Find yourself always dreaming of your next holiday? Tossing up on taking the kids on a sun soaking, relaxing, take it as it comes trip? Or do you fancy a more organised, adrenaline pumping, exciting getaway? Either way, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned road trip. I’m sure the thought of the kids in the back seat giving each other noogies and horse bites might make you think I’m crazy for suggesting it, but the drive from Sydney to Brisbane along the sunny east coast will restore your faith.

First things first – A car

It doesn’t need to be the fanciest car in the car hire yard just one that will get you there without being met by a steaming radiator within the first 100km. Whatever you drive, a good tip for a road trip is car insurance. Those few extra dollars might be worth it if you get to the end of your holiday feeling more stressed than you did at the start! The other essentials of long distance driving apply – share the driving, don’t rush and take regular breaks.

First stop – Port Stephens

Just two hours north of Sydney along the Pacific Highway, Port Stephens is a great first stop. It is absolutely stunning. If you thought that Sydney harbour was good, wait until you see this. It’s 126,000 square metres of water give a relaxing environment to stop, catch your breath, and realise you’re on holiday! If the kids get reckless then Port Stephens is also known for its extensive dolphin population of which tours are available. It is a must-do when driving on the east coast.

Second stop – Port Macquarie  

What Aussie holiday would be complete without seeing a koala? Port Macquarie is home to the Koala Hospital which is the world’s leading koala research centre. A free tour around the hospital is a great thing to add to your Aussie experience and I am sure the kids will learn a lot. Port Macquarie is also home to some divine restaurants that should be taken advantage of. The general feel of Port Macquarie is brilliant with a wide range of activities to do but also that classy relax feel that you sometimes desire.

When moving northwards onto your next destination, it might pay to give the ‘Big Banana’ a visit. It is in the area of Coffs Harbour and it’s known for its fun rides and tours – well worth a visit to break up the drive.

Third stop – Byron Bay

Beaches. Beaches. Beaches. Byron is Australia in a nutshell, the typical surfer’s town. It literally has the best beaches in the whole of Australia so it would be a crime not to take a stroll down them. Byron neighbours Australia’s best national parks such as the Boat Harbour Nature Reserve and Broken Head Reserve. A leisurely stroll can be taken up to Cape Byron for the views of the surroundings and those beautiful beaches.

Fourth stop – The GC

No I don’t mean that dreaded TV show that sets a new level for bad, I mean the biggest tourist city in Australia. This city never sleeps and if the taste of the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour didn’t excite you enough, this is bound to. Gold Coast is home to four of the best theme parks in the Southern Hemisphere with SeaWorld giving you an insight into the sea animals and DreamWorld full of rides that are intimidating just to look at. The Gold Coast is the perfect place for a family holiday, and the kids will simply fall in love with it.

As soon as you drive into Surfers you will see the skyline boasting multiple high rise buildings, which means finding Gold Coast apartments for your family accommodation is relatively simple. The night life is pumping so make sure you go out for a meal in the main city to get a feel for the area.

After you have exhausted yourself running around all the theme parks, take an easy one hour drive to Brisbane, your final destination. Here you can sleep, eat and do that last minute shopping for the grandparents before moving on. The east coast is beautiful with all stops well worth it but these are a few that are perhaps better than the rest. Now go on, book a holiday already!