Start your adventure with a two-night stay at __Lincoln Downs Resort__. The coast-meets-country retreat is just eight minutes from the beach and set on 11 acres of gardens and private lakes, creating the perfect backdrop to enjoy your welcome bottle of wine and cheese platter. On your day of departure, enjoy a complimentary breakfast before hitting the northbound Princes Hwy. After 2 hours or so, turn off the highway to find __Jervis Bay__, home of some of Australia’s whitest sand. Stretch your legs with a wander along __Hyams Beach__, or take a longer break in __Huskisson__, where you can fish, sail or hop on a dolphin cruise. Where you stop next depends on your culinary preferences – seafood lovers should detour to __Greenwell Point__ to Jim Wild’s Oyster Service, where local rock oysters are shucked while you wait. If you have a sweet tooth, stop at __Berry__’s Famous Donut Van – the doughy delights are dusted with cinnamon and sugar and fresh out of the fryer. After a quick swim at Werri Beach in __Gerringong__ (weather permitting), it’s a straight shot to downtown Sydney. __Distance to Sydney__: 280km, 4 hours

Once you arrive in the heart of downtown, head straight to the __Harbour Rocks Hotel__. Don’t worry about finding a parking spot – the hotel has designated off-site parking so you can wander worry-free. Settle in for two nights in the Heritage Room before spending the day admiring the __Opera House__, __Harbour Bridge__ and other iconic landmarks. Stop for a pub lunch and a refreshing drink on the rooftop of __The Glenmore Hotel__, or check out the huge variety of restaurants and bars at Barangaroo Reserve. There are over 100 beaches in Sydney alone, so you’d be remiss not to check at least one out. The next day, wander down to __Circular Quay__ and hop on the iconic __Manly Ferry__. You’ll be able to admire the harbor from the sea, before disembarking and making your way to the shores of Manly Beach. Stop for a coffee at __Little Belgrave Cartel__ or __Silo Espresso__ along the way – both deal in specialty brews. After refueling, hop back in the car and cross the Bridge – it’s time to head to your next stop. __Distance to the Entrance__: 105km, 1.5 hours

As you head out of the city and make your way through lush greenery, consider stopping for some outdoor adventure in __Glenworth Valley__, one of Australia's largest horse riding centers. Weather permitting, head to one of the bustling beach towns — __Avoca Beach__, __Terrigal__ or __Ettalong Beach__ — for a swim and some lunch before continuing on to __Tuggerah Lake__ and __Pullman Magenta Shores__. The 52-acre resort has everything you need – a welcome drink on arrival, three swimming pools, an indulgent spa, a golf course and a beautiful restaurant. Should you wish to explore the town, the main street is just minutes away. On your second day, rent bicycles from the Visitor Information Center and follow the Tuggerah Lakes Cycleway for a gentle 12km ride between __Chittaway Bay__ and __Magenta__ (keep your eyes peeled for pelicans), or hit the championship golf course for 18 holes. The next morning, enjoy a complimentary breakfast before setting off – Nelson Bay is calling. __Distance to Nelson Bay__: 110km, 1hr 40mins

On your way you'll pass the state’s second largest city, __Newcastle__. It is home to growing gourmet scene, so stop by __Suspension__ or __Good Brother Espresso__ for a carefully crafted cup of coffee, or __Sprout Dining__ for lunch. After a post-lunch swim at __Stockton Beach__, it’s time to continue onto your next stop, __Nelson Bay__. Drop your bags off at __Mantra Nelson Bay__ before walking into town – you’ll find a host of restaurants and bars, as well as a range of beaches for an afternoon swim. Just up the road sits __[Port Stephens](https://luxuryescapes.com/offer/anchorage-port-stephens-new-south-wales/0062y000002LgtNAAS)__, where bottlenose dolphins are almost a permanent fixture. To increase your chances of seeing them, book onto one of the daily cruises. One afternoon, pop by the award-winning __Murray’s Brewery__ and __Port Stephens__ winery for a brewery tour and wine tasting. After your second night, it’s time to continue north, with a two-hour drive to the green palms and blue waters of Blueys Beach. __Distance to Bluey's Beach__: 140km, 1hr 45m

In Port Macquarie you can visit furry friends at the __Koala Hospital__; get up close and personal with over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds at __Billabong Zoo__, or meander along the area’s golden sands on a camel. Foodies can visit a strawberry farm to pick the ripest produce or sample oysters direct from the estuaries. A collection of wineries and breweries are also on hand to make sure you never go thirsty! When it comes to resting your head, you’ll be spoiled for choice – from boutique boltholes to larger resorts, there’s a spot for every type of traveler. Up and at ‘em – today is the longest day of driving, but there is a lot more to explore. Leave Port Macquarie early to make your way to __Coffs Harbour__. Stop for a coffee at Old Johns before waving to the __Big Banana__ on your way out of town. Rest for a late lunch just outside __Byron Bay__ at Three Blue Ducks, popping down the road to pick up a six-pack of Stone and Wood beer from their brewery. __Distance to Kingscliff__: 430km, 4h 45 min

It’s onto the final stretch – finish your epic coastal adventure in __Kingscliff__, collapsing into one of the king-sized beds at __Oaks Santai__. The Balinese-inspired resort is in the heart of the __Tweed Coast__ and is perfectly placed for you to explore the surrounding beaches. Watersports are dime a dozen here, with the chance to go surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing to your heart’s content. Go snorkeling with turtles less than 1km off __Fingal Headland__ (with the Sports Guru) or go for a __river cruise__ with Tweed Valley Cruises or Mount Warning Tours. The proximity to the water also means sensational seafood, served at restaurants like Fins, Taverna, Spice Den and Paper Daisy. During your stay, be sure to stop in to see where Ink Gin is made at __Husk Distillers__ and tour the 200-acre farm at __Tropical Fruit World__.