A road trip through a part of Australia that is more varied than you might think. This route takes you from Sydney to the beautiful nearby Blue Mountains, through the Hunter Valley wine region to New Castle Beach and on to the beach towns of Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and the surf and yoga mecca of Byron Bay.
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Start the day early and, after coffee and a good breakfast, make your way along the Great Western Highway to the Blue Mountains. It's best to book your hotel or hostel in advance so that you can set off on the beautiful hiking trails of this huge mountain range as soon as you arrive. The YHA Blue Mountains is highly recommended for couples and solo travellers alike, as the large complex has a large number of double rooms, as well as shared rooms, a large kitchen and lounge. Centrally located, it is a 15-minute walk to the 3 Sisters, one of the main attractions of the Blue Mountains. Upon arrival, it's best to set off on one of the popular walking routes. Not to be missed are: Walk to Wentworth Waterfalls, Sunset at Cahill's Lookout, Sunrise at 3 Sisters Lookout Point followed by a walk to the Scenic Railway. From here you can either take the gondola or the famous train steeply back up. CAUTION: Check the opening times before heading down. Otherwise it will be a long day
3 Sisters Lookout Point, Cahill's Lookout Bluem Mountains, photos by Roberta Gansen
After a few days of hiking in the mountains, you've earned your next stop. After breakfast, get in the car and drive on to the Hunter Valley, about 4 hours away. Take the longer way through the mountains on the Putty Road, the views are worth the extra hour. Because of its proximity to Sydney and New Castle, the Hunter Valley is a popular weekend getaway for Australians, so reservations at the wineries are almost a must. We recommend the sweet Ivanhoe Winery for the great views, but Peterson is also impressive with its large barrels in the tasting room. The wine in the Hunter Valley is good anywhere, and if you're craving a cider pop into Lamboch and treat yourself to one of the extravagant desserts at Sabor which is just above. After a day in the vineyards, don't drive, so again we recommend the YHA Hunter Valley. The hostel is a little smaller but totally cosy with its wooden interior. Bonus point: You can rent a bike here for the day and cycle from one wine to the next more quickly.
Ivanhoe Winery, Hunter Valley, photo by Roberta Gansen
Continue on to New Castle Beach the next morning or the next day, depending on how interested you are in Australia's delicious wines. Be sure to stay a night to soak up the atmosphere of this not-small-but-not-great coastal town. The Bogy Hole is definitely worth a visit, best to come here at sunset and swim your laps while watching the sun sink into the sea behind the cliffs. Other highlights include the Momorial Walk, especially at sunrise, and the city beach, which is also attached to an outdoor pool. Take some time in New Castle, preferably for 2 or 3 nights, because from here you can get to Port Stephens quickly by car.
Bogey Hole, New Castle Beach, photo by Roberta Gansen
Port Stephen is about an hour's drive from New Castle and offers a great programme for a day trip with its varied landscape. On the peninsula you will find the most beautiful beaches in Nelson Bay, a desert with camels in Ana Bay, and an indescribable view from Tomaree Head, from where you can even see whales between June and October.
Anna Bay, Port Stephens, Tomaree Head, Port Stephens, photos by Roberta Gansen
I want to see whales in Australia
Whether from Port Stephens or New Castle, make your way further north to Port Macquarie. The small town on the Hastings River is definitely worth a detour, because here you can see koalas up close at the Koala Hospital. The visit is free of charge and the best time is in the morning for feeding. You can also stay at the YHA, which is centrally located 10 minutes from the city centre.
Coloured Stones, Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie, photos by Roberta Gansen
The next and last stop before Byron Bay is the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. The coastal town is a great place for surfing, but also for long walks where you can observe the Australian wildlife. Action fans can enjoy a skydive or a visit to Banana Fun Park, a huge waterslide park. If you're in town on the weekend, be sure to visit the Sunday Market at the Jetty Shore. For those who want to stumble straight into the sea after waking up, we recommend Hoey Moey Backpackers, but the YHA here is also great with the possibility of renting surfboards for free.
Coffs Harbour Markets, Jetty Shore, Coffs Harbour, photos by Roberta Gansen
If you can't get enough of surfing, we recommend a detour to the surf camp Spot X before continuing to Byron Bay. The surf school, 30 minutes away, is ideal for beginners and offers various programmes from private lessons to weekly courses.
Mojo Surf Camp, Spot X, Photos by Leslie Kritzer
Last car ride before Byron Bay. Not long now (about 2 hours) and you have finally arrived in the Surf Mecca of Australia.
Cape Byron, Byron Bay, phto by Roberta Gansen
Byron Bay is popular with international backpackers and Australians alike, so make sure you book your accommodation in advance. For those who like to be close to the beach, we recommend Wake up Byron Bay, for those who like to be in the middle of the action, YHA and for those who like to be a bit more secluded from the hustle and bustle, Arts Factory in the Forest.
For the best tips in Byron Bay get in touch with us directly! Until then have the "Cheer up, slow down and ChILL OUT" ;)
