Legendary Pacific Coast

Before you set off, be sure to enjoy the bright lights and bustle of Australia's largest city, Sydney. If you haven't visited before, the harbour has to be one of your top priorities so you can get pics of those famous landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Taste your way through the city's sophisticated food and drink scene. And if you're visiting in summer, Sydney's beaches are also must-dos.

But, if we're honest, the best part about starting your Legendary Pacific Coast Drive is leaving behind the bustle of Sydney and hitting the open road!

Your first stop is the sparkling Central Coast, where gorgeous beaches meet funky seaside towns and pristine national parks. The Central Coast is a treasure trove of natural delights, and there are plenty of highlights to check out.

Stop by the most Instagrammable icon on this stretch of coast, Norah Head Lighthouse. Take the short walking track that winds down to the beach below so you can enjoy views of the lighthouse from all perspectives.

If you've worked up a thirst, no stress! The Central Coast is home to a heckin' good craft brewery scene. Stop by the area's first 100% homegrown microbrewery, Six Strings Brewing Co., and try their fabulous range of handcrafted beers.

Feeling peckish? The Central Coast has something for that too. From groovy coffee houses to stylish restaurants with waterfront views, you won't have any problems finding nosh to suit all tastes.

Next stop, Newcastle! This harbour city might be small compared to its southern relative, Sydney, but we reckon Newie has all the good bits of a metropolis, minus the traffic.

This city boasts spectacular beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, world-class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and a culture of creativity.

When you get here, the first thing to do is slip, slop, slap, and head straight for the sand. The best part about Newcastle's beaches is you won't have to share them with crowds of people. There is sure to be a spot along the 32 kilometres of Stockton Beach that you can have all to yourself! This beach is also home to a veritable desert-load of dunes, where you can sandboard till your heart's content.

Stop by Bogey Hole, an ocean-fed pool carved from the rocks in 1819 by convicts for the personal use of Commandant Morisset. The rockpool can become unsafe at high tide, so always check the tide times and forecast before going for a dip.

Once you've sampled the delights of the city, get your tastebuds ready for the journey of a lifetime. Newcastle lies at the doorstep of the Hunter Valley, one of the country's top wine regions. Can't decide who gets the unfortunate job of the designated driver? You don't have to! There are plenty of Hunter Valley wine tours leaving from Newcastle, so you can sit back, relax and be chauffeured around all the best wineries in the region.

This leg of the drive is the longest of the entire journey, but don't be daunted: there are loads of places to check out along the way.

About halfway through the day's drive, stop to soak up the laid-back beachy vibes of Forster and Tuncurry. The twin seaside towns are split by a 2-kilometre bridge and revolve around the water. Pastimes here include coastal walks, fishing and water-based adventure activities. Sink your toes into the pristine white sands of One Mile Beach, take a walk to the Cape Hawke Lookout or head out on a fishing charter.

Continue north for another hour and you'll find yourself Crowdy Head. Stop by the adorably tiny Crowdy Head Lighthouse, then explore the vast beaches that stretch out on either side. North Beach is great for swimming as it is protected and patrolled in summer, whereas the quieter South Beach is ideal for long strolls.

Further up the coast, check out Port Macquarie, a coastal town complete with 17 beaches, misty hinterland and heaps to see and do. If you wanted, you could add a whole day or two to your trip to make the most of this town's offerings.

Next up is Coffs Harbour. With its beaches, bushwalking, wildlife sanctuaries, thriving cultural scene and iconic Big Banana, this place will be hard not to fall in love with.

Be sure to stop by the Jetty Foreshore, where you'll find some of the town's best bars, cafes and restaurants. On Sundays, the Harbourside Market is held here and showcases the creative spirit of Coffs.

About an hour and a half north of Coffs is the sweet seaside town of Yamba. As soon as you arrive in this coastal region, you'll start to feel the relaxed vibes. This town was once a sleepy fishing village, and today it makes for the ultimate weekend beach break, minus the crowds.

There is no shortage of beaches in Yamba. Check out Main Beach, where the ocean pool, carved into the rocks, and a surf lifesaving club that's stood for over a century make it a quintessential and quaint Aussie beach.

If you like your beaches secluded, Spooky Beach (or Spooks to locals) is the place to go. For a hidden gem, wander up the track on the southern end of Spooks to Blue Pool. This charming swimming hole was formed from a historic quarry that filled up with groundwater.

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the town is to go on one of the two self-guided Yamba Historical Walks, which meander around the area's top historical landmarks.

From Yamba, it's only a hop, skip and a jump up the coast to Byron Bay, arguably Australia's most iconic coastal town. This hip and happening destination is where Hollywood stars come to relax, and it's not surprising why.

Life in Byron revolves around, you guessed it, the beach. First things first, chuck your togs on and head straight for Main Beach, which lies directly in front of the town. Then, after a morning chilling out in the sea and on the sand, head to one of the many cafes for a cheeky brunch, and don't worry that you're still wearing your bikinis or boardies; they're pretty much the uniform here.

Another must-do Byron experience is the Cape Byron Walking Track. This 3.7-kilometre loop winds along the headland through palm groves, over spectacular beaches and clifftops, and up to the gorgeous Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point of mainland Australia.

Byron is also the birthplace of many world-renowned fashion labels, so it's no surprise that the shopping here is fantastic. As you wander through town, it'll be hard not to spend all your dosh on the clothes and homewares catching your eye through storefront windows.

After all that shopping, you'll have quite the appetite. So, settle in for a feed at one of the fantastic restaurants in the downtown area. Whether you're fangin' for an American-style burger, vegan falafel or a super fancy dining experience, you won't have to look far to find the feast you've been craving.

After chillaxing in Byron for a spell, it's time to get moving. This part of the road trip will take you across the border into the Sunshine State! The Gold Coast stretches along the Southeast Queensland coast, from Coolangatta up to Southport. It's a large area, which means that whether you're in the mood for a buzzing holiday hotspot, a laid-back beach break or a hinterland escape, you won't be disappointed.

The lively centre of the Goldie is made up of Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads. These places bustle with beachgoers during the day and explode with a glitzy nightlife when the sun goes down.

The southern part of the Gold Coast takes things a little slower. Currumbin, Kirra and Coolangatta are old school Aussie coastal communities, each with a stellar surf break and friendly locals.

While the Gold Coast is world-renowned for its beaches, it also offers a treasure trove of natural delights just 30 minutes inland. The Gold Coast Hinterland is home to ancient national parks, vineyards, artsy villages, and delish food and wine.

Hop on the highway again and set off on the final leg of your journey. From the Gold Coast to Brisbane it's an easy hour-long drive.

Brisbane is the capital of the Sunshine State and the living here is easy. While you're not on the coast like you have been for the journey so far, this city is home to a laid-back charm that rivals the best seaside towns.

The riverside city is a melting pot of creativity, with art galleries dotted around town and installations and events lighting up the city's calendar year round.

There are also plenty of funky dining precincts around the city, so you won't have to look far for whatever you're craving.

Life in Brissie revolves around the great outdoors, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the many natural gifts on offer.

Go for a sunrise paddleboard on the Brisbane River. Roll out a picnic blanket in the Roma Street Parklands or Botanical Gardens. We also suggest throwing on the walking shoes for the two-kilometre Summit Track up Mount Coot-tha. Do this at dawn for the ultimate sun salutation: views over Brisbane City (as well as a great café) at the lookout.