14 day Australia Unscripted: A Journey Along the East Coast

Experience the rich colonial history of Sydney, the impressive range of architectural wonders, and the world-famous harbour on this fast-paced morning tour of the city.

On our Sydney City Tour you’ll get to explore the vast waterways that weave through the city, discover the vibrant culture of Sydney, and experience some of the region’s best-loved attractions. The city is one of the world’s most diverse places, and you’ll get a fantastic overview into everything on offer during this adventure.

As well as exploring the impressive, world-famous silhouette of the Sydney Opera House, you’ll get to take a short drive through the historic The Rocks area, which is where Sydney was originally founded. Afterwards, dive into the beautiful architecture of the city by visiting St. Mary’s Cathedral and Parliament House.

Make a pitstop at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, where you can gaze out at views across the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

Head to the sprawling expanse of Bondi Beach which is filled with surfers and locals enjoying the laidback Sydney lifestyle.

Optional: Lunch at Lola’s Level 1

When beach time is up, we’ll head to the historic and trendy district of Paddington and bustling Chinatown so you can experience the real vibrancy of the city before the tour comes to an end. Return to Sydney.

Transfer to the restaurant for dinner.

Optional: Dinner at Elements Bar and Grill Pyrmont

Overnight at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay or Similar

Day is at leisure to explore Sydney on your own with a vehicle at disposal.

Evening transfer to Circular Quay and check in for the Captain Cook Dinner Cruise.

Enjoy an evening of fine dining and spectacular views on a dinner cruise that takes place on the waters of Sydney Harbour. Indulge your tastebuds with a meal that includes six superb courses accompanied by Penfolds gold selection of bin and vintage wines and a full open bar. Listen to live music from the lounge singer and pianist while soaking in iconic sights of Sydney such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. It’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion while in Sydney.  Return to the hotel

Overnight at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay or Similar

Transfer to Sydney SEA Life Aquarium. It features a large variety of Australian aquatic life, displaying more than 700 species comprising more than 13,000 individual fish and other sea and water creatures from most of Australia’s water habitats.

In the afternoon you will go for a 3hr dolphin and whale watching cruise.

Optional: Dinner at Spiced By Billu’s

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay  or similar

Start your journey (either self drive or chauffeur driven) to Melbourne via the Grand Pacific Drive onwards to South Coast Shoalhaven Heads. Tucked between Mount Coolangatta and Seven Mile Beach, and on the doorstep of the Shoalhaven River, Shoalhaven Heads, just a short 2 hours’ drive from Sydney, is a peaceful coastal village that makes the perfect base for an idyllic getaway. Surrounded by nature, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to fill your days, while heritage wineries are only minutes away.

The Shoalhaven River estuary is part of Australia’s Oyster Coast. Book the premium Oyster Experience at Bangalay Dining to sample fresh Sydney Rock oysters paired with local wine and spirits. Or head to Greenwell Point for a tour of Jim Wild’s oyster farm to learn the life cycle of an oyster and sample them freshly shucked from the water.

Shoalhaven Heads is also a great base to explore the nearby wineries located around the foothills of Mount Coolangatta. Explore the historic Coolangatta Estate Winery, the first European settlement in the region, built by convict labour in 1822. You can stay in convict-built cottages, taste estate-grown wines in the cellar door or enjoy lunch at the estate restaurant. Batemans Bay, a four-hour drive from Sydney, located in the Eurobodalla region on the NSW South Coast, is the complete package. Not only is it an amazing destination in itself, it is also a great base for exploring all the wonders and natural beauty of this underrated area. Named by Captain James Cook in 1770, the region boasts magnificent beaches, fresh seafood and a myriad of water sports both on the sea and in the sparkling Clyde River.

Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

Overnight stay at The Isla, Batehaven or Similar.

After having had a relaxing night, continue your journey further towards Lake Entrance.

Boasting Australia’s largest inland network of waterways, Lakes Entrance has long been a popular Gippsland holiday spot, especially for young families. Lakes Entrance is situated on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean. The town is well equipped with accommodation, services and facilities for those enjoying their coastal getaway.

Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

Overnight at Bellevue on the Lakes, Lakes Entrance or similar

Lake Entrance is located about 4 hours east of Melbourne. Today enroute your transfer from Lake Entrance to Melbourne you will pass the Dandenong Ranges. Visit the gardens of the Dandenong Ranges.

The Dandenong Ranges are home to some of Victoria’s premier cool-climate gardens. Gardens such as  the Botanical Gardens, Alfred Nicholas and the George Tindal Memorial Gardens contains a number of plants rarely found in cultivation, which are thriving in the acidic soils, cool temperate climate and shaded conditions. Extensive collections of magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and hydrangeas will delight garden enthusiasts.

Many of these gardens have breath-taking views over the Yarra Valley and the seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a year-round delight.

Check in at the hotel.

Dinner at hotel at own expense.

Overnight stay at W Melbourne or similar

Melbournians love their multicultural food, shopping and gardens. Uncover the hidden gems of Centre Place, the Block and Royal arcades. Hosier Lane is a mecca for those interested in the vivid street art brightening several alley ways. Visit the Queen Victoria Market where you can pick up the freshest ingredients or handicrafts.

Lunch at own expense

After lunch visit the famous Acland Street, the bohemian heart of seaside St Kilda. It’s a wonderfully energetic and eclectic streetscape as artists, actors, and musicians put on shows in the town’s iconic theatres, galleries, and bars.

