8 Day Coastal Queensland 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 - 2 Nights

Spend today on a tropical island escape, just 75 minutes from Brisbane. Wade into the ocean at dusk to hand-feed the island's visiting wild dolphins.

Moreton Island: Tangalooma Island Resort

Cruise to idyllic Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island, where a winning combination of crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and untouched national park awaits. Choose from sand tobogganing, snorkelling among Tangalooma's shipwrecks, a jetboat tour or a catamaran cruise along the pristine shoreline.

As the sun sets, guests are invited to wade into the ocean beside the resort jetty to hand-feed the wild dolphins at sunset. Getting this close is an unforgettable experience.

After collecting your comfortable rental car, enjoy 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 animal life 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.

Approximate Distance: 135 km | 84 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Noosa - 3 Nights

With gorgeous beaches, river, hinterland and national parks surrounding you, there are infinite ways to enjoy your day in Noosa.
Grab a picnic lunch and head to Noosa National Park to walk the coastal track. Take your swimwear and you can stop for a refreshing swim whenever you fancy.

Alternatively, jump in the car and explore the Noosa Shire's coastal villages: Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach and Cooroy are all great options.

Window shoppers will love Hastings Street, Noosa's main beachside thoroughfare. Filled with boutiques, galleries and open-air restaurants it's a charming place to while away the afternoon.

Don't miss the sunset from the Laguna Lookout. The 15-minute climb from Hastings Street rewards you with incredible views and a soundtrack provided by rainbow lorikeets and kookaburras in the trees.

Visit Fraser Island, the only place in the world where rainforest grows on sand!

Day Trip to Fraser Island

Lying off the coast of Hervey Bay, Fraser is the world’s largest sand island, stretching for a colossal 123 kilometres.

Travel along the spectacular Seventy Five Mile Beach to explore the natural beauty of this magnificent location with a guided rainforest walk.

On for a refreshing Lake McKenzie swim and a delicious lunch tops off a perfect day of discovery on the World’s largest sand island!

Return through the towering forests of Satinay and Brushbox and navigate your way down the ‘sandy highway’ before returning to the mainland and back to Noosa.

Pass through Brisbane once more on your way to the iconic Gold Coast.

Gold Coast

The glitzy Gold Coast is famed for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots and theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild.

The white sand beaches stretch across 57 kilometres (35 miles) of coastline. With a choice of 21 beaches, there's a perfect patch of sand for everyone, from the family-friendly sheltered waters of Coolangatta and Currumbin to the lively resort strip of Surfers Paradise.

Approximate Distance: 218 km | 135 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Gold Coast - 2 Nights

Enjoy the sun, sea and sandy beaches of the Gold Coast however you desire today.

Start your day with breakfast by the beach: thanks to the thriving cafe scene you will be spoiled for choice! You could spend the rest of the morning chilling out on one of the legendary beaches here, or take a scenic drive up into the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Thrill-seekers have an endless variety of theme parks to choose from. Seek out your favourite cartoon characters (Warner Bros World), scream your way down the world's tallest freefall ride (Dreamworld), or cool off and get soaked to the skin at White Water World or Wet'n'Wild.

Nature lovers can stroll through the treetops on the Mt Tambourine Rainforest Skywalk, or follow the walking trails through Burleigh Heads National Park. Head to the Currumbin Wildlife sanctuary to see the vets healing our endangered native animals at the hospital.

The beauty of the Gold Coast is that your stay can be as relaxing or adventurous as you'd like. This is your holiday: it's entirely up to you.

Say farewell to the Gold Coast today as you drop off your rental car in Brisbane and board your onward flight.

We know you will enjoy your 8 Day Coastal Queensland Self-Drive Tour, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Approximate Distance: 79 km | 49 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour