Day 1
Welcome to Brisbane
Begin your self-drive adventure in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and one of Australia's fastest-growing cities. Known for its subtropical climate, vibrant arts and culture, and proximity to natural attractions, Brisbane is the perfect starting point for your road trip.
After checking in to your central Brisbane hotel, discover the city from the water with a Brisbane River cruise, taking in iconic sights like Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and the city skyline.
Prefer to explore on foot? Walk the scenic riverside path to South Bank, home to a sparkling man-made lagoon, parklands, and a wide selection of restaurants and cafes.
Overnight: Royal on the Park Hotel Brisbane or similar.
Day 2
Brisbane to Noosa (Approximate Distance: 140 km | 87 miles | Total Driving Time: 2 hours 14 minutes)
Collect your rental car and set off on a scenic drive to Noosa, a popular beachside destination on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Renowned for pristine beaches, upscale boutiques and a relaxed coastal lifestyle, Noosa is nestled between the ocean and the lush landscapes of Noosa National Park. Spend your time surfing, indulging in a luxury day spa or playing a round at a world-class golf course.
Overnight: The Rise Noosa or similar
Day 3
Optional Noosa Everglades Cruise
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cruise through the southern end of Australia’s Everglades, also known as the “River of Mirrors.” This scenic Noosa River experience offers stunning photo opportunities and expert commentary on the region’s unique ecosystem and rich history.
As you glide through the reflective waterways, part of a rare river system entirely protected by national park, sip on a glass of beer or sparkling wine and take in the vibrant colours of the sunset.
Overnight: The Rise Noosa or similar.
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.
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.
Overnight: Mantra Hervey Bay or Discovery Parks Fraser Street, Hervey Bay or similar.
Day 5
Optional Fraser Island Day Tour
Trade the road for a day of exploration with a full-day guided tour of Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover the island’s remarkable natural landscapes, from colourful sand formations and crystal-clear freshwater lakes to ancient rainforests that grow straight from the sand. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, including dingoes, turtles, dolphins, and migrating humpback whales.
Enjoy a swim in the turquoise waters of Lake McKenzie, a peaceful walk through Central Station Rainforest, and a buffet lunch at Eurong Beach Resort.
Overnight: Mantra Hervey Bay or Discovery Parks Fraser Street, Hervey Bay or similar.
Day 6
Hervey Bay to Rockhampton (Approximate Distance: 382 km | 238 miles | Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 minutes)
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.
Overnight: Empire Apartment Hotel Rockhampton or similar.
Day 7
Free Day in Rockhampton
Enjoy a free day in Rockhampton. You may choose to explore limestone caves formed 390 million years ago, including adventurous caving tours and panoramic surface views.
Alternatively, discover Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, try boomerang throwing and learn about native flora’s medicinal uses.
Overnight: Empire Apartment Hotel Rockhampton or similar.
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. 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.
Overnight: At Marina Shores, Airlie Beach or similar.
Day 9
Optional Cruise to Hamilton Island & Whitehaven Beach
Spend the 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 before returning to the Whitehaven sad where a delicious gourmet burger is waiting for you.
Overnight: At Marina Shores, Airlie Beach or similar.
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.
Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville or similar.
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.
Overnight: 201 Lake Street or similar.
Day 12
Optional Kuranda Rainforest Day Trip - Down Under Tours Australia - Kuranda, Skyrail, Rainforeststation, Scenic Rail Gold Class - Includes Lunch
Visit Rainforestation Nature Park to encounter native Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles. Explore the rainforest on an Army Duck tour before gliding above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Stop in Kuranda Village to browse local markets and soak up the atmosphere of this rainforest town. Then board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway for a scenic return journey.
Upgrade to Gold Class for lounge seating, onboard service, and complimentary refreshments. A Trip Guide provides tickets, itineraries, and multilingual support.
Overnight: 201 Lake Street or similar.
Day 13
Optional 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.
Overnight: 201 Lake Street or similar.
Day 14
Depart Cairns
Say farewell to Cairns, taking home memories of your incredible Australian adventure.
