East Coast Australia Self Drive

Sydney & Southern Highlands - Shared Tour

Day 1: Sydney. On arrival in Sydney, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation for a day at leisure. Between May and October take an optional whale watching cruise departing early afternoon, from one of the world's most stunning harbours, you'll be guided by an expert crew to learn about whale migration patterns and behaviours, with many opportunities to see these majestic creatures up close.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Sydney (Harbour Bridge Room)

Day 2: Southern Highlands. After departing Sydney late morning or early afternoon, you'll journey to the tranquil Southern Highlands to encounter Australia's iconic wildlife, including eastern grey Kangaroos, Red-necked and Swamp Wallabies, Common Wombats, Emus, and Platypuses, along with vibrant bird species like Eastern Rosellas, Crimson Rosellas, King Parrots and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. You'll explore private farmland and pristine bushland, learning about the Great Western Wildlife Corridor's importance in connecting native species between the southern Blue Mountains and Morton National Park.

A visit to Fitzroy Falls will provide you with spectacular views and birdwatching, with a chance to spot the Superb Lyrebird, renowned for its incredible mimicry and fascinating mating display. At dusk, you will have the chance to search for the elusive Platypus, contributing to local conservation efforts. After dinner at Australia's oldest licensed inn, you will embark on a nocturnal spotlighting adventure to see Brush-tailed Possums, Wombats, and with some luck Tawny Frogmouths, before returning to Sydney in the late evening.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Sydney (Harbour Bridge Room) | Meals: BLD

Port Stephens & Coffs Harbour

Day 3: Sydney to Port Stephens. Embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Sydney to Port Stephens, following the Pacific Highway. Stop at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for a quick bushwalk and stunning views over Broken Bay. Continue north to Lake Macquarie, Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake, where you can enjoy a waterside picnic or take a short walk. Arrive in Port Stephens, known for its pristine beaches and marine life. Spend the afternoon exploring the towering Stockton Sand Dunes or walking along the coastline at Tomaree National Park, where you can spot dolphins in the bay. Conclude your day with sunset views over Nelson Bay.

Accommodation: The Anchorage (Anchorage Room) | Meals: B

Day 4: Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour. Set out from Nelson Bay and follow the Pacific Highway north towards Coffs Harbour, a 5-hour drive. Stop at Myall Lakes National Park to enjoy its serene waterways and spot native birdlife. Continue to Port Macquarie, where you can explore stunning coastal trails such as the Lighthouse Beach Walk and admire the natural beauty of the Hastings River. Along the way, take a break at South West Rocks to visit Trial Bay Gaol and enjoy views from the historic site. Arrive in Coffs Harbour to unwind on its beaches, walk the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, or explore the vibrant jetty precinct.

Accommodation: Pacific Bay Resort (Executive One Bedroom Apartment) | Meals: B

Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay

Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay. Depart Coffs Harbour and head north on the Pacific Highway towards Byron Bay, a 3-hour scenic drive. Stop at Urunga Boardwalk, where you can enjoy stunning views of the river meeting the sea. Continue to Wooli or Yamba, charming coastal towns perfect for a coffee break or a stroll along the beach. Visit Lennox Head to see the striking headlands or enjoy a swim at Lake Ainsworth, a tea tree-infused lake. Arrive in Byron Bay and spend your afternoon walking the Cape Byron Lighthouse Trail, spotting dolphins or whales (seasonal), and soaking in the town's relaxed vibe and golden beaches.

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Byron (Treetops One Bedroom Suite) | Meals: B

Day 6: Byron Bay. Embark on a full day wildlife safari near Byron Bay, exploring three diverse habitats: eucalyptus forests, rainforests, and grasslands. Guaranteed sightings include koalas, kangaroos, flying fox colonies, and an array of birdlife such as parrots, kookaburras, magpies, and wrens. You may also spot pademelons, echidnas, tawny frogmouths, or water dragons, depending on conditions. Travel in comfort in a hybrid vehicle or spacious bus. This eco-tour emphasizes observing wildlife without disturbing it, with no feeding or interaction allowed. The day includes short walks, drives, and scenic stops. 

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Byron (Treetops One Bedroom Suite) | Meals: B

Brisbane

Day 7: Bryon Bay to Brisbane. Departing Byron Bay, head north along the Pacific Highway, passing through the charming town of Tweed Heads. Here, you can explore the stunning beaches and the Tweed River for some coastal relaxation. Continuing north, make your way through the vibrant Gold Coast, famous for its surf beaches, bustling shopping districts, and lively atmosphere before arriving into the city of Brisbane.

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Vincent (River Master Room) | Meals: B

Day 8: Brisbane to Hervey Bay.  The journey from Brisbane to Hervey Bay (approx. 3.5 hours) offers scenic and historic stops along the way. Head north on the Bruce Highway and make your first stop at Noosa, a coastal gem on the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy a walk in Noosa National Park or relax at Main Beach. Drive further to Maryborough, a charming town known for its colonial heritage and Mary Poppins statue. Finally, arrive in Hervey Bay, renowned for whale watching and serene beaches.

Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay (Deluxe Suite) | Meals: B

Ultimate Hervey Bay Whale Watching - Shared Tour

Day 9: Ultimate Hervey Bay Whale Watching. Beginning at Great Sandy Straits Marina, you'll board the custom-built Ocean Defender, a low-profile rigid inflatable boat designed for unobstructed 360-degree views of the whales. With a capacity for 38 passengers, the boat offers forward-facing seats and ample shade. The boat's speed ensures swift access to Platypus Bay, a popular area where whales come to rest, play, and interact. Between July and October, over 30% of Australia's migrating Humpback Whales rest in Hervey Bay, including breeding pairs and mothers with calves.

The crew, trained in marine sciences, will guide you through the fascinating behaviours of Humpback Whales, such as breaches, tail slaps, and spy hopping. You'll also have the chance to listen to the whales' songs using underwater hydrophones. Onboard, Marine Naturalists will lead educational activities to inspire future environmental stewards. Your ticket includes free snacks, soft drinks, and a full-colour Whalewatch Guide from the Pacific Whale Foundation's Research Department. All proceeds from sales of the whale watching experiences support whale and dolphin research, marine education for children, and ocean conservation programs in Australia and around the world.

Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay (Deluxe Suite) | Meals: B

Day 10: Hervey Bay or K'gari. Enjoy a day of leisure or take an optional tour to K'gari where you can explore the world's largest sand island. Experience guided 4WD tours across sandy tracks, visit pristine beaches like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek, and admire ancient rainforests, towering sand dunes, freshwater lakes and wildlife.

Accommodation: Ramada Hervey Bay (Deluxe Suite) | Meals: B

Rockhampton and Airlie Beach

Day 11: Hervey Bay to Rockhampton. The journey from Hervey Bay to Rockhampton (approx. 4 hours) offers scenic and cultural highlights along the way. Head to Burrum Coast National Park, a short detour, where you can see kangaroos, wallabies, and abundant birdlife and stop at Mon Repos near Bundaberg if visiting during turtle nesting season (November to March). Arrive in Rockhampton, where you can explore Mount Archer National Park for bushwalks and native wildlife like koalas and echidnas.

Accommodation: Quest Apartments Rockhampton l Meals: B 

 Day 12: Rockhampton to Airlie Beach.  The journey from Rockhampton to Airlie Beach (approx. 5.5 hours) offers incredible opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitats. Begin by visiting Capricorn Caves, where you may spot bats and native bird species. Continue north to Clairview, a quiet coastal spot known for dugong sightings in the shallow waters. Further along, stop at Eungella National Park, near Mackay, to explore the lush rainforest and catch a rare glimpse of wild platypuses in the creeks at Broken River. Arriving at Airlie Beach, take a walk along the foreshore, where you may encounter tropical birdlife, including rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos, in the mangroves.

Accommodation: Coral Sea Marina Resort (Ocean King Room)

Day 13: Airlie Beach to Mission Beach.  Head north to Bowling Green Bay National Park, where wetlands attract brolgas, herons, and other waterbirds. Continue to Tyto Wetlands in Ingham, a haven for over 240 bird species, before arriving at Mission Beach. Explore the coastal rainforest, home to the iconic Southern Cassowary. Take a walk along the beach at dusk to spot Agile Wallabies

Accommodation: Elandra Mission Beach (Ocean View Room) l Meals: B 

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises - Shared Tour

Day 14: Frankland Islands National Park & Great Barrier Reef. Drive to the town of Deeral where your tropical island adventure begins aboard the Turtle Islander vessel for a peaceful 30-minute cruise along the Mulgrave River, surrounded by lush rainforest and mangroves teeming with birdlife, including kingfishers, ibis, and spoonbills, as well as Saltwater Crocodiles. The boat then ventures into the traditional sea country of the Mandingalby Yidinji and Gungandji peoples, reaching Normanby Island, just 10 kilometres offshore, with whales often spotted between July and the end of August.

Here, you'll explore sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant fringing reefs, perfect for snorkelling to see colourful corals, tropical fish and turtles, with an expert crew and marine biologist on hand. With limited tour numbers, you can enjoy a range of activities, including guided snorkel experiences, kayaking, a semi-submersible ride, paddle boarding, and a guided island walk with a marine biologist. Drive on to Cairns to drop your rental car off and to check-in to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Riley (Panoramic Sea View Room) | Meals: BL

Daintree Afternoon and Nocturnal - Shared Tour

Day 15: Daintree National Park.  After a leisurely morning, you will be picked up at midday, to visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest, a 180-million-year-old ecosystem spanning 120,000 hectares and home to Australia's highest diversity of rainforest mammals. The journey offers breathtaking views along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, one of Australia's most scenic coastal highways. Upon arriving at Daintree National Park, you'll enjoy afternoon tea before embarking on a serene Daintree River Wildlife Cruise aboard a solar-powered vessel. This eco-friendly cruise provides opportunities to spot Saltwater Crocodiles and many of the region's 420 bird species, including kingfishers, cormorants, and Brahminy Kites.

Continuing to Cape Tribulation, you'll explore a rare location where the rainforest meets the sea, guided by an expert wildlife guide. The evening includes a memorable dining experience in the rainforest, followed by a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife. Your guide will share insights on the 3,000 plant species and various crepuscular and nocturnal animals, such as the Daintree River Ringtail Possum and Northern Long-nosed Bandicoot, enhancing your unique experience of the Wet Tropics. Arrive back in Cairns at 10:30 pm.

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Riley (Panoramic Sea View Room) | Meals: BD