Ultimate Pacific Coast – Sydney to Cairns Itinerary

Welcome to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities. Blessed with a glorious natural harbour, golden beaches and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis offers a stunning introduction to Australia.

Settle in with a stroll along Circular Quay. With the Harbour Bridge at one end and the Opera House at the other, is there any more iconic place to begin your Australian dream vacation?

Accommodation: Sydney - 2 Nights

Depart your hotel for a half day exclusive and unforgettable panoramic Sydney small group experience. On tour today you will enjoy magnificent views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Sightseeing Luxury Coach Tour

Starting in Sydney Old Town you will head east along the shores for breath-taking views over one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. Journey through some of the most exclusive harbourside Eastern Suburbs, pausing at Watsons Bay and The Gap at the entrance of Sydney Harbour – one of the most captivating Panoramic Views in Sydney.

Then it’s on to the famous Bondi Beach to enjoy a stroll along the promenade, enjoy a tea or coffee (at own expense) and see bronzed Aussie lifesavers on patrol.

Returning to the city via Bondi Junction, Centennial Park, Paddington and China-Town you will stop at Darling Harbour before driving directly underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, ending your tour back in the old town of the Rocks near Circular Quay.

Collect your car this morning and cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and drive to the coastal town of Port Stephens, stopping at the Hunter Valley for vineyard views en route.

Hunter Valley

Australia’s oldest wine region is home to a staggering 150 wineries, from the biggest names to tiny boutique growers. It’s only a 40-minute drive from one end of the Valley to the other so there's plenty of time to admire the region's sweeping landscapes: you're likely to encounter your first wild kangaroos here too. Many wineries have superb restaurants on site, making great a scenic lunch stop for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

Port Stephens

Situated on a shimmering blue bay, Port Stephens is an idyllic destination with 26 beaches to discover. Its population of around 150 Bottlenose Dolphins is a huge drawcard, as well as giant sand dunes, coastal walks, and national parks aplenty.

Approximate Distance: 295 km | 183 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Port Stephens - 2 Nights

Today you are free to explore Port Stephens any way you please. Our favourite suggestions include:

• Swim with beautiful Bottlenose Dolphins in the wild (September to May)
• Take a 4WD Tour of the towering sand dunes and try your hand at sand-tobogganing
• Search for magnificent humpbacks on a Whale Watch cruise
• Hike to the summit of Mt Tomaree for stunning coastal views
• Ride along the beaches on a horseback or camelback tour
• Swim with Sharks and Rays at the Irukandji Shark and Ray Centre
• Tour the historic Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage at Nelson Bay
   

Hit the road once more and discover delightful Port Macquarie on New South Wales's Mid North Coast.

Port Macquarie

With beautiful beaches and a sensational year-round climate, friendly Port Macquarie is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations. Get your bearings with a stroll along the 9km Coastal Walk from town to Lighthouse Beach, with a soundtrack of giant waves crashing against the rocks. Feast on fish and chips by the waterfront in the company of the local pelicans & seagulls and enjoy the relaxed coastal vibe of this charming location.

Approximate Distance: 220 km | 136 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Port Macquarie - 1 Night

Journey to subtropical Coffs Harbour for more fun in the Australian sunshine.

Coffs Harbour

Fringed by forest-covered hills and leafy banana plantations, the uncrowded beaches of Coffs Harbour really are a winner.

For superb views of the city and coastline, head to the Forest Sky Pier: it juts out 21 metres (68 feet) and hovers 15 metres (49 feet) above the forest floor! It's a great way to get acquainted with Coffs Harbour.

Suggested Activity: Swimming with Whales

Extending along 75 kilometres of coastline, Solitary Islands Marine Park is the place to see a huge range of aquatic wildlife. You'll find Nemo here, and Dory too! But the main attractions are the humpback whales - you can even swim with them from June to October.

Local experts Jetty Dive will take you out for a whale swim, where you can don a snorkel and see the giant humpbacks passing under the water. They can also help you with dive courses and charters.

Approximate Distance: 155 km | 96 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Coffs Harbour - 1 Night

Today's destination is the hip, free-spirited beach town of Byron Bay.

Byron Bay

Byron is one of Australia's most creative locations, with a huge population of musicians, writers, and designers living here and enjoying the relaxed beach lifestyle. Think chic boutiques, luxury wellness retreats, organic cafes and yoga on the sands.

