42 days in New South Wales Itinerary

Named after Lord Byron's grandfather, Byron Bay is not only famous as the easternmost point of Australia, but even more so as one of the liveliest vacation spots in the country.

Take a break from the city and head to Sundive Byron Bay and Wategos Beach. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre and The Byron Bay Book Exchange. Go for a jaunt from Byron Bay to Tumbulgum to see Husk Distillers about 48 minutes away. There's still lots to do: enjoy the sea views from Cape Byron Lighthouse, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, view the masterpieces at Craig Parry Photography, and stroll through Cape Byron Walking Track.

For photos, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Byron Bay trip planning site.

The Route module can give you travel options from your home to Byron Bay. December in Byron Bay sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Tue) to allow time to fly to Bondi.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Tue): hunt for treasures at Bondi Markets, tour the pleasant surroundings at Tamarama Beach, kick back and relax at Bronte Beach, then hike along Bondi to Coogee Walk, and finally admire the natural beauty at Sam Fiszman Park. Keep things going the next day: enjoy the sand and surf at Maroubra Beach, then see some colorful creatures with Pro Dive, and then buy something for everyone on your list at Westfield Bondi Junction.

For ratings, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Bondi tour builder.

Traveling by flight from Byron Bay to Bondi takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 31°C, and evening lows to 21°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Katoomba.

Located off of the Great Western Highway, Katoomba is the main hub of the City of Blue Mountains.

Your inner history buff will appreciate The National Pass and Leura Post Office. Visiting Marrangaroo National Park and Canyoning & Rappelling Tours will get you outdoors. Explore Katoomba's surroundings by going to Samsara Wellness (in Lithgow), Dryridge Estate (in Megalong Valley) and Bilpin (Hillbilly Cider & Bilpin Cider Company). And it doesn't end there: stop by Teddy Sinclair, take in the dramatic scenery at Wentworth Falls Lookout, take in the exciting artwork at Gallery ONE88 Fine Arts, and explore the galleries of Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.

To find ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Katoomba online road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Bondi to Katoomba takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in December, and nighttime lows around 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Sydney.

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.

Popular historic sites such as The Rocks and Vaucluse House are in your itinerary. Visiting Bondi Beach and Mrs Macquarie's Chair will get you outdoors. Get out of town with these interesting Sydney side-trips: Long Reef Point (in Collaroy Beach), Manly (Shelly Beach & Sophie Tea Art) and Royal National Park (Karloo Pools & Werrong Beach). Spend the 30th (Mon) exploring nature at Bouddi National Park. Spend the 17th (Tue) exploring nature at Wyrrabalong National Park. There's much more to do: browse the eclectic array of goods at Sydney Fish Market, admire the landmark architecture of Queen Victoria Building, take in the views from Sydney Harbour Bridge, and look for all kinds of wild species at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park.

To see where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Sydney tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Katoomba to Sydney in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 23°C.