Southwest Explorer

Overview

Surf's Up!

Discover the delights of Sydney before heading to the golden beaches and eclectic ambience of Byron Bay, famous for its galleries, charming cafes and laid-back lifestyle. Then it's on to Surfer's Paradise with its stunning coast and beautiful national parks.

This spectacular Pacific Coast Touring Route stretches all the way from Sydney to Brisbane. En route you can weave your way through the wine growing regions of the Hunter Valley, stop off at lovely off the beaten track beach resorts and make detours to the World Heritage sites of Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef. This truly is a stunning Australian road trip with a wealth of attractions and striking scenery from start to finish.

Our self-drive itineraries are completely flexible – so if you decide you would like to spend a little longer somewhere or, perhaps, upgrade your accommodation, we can easily adapt the itinerary to suit your needs. Just pop into your local shop and one of our Australia specialists will be able to tailor-make your perfect holiday.

What's Included:

Return flights
12 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar).
8 days' compact car hire.
Unlimited mileage and extra driver fees.
Travel Kit, including maps.
FREE visas.

Full Itinerary

Day 1 - 2: London - Sydney

Day 3 - 7: Sydney

Arrive in Sydney this morning and make your way to your hotel for your 4-night stay. Sydney is truly a world-class city in every sense of the phrase, and its picturesque harbour setting has few rivals. You‚ will instantly recognise the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, but you can also discover unparalleled dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing opportunities. Explore the neighbourhoods beyond the city centre to discover the real Sydney or, if you just want to have some fun, head over to Manly or Bondi and hit the beach. There are a host of activities to choose from but the best way to really experience the overwhelming beauty of Sydney is to hop on the ferry and see it from the water.
Overnight - Holiday Inn Potts Point

Day 7 - 11: Byron Bay

Fly from Sydney to Brisbane and pick your hire car. Head south along the the Pacific Highway towards Byron Bay (100 miles). Cosmopolitan, alternative and diverse, the culture and lifestyle offered by Byron Bay is welcoming and easy to get lost in. From crystal clear Pacific Ocean beaches to a sub-tropical hinterland there is a lot to explore in this pocket of coastal paradise. If you want to explore, head for the lighthouse on the rocky promontory of Cape Byron, which marks the easternmost point of the Australian mainland.

If you are looking for a more active holiday, then there is a full calendar of annual festivals, concerts and events, as well as weekly craft and produce markets, live music and theatre, and daily tours and activities available.
Overnight - Lord Byron Resort

Day 11 - 15: Surfer's Paradise

Rejoin the Pacific Highway and head north towards Surfer's Paradise (70 miles). The popular holiday playground of the Gold Coast stretches northwards through the resorts of Coolangatta and Broadbeach towards Surfers Paradise. The fantastic beach is a great place to learn to surf, plus there’s shopping, a vibrant nightlife, and nearby theme parks including Warner Bros. Movie World, Dream World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild.
Overnight - Outrigger Surfers Paradise

Day 15: Brisbane - London

Head north to Brisbane and drop off your hire car before your flight back to the UK.

Hand Picked By

Without a doubt a visit to Australia is an awe-inspiring experience – a country of such diversity and variety, with so much to see and do. Miles Morgan Travel has a long standing reputation as the South West's leading Australia Specialists and people travel from far and wide to enjoy our free appointment service and first-hand knowledge that is offered in every branch by our Australian Specialists. A multi-centre touring holiday can be as flexible as you want it to be – that’s the beauty, you’ll get to see so much more of all the best bits at your own pace by including a hire car or campervan, too. There’s a perfect adventure in the land Down Under for every age and every budget – so let our Australia Specialists inspire you.

Debbie Smith