconic beach landscapes in Australia and it is not hard to see why. Golden sandy beaches, warm turquoise water and a vibrant surf culture.

Spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere before making the final drive to Brisbane to complete this epic road trip.

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