Leave Wollongong around 7:00 AM for the roughly 6½-hour drive north via the Princes Motorway, M1 Pacific Motorway and Pacific Highway. It is a straightforward but substantial driving day, so fuel up before leaving and plan a proper coffee stop rather than trying to rush it. After passing Port Macquarie, continue toward Taree and stop at the Manning River Foreshore for about 45 minutes. The riverside path is an easy leg-stretch, with lawns and picnic areas; bring takeaway coffee or snacks, as facilities can be limited depending on the exact foreshore section. Allow extra time for traffic around Sydney, Newcastle and roadworks on the Pacific Highway.
Continue north to The Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour, arriving in the early afternoon for a quick one-hour break. The landmark is just off the highway and easy to reach, with parking, toilets, a café and several paid attractions; you can simply take photos and grab something light without committing to the full park. Check attraction opening times on the day, as winter hours and individual rides can vary, and keep an eye on the clock for the final drive to Macksville. Once checked in, spend about 45 minutes at Macksville Riverside Park, an uncomplicated place to unwind beside the Nambucca River—particularly pleasant in the late afternoon when the light softens over the water.
Have dinner at The Garden Bar & Kitchen, a relaxed local option for modern Australian fare, with roughly A$25–45 per person expected for a main meal. Confirm the Tuesday evening service and book ahead if your accommodation is hosting a busy weekend-style crowd, as smaller regional venues can have limited seating or adjusted winter hours. After dinner, keep the evening easy: you will have covered a long distance, and Macksville is best enjoyed at this pace rather than adding another outing.
Leave Macksville around 7:30 AM and allow roughly 4½–5 hours to reach the Gold Coast, including a fuel and coffee stop and possible Queensland border traffic. Rather than heading straight to your accommodation, make Murwillumbah your first proper break. The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is a calm late-morning stop with Australian art, a faithfully recreated artist’s studio, and broad valley views; allow about 1½ hours. Check the gallery’s current opening hours before setting out—typically it opens from 10:00 AM—and parking is straightforward on site. From the gallery, allow about 30 minutes by car to the next stop.
Continue to Currumbin Rock Pools for an hour of fresh air beside the creek. The pools and rainforest setting are particularly pleasant in winter, although the water can be cold and swimming conditions vary after rain; wear sturdy shoes and bring a towel. Parking can fill quickly on sunny days, so keep this visit brief and avoid lingering if the designated areas are busy. It is about a 25-minute drive from the rock pools to Burleigh Head National Park. Follow the coastal track toward the headland for ocean views and excellent angles back toward the Gold Coast skyline—allow 1–1½ hours, and carry water because the path includes some short climbs. Park near Burleigh Heads where available, or use nearby paid parking and walk in.
After the walk, take a short stroll around Burleigh Beach before dinner at Rick Shores, right beside the sand. The menu is Asian-inspired, and the famous Moreton Bay bug roll is a good choice alongside a few dishes to share; expect around A$35–60 per person before drinks. Book ahead for an evening table, especially on a Monday in peak school-holiday periods, and confirm the kitchen’s current hours. If you are staying elsewhere on the Gold Coast, allow 20–30 minutes by car from central areas and check whether your accommodation offers parking, as Burleigh’s beachfront spaces become scarce after sunset.
Start at SkyPoint Observation Deck in Surfers Paradise, ideally around 9:00 AM. Allow about an hour for the lift up Q1 and the wide views over the coastline, hinterland and high-rise strip; check the exact opening time and book ahead if you want to avoid queues. Standard admission is commonly around A$35–45 per adult. Afterward, walk down to Surfers Paradise Beach—it is only a few minutes from Q1—for roughly 90 minutes by the water. Swim only between the red and yellow flags, and keep valuables secured while you are on the sand. Metered and paid parking around central Surfers Paradise is convenient but expensive; if your accommodation has a tram stop nearby, the G:link is usually easier than driving.
Head south along the Gold Coast Highway to Miami Marketta in Miami, allowing about 15–25 minutes by car depending on traffic. Its food stalls and small vendors make this a relaxed early-afternoon lunch, with about A$20–35 per person being a sensible budget. Marketta’s trading schedule varies by day and event, so confirm the August 18 opening hours before setting out; some sessions are more evening-focused than daytime. There is limited parking around the venue, with additional street parking a short walk away, so arrive with a little patience rather than circling for the closest space.
Continue inland to the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens in Benowa, roughly 15–20 minutes from Miami. Spend about 90 minutes wandering the themed plantings and lakeside paths; entry is free, and daylight is particularly pleasant here in winter. From the gardens, allow around 10–15 minutes to reach HOTA Gallery in Bundall. Finish with its contemporary Australian exhibitions and, if available, an evening program or performance. Gallery admission and event prices vary, while the main exhibition spaces generally close earlier than the broader HOTA precinct, so check the day’s closing time before leaving Benowa. Parking is available in the precinct, though public transport or a short rideshare is simpler if you plan to have drinks with dinner.
Leave the Gold Coast around 6:30 AM for the long drive south via the M1 Pacific Motorway and Pacific Highway. Allow 11–12 hours in total, including fuel, traffic and proper breaks; this is an exhausting return day, so share the driving if possible and avoid treating the times as tight commitments. Late morning, pull into Yamba for about 45 minutes at Yamba Lighthouse and Pilot Hill. The short coastal stop gives you fresh air and excellent views over Turners Beach and the river mouth. Parking is usually available nearby, but wind can be strong in winter, so bring a warm layer.
Continue south to Port Macquarie, aiming for an early-afternoon lunch and stretch at Town Beach. Walk the waterfront toward the Port Macquarie Breakwall, where the painted rocks make a memorable, easy-going stop; allow around an hour rather than rushing to the far end. Before leaving, spend about 30 minutes at The Source Bulk Foods Port Macquarie on Hay Street for trail mix, dried fruit, snacks and a takeaway drink. Check the shop’s current weekday hours before relying on it, as smaller retailers can change closing times. Keep the main meal substantial here—something quick around the town centre is more sensible than trying to push through hungry.
From Port Macquarie, continue south through Newcastle and around Sydney, then take the Princes Motorway toward Wollongong. If daylight, fatigue and traffic still allow, use the Grand Pacific Drive for the final coastal approach toward Kiama rather than making extra stops inland. Finish with roughly 45 minutes at the Kiama Blowhole, checking the swell and wind from the viewing platforms; it is free and most impressive in rougher seas, though spray can be heavy. From Kiama, allow about 25–35 minutes back to Wollongong via the Princes Motorway. If you are running late or tired, skip the scenic detour and go directly to your accommodation—the coastal stop is worthwhile only if it does not compromise safe driving.