Travel North of Sydney

Driving north of Sydney to the delightful town of Armidale is a great way to experience the national parks and rural regions of New South Wales. Thunderbolt's Way is named after Australia's "Gentleman" bushranger, Fred Ward, alias Captain Thunderbolt, who roamed these parts in the 19th century. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside as you make your way north. The road passes through thickly forested mountain areas and farmlands with many nature reserves and fishing spots located close to the main road. If you add this to your Wish List we will incorporate this route into a suggested self drive vacation from Sydney to Brisbane.

The university city of Armidale, located high in the beautiful New England region of northern New South Wales is an ideal stopover point for vacationers making their way between Sydney and the northern state of Queensland. It has a rich history from the early days of European settlement and today it is home to elegant cathedrals, churches, pastorial homesteads, historic monuments and heritage buildings. This is your opportunity to experience another side of Australia, to meet friendly people from the countryside, away from the rush of the cities. If you add this to your Wish List we will include a 2 night stay in your suggested vacation itinerary.

After Armidale we suggest driving to the coast via Waterfall Way, widely considered one of the finest driving routes in Australia. On this 125 mile road it is possible to visit one of Australia's most accessible World Heritage regions, the mighty Dorrigo National Park and Australia's second highest waterfall at Wollomombi. There's also the spectacular gorge country of the New England National Park and the vast Guy Fawkes National Park with beautiful Ebor Falls and sightings of grey kangaroos and wallabies. If you add this to your Wish List we will incorporate this route into your suggested self drive vacation.

On reaching the end of Waterfall Way most visitors then make their way to Byron Bay, a popular vacation destination for Australians and increasingly for overseas visitors, who are drawn to its numerous white sand beaches, unspoilt hinterland and relaxed lifestyle. The lighthouse at Cape Byron is Australia's most easterly point, and from June to November it is a focal point for those watching the migration of thousands of Humpback whales making their way north to their breeding grounds. If you add this to your Wish List we will incorporate a two day visit to Byron Bay into your suggested self drive vacation.

This is a delightful region situated on the northern border of New South Wales before crossing into Queensland. Continue north of Byron Bay and make a turn-off to the town of Murwillumbah, passing through rainforests and small towns along the way. Visit magnificent Mount Warning before returning to the coast at Tweed Heads. Along Rainforest Way is the stunning scenery of six World Heritage Parks and numerous art galleries, cafes and wineries. At Tweed Heads explore the mighty Tweed River with a river cruise or the quiet nearby beaches of Kingscliff and Cabarita. If you add this to your Wish List we will incorporate this route into your suggested self drive vacation.