We’ll also head down the road to the colourful bathing boxes of Brighton Beach to get that classic postcard shot.

Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight stay at W Melbourne or similar

On the spectacular Great Ocean Road Tour, experience this breathtakingly beautiful coastline with pristine beaches, rainforests, charming seaside towns and of course the iconic 12 Apostles. Leaving Melbourne, you’ll stop off at a popular coastal town on the Great Ocean Road, where you can have morning tea and relax before an exciting day ahead. Visit the historic Memorial Arch to get your photo taken before passing through the quaint coastal resort towns of Anglesea, Lorne and Wye River. Next up we head to the picturesque Apollo Bay where you can grab some lunch from one of the many cafes that dot the street. Next enjoy a guided walk through the Otway Rainforest at Maits Rest – Time Permitting. Here you will see plush tree ferns and some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia.

Back on the road we twist and wind through Port Campbell National Park to arrive at the Shipwreck Coast. Find yourself surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and take a walk along the beach at Loch Ard Gorge. View the Archway, The Razorback and Dumpling Pots and hear the tragic tales of the Shipwreck Coast.

Finally, we arrive at the highlight of the Great Ocean Road Tour – the world famous 12 Apostles. Walk out to the lookouts for spectacular views and photo opportunities of one of Australia’s most iconic attractions.

Evening: Return to Melbourne

Dinner at own expense at a restaurant enroute.

Overnight stay at W Melbourne or Similar.

Check out of the hotel and transfer to Airport. On arrival at Gold Coast, meet your tour manager and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa or Similar.

Full day at leisure enjoying the sights and sounds of Brisbane with your guide.

In the late afternoon, return to Gold coast

Evening at leisure

Meals on own.

Overnight stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa or Similar.

Byron Bay: A mecca of sand, sun and serenity, this New South Wales beach town is a coastal paradise. Look back a few decades and Byron Bay was known for its alternative culture, easy going surfers and off-the-grid hippies. Now, Byron may be a bit more refined, but it’s no less beautiful. You’ll still find incredible surf breaks and tranquil yoga retreats that give a nod to Byron’s hippie history. You’ll also find newcomers including award-winning restaurants, luxurious beach houses and craft breweries.

From barefoot backpackers to Hollywood celebrities, Byron Bay has retained its status as a destination for everyone. Must Visit: Cape Byron Bay Lighthouse

After visiting the lighthouse proceed onwards to Coffs Harbour. Drive time is approximately 2.5 hours.

At the heart of the spectacular Coffs Coast, Coffs Harbour is a wonderful destination for family holidays and memorable adventures. From bushwalking and whale watching to the iconic Big Banana, stunning beaches, a marine sanctuary and more, this beachside city is full of attractions.

Overnight stay at Opal Cove Resort or Similar.

Lunch and dinner at own expense.

Follow the Pacific Highway through State Forests, along coastlines and spectacular oceanic vistas, beside wide rivers and fertile farmlands from Coffs Harbour to Nambucca Heads, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, John’s River, Taree, Bulahdelah, Karuah, past Morpeth to Newcastle as you journey southbound from the mid north coast of New South Wales. Stay close to the South Pacific Ocean for a while, Boambee, Bongil Bongil National Park, Sawtell, Urunga, Nambucca Heads, Macksville, South West Rock, Trial Bay Gaol (historic ruins of the jail from 1886, beach, museum and memorial), Kempsey, Crescent Head or Wauchope, Taree (perfect for a picnic lunch alongside the Manning River watching the boats pass by; large craft centre, galleries, Regional Art Gallery, river boat cruises boutique wineries, Rainbow Beach, great surf beach), Rainbow Flat, Nabiac, Coolongolook, Bulahdelah (historic town at the foot of the Bulahdelah Mountain, surrounded by rainforests, close to Myall Lakes, Courthouse Museum), Karuah, Morpeth, Newcastle. Direct driving 392km (4.30 hours) .

Situated on the east coast of NSW, Newcastle is surrounded by golden sand beaches, a breathtaking coastline and a beautiful working harbour. The cafes, restaurants and bars, unique architecture and rich history stretch from the city to the suburbs.

Newcastle is where the city meets the sea, from museums and craft markets, to stunning coastal views and world-class beach breaks. Grab your surfboard and hit the waves at the famous Merewether Beach, home to the international surfing competition, Surfest. Or head to Newcastle Beach, a favoured spot for board riders near and far and easy walking distance from Newcastle CBD. For a day of swimming, Nobbys Beach is perfect for families and those learning how to surf, as well as kite surfing when the wind calls for it. Take a walk to Nobbys Lighthouse and the breakwall, where you might even spot a friendly dolphin or two off the coastline.

A trip to Newcastle wouldn’t be complete without a dip at the Bogey Hole, which is one of the oldest and most iconic ocean pools in Australia. The name ‘Bogey Hole’ is said to come from the Dharawal word meaning ‘to bathe’.

Check in at the hotel. Overnight at QT Newcastle or similar.

Take the scenic route via the Central Coast via Umina for an indulgent lunch at Bells at Killcare. Rest of the day at leisure.

Check in at Park Hyatt Sydney or similar.

Lunch and dinner at own expense

After breakfast, check out and drive to the airport.