Day 1
Welcome to Brisbane
Welcome to Queensland – Australia's Sunshine State!
Brisbane is Queensland's capital city. With subtropical weather year-round and a wealth of cultural attractions, world-class arts, and impressive natural wonders, it's an exciting destination to begin your Australian Pacific Coast self-drive tour.
Explore Queensland's Capital City
After checking in at your centrally located accommodation, a relaxing way to explore is to take to the water. The Brisbane River runs through the city, and you can enjoy a guided cruise past Brisbane’s most iconic sights, including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the city centre, and the Story Bridge.
Alternatively, stroll along the footpath by the meandering river to the sparkling man-made lagoon for a refreshing swim or a delicious dinner at trendy South Bank.
Accommodation: Royal on the Park Hotel Brisbane - 1 night
Day 2
Brisbane to Noosa (Approximate Distance: 140 km | 87 miles | Total Driving Time: 2 hours 14 minutes)
Coolect your car and take a scenic drive to Noosa, one of Australia’s most-loved beachside destinations.
Surrounded by stunning beaches and the lush hinterland of Noosa National Park, this resort town is famed for its surf. Enjoy luxurious day spas, world-class golf courses, stylish shopping, and more.
Accommodation: The Rise Noosa - 2 nights
Day 3
Noosa Everglades Cruise
Everglades Ecosafaris - Everglades Serenity Afternoon Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing and informative afternoon cruise through the "River of Mirrors" immersed in Australia's Everglades. The cruise will take guests on a journey of discovery through the Southern end of the Everglades system and offers spectacular photo opportunities, whilst our guides provide expert commentary on the fauna and flora and rich history of the region.
The Noosa River is unique as it's entire upper catchment is protected in National Park. Throughout the afternoon cruise guests get to enjoy a glass of "Beer or Bubbles" whilst gliding through the reflective waterways and watching the stunning colour changes as the sun starts to slowly set.
Day 4
Noosa to Hervey Bay (Approximate Distance: 176 km | 110 miles | Total Driving Time: 2 hours 36 minutes)
Travel to Hervey Bay, renowned as the Whale Watching Capital of the World.
Hervey Bay
This charming coastal city boasts a subtropical climate and calm waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. Between July and November, humpback whales migrate to the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay to nurse their calves.
Accommodation: Mantra Hervey Bay – 2 NightsDiscovery Parks Fraser Street, Hervey Bay - 2 nights
Day 5
Fraser Island Day Tour
Leave your car behind for a full-day adventure on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fraser Island Highlights
Explore coloured sands, freshwater lakes, and towering rainforests. Spot local wildlife, including dingoes, turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales. Tour highlights include swimming in Lake McKenzie, walking in Central Station Rainforest, and a buffet lunch at Eurong Beach Resort.
Day 6
Hervey Bay to Rockhampton (Approximate Distance: 382 km | 238 miles | Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 minutes)
Rockhampton – Beef Capital of Australia
Step back in time to explore Rockhampton’s heritage streetscapes, Victorian architecture, and majestic cathedrals. This town celebrates its cattle-rearing history with statues and charming historic landmarks.
Accommodation: Empire Apartment Hotel Rockhampton – 2 Nights
Day 7
Free Day in Rockhampton
Adventure Option: Capricorn Caves
Explore limestone caves formed 390 million years ago, including adventurous caving tours and panoramic surface views.
Cultural Option: Dreamtime Cultural Centre
Discover Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, try boomerang throwing, and learn about native flora’s medicinal uses.
Day 8
Onto Airlie Beach (Approximate Distance: 481 km | 299 miles | Total Driving Time: 5 hours 20 minutes)
Continue to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays.
Airlie Beach Highlights
Relax by the year-round swimming lagoon or explore the laid-back beachfront town. This is the ideal launch pad for discovering the Whitsundays' 74 islands.
Accommodation: At Marina Shores, Airlie Beach – 2 Nights
Day 9
Cruise to Hamilton Island & Whitehaven Beach
Spend the whole day experiencing all the wonders of the magnificent Whitehaven Beach area. Indulge in the ultimate experience of Whitehaven Beach; from the northern end exploring the spectacular Hill Inlet, to the southern - swimming, hiking, sunbathing, soaking up the sun. Walk the Solway Circuit Lookout and Chance Bay. No other day cruise offered allows you so much time to explore the wonders of Whitehaven beach. A delicious gourmet burger is waiting for you back on the Whitehaven sand.
Day 10
Airlie Beach to Townsville (Approximate Distance: 275 km | 171 miles | Total Driving Time: 3 hours 9 minutes)
Drive north to Townsville, a tropical city with beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, and Magnetic Island just a short ferry ride away.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville - 1 night
Day 11
Townsville to Cairns (Approximate Distance: 347 km | 216 miles | Total Driving Time: 4 hours 12 minutes)
Arrive in Cairns, a vibrant city near the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy the Esplanade Lagoon, perfect for swimming and picnics.
Accommodation: 201 Lake Street - 3 nights
Day 12
Kuranda Rainforest Day Trip - Down Under Tours Australia - Kuranda, Skyrail, Rainforeststation, Scenic Rail Gold Class - Includes Lunch
Meet Australian animals at Rainforestation Nature Park, with crocodiles, koalas, and kangaroos. Explore the rainforest on an Army Duck tour, guided through tropical fruits and ancient plants. Glide over the World Heritage Listed Rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Visit Kuranda Village to explore its markets and discover the "Village in the Rainforest." Continue your Rainforestation adventure on an Army Duck tour, and enjoy the Kuranda Scenic Railway with historical commentary and scenic views.
Upgrade to the Gold Class Carriage for club lounge seating and personal service with appetizers and beverages. A Trip Guide provides tickets, itineraries, discounts, and information in multiple languages.
Day 13
The Great Barrier Reef
Take a catamaran cruise to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel, dive, or relax on the deck, with stops at two pristine outer reef locations.
Day 14
Depart Cairns
Farewell Cairns, taking home memories of your incredible 14-day Australian adventure.
