Australia’s legendary Pacific Coast drive will take you from Sydney in New South Wales with its prominent Opera House, spectacular harbor views, inherent beach culture and bustling city life across to the neighboring state of Queensland to its capital, Brisbane. Here the river curves its way through the city, where world-class art galleries, a live music scene and fabulous cafe culture all thrive set against the ancient cliffs of Kangaroo Point and the unmistakable landmark that is the Story Bridge.

The Pacific Coast is a diverse mix of lush hinterland, towering trees, rolling green hills and some of the best surf breaks in Australia. Visitors will discover seaside towns offering distinct local charm and an easy-going nature. Visitors can stroll uncrowded beaches and vibrant markets, drop into historic fisherman’s cooperatives for succulent fresh prawns or fish, and sample macadamias, avocados and tropical fruits from nearby farms. Restaurants enthusiastically translate the character of the region into mouthwatering, modern cuisine; and established surf clubs with outstanding views dish up hearty meals.

As the road winds its way around the pristine coastline, visitors will understand why this Australian coastal drive has captured the hearts of travelers for generations.

Unless you’re traveling during school holidays, this famed coastal drive is one you can plan as you go. A range of accommodations is available and not booking it all in advance frees you to stay longer in the places you love the most. Look online at websites such as www.wotif.com.au for hotels or www.stayz.com.au for holiday home rentals the night before you set off — there are some great places offered.

HUNTER VALLEY

So with Sydney’s striking Harbour Bridge framed in the rearview mirror, it’s time to hit the road.

Two and a half hours on the motorway takes you to Port Stephens, but wine enthusiasts might want to detour to Hunter Valley, home to more than 150 top-class wineries, vineyards and cellar doors. Join a day tour and take in the picturesque countryside as you go from one winery to the next.

To get there, just follow the signs to turn off the highway before you get to Newcastle. Hunter Valley’s wines are complemented by superb cuisine and boutique accommodations.

PORT STEPHENS

At Port Stephens, visitors will find a blue water paradise known for its beaches, bays and resident pods of bottlenose dolphins. The main center, Nelson Bay, offers dolphin-watching cruises or kayak trips. East of Nelson Bay is Shoal Bay. It’s slightly smaller and has a beautiful long beach that’s great for a refreshing morning swim. Most stops along the highway have local visitor information centers, a wonderful resource for hotel and activity options.

PORT MACQUARIE

With a stockpile of brochures and maps you’ll be set for the three-hour drive north to the vibrant coastal town of Port Macquarie. Positioned at the entrance to the subtropical coast, the town is packed with stunning natural attractions. Take the 9-kilometer coastal walk from the iconic breakwall on Town Green along the boardwalks that hug the coastline all the way up to the Tacking Point Lighthouse. From there it’s another 1.5 kilometers to the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. Relax in the Rainforest Cafe and enjoy a delicious lunch, morning or afternoon tea. The stop will replenish your energy so you can take in the sights, sounds and tranquility of the rainforest from the 1.3-kilometer elevated boardwalk.

In Port Macquarie, taste buds are spoiled with a variety of options. Devour fresh fish and chips down by the jetty, or enjoy light gourmet nibbles as the sun goes down, and have a glass of wine at one of the local bars overlooking the water. For something more formal, there is a choice of award-winning restaurants. At The Corner Restaurant, diners can soak up the sun with a leisurely breakfast on the terrace or savor a long lunch in style. At night, they’ll turn down the lights and tempt visitors with a sophisticated, contemporary menu.

Before leaving town, drop in at the world’s only koala hospital. It’s open daily and it’s free. Don’t miss the 3 p.m. Walk and Talk tour.

COFFS HARBOUR

From Port Macquarie it’s a two-hour drive to Coffs Harbour. Coffs, as locals call it, is a modern city with a small-town atmosphere and a preponderance of water-based activities making it hugely popular with families. On the way out of town you can’t miss "The Big Banana." Four years after the banana industry reached its peak in the 1960s, John Landi decided to build something big that would make drivers stop at his roadside banana stand. He had heard about a "Big Pineapple" in Hawaii (the huge metal pineapple that used to be in Iwilei) and thought that an eye-catching attraction would stop traffic. These days tourism is the mainstay of the local economy, so what became known as "The Big Banana" is no longer just a banana — it now boasts a multitude of rides and activities.

