Planning Australia Free and Easy Self Drive Tour – Sydney to Gold Coast

The Year End Holiday Plan

To bring my family on a 7-day free and easy self drive tour in Australia, from Sydney to Gold Coast, together with my sister-in-law’s family, on the second week of December 2015.

Australia Map

Self Proposed Itinerary

Day 1: @Syndney | Paddy’s Market | Madame Tussards (close at 7pm) | The Rocks (+shopping) | Darling Harbour (dinner) | Night Cruise

Day 2: @Sydney |  Hop on Hop Off tour | Ferry pass | Jet boat ride | iMax (close 9pm) | Fish Market (Lunch) | Cruise Dinner

Day 3: @Sydney | Morning Herald Growers’ Market | Hertz (pick car) | Drive to Blue Mountain (2 hours) | @ Blue Mountain | Rail and Cable car | 3 sisters | shop | 1000 steps

Day 4: Drive to Port Stephens (2.5 hours) | @ Port Stephens | Sand Dunes | Camel Ride | Drive to Port MacQuarie (2.5 hours) | @ Port MacQuarie |Night Activities

Day 5: Drive to Coffs Harbour (2 hours) | @ Coffs Harbour | Service Centre | MacDonalds (lunch) | Drive to Gold Coast | @ Gold Coast | Ripley’s Believe it or not | Beach | Night Activities

Day 6: @ Gold Coast | Movie World | Apartment (self-cook dinner) | Night Shopping

Day 7: @ Gold Coast | Surfers Paradise Beach Front Market | Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (close 5pm) | Harbor Town Factory Outlet

Day 8: @ Gold Coast | Drive to Airport | Return Car | Fly Home

Renting a Car in Sydney Australia

Whale and Dolphin Watching in Sydney

  • Whale is cancelled because they swim away from Australia at the end of the year. :(
  • Where to see dolphins in or near Sydney Australia?
    • Dolphin Watch cruises at Jervis Bay, NSW. 3 hour drive south from Sydney.  About AU$35 per person for 1.5 hours.Sydney to Jervis Bay
    • Dolphin Swim Australia at Port Stephens, NSW. 2.5 hour drive north of Sydney.  About AU$60 per person for 4 hours.Sydney to Port Stephens
  • We may skip dolphin watching altogether due to tight schedule.
  • Plan another trip to watch the whales instead.

Trivial Questions that Popped Up

  • How big is Sydney? Where is the border?  Sydney Map

Sydney, Australia Travel Guide – Must-See Attractions  https://youtu.be/LpgoeCpxU1M

More Questions about getting around in Australia

Any unlimited data mobile fees?

  • 3 major telcos. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone
  • smaller telcos. Virgin, Lebara, Amaysim, TPG.
  • Need an unlocked phone.
  • Need a passport of ID.
  •  $49.
  • May be I will stick with Starhub international data roaming.
  • $18/Day DataRoam Daily Unlimited. Australia. Telstra. -http://www.starhub.com/personal/mobile/value-added-services/roaming/postpaid-roaming/coverage-18.html
  • Price stated is applicable for International Roaming subscribers. A 20% surcharge applies on top of prevailing rates for Pay-As-You-Roam subscribers. Promotion price is valid till 31 December 2015.  ^Not applicable to customers subscribing to RoamEasy. A 20% surcharge applies on top of prevailing rates for Pay-As-You-Roam subscribers.
  • How do I enjoy DataRoam Daily Unlimited?  Customers can simply log onto the designated preferred roaming operators in the designated countries/destinations to enjoy DataRoam Daily Unlimited.
  • Who can enjoy DataRoam Daily Unlimited? StarHub Mobile postpaid customers subscribing to either International Roaming or Pay-As-You-Roam service are eligible to enjoy DataRoam Daily Unlimited Promotion.  A 20% surcharge applies on top of prevailing rates for Pay-As-You-Roam subscribers. -http://www.starhub.com/personal/support/mobile/roaming/dataroam-unlimited-faq.html
  • How much data does google map use on a 4-hour drive? About 20MB. -https://m.reddit.com/r/androidapps/comments/2pe0qe/how_much_data_does_google_maps_use_for_a_4hour/

Sources:

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Author: AdrianLee
Hi, my name is Adrian Lee and I'm from sunny Singapore. I have a passion for technology and travel, and on this personal blog, I share my experiences through journaling. I hope you enjoy reading my posts!

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