ITINERARY The Big Pacific Coast Touring Route Sydney – Cairns Sydney>–>Central>Coast>–>Hunter>Valley>–>Port>Stephens>–>Coffs>Harbour>–>Byron>Bay> –>Gold>Coast>–>Brisbane>–>Fraser>Island>–>Bundaberg>–>Rockhampton>–>Mackay>–> Townsville>–>Cairns Australia is a big country with a fondness for Big Things – super-sized sculptures commemorating everything from prawns and pineapples to native animals and DAY ONE Ned Kelly. You’ll find them all along the spectacular Pacific Coast Touring Route, which stretches all the way from Sydney to Cairns. Weave through the Hunter Valley, SYDNEY TO CENTRAL COAST Byron Bay, the glittering Gold Coast and see the World Heritage-listed wonders of Leave Sydney’s leafy northern suburbs Fraser Island and Great Barrier Reef. Stop to snap the Big Banana, a giant gumboot, a behind for the relaxed, beach-blessed herculean pelican and many more larger-than-life monuments along the way. Whether Central Coast. The ratio of people to you consider them highway art or just humorous, the Big Things are worth spotting sand here is all in your favour. Check out on this stunning Australian road trip. Woy Woy and family-friendly Ettalong Beach, both gateways to Bouddi and AT A GLANCE Brisbane Water national parks. Follow the bushwalking trails and see ancient Aboriginal rock art. Further north you’ll >> Hunter Valley – Port Stephens find the sleepy surfing haven of Avoca (1.5 hours) Beach and Terrigal, where you can try >> Port Stephens – Coffs Harbour (4 hours) beach fishing or check out the growing >> Coffs Harbour – Byron Bay (3 hours) dining scene. Slip into sandy, barefoot >> Byron Bay – Gold Coast (1 hour) mode at Bateau Bay or secluded Toowoon Bay, fringed by a wildlife-rich >> Gold Coast – Brisbane (1 hour) hinterland. Both bays are close to the >> Brisbane – Fraser Island bustling holiday town of The Entrance. (3.5 hours, 1 hour ferry) Water-ski on Tuggerah Lake, behind the >> Fraser Island – Bundaberg town, or surf, swim and fish from the (1 hour ferry, 1.5 hours) ocean beaches out front. When you’ve >> Bundaberg – Rockhampton (3 hours) finished exploring, stay overnight in any one of the Central Coast towns. >> Sydney – Central Coast (1.5 hours) >> Rockhampton – Mackay (3.5 hours) Local accommodation ranges from >> Central Coast – Hunter Valley (1 hour) >> Mackay – Townsville (4.5 hours) luxury hotels and houses to B&Bs, >> Townsville – Cairns (4 hours) camping grounds and caravan parks. ITINERARY DAY TWO TO SIX CENTRAL COAST TO HUNTER VALLEY See the fierce-looking Big Axe in Kew Drive through Newcastle, stopping to and ride a camel along Port Macquarie’s see the Big Mosquito (mozzie if you’re Lighthouse Beach. Dive, snorkel or deep speaking Aussie) on Old Maitland Road. sea fish from South West Rocks and chill Surf at Nobby’s Beach, swim at Bar out on the white, uncrowded beaches Beach, hang-glide at Dixon Park or scuba of Nambucca Heads. Drive on to Coffs dive the many wrecks near Newcastle Harbour and you’ll not miss The Big Harbour. Grab a bite or get a caffeine fix Banana – which has been stopping traffic along Queens Wharf before heading into since 1964. This lovely coastal city is also the Hunter Valley. There are some 120 home to a Big Slurpee (iced drink). wineries here and you’ll know you’re in COFFS HARBOUR TO BYRON BAY the right place when you see the giant wine bottle in Pokolbin. The neck forms Have breakfast on the beach, before a chimney for the open fire contained exploring the plethora of adventure within. Buy straight from cellar doors activities found on the Coffs Coast. in the rolling hills of Lovedale or taste Kayak through Bongil Bongil National handcrafted-wines in the tranquil village Park or go whitewater rafting territory of Broke. If you’re after adventure, try a in Nymboida National Park. Fish or tandem skydive, go bushwalking in Yengo scuba dive in the Solitary Islands National Park or float over the vineyards Marine Park. Alternatively, turn south in a hot air balloon. Spend the night west for the leafy hippy village of in a boutique guesthouse in Lovedale, Bellingen and walk through waterfalls Cessnock or the historic town of Wollombi. and Gondwana rainforest in Dorrigo National Park. Further north, stop for a HUNTER VALLEY TO PORT STEPHENS coffee in the charming provincial city Detour inland to see the world’s biggest of Grafton, cruise next to dolphins on sundial in Singleton and the Big Blue the Clarence River and ride a heritage Heeler in Muswellbrook. Or head directly steam train across the mountains in north for Port Stephens, a holiday haven Glenreagh. Rejoin the Pacific Highway with 26 beaches and a mountainous, and head through bustling Ballina, where rainforest-fringed peninsula. Drive to the