The Ultimate East Coast & Outback Road Trip

This tour is designed for active tourists who love travelling by car. You will travel in a comfortable Mercedes Valente Minibus (1-7 people) or a Toyota Coaster (14-19 people). We explore the East Coast of Australia from Sydney to Noosa, then head inland to explore the outback, including the Glass House Mountains, the artesian hot springs of Moree, and Dubbo. We finish our tour in Sydney after covering 3000 kilometres in 8 days. Every day we stop in a new place, staying in motels or cabins. We guarantee an unforgettable, positive experience.

We have adapted itineraries for seniors or families with small kids.

Day 1: Sydney to Port Stephens

Pick-up from Sydney and travel north.
Stop for camping on a beach near Port Stephens.
Enjoy a sunset with wild kangaroos.

Day 2: North Coast Journey

After breakfast, continue travelling along the coast.
Stop for lunch at a "Little Italy" style local restaurant.
Travel for camping on the beach near Ballina and enjoy the sunset with large pelicans.

Day 3: Gold Coast Exploration

After breakfast, continue along the coast to the Gold Coast.
Explore the highlights of the Gold Coast.
Stay on the Gold Coast overnight.

Day 4: Glass House Mountains & Noosa

Travel to the spectacular Glass House Mountains and climb Ngungun mountain for panoramic views.
Continue to Noosa for beach camping and enjoy the sunset or local nightlife.

Day 5: Journey to the Outback & Hot Springs

Travel inland off the coast towards Moree, crossing the Great Dividing Range.
Stop for a break in Texas, QLD.
Arrive in Moree to relax and enjoy the famous Artesian Hot Springs.

Day 6: Warrumbungles & Astronomy

Continue your outback journey, stopping at the Crystal Kingdom Museum.
Drive towards the Warrumbungle Mountains.
Visit Siding Spring Observatory, home to the largest optical telescope in Australia.
Enjoy views from lookouts in the Warrumbungle National Park before camping near Dubbo.

Day 7: Dubbo Zoo, Gold Mines & Wine

Visit the famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo for a safari-style experience.
Travel towards Orange, stopping at a historic gold mine.
Visit the "The Dish" Radio Telescope in Parkes.
Enjoy wine tasting at wineries in the Orange wine region.
Camp at Carcoar Dam, a mountain lake 900m above sea level.

Day 8: Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains & Return to Sydney

Travel to Jenolan Caves to see the spectacular Orient Cave.
Cross the Blue Mountains, visiting lookouts over the Great Blue Mountains Canyon.
Arrive back in Sydney in the evening.

Duration: 8 days.

BUDGET ESTIMATION (approximate road trip costs)

Expenses	2 PAX	4 PAX	6 PAX
Accommodation (Motels/Cabins approx. 3.5-4 stars for 7 nights)	$1,540 AUD	$3,080 AUD	$4,620 AUD
Private Guide, Vehicle & Fuel (8 Days, incl. Guide Accommodation)	$11,860 AUD	$11,860 AUD	$13,460 AUD
TOTAL	$13,400 AUD	$14,940 AUD	$18,080 AUD
PER PERSON	$6,700 AUD	$3,735 AUD	$3,013 AUD

Key Updates & Assumptions (2025 Rates)

Private Tour Costs: Based on rates of $1,250/day (1-4 PAX) and $1,450/day (6 PAX). Includes 8 days of private guiding and vehicle use.
Accommodation: Estimated at $220/night for standard motels/cabins in regional areas (Port Stephens, Gold Coast, Moree, Dubbo, Orange) for 7 nights.
Guide Accommodation: Includes 3-star motel coverage ($180/night) for the guide for all 7 nights away from Sydney.
Fuel Estimate: Includes an estimated $600 allowance for fuel for the ~3000km journey.