The Pacific Coast – Brisbane to Cairns Itinerary

Welcome to Queensland - Australia's Sunshine State!

Brisbane is Queensland's capital city. With subtropical weather all 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 right through town and you can take a guided cruise past Brisbane’s most iconic sights including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Centre and the Story Bridge.

Alternatively, stroll along the footpath by the side of the meandering river till you reach the sparkling man-made lagoon for a refreshing swim or a delicious dinner at trendy South Bank.

Accommodation: Brisbane - 1 Night

Take a scenic drive to Noosa, one of Australia's best-loved beachside destinations.

En route, you may wish to stop at Australia Zoo to cuddle a koala or hand-feed kangaroos. Founded by the late Steve Irwin, known to millions worldwide as TV's Crocodile Hunter, the zoo is passionate about preserving Australia's incredible creatures and introducing them to international visitors.

Noosa

Surrounded by stunning beaches and the lush hinterland of Noosa National Park, the resort town of Noosa is famed for its surf. Home to luxurious day spas, world-class golf courses and stylish shopping, it's a fun destination to explore.

Accommodation: Noosa - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 140 km | 87 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 14 mins

Enjoy abundant wildlife spotting and photographic opportunities on a cruise of the Noosa Everglades: one of only two Everglades systems on the planet.

Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise

Board your purpose-built vessel at Habitat Noosa for a cruise along the pristine Lake Cootharaba. Enjoy an afternoon cruise through the mirrored waterways of Australia’s only Everglades. Enjoy the ample photo opportunities from this wildlife-rich natural environment.

Travel to the pristine beaches of Hervey Bay: it's also known as the Whale Watch Capital of the World.

This charming coastal city has a pleasant subtropical climate and some very special tourists who return annually. Between July and November whales migrate to the safe, sheltered waters of Hervey Bay here to use the area as their calf nursery.

The calm waters of Hervey Bay make it an ideal watersports location for all the family: swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing are all popular pastimes.

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 176 km | 110 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 36 mins

Leave your car behind as you embark on a full day adventure to the largest sand island in the world – Fraser Island.

Tour Fraser Island

This World Heritage listed island is decorated with spectacular coloured sands, perched freshwater lakes and towering rainforests. The island is filled with wildlife from Dingos to Goannas and many bird species. Humpback Whales are also known to be seen in the area, on their return to the Antarctic. Keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins and a large variety of coral, fish and giant manta rays. Tour highlights include a visit and swim at Lake McKenzie, the coloured sand beaches and a rainforest walk at Central Station. You will also enjoy a buffet lunch at Eurong Beach Resort.

Drive onwards to Rockhampton, a heritage-filled town where you can step back in time and discover the rich history of the area.

Rockhampton: Beef Capital of Australia

Rockhampton's long history of beef production is celebrated with 10 Bull statues in key locations across town: see if you can spot them all! With over 2.5 million cattle within a 250km radius of the city, the "Beef Capital" title is well deserved

The charming Victorian architecture reflects the glory days of Rockhampton's 19th-century mining and beef-rearing industries. There are many heritage post offices, historic streetscapes, majestic cathedrals and quaint homes to admire.

Accommodation: Rockhampton - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 382 km | 238 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Tour Rockhampton at your leisure today — here are our favourite suggestions for activities:

Suggestion for Adventure Lovers: Capricorn Caves

Embark on an adventurous wild caving tour of the ancient limestone Capricorn Caves. 390 million years ago the sedimentary limestone rock of Capricorn Caves originated under the sea as corals growing in shallow waters.

Journey through caverns, tunnels and shafts on a wild and adrenalin pumping experience, including squeezing through Fat Mans Misery, a 30 cm diameter hole. Eventually you'll emerge on the surface ridge for panoramic views over the valley and hills.

Suggested Activity for Culture Lovers: Dreamtime Cultural Centre

The Dreamtime Cultural Centre is situated within 12 hectares of beautiful landscaped gardens on ancient tribal land. Here you can learn the story of the local Darumbal people as well as insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. Learn to throw a boomerang, see a Digeridoo performance or take a self-guided Native Plant tour to discover how the local flora has been used for food and medicine.

Continue north to Airlie Beach, a relaxed Australian resort town on Queensland's Whitsunday Coast.

Airlie Beach

Palm-fringed beaches and waterfront parks are a staple of this seriously laid-back holiday destination. After your long drive, cool off at Airlie Beach Lagoon between the beach and the main street. Here you can swim all year round and there are even Lifeguards on duty in the daylight hours.

Airlie Beach is the perfect launch pad for day trips to the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Only seven of these beautiful islands are developed, and the rest are just begging to be enjoyed by travellers looking for a secluded beach to call their own.

Accommodation: Airlie Beach - 2 Nights 

Approximate Distance: 481 km | 299 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 20 mins

Spend a full day soaking up the sunshine among the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands with jaw-dropping coastal scenery all around you.  Embark on a cruise to the stunning 7km-long Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. At the northern end, enjoy a leisurely 1.3km guided hike to the Hill Inlet lookout, following a path once walked by the Ngaro people, the traditional owners of the Whitsundays. At the southern end, unwind with a swim, relax on the pristine sand, or climb the stairs to the Whitehaven Beach Lookout for sweeping views. Finish your visit with a delicious gourmet burger on the beach.

Included Meals: Lunch

Make your way north to Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city. Townsville's many attractions include the world's largest living coral reef aquarium - Reef HQ, a wildlife sanctuary, casino, beaches, museums, theatres, galleries and restaurants. Beautiful Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from the city centre by Fast Cat ferry. Today is free for you to spend it how you wish.

Accommodation: Townsville - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 275 km | 171 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 9 mins

Your Pacific Coast road trip continues with a drive to Cairns in Queensland's tropical north. With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, all types of fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

Sun-seekers and locals alike flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore. There are picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after your drive.

Accommodation: Cairns - 3 Nights

Approximate Distance: 347 km | 216 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 12 mins

Explore one of the world’s oldest rainforests, just 25km northwest of Cairns.

Kuranda Scenic Rail:

On board the renowned railway, discover the stories of the early pioneers who toiled to construct the rail line in the 1800s. Enjoy the scenic journey to Kuranda, with stunning views of the mountain ranges, tropical rainforest, and the rocky Barron Gorge with its cascading waterfalls.

Kuranda Village:

Upon arriving in Kuranda, take your time to explore this captivating village at your own pace. The Kuranda Heritage Markets are brimming with vibrant and intriguing arts and crafts. Additionally, you might enjoy visiting Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, or the Kuranda Koala Gardens.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway:

Described as the world's most beautiful rainforest experience, you'll be captivated as you travel over and through the World Heritage-listed rainforest on the cableway. This iconic adventure includes stops at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, each featuring lookouts with breathtaking views 

After your day of adventure relax on your coach transfer back to Cairns.

Cruise aboard the stylish Passions Catamaran to the incredible Great Barrier Reef.

Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise

On board you can relax with morning tea, get to know the crew and learn all about the marine ecosystem beneath you. Arriving at your first amazing outer reef location, you can snorkel, dive, sunbathe, or chill out on the boat to your heart's content.

After a Tropical buffet lunch you'll sail to another beautiful outer reef location, for more swimming, snorkelling, diving or relaxing in the sun. Wind down with a cold beverage on the sail back to Cairns for 5pm whilst enjoying afternoon tea.

Say farewell to Cairns today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 14 Day Pacific Coast Self Drive vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.