Sydney to Brisbane and Return Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Sydney to Brisbane and Return is a 10-day, 9-night self-guided motorcycle tour of about 2,555 km, starting and finishing in Sydney, with the bike and hotels arranged by BikeRoundOz. It is a loop, so the ride starts and finishes in the same city.

Early on is Sydney, with the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and Manly close at hand. The operator can arrange extra hotel nights here before or after the ride. Next is the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage area with the Three Sisters, waterfalls and Scenic World. Then the Hunter Valley wine region, with vineyards, restaurants and cellar doors. After that, Waterfall Way (Highway 78), regarded as one of the best motorcycling roads in New South Wales, running through rainforest past countless waterfalls, and on through New England to Armidale, known for its autumn colour.

Further along, Byron Bay and Cape Byron, the most easterly point of Australia, with its lighthouse, beaches and relaxed small town. The route continues to the Gold Coast, with 57 km of beaches, surf breaks and a green hinterland. Later comes Brisbane, with river-view restaurants, parks, shopping streets and nightlife. Then the New South Wales northern coast, through Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

BikeRoundOz provides the motorcycle of your choice, accommodation for one or two riders, usually in 3.5 or 4 star hotels, resorts or bed and breakfasts with a pillion staying at no extra cost, a detailed itinerary document and digital maps customised to the tour, plus advice before you go. Not included are breakfast and other meals, parking charges and GPS or sat nav units, which can be supplied if required. The operator rates September to May as the best time to ride. Prices start at AUD 5,383 per rider on the first bike tier, about £2,808, and rise with the bike chosen. Riders bringing their own motorcycle pay less, from AUD 3,032.