Pacific Coast Road Trip

Day One: Sydney to Port Stephens: 235 km
Highlights: The Australian Reptile Park, feed the pelicans at The Entrance, Terrigal Beach

Day Two: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie 280: km
Highlights: Visit one of Port Stephens 26 golden beaches, quad biking and Sand-boarding at Stockton sand dunes.

Day Three: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour: 165 km
Highlights: Koala hospital, Lighthouse Beach, The Big Banana

Day Four: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay: 250 km
Highlights: Crystal Castle, Cape Byron Lighthouse, kayaking amongst dolphins

Day Five: Byron Bay to Brisbane: 185 km
Highlights: Tropical Fruit World, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Day One: Sydney to Port Stephens: 235 km
The journey begins with a short scenic drive from the leafy suburbs of Sydney to the blue water paradise of Port Stephens. The road weaves its way north through the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to the mighty Hawkesbury River. Along the way, there's no shortage of adventure. Horse ride or kayak in the wilderness or visit The Australian Reptile Park with its amazing wildlife. From the Hawkesbury, continue on to Newcastle or detour into the Hunter Valley. They have been making wine for more than 150 years and many famous wineries are nestled among the hills near Cessnock. Newcastle is Australia's busiest port with a rich mix of cultures. Sit in the sun at one of the excellent restaurants or outdoor cafes and watch the ships coming and going. End the day in magnificent Port Stephens. This beautiful harbour town offers stunning scenery, pearly white beaches with clear water, scenic dolphin watch cruises, not to mention some of the best seafood to be found in Australia.

Day Two: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie: 280 km
It's hardly surprising that the Great Lakes region is endowed with beautiful lakes. The Myall and Smiths lakes offer sailing, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, skiing and houseboats, while the shallow Wallis Lake is famous for its oyster farms. Inland, winding its way from the mountains through lush pasture to the ocean, the Manning River cascades over the Ellenborough Falls, one of the highest single-drop falls in the southern hemisphere. Along the coast around Port Macquarie, magnificent surf beaches give way to sheltered sandy coves. While you're there, visit the Koala Hospital or the rare coastal rainforest at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. Those after something a little different can take a camel trek along Lighthouse Beach.

Day Three:  Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour: 165 km
Continue north along the Pacific Highway from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour. The side trip to South West Rocks and trial Bay Gaol is rich in history and natural beauty. At Nambucca Heads you can glimpse the magical world of Aboriginal culture, bushcraft and art. Nambucca boasts Australia's only island golf course and a relaxed country pace. Veering off the highway on the Waterfall Way you come to the colonial town of Bellingen with its many beautiful historical buildings. Further inland, providing an exhilirating introduction to rainforests is Dorrigo National Park. Coffs Harbour is the coast's largest resort centre and the base for every type of adventure. Dolphins bring their calves close to the shore in the spring, while humpback whales cruise along the coast in winter.

Day Four: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay: 250 km
From Coffs Harbour, the Pacific Highway follows the coast through tropical fruit plantations and beautiful rainforest. It passes through Grafton, famous for its jacaranda trees and stately homes, and Ballina on the Richmond River, which is home to the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum. Home to some of the best surf in New South Wales, Byron Bay is a popular coastal town located on the most easterly point of mainland Australia with its own brand of relaxed lifestyle. Take the lighthouse walk for spectacular views up and down the coast. If you happen to be visiting on a weekend, don't miss the colourful markets.

Day Five:  Byron Bay to Brisbane: 185 km
Drive to Brunswick Heads and get the sand between your toes on the long and beautiful surf beaches. Cast your reel for some rock and beach fishing. Near Murwillumbah, walk from the base to the top of Mt Warning or take a much shorter rainforest tour. At Tweed Heads, the northern-most town on the New South Wales coast, visit the Captain Cook lighthouse for breathtaking views. Take a cruise or fish along the Tweed River, and enjoy the nightlife and entertainment on offer. From here it's just a 1.5- hour drive to Brisbane.