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Pacific Coast Explorer Self Drive: Sydney to Cairns
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,289
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Explore Australia’s Pacific Coast by embarking on a self-drive holiday. Begin in Sydney then discover sights like Hunter Valley, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast before arriving in Cairns.
This 2 week journey from Sydney to Cairns combines our New South Wales and Queensland self drives to create the ultimate Australian east coast adventure.
Just 2.5 hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s favourite winemaking regions. Set off early to give yourself ample time to taste the delights of this area. After a night in the Valley, head back to the coast and Port Stephens, where you might enjoy a dolphin cruise or 4WD sand dune tour.
Make a quick stop in Port Macquarie to explore its fascinating convict history on your way to Coffs Harbour, a favourite family holiday destination and home to the Big Banana. Visit Byron Bay, the eastern tip of the Australian mainland, renowned for its laid back, alternative lifestyle.
Spend a fully day in Coolangatta to enjoy all the Gold Coast has to offer, including world class theme parks, a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options, and miles of beautiful beach.
Drive past the mysterious Glass House Mountains to the Sunshine Coast, home to the charming arts and crafts town of Montville, and gateway to Fraser Island. The traditional Aboriginal owners of the island called it K’gari, meaning paradise. And that it is, particularly for those who love a destination rich with wildlife, natural beauty and history. Or just relax on the beach, doing just as little as possible. Take an evening spotlight tour with a ranger to meet some of the native animals.
At the tip of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are a favourite destination for Queenslanders. A visit to Whitehaven Beach – voted the world’s best – is a must. Then head north through Townsville to Mission Beach, where you can pick up a water taxi and cruise across to Dunk Island.
Your final destination is Cairns, your ideal base for exploring the surrounding rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,289
Itinerary View Trip Map
Sydney to Hunter Valley 180 km (112 miles) 2.5 Hours
Pick up your car and drive to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia's premium wine producing regions.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Hunter Valley Resort |
| Location | View map |
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Hunter Valley Resort
The Hunter Resort is a perfect place to stay for a getaway in the Hunter Valley. Within minutes are 2 championship golf courses, chocolate and cheese factories, hot air ballooning, antique stores, bookshops, award winning restaurants and cafes, and over 90 wineries, all accessible with …
The Hunter Resort is a perfect place to stay for a getaway in the Hunter Valley. Within minutes are 2 championship golf courses, chocolate and cheese factories, hot air ballooning, antique stores, bookshops, award winning restaurants and cafes, and over 90 wineries, all accessible with the Vineyard Shuttle. There are 35 rooms and cottages with 4 different styles of accommodation to try.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Barbeques (BBQ)
- Business Centre
- Conference Facilities
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Horseback Riding
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Lounge(s)
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Spa
- Tennis
Photo gallery
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Hunter Valley to Port Stephens 94 km (59 miles) 1.5 hours
Drive to Nelson Bay and Port Stephens. Join a dolphin cruise or 4WD tour across the san dunes (optional) or relax on one of the beautiful beaches.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Marina Resort Nelson Bay |
| Location | View map |
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Marina Resort Nelson Bay
Welcome to the Marina Resort in the heart of beautiful Port Stephens overlooking Nelson Bay Marina. Marina Resort is ideally located close to all the major tourist attractions in Port Stephens and an easy walk to the Dolphin Watch Cruises, cafes and beaches. The Marina …
Welcome to the Marina Resort in the heart of beautiful Port Stephens overlooking Nelson Bay Marina. Marina Resort is ideally located close to all the major tourist attractions in Port Stephens and an easy walk to the Dolphin Watch Cruises, cafes and beaches. The Marina Resort is a vibrant boutique motel with an emphasis on friendly service and value. The rooms have great water-views of Nelson Bay Marina and Port Stephens Bay. Rooms feature a double bed, single bed and sofa bed. Complimentary WiFi and on-site parking is included.
Facilities
- Conference Facilities
- Disabled Facilities
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Restaurant
- Sauna
- Spa/Jacuzzi
- Swimming Pool
- Tour Desk
Photo gallery
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Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour 450 km (280 miles) 4 hours
Drive along the Pacific Highway to the former convict settlement of Port Macquarie then continue through beautiful countryside to Coffs Harbour.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort |
| Location | View map |
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Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort
Positioned on absolute beachfront and surrounded by acres of parklands, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort is one place you'll never want to leave. The resort offers a tasteful blend of health, recreation and relaxation with comfortable accommodation. Enjoy the seclusion of picturesque Diggers Beach or sit …
Positioned on absolute beachfront and surrounded by acres of parklands, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort is one place you'll never want to leave. The resort offers a tasteful blend of health, recreation and relaxation with comfortable accommodation. Enjoy the seclusion of picturesque Diggers Beach or sit back and admire the view from Casay Decks and Bar.
Facilities
- Bar
- Barbeque
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant
- Spa
- Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
- Tennis Court
- Tour Desk
Photo gallery
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Coffs Harbour to Coolangatta 330km (205 miles) 4 hours
Travel via Cape Byron (Australia's most easterly point) to the stunning Gold Coast. This evening visit Jupiter's Casino.
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Mantra Twin Towns Coolangatta |
| Location | View map |
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Mantra Twin Towns Coolangatta
Mantra Twin Towns Coolangatta overlooks the pristine beaches of the Southern Gold Coast, the sparkling Tweed River, and the area's picturesque hinterland. This unique location at the twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweeds Heads sits astride