Distance:                 approx 578 miles/930km
Total driving time: approx 12 hours
Tour:                         recommended 7 - 10 days

You may be forgiven for thinking that Sydney is actually Australia’s capital with its uber-modern architecture and urban metropolis of four million people. Although that title goes to Canberra, Sydney is one of the world’s most breathtaking and versatile cities, built around its spectacular and renowned harbour and surrounded by ornate mountainous regions and beaches - making this a perfect launching pad for your self-drive holiday along Australia's awesome east-coast.

Sydney harbour provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to experience some of the city’s most famous sites. The Green and Gold ferries which depart from Wharves 4 and 5 at Circular Quay will lead you to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, which connects the north of the city with its central business district and, more prominently, the one and only Sydney Opera House with its unmistakable design and sails.

Those with a strong head for heights are able to “BridgeClimb” and walk across the Harbour Bridge, which provides unrivalled views of this inspirational city that you will not forget overnight. Whilst up there, you will be able to marvel at the wondrous landscape that awaits you on the road ahead - the beaches, the mountains, and the adventure. If you fancy a trip to the beach whilst staying in Sydney, there can be no excuse to miss out Bondi Beach to the east of the city.

Also worth a visit is Oceanworld Manly - a wildlife centre where visitors are able to view giant sharks and stingrays, unique species of turtles, and shoals of fish you won’t see anywhere else in the world. But there is plenty of competition in the city when it comes to wildlife attractions. Sydney Wildlife World, which also encompasses Sydney Aquarium, is one of the most unique zoos on Earth as it is entirely enclosed and air-conditioned. Following the completion of a $45 million overhaul in 2006, the zoo now boasts 7000 square meters of enclosures and is home to more than 6000 native animals. Also integral to the city is Taronga Zoo, which is now in its 91st year of opening and is regarded as Australia’s best. Overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, it is home to a countless and diverse collection of exotic species and creatures.

Heading north from Sydney, it is highly recommended to make your next point of call Newcastle. It is here, in Australia’s sixth largest city, that you will find some of the country’s best beaches, namely: Nobby’s, Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether and Stockton. All of these beaches are patrolled for safe surfing and all are within five kilometers of the city itself. To appreciate this beautiful stretch of New South Wales’ coastline, head to Bather’s Way - a picturesque coastal walk, where uninhibited views of this spectacular coastline are available. The city itself is awash with restaurants, cafes and bars; notably Honeysuckle Boardwalk - a newly opened precinct on the harbour front boasting eateries and a wide array of shops.

The following day, be sure to set off early for the 60km drive to Nelson Bay, which is part of Port Stephens and close to the Hunter Valley wine district.

Port Stephens is a 160km coastal inlet (larger than Sydney Harbour) and is commonly referred to as ‘The Blue Water Wonderland’ - simply because it is rich in water-related activities to do and natural beauty. Notably, it is the whale and dolphin watching tours that are available from Nelson Bay that makes this an ideal stop of all the small settlements and fishing towns in Port Stephens.

The short drive to The Hunter Valley is a must. After spending some of the day bushwalking or whale watching, this internationally famous wine district is the perfect place to wind down. The Hunter isn’t just a great destination for those looking to sample first-hand the exquisite array of fine wines on offer, as the area is also home to a wide selection of shops, restaurants and entertainments. For those who are merely interested in visiting Hunter for its wine connection; be sure to stop at the Visitors Information Centre, where guided tours of the most notable vineyards are available.