Byron is blessed with a world-famous right-hand surf break known as The Pass, where you can watch pro surfers ride the waves or try it yourself. Perched atop Australia's most easterly point, the Cape Byron Lighthouse shines brightly over Byron Bay - in fact, it's the most powerful lighthouse in Australia. Stroll to Cape Byron to check out the expansive views - you'll probably spot a dolphin or two.

Approximate Distance: 235 km | 146 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Byron Bay - 2 Nights

Take a full day kayak tour to a World Heritage listed rainforest, followed by a paddle through the Marine Park among dolphins & turtles.

Guided Kayak Tour of Byron Bay

Explore the magnificent Byron hinterland with its lush rainforests and spectacular Minyon Falls. Enjoy a bush walk to the base of the falls (2 hrs return), swim in pristine waters, photograph the abundant wildlife or simply relax in this unique natural environment. The soundtrack of birds and wildlife will lull you with its natural beauty.

THEN enjoy a delicious BBQ-style lunch before weaving your way back to Byron Bay for your dolphin kayak tour adventure. Imagine the thrill of kayaking up close with dolphins, whales (May to October) and turtles at Byron’s beautiful marine park, whilst learning about local history and listening to local Indigenous stories. You will also have a great view of Byron’s coastline and the Byron Bay lighthouse from the water.

Drive across the state border into Queensland and head to Brisbane via 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 resort strip of Surfers Paradise.

Brisbane

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 for a city break between beaches!

Approximate Distance: 165 km | 103 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Brisbane - 2 Nights

A relaxing way to explore Brisbane 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, the City Centre and the Story Bridge.

Alternatively, stroll the footpath by the side of the meandering river till you reach the sparkling man-made lagoon at Streets Beach for a refreshing swim and delicious lunch options at trendy South Bank.

For urban wanderers the bustling neighbourhood of Fortitude Valley is loved for its alfresco cafés, one-off boutiques and vibrant live music scene.

Art lovers can explore the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), housed in two riverside buildings at South Bank: with over 17000 works of historical, modern and contemporary art in the collection and a vibrant exhibitions programme, there is always something interesting to discover here.

Leaving the city behind you'll 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: 150 km | 93 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Noosa - 2 Nights

Embark on a full day adventure to the largest sand island in the world – Fraser Island.

Explore Fraser Island

Your Fraser Island 4WD Day Tour adventure begins with complimentary pick up from accommodation before heading across the Noosa River to the Cooloola National Park, where you will stop for morning tea on the beach.

Crossing to Fraser Island, travel along the spectacular Seventy Five Mile Beach to explore the magnificent wilderness with a guided rainforest walk. 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 Noosa.

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

Hervey Bay

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.

Approximate Distance: 160 km | 94 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 1 Night

Drive onwards to Rockhampton, a heritage-filled town where you can step back in time and discover rich history around every corner.

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.

Charming Victorian-era 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.

Approximate Distance: 385 km | 239 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Rockhampton - 1 Night

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

Airlie Beach

Palm-fringed beaches and waterfront parks are a staple of this seriously laid-back holiday destination. After your drive, cool off at Airlie Beach Lagoon nestled 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 launchpad 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.

Approximate Distance: 485 km | 301 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Airlie Beach - 2 Nights

Spend a full day soaking up the sunshine among the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands with jaw-dropping coastal scenery all around you.

Cruise to Hamilton Island & Whitehaven Beach

Your cruise will take you from Port of Airlie onto Hamilton Island. Shuttle buses circuit the small island all day, stopping at key attractions: you can hop on and off as you please. Or hit the long sandy curve of Catseye Beach for seaside fun.

Wander the waterfront of Hamilton Island's Marina Village taking in the sights, visiting the galleries, doing some shopping and enjoying lunch at Marina Tavern.

After lunch, take a leisurely scenic cruise to remote Whitehaven Beach to sink your toes into the fine white sands and enjoy the warm crystal clear waters. Back on the vessel, sit back, breathe in the sea air, sip a wine or beer and marvel at the 74 Island Wonders of the Whitsundays.

Make your way north to Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city.

Townsville

Townsville's 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.

Approximate Distance: 275 km | 171 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Townsville - 1 Night

Your Pacific Coast road trip continues with a drive to Cairns in Queensland's tropical north.

Cairns

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.

Approximate Distance: 350 km | 217 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Palm Cove (Cairns) - 2 Nights

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 20 Day Ultimate Pacific Coast Self Drive vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.