New South Wales Northern Exposure
6 nights / 7 Days
Self Drive
From $1050* pp Share Twin
*low season pricing subject to availability
Includes
Car hire for 7 days and one way rental charge
6 Nights Accommodation
Tours as specified
Collect your car from Eurocar either at Sydney Airport or downtown, then drive from Sydney to Port Stephens, this is normally a two and a half direct drive however take your time and have lunch at Lake Macquarie.
Departing Sydney, take the scenic route to Lake Macquarie, an aquatic playground centred around the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere. Weave through the Central Coast beachside towns of Ettalong Beach, Terrigal and The Entrance.
Once in Lake Macquarie, enjoy a swim or surf at Catherine Hill Bay Beach and admire the former coal-loading jetty. Blacksmiths Beach is another top swimming spot. Then explore the network of sea caves and rock pools at Caves Beach, followed by a picnic lunch. Get your thrills by taking a jet boat ride on Lake Macquarie with JetBuzz Water sports, abseiling Gap Creek Falls with Out and About Adventures or enjoying an aerobatic joy flight with Matt Hall Racing.
Lower the adrenaline with a tranquil kayak or bike ride – you can hire equipment from Lake Mac Kayak and Bike Hire. Newcastle is an hour up the road on the way to Port Stephens and well worth a look.
Newcastle, a thriving beachside metropolis, with cool cafes and bars, a lively arts and music scene, golden beaches and plenty of maritime history.
First stop: a sunrise swim at Merewether Beach, Newcastle’s most famous beach, or enjoy a few laps at Merewether Ocean Baths, the largest ocean baths complex in the Southern Hemisphere. Afterwards, head into the Newcastle CBD and grab a coffee from one of the cafes in the Honeysuckle harbourside precinct. Continue on to Port Stephens for two nights which is an hour further north.
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort for two nights in a Hotel Room for two nights. At Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort you’re spoilt for choice with a wide range of facilities including a gymnasium, heated spas, Japanese steam room, heated lap pool and tennis courts. There is soo much to do in this area and the resort offers some stay three nights pay two night , specials at various times of the year. Ask us for more information.
Today is a day at leisure for you to explore the Port Stephens region.
Home to 26 beaches, a vast aquamarine bay and giant sand dunes, Port Stephens is the ultimate beachside escape. Break up the one-hour drive from Newcastle with a visit to Oakvale Wildlife Park, and get up close to koalas, kangaroos and alligators.
If you’re feeling peckish, stop by The Little Nel in Nelson Bay for lunch or coffee. Get your bearings on the short but invigorating Tomaree Head Summit Walk – you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views over the bay and coast.
In the afternoon, explore the incredible Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands on a 4WD, sandboard or quad bike tour with Sand Dune Safaris or Sand Dune Adventures. Alternatively, meet resident dolphins on a Dolphin Discovery Cruise with Moonshadow – TQC Cruises.
For dinner, book a table at Rick Stein at Bannisters for an exquisite seafood feast.
Today is a free day at Port Stephens (Additional touring Includes)
Maybe enjoy a Sand Dune adventure
Live the adventure that promises you a ride that no one else can.Experience the Stockton Beach sand dunes like never before. You will ride safely from bush to beach on our 400cc Arctic ‘All Terrain’ Quad Bike.Your adventure begins at the Murrook Complex where you fill in your necessary paperwork. Then we will direct you to the beginning of the tour. Live the adventure that promises you a Quad Riding experience like no other with Sand Dune Adventures, on the biggest bikes over the biggest dunes! Experience the magnificence of the Worimi Sand Dunes on Stockton Beach, riding safely from bush to beach with our expert guides. Choose between a 1 or 1.5 ride to take in the wonders of the highest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, the glorious views of the sweeping coastline and learn about history of the land.
NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY
Safety is our utmost priority, and we have a ratio of 1 guide for 5 passengers. Guest depart our staging area on their own 400cc quad bike and ride over our well maintained tracks through coastal grassland and scrub to arrive at the dunes. Our guide will then take you over more and more challenging sand dunes, up and down. The large sand dunes can be from 40-100 feet high. All of the Sand Dune Adventures Quad Bike tours are tailored to meet the needs and experience of the customers. So if it is flat out or just cruising we have the adventure for you on the Biggest Dunes and the Biggest Bikes on Stockton Beach.
1 Hour Quad Bike Tour
– Quad bike induction & quad bike riding on Stockton Beach From $110pp
1.5 Hour Aboriginal Culture & Sand Boarding Quad Bike Tour
– Quad bike induction, sand boarding, visit Aboriginal Midden sites-bush tucker-fresh water lagoons & quad bike riding on Stockton Beach From $135pp
IRUKANDJI Aquarium
A brilliant brand-new interactive aquarium recently built at 2 Jessie Rd Anna
Bay, Port Stephens, formerly located in Bobs Farm in the shed at Marsh Rd. A
wonderful family business, Irukandji’s mission is to positively impact the ocean
through marine education and introducing visitors to misunderstood ocean
predators and providing the perfect experience through fun and fear. from $31pp Per Day
Today is a long drive (approx 7 hours) We can add an additional night at Port Macquarie to break your journey (additional Cost)
Rise early and make your way up NSW’s Mid North Coast to Port Macquarie. Halfway into your 2hr 40min journey, exit onto The Lakes Way for a scenic detour through the Great Lakes region. After winding past pretty Myall Lake, and stopping for a dip at Blueys Beach in the Forster-Tuncurry, rejoin the Pacific Highway.
Port Macquarie has the highest koala population on the east coast of Australia. Join a guided tour of the famous Koala Hospital, located in the historic Roto House, and learn about the work being done to care for sick and injured koalas. Then pat a koala at Billabong Zoo Koala and Wildlife Park, a 10-acre park where you can also feed cheetahs, hold a snake and meet monster saltwater crocodile Shrek.
Back in the car, head to South West Rocks, a small coastal town known for its picturesque Norfolk pines, idyllic beaches and historic gaol. It’s a slight detour off the Pacific Highway but well worth it.
Spend the afternoon soaking up the natural splendour of Hat Head National Park. Swim at a secluded beach, birdwatch in the park’s wetlands and take in the view from Smoky Cape Lighthouse, a heritage lighthouse built in 1891.
he heart of the Coffs Coast region, this coastal city is surrounded by sparkling coastline, enchanting hinterland and the third largest marine park in NSW.
First, take your photo with The Big Banana, a must when visiting the Coffs Coast. Then enjoy a whirl around the fun park, which includes water slides, laser tag and ice skating.
At Sealy Lookout, marvel at the panoramic scene from the mountains to the coast. More spectacular views await across the marina breakwater at Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, an acclaimed spot for bird-watching.
Learn about the Coffs Coast’s unique marine life at Solitary Islands Aquarium, and see poisonous lionfish, clownfish and sea urchins. Then don a snorkel or join a whale-watching cruise and explore the unique Solitary Islands Marine Park with Jetty Dive Centre. For an on-land wildlife experience, walk through Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, home to 400 butterflies.
Its a long trip but well worth it to reach Oaks Casuarina Santi Resort for 4 nights in a Studio pool room.Whether you live locally or wanting a resort escape, Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort, located on the Tweed Coast, features a blend of contemporary and traditional Balinese design giving a haven of space and comfort. Relax under a leafy cabana by our grand pool and spa, dine at our onsite restaurant ‘The Spice Den’ or pamper yourself at our onsite wellness spa. The Resort features one and two-bedroom self-contained apartments with inclusive Wi-Fi and Foxtel.
Unspoilt, pristine stretches of coastline to the east and large areas of protected wetlands to the west these three beach villages are nestled in an area that’s limited on development and full of holiday atmosphere.
With an untouched beauty Northern NSW beaches will have you continually searching for your camera app to capture the incredible scenery. Our favourite swimming locations include Casuarina Beach, Cabarita beach, Kingscliff beach, Norries Head, Hastings Point Inlet, and Cudgen Creek.
As well as perfect swimming spots, the region is also home to Cudgen Nature Reserve and headland. This slice of nature has everything you could ask for, a gorgeous lake perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and simply walking around or soaking up the sun and enjoying a picnic.
This stretch of coastline is the perfect area to retreat for some time to relax, reconnect and appreciate how beautiful the region is. In other words, it’s the perfect place to enjoy life in the slow lane – if you think the gold coast is relaxed, you’re in for a treat!
Today is a free day maybe explore Byron Bay?
Head for the bohemian beach paradise of Byron Bay. Break up the almost three-hour journey with a pitstop in Bundjalung National Park. The park’s tranquil river scenery, secluded beaches and freshwater lagoons make for great canoeing, mountain biking, fishing and beach walking.
Detour through the Byron Bay hinterland to Minyon Falls lookout for unforgettable views of the 100m waterfall and rainforest below.
Onto Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point. The epicentre of Cape Byron Marine Park and renowned for its beach lifestyle, it’s obligatory to indulge in some water activities when in Byron Bay.
Kayak through crystal-clear waters and get up close to dolphins, turtles and whales (during whale watching season) on a guided tour with Cape Byron Kayaks. Or enjoy a different perspective of the dazzling coastline and Cape Byron Lighthouse on a whale-watching or dolphin cruise with Out Of The Blue Adventures. Cruises depart from Ballina, a 30min drive south.
Today after check out you can either drop your car at Balina Airport for your flight home or Gold Coast Airport.
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the complimentary activities at Saffire and Breakfast lunch and dinner are included.
Saffire Freycinet’s complimentary range of activities gives you options for every mood and every moment. Lasting from one hour to three hours, these activities are your opportunity to engage and connect with Freycinet’s stunning natural wonders and attractions. Adventure, romance, rejuvenation or exploration, our complimentary experiences and activities add greater depth and dimension to your stay in Tasmania.
