Australian Drive in December

[kapitan]

Well, its time to plan the family holiday. After looking at my schedule, I will have a business trip down under and ending in Brisbane on or about 10th Dec. So the plan is to fly the family down to join me at BNE and then rent a car and drive southwards, stopping in Sydney to meet some friends and then ending in Melbourne to meet more friends and from the fly back.

Probably 3 days each in Brisbane/Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne and about 3 nights stopping during the drive between the cities.

What is there nice to do other then going to the Theme Parks at Gold Coast and the casino?

[9V-JKL]

Why drive when you can fly. Have paid A$20.90 all in (including 1 check-bag) for AVV to SYD on JQ.

[kapitan]

Why drive when you can fly. Have paid A$20.90 all in (including 1 check-bag) for AVV to SYD on JQ.

family holiday, no rush, see country and coast, try to see wild koala... blah blah blah...

[Kyo]

That's a rather long couple of drives you've got there. Don't underestimate each one, they are LONG, and especially with a family in tow, maybe rather difficult.

The BNE-SYD leg is interesting enough going by the Pacific Highway, however that takes you a longer time to get there (something like 12 hours-ish, depending on how many breaks in between you take). The inland route... is boring (nothing in Newcastle, by the way). I've done both routes a few times by car and every time I just wish I'd flown by the time I've arrived.

3 days is about right for Brisbane/Gold Coast, there are more than enough things to do on the Gold Coast besides the theme parks. If you're into seeing native wildlife, you can consider Currumbin Sanctuary (the only place 'enroute' for you to hold a koala and take photos with family - I just did this back in August this year, I've done research and it's the only one out of 4 places that's more catered for tourists in BNE/GC area), but I find theme parks like Seaworld better overall for the family.

Brisbane is spread out enough that you can consider doing a day each at the Sunshine Coast, then Brisbane, then Gold Coast on your way down. Byron Bay is worth a stop (Easternmost point of Australia), the lookout from the lighthouse is stunning. You can consider stopping at Port Macquarie also to break up the long drive. Lots of nice scenery also - my favourite was Coff's Harbour. There's a lighthouse there, I think, awesome!

Disclaimer: I'm not into lighthouses but they are the landmarks I recall vividly.

[kapitan]

yes Kyo, I know the drive will be long, and that's where the fun is.... I have plans for stopping overnight during the two long drives.... and it is always been a wish (dream) for me to drive the route... likely be renting a 3.6 litre car for the whole period.. thanks for the tips, will research more on what you mentioned.

oh btw, some years back I did a caravan drive all over Tasmania, it was fun, fun and fun...

[Kyo]

Then, I wish you a safe trip and bring plenty of sunscreen and pack some iced drinks in the eski, because SUMMER will be a wall of heat when you're going

I also did a drive all over Tassie last November, fun but I prefer driving all over NZ, far more, actually.

[kapitan]

Then, I wish you a safe trip and bring plenty of sunscreen and pack some iced drinks in the eski, because SUMMER will be a wall of heat when you're going

I also did a drive all over Tassie last November, fun but I prefer driving all over NZ, far more, actually.

NZ drive, maybe next year's plan...

[jammed]

Kapitan, I have to agree with Kyo, these will be long drives. I do the Sydney-Canberra several times: it's abt 3.5 hrs, and pl keep to the speed limits, esp when you are ard the NSW and ACT borders, am told cops here wait for these opportunities to raise revenue.

Fren just drove 700+ km from Melbourne to visit last weekend, took him 8 hrs each way.

I'll leave Lonely Planet to highlight rest, but if you want to overnight in Canberra, a place worth visiting is prob Cockington Green Garden, a miniature park kids prob thrilled with.

[blast-off]

Well, its time to plan the family holiday. After looking at my schedule, I will have a business trip down under and ending in Brisbane on or about 10th Dec. So the plan is to fly the family down to join me at BNE and then rent a car and drive southwards, stopping in Sydney to meet some friends and then ending in Melbourne to meet more friends and from the fly back.

Probably 3 days each in Brisbane/Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne and about 3 nights stopping during the drive between the cities.

What is there nice to do other then going to the Theme Parks at Gold Coast and the casino?

If you drive down to surfers paradise, there's a steak house a bit further down towards coolangatta called Mike's Kitchen... Ribs are amazing...

[ADL_SQ]

Kapitan - another option for something different near the Gold Coast is the Lamington National Park. You could visit O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat ...
1-1.5 hrs from the Gold Coast.

http://www.oreillys.com.au/

There is even a little bit of Australian aviation history associated with that location :-)

There is lots of fun stuff/activities there to do for 1-2 days. The spa is highly recommended .... and the glow-worms! The drive up there is very twisty-turny however.

[CHG89]

Good day Kapitan. I will be doing the Brisbane to Sydney drive too but mine is in late Dec. I am planning to stop at Coff Harbour where there is a marine park that kids will enjoy the dolphin encounters. I will be taking the coastal route and estimate to be around 12 hours ( leaving BNE at 4.30am . There are also other stops that are interesting including Byron Bay/Kingscliff or detour to Hunter Valley. I stayed at the Peppers at Kingscliff several times and they are good value. At Byron Bay there is a accomodation Villa of Bryon which comes with a private pool ( perfect for Dec humid weather)

To the north of BNE you can consider Fraser Island. Its really beautiful and the lake Mckenzie/ Eli Creek are must do. Enroute do take the slow drive through glass house mountains and little villages like Maleny and Montville for some scones and jams

Cheers!

[Lobster]

I did this drive but the other way around about 10 years ago. I really enjoyed it. Take it easy and enjoy the countryside. We were a bit rushed on the Sydney Brisbane leg so did not get to see much. From Melbourne to Sydney we went through the snowy mountains which were beautiful.

[CarbonMan]

I agree with the folks, they are very long drives indeed. Hunter Valley is a great stopover between BNE and SYD. Wine and food are both excellent. Plus they do great balloon rides in the early morning. Not cheap but great family things-to-do, and especially if you love photography.

Between SYD and MEL, it all depends on which route you take. There's the quicker, inland route via Canberra or the coastal route. If you have time and love driving on curvy roads, breath-taking views, I recommend the coastal route straight down via Wollongong. Make sure you don't rush this latter route though - small roads mostly.

Enjoy!

[kapitan]

Two weeks ago before I left for EU, I check and found that AirAsia was selling Melbourne Singapore via KL one way at 500 plus for 24th Dec departure .... checked today and found that price has doubled...... damned...... so went into SQ and made a BRS - SIN redemption and is now waitlisted until 4th Dec...... do you guys think SQ will mail me and tell me good news?......

[CarbonMan]

do you guys think SQ will mail me and tell me good news?......

I truly wish you all the very best but ... it's the school holidays, no?