YAMBA

The road trip continues to the small coastal town of Yamba with its stylish village charm and its pristine beaches. It’s the perfect place to unwind and switch off after a long drive. There is a wide range of accommodations, including typical 1950s Australian beach houses. Some have views of the big blue sea so vast you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on a boat. Passers-by could easily wile away a day or three basking in the sun and reading a good book.

A little town just up the road is also worth a visit. Angourie is predominantly known for its world-famous right-hand point break. The waves round the point and wrap into the bay throwing out big, barrelling sections. You can stand at the point lookout and take it in or if you’re keen, make the trek down to the beach and catch a wave.

There are countless hidden gems along this route, including Lennox Head. An hour and a half from Yamba, this idyllic seaside town has a welcoming vibe, boutique shops and enticing cafes that line the street adjacent to the beach. Boasting another of Australia’s biggest and longest surf breaks, Lennox Head is growing in popularity.

BYRON BAY

A mere 20 minutes up the road, is Byron Bay. At Australia’s easternmost point, this bohemian beach paradise with its relaxed lifestyle has plenty to keep visitors occupied. It’s here that coastal surf culture flows into the hippie tide resulting in a great fusion of lifestyles.

If you’re after long, balmy days, reliable surf breaks and great food, Byron does it well. Take a sunrise stroll along the Cape Byron Walking Track to see the first rays of morning light and watch for whales making their annual migration (between May and November). Check out the Byron Bay Farmers Market if you’re in town on a Thursday (Butler Street Reserve from 8-11 a.m.). There’s all manner of produce offered but get in early.

Byron Bay is of a navigable size for the just-off-the-beach wanderer. From Main Beach step up to Asia Joe’s on Bay Lane for a big bowl of fresh, healthy stir-fry, curry or laksa. Inspired by street vendors across Southeast Asia, the menu offers great value and super taste.

A short stroll from Watego’s Beach is the tempting alfresco restaurant, Rae’s Fish Cafe. It’s true to its name sourcing the freshest local seafood, and it’s guaranteed you won’t forget the Moreton Bay bug (slipper lobster) served with lemon-grass spice crust with a sweet ginger, chili and lime syrup.

Visitors who’ve been lured into the surf at Belongil Beach can replenish their energy at the Treehouse on Belongil. Order the fish tacos or a wood-fired pizza and a cold beer, or stop in one evening for cocktails and live music.

GOLD COAST

As you leave behind the ambling milieu that is Byron Bay and close in on the Gold Coast, it’s a process of urbanization. Truly a surfer’s paradise, the Gold Coast is a string of suburbs that have developed like villages along a glorious coastline. The Gold Coast, a little over an hour north, offers some of the world’s most iconic surf beaches and breaks. With clean, golden sand and easy beach access, it’s an ideal destination for anyone who loves to surf. Snapper Rocks, the Gold Coast’s Super Bank, is the home of the first event on the ASP World Tour calendar — the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro. If you’re not into surfing, head inland and explore the waterfalls, rock pools and lush subtropical rainforest of the Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook and Lamington national parks.

BRISBANE

Finally, the road trip ends at Australia’s relaxed and sophisticated capital, Brisbane. Just an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast, the sleek, cosmopolitan city offers seemingly endless activities for visitors. Spend a day getting your bearings; jump aboard a CityCat ferry and explore the city and its riverside precincts. South Bank’s 17 hectares of lush parklands, unsurpassed eateries, stunning river views and year-round events make it a delightful place to relax at the end of your journey. Laze in the riverside gardens, swim in its lagoon and browse the night markets.

There’s nothing quite like exploring the beautiful Australian coastline on a self-drive vacation. For those of us who love to journey by road, the wide open spaces, magnificent scenery and the flexibility to set your own pace are pure luxury. The people you meet and the memories you make ensure it will be an experience that will last a lifetime, and one forever tempting you to return.