From golden beaches to marine islands, hinterland to rainforest, the Pacific Coast touring route has something for everyone along the way. This scenic route from the Gold Coast to Sydney is a breeze with your Gold Coast airport car rental from Hertz Gold Coast.
Gold Coast to Byron Bay in a Gold Coast Car Rental – 90 km
Once you’ve experienced the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast’s beaches and theme parks, make the scenic 90 minute drive down to Byron Bay. Along the way you can explore various national parks or climb the ancient volcano of Mt Warning.
Upon reaching Byron Bay, relax at one of the cafes. The Saturday markets are excellent, if you’re in town on the weekend.
Otherwise, you can look for whales, dolphins and turtles in Cape Byron Marine Park. At The Pass, there’s a popular surf break. The lighthouse is beautiful at dawn, along the Cape Byron Walking Track.
Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour in a Gold Coast Car Rental – 240 km
Heading further south, you have your choice of stop off points At Nymboida there’s an enormous platypus colony. Abseiling, rock climbing and white water rafting are also options. You can take a steam train journey across the mountains in Glenreagh. In Dorrigo National Park there is lush rainforest and waterfalls, while Bongil Bongil National Park is ideal for kayaking. or whitewater raft on the Nymboida River.
Off the coast at Coffs Harbour, Solitary Islands Marine Park lends itself to scuba diving and fishing.
Coffs Harbour to Port Stephens in a Gold Coast Car Rental – 330 km
From Coffs Harbour, continue south. Nambucca Heads is a peaceful spot with white beaches, or alternatively Port Macquarie’s Lighthouse Beach is beautiful.
A detour inland to the dramatic Ellenborough Falls at Taree is an option, or even deeper into the heart of the region to World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops for rafting and bushwalking through volcanic and forested backdrops.
Port Stephens is home to dozens of beaches, and to dolphins during the winter. Conquer the massive sand dunes of Stockton Beach on a quad bike or four wheel drive.
Port Stephens to Sydney in a Gold Coast Car Rental – 200 km
Drive in your Gold Coast car rental down the Central Coast en route to Sydney. Stop to fish and feed pelicans from the beaches of The Entrance or at any of the other Central Coast townships. Then continue until you reach the bright lights of Sydney.