Big Prawn promotes the town’s the Nelson Head Lighthouse or walk reputation for fresh seafood. Ride the to the top of Tomaree Headland in rolling waves at Lennox Head or cruise Tomaree National Park. Both spots offer the Richmond River before heading into panoramic views over the bay. Join a Byron Bay for the evening. dolphin-spotting cruise from Nelson Bay BYRON BAY TO GOLD COAST or snorkel with bright, spritely fish at Fly Point. Quad bike or 4WD over the vast Don’t miss a stroll along Cape sand dunes of Stockton Beach or take the Byron to the Byron Bay lighthouse ferry to Tea Gardens. Nearby you’ll find on Australia’s most easterly point. lovely ocean beaches and the top fishing Sunrise is particularly magical if you spot of Myall River. Tuck yourself away can get up early enough. Look out for for the night in quiet Anna or Fingal Bay humpback whales gliding past between or enjoy resort-style relaxation a few May and November. This bohemian minutes from Nelson Bay Marina. beach paradise is also the place to swim with dolphins, learn to surf, try PORT STEPHENS TO COFFS HARBOUR yoga on the beach or hang glide over From Port Stephens, it’s a lengthy but the lighthouse. Load up on produce worthy detour inland to Barrington Tops from the organic markets, check out National Park – a World Heritage-listed the eco-conscious dining scene or find wilderness of subtropical rainforest and inner peace at a rainforest retreat. extinct volcanic peaks. Canoe pristine It’s a scenic 90-minute drive from rivers, horse ride mountain trails, bird here to the Gold Coast, where the big watch and bushwalk. You can even extend things aren’t just confined to beaches, your stay with a night or few in a spa lodge buildings and theme parks. See the Big or secluded cabin. Alternatively, stick to Golf Ball in Broadbeach, a the big Hard the highway and some gorgeous coastal Rock Café guitar in Surfers Paradise and detours. Fish or scuba dive from Seal the Big Pie in Yatala. Stay overnight in a Rocks, enjoy Forster’s beaches and visit high rise by the sand of Surfers Paradise dramatic Ellenborough Falls near Taree. or a hinterland retreat. ITINERARY DAY SEVEN TO TEN GOLD COAST TO BRISBANE Head through Noosaville, where the November and February. Offshore, Lady Spend the day enjoying the beaches, Big Pelican sits contentedly next to the Musgrave and Lady Elliot islands are great shopping and irrepressible energy of the Noosa River. Contrast Mooloolaba’s Big for snorkel and diving. The coral reefs and Gold Coast. Ride the world-class waves Sausage with the Big Stubby in Noosa, cays shelter colourful fish, turtles, giant of Broadbeach, Kirra and Main Beach. a resort town better known for its stylish clams, sea stars, corals, anemones, eels, Or lie on the golden sand of Surfers boutiques, bistros and beachfront sponges, dolphins and a large population Paradise, where afterwards you can apartments. See a larger-then-life Ned of manta rays. Swim or fish at Elliot Heads, trawl the shops, cafes and restaurants Kelly in Maryborough, Queensland’s dive from Coral Cove and Innes Park or spot of lively Cavill Avenue. Snorkel or dive oldest provincial city before arriving in kangaroos in Woodgate Beach. the wreck of the Scottish Prince off Main the whale-watching town of Hervey Bay. BUNDABERG TO ROCKHAMPTON Beach or explore the artificial reef just North of Rainbow Beach, boats leave for off Narrow Neck. Inland lie three World World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the Drive through Miriam Vale, where a Big Heritage-listed national parks: Tamborine world’s largest sand island. Hire a 4WD Queensland Mud Crab is perched on top Mountain, Springbrook and Lamington. or join a tour to see the inland lakes, lush of a petrol station. Head into the scenic For theme park thrills, swim with dolphins rainforest and colourful sand formations. beachside Town of 1770, named after the at Sea World, watch movies being made Extend your stay with a few nights in a year it was discovered by Captain Cook. On at Movie World and survive the mother resort, cabin or tent on the beach. a detour inland, you can bushwalk the lush of all tidal waves at Dreamworld. Once rainforest of Cania Gorge National Park FRASER ISLAND TO BUNDABERG you’ve dosed up on fun, do the hour drive and marvel at the ancient Mystery Craters to sub-tropical Brisbane. See the Big Cross back to the mainland and continue in Eurimbula National Park. Next stop is Paperclip in Brisbane’s West End or drive your journey to Bundaberg, historic sugar the green city of Gladstone, surrounded west to the Lockyear Valley to get your cane city and gateway to the southern by rainforest gorges, lakes and beaches picture taken with the Big Red Elephant.