Driving from Sydney to Brisbane allows you to see the Holiday Coast in around 7 days.  This trip enables you to see the diversity of the terrain and experience magnificent stands of rainforests and exotic flora and fauna.

Take the freeway north out of Sydney to Newcastle, following the signs to the North Coast. The Hunter Valley is the birth place of wine making in Australia with two of the oldest vineyards.  There are many vineyards to visit but a good place for a panoramic view of the area is Audrey Wilkinson.  You will need a day to see the best that the Hunter Valley Gardens has to offer.  A stop at Pokolbin store will ensure you of an unforgettable icecream experience.

Day 2: Hunter Valley to Taree

A good place to take a reviver stop is Heatherbrae Pies at Raymond Terrace just north of Newcastle. Back on the highway, continue north and turn off to the Great Lakes region to discover one of the most extensive lake systems in Australia.

Just a short drive will find you at Taree and the Manning Valley. This region has a number of inlets and inland waterways.

Day 3: Taree to Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie and the Hastings Valley. This vibrant seaside city with expansive ocean views is littered with restaurants on the waterfront lending a cosmopolitan feel. Brunch any day at the sun drenched sidewalk cafes are the perfect way to relax.

Day 4: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour

South West Rocks & Hat Head attractions include Trial Bay Gaol, an Aquarium, fishing charter boats, the Arakoon State National Park, and Hat Head National Park. Lunch or afternoon tea in the village of Gladstone beside the river, be tempted by local artisans work.

Back on the road north a must visit is in the tiny town of Frederickton where Freddos Famous Pies will tempt you with a huge range - anything from crocodile to emu and the most delicous icecreams, before arriving at Macksville and Nambucca Heads. Macksville is the administrative centre of the Nambucca Valley. From here it's a short drive to the famous "Pub with no Beer" at Taylors Arm, or to Nambucca Heads.

Bellingen and Dorrigo really require more than a day to explore. Bellingen is a half an hour drive north west of Nambucca Heads. It's location enables you to take a quick trip up to the Dorrigo Plateau and enjoy the famous Dorrigo Rainforest.

KEEP LEFT: Try driving closer to the edge line rather than the centre line. Give yourself and oncoming traffic a greater margin for error!

SIGNS ON TRUCKS: Whilst driving you will notice that different sized trucks have different signs on them. Be aware what they mean and what size the truck will be. Allow yourself extra time and space to overtake or pass these vehicles. Give them the extra space they require to move and turn.

OVERSIZE: The truck and/or its load will be wider, longer, higher or a combination of those dimensions. The truck will display a flashing orange light. May also have escort vehicles in front and/or behind.

ROAD TRAIN: The truck will tow a combination of trailers with a total length of 36 to 37 metres, allowed to travel at speeds up to 90 km/h. These are not common on the Pacific Highway but you will encounter them on parts of the Newell Highway and many roads to the west.

LONG VEHICLE: The truck will tow a combination of trailers with a total length of 25 to 26 metres, allowed to travel at speeds up to 100km/h.

SLOW DOWN....Remember Speed kills!: When the road surface or weather conditions are poor, slow down. Poor visibility, due to dust, rain, mud, smoke, fog or snow makes driving more dangerous. So reduce your speed and give yourself a better chance.

FATIGUE IS A SILENT KILLER: Allow yourself and your passengers to take a break, relax and REVIVE...DRIVE TO STAY ALIVE.

Take advantage of DRIVER REVIVER STOPS

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Tailgating when driving a car or truck, is dangerous. It reduces your chances to stop in time and also does not allow the driver of the vehicle in front to properly see you or be aware of your intentions. Particularly when overtaking. So allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front...and enjoy the extra room to move

CARAVANS: Before setting out on your journey ensure your vehicle and van are properly prepared. Extend rear-view mirrors so you can see behind. Spread the load in the car and the caravan to increase stability.

TURNING TRUCKS: Allow extra space at intersections and roundabouts. Trucks can legally use BOTH lanes when turning.

TRUCKS BRAKING: All trucks need more space when stopping, so don't cut in at lights and roundabouts.

HEADLIGHTS: Dip your lights to low beam when approaching an oncoming vehicle or when following behind.

INDICATE YOUR INTENTIONS: Let other drivers know what you're doing by using your blinkers, when turning, changing lanes or overtaking