The East Coast of Australia with Family

On arrival at the airport, your driver greets you and takes you to your hotel in the city centre. Once settled in, head out to breathe in the sea air on the quays of Circular Quay. This is where the city's heart beats, facing the white sails of the Opera House and the imposing Harbour Bridge. Soak up this unique harbour atmosphere and end the day with dinner at your leisure in the historic Rocks district or at Darling Harbour.

This morning, board the ferry for a spectacular crossing to Manly Beach. The trip offers a wonderful urban panorama. Once there, stroll along the Corso or extend your walk to the small cove of Shelly Beach for a refreshing swim. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before catching the ferry back in the late afternoon. The return trip at sunset, with the skyline lighting up over the water, is a moment of pure magic.

Discover Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous beach and a true temple of surfing. Take part of the coastal walk that winds above the cliffs towards Coogee for stunning views over the Pacific. The afternoon is free, choose your own vibe. You can go and meet the local wildlife at Taronga Zoo with its sweeping view over the bay, or opt for a shopping session in the Victorian lanes and designer boutiques of the trendy Paddington district.

Pick up your hire car and leave the urban bustle behind, heading north. You reach Port Stephens, a magnificent blue bay fringed with vegetation. Settle in and enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to board a dolphin-watching cruise, permanent residents of these calm waters. End the day with a stroll along the waterfront, lulled by the lapping water and the mild climate.

Experience an extraordinary day at the heart of the Stockton Beach dunes, the largest moving dune system in the southern hemisphere. The landscape is surreal, evoking a Sahara by the sea. Depending on your preferences, choose from various options: race down the slopes on a sandboard for a thrill, enjoy a walk along the sand ridges, or set off for a kayak trip. In the evening, admire the sunset setting the horizon ablaze from the beach, a typically Australian spectacle.

Continue your journey to Port Macquarie, an ideal stop to break up the drive. Stretch your legs on the Coastal Walk, a purpose-built trail that follows the shoreline, offering superb views over painted rocks and the ocean. The region is also known for its koala population; you can take advantage of your stop to visit the hospital dedicated to these iconic marsupials if time allows. The atmosphere here is relaxing and authentic.

Enjoy a short leg to reach Coffs Harbour. This is the perfect place to slow down and taste Australian easy living. Walk along the historic jetty, explore the golden beaches or venture towards Muttonbird Island to watch seabirds. Depending on the season and your preferences, a simple snorkelling session or a mini-cruise can round off this day devoted to relaxation.

Set course for Byron Bay, a true icon of the East Coast. As soon as you arrive, you feel this unique, resolutely bohemian and laid-back atmosphere. Settle into your accommodation and dive into the local vibe. You can spend the evening browsing designer boutiques or enjoying a fresh juice in an organic café. At the end of the day, head to the beach for the sunset ritual to the sound of djembe drums.

Start the morning with the unmissable climb to the Byron Bay Lighthouse, the easternmost point of the continent. Keep an eye out: it's not uncommon to spot dolphins or, in season, whales from up there. The afternoon is free, use it to change scenery by exploring the lush hinterland. You can wind along small roads lined with farms or discover colourful local markets.

A short drive takes you to the Gold Coast, famous for its skyline rising against the ocean. The atmosphere changes radically, becoming more festive and urban. Enjoy the immense fine sandy beaches watched over by the famous lifeguards. During this free afternoon, you can relax with a swim or a walk by the water, or discover the large shopping centres for a shopping session.

Head back north to reach Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast. This elegant seaside resort has preserved its natural charm with its low-rise buildings and ever-present vegetation. Settle in and end the day with a gentle walk along the beach, lined with a pandanus forest.

Devote your day to Noosa National Park, a true gem accessible on foot from the town. The trails follow the coast and offer spectacular views over turquoise coves such as Tea Tree Bay. Look up at the eucalyptus trees, you might spot a dozing koala. Enjoy free time in town, where you could treat yourself to an artisan ice cream and a spot of shopping.

Take the road to Hervey Bay, a peaceful coastal town known, in season, as the whale-watching capital. It is above all the starting point for K'gari, Fraser Island. Spend the afternoon relaxing along the endless esplanade. At the end of the day, admire the sunset over the calm waters of the bay, offering a soothing prelude to the next day's adventure.

Enjoy a free day to explore Hervey Bay at your own pace. Walk along the huge esplanade that runs beside the ocean, ideal for a morning walk or a bike ride. Head to the famous Urangan Pier, a historic jetty nearly a kilometre long, perfect for watching fishermen and perhaps spotting dolphins offshore. You can also wander through the botanic gardens or simply relax on the calm sand of Torquay Beach.

This is the longest leg of your trip, a true road trip in Australia experience. You head north into the tropics, crossing landscapes of bush, grazing land and sugar cane fields. You cross the Tropic of Capricorn. Your journey takes you all the way to Airlie Beach, where the warm air and palm trees instantly immerse you in a tropical, festive atmosphere.

After the previous day's drive, treat yourself to a well-deserved day of rest. Airlie Beach is a laid-back small town turned towards the sea. Enjoy its huge free artificial lagoon to swim safely. Browse the souvenir shops, relax on the terraces or stroll along the waterfront. At the end of the day, admire the sunset over the marina before the next day's maritime exploration.

Board an unforgettable cruise through the heart of the Whitsundays archipelago. You sail to Whitehaven Beach, an immaculate gem of the Coral Sea. Walk on this dazzling white silica sand and swim in unreally blue waters. Weather permitting, put on mask and snorkel to observe the colourful marine life. A postcard-perfect day that will stay etched in your memory.

Take the wheel again heading north to reach Mission Beach. The road passes increasingly tropical landscapes. You arrive in a small, tranquil paradise where the rainforest seems to spill into the ocean. Here, time stands still. The huge beaches lined with coconut trees invite contemplation.

Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the surroundings. Mission Beach is one of the best places to spot the cassowary, the region's iconic prehistoric bird. You can simply relax, head out for a walk on the forest trails, or discover waterfalls and rivers in the lush hinterland. The peaceful atmosphere of this village is perfect for reconnecting with nature before reaching the buzz of Cairns.

Take your last drive to reach Cairns, the capital of tropical North Queensland. Settle in and discover this lively city facing the sea. Stroll along the bustling Esplanade and enjoy its huge public lagoon, a favourite meeting spot for locals and travellers alike. The tropical atmosphere is at its peak, perfect for celebrating the end of your road journey.

End your trip to Australia in style with a full-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Equipped with mask and snorkel, dive into the world's largest natural aquarium. Swim among multicoloured fish, turtles and fascinating corals. Back on shore, with your head full of memories, you head to Cairns International Airport. Safe travels home and see you soon on the roads of Asia and the Pacific.