ASK AN EXPERT
Stephanie McAuliffe, travel specialist, House of Travel Dunedin
Q. I’d like to do a road trip up the East Coast of Australia, starting in Sydney, or possibly Brisbane, and heading to Tropical North Queensland. I’m a bit unsure about where to start with the planning. What would be the ideal timeframe for this and are there any hidden gems along the way you can recommend? Should I book accommodation in advance?
A. Australia – you want to experience everything from the bush to its cities, which makes a driving holiday a great option.
I would allow a minimum of five days to travel from Sydney to the Gold Coast along the Pacific Coastal route. Make sure you stop to visit the Central Coast region and don’t miss a walk in Bouddi National Park. If you’re into wineries, the Hunter Valley deserves a visit. Byron Bay is famous for its coastal town charm, surfing and diving spots, and from here it is only 100km to the Gold Coast. Head further north to the Sunshine Coast and don’t miss Noosa and Fraser Island.
If you have more time, I recommend setting aside up to two weeks for your road trip as this would allow you to head further north. I recommend booking accommodation before you start so you don’t have to worry about spending time searching for somewhere to sleep.
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