Gold Coast to Sydney Road trip [2nd Aug – 15th Aug’19]

With the 1st short road trip in year 2018, I mustered the courage and confidence to go for a longer road trip, covering two cities in Australia; Gold Coast and Sydney.

The initial planning was to stay at one city, till my research gone wilder to extend the driving distance, at the same time making sure that I did not rush things up.

Our flight from Singapore to Gold Coast depart at 10.15 pm by Scoot airline, and landed our destination at approximately 7.40 am. Upon arrival, I headed straight to purchase a SIM card, a quick toilet trip before calling the Apex car rental to drive us to their office by mini shuttle van (free). Or you can also walk around 10-15 minutes to their office.

Collected our car and we set off the first day entirely at Gold Coast city region. We spend 1 and a half day at the Gold Coast city region before setting off to other cities. The original stopovers plan was :

2nd Aug’19

However, due to time limitation/missed the specific time attractions, the plan was eventually minimized to _______ (as per bold above)

We skipped the theme parks at Gold Coast, which I am full aware was one of the must-go when going Gold Coast. However, we did not want to waste time on theme parks that are usually the same experiences. However, if you are keen, can consider going either Warners Bro or Dream World Gold Coast. Both theme parks have pretty good reviews.

We missed out the timing (8am and 4pm) for free feeding of Lorikeet bird at Currumbin Wildlife Santuary. However, if you have the time opportunity, definitely you should head over for the experience.

3rd Aug’19

Next day, the original plan goes like this; with the bold portion that we went to:

Carrara market [8.30 am] -> Kirra Hill Lookout @ Coolangatta Beach [12 pm] -> The Farm Byron Bay & Three Blue Duck [1pm] -> North Beach Station for Byron Bay train [2.15 pm] -> Cape Byron lighthouse [4.30 pm] -> Airbnb

I have listed the time beside each places, this better helped me to gauge and factor in:

• If there is a need to skip some attractions (if yes, which one am I willing to forgo?)
• Operating time of attraction (if applicable)
• how many attractions am I able to put in a day [latest ~5 pm due to less daylight during winter season]

Experience the Byron Bay train by parking your car at North Beach station (FOC), and purchase a ticket directly from the area. We took the train two-ways and headed back to the North Beach station before heading off to our airbnb destination. The photo was taken at 7.15pm, which was already pitched dark. Hence, plan your time wisely and if not confident to drive for long distance in night environment, advice to book a Airbnb nearby.

4th Aug 2019

Next day, we managed to complete the original travel as planned without any rush for each destination. However, we missed out on the allocated time for free guided tour at 3 pm. At least we are still able to see the Koalas up-close through the fence.

Korora Lookout [9.30 am] -> The Big Banana Fun park [10.30 am] -> The Honey Place [12.30 pm] -> Koala Hospital [2.45 pm] -> Tacking Lighthouse [3.30 pm] -> AIRBNB

Total KM: 203.6 km

The plan flow was more relaxing such that we don’t feel exhausted since the previous day we end our plan pretty late. Hence, it is always good to plan the next day activity by factoring in the energy consumed previous day as well as the next day. Obviously, next day going to be lots of perspiring and workout as we are heading to SAND DUNES :>

5th Aug 2019

This day was planned focusing on unleashing our physical energy and stamina. Sweat out! Apparently, my friend and I also decided to wake up before the sunrise (around 4.30 am-ish). But too bad there wasn’t a good sunrise view, but we had a great time photo bomb over there as well as enjoying the fresh wind and scenery. Pretty refreshing :> Oh yeah~ we went back to Lighthouse Beach for the failed attempt sunrise. Haha~ I still remember my friend was wearing her pajamas.

Stockton Sand dunes [12.15 pm] -> Barramundi Farm [2 pm] -> Tomaree Head Hike [3.30 pm] -> AIRBNB

Before that… We had our quick lunch at nearby the shuttle bus meeting point (apparently at that time, we aren’t sure where is the exact meeting point and went to the wrong shuttle bus company, hehe :x).

Next destination is more physical workout –> HIKING

We also managed to cover two attractions as both requires long duration. Well~ if only workout can be that fun everyday, I would really love to workout daily.

The next two days was spend at Blue Mountain, admiring the natural and the rides. Do note that staycation over here is costly as it is a prime tourist attractions. Remember to also purchase your blue mountain rides online so you can avoid Q-ing up.

[I shall continue the post when I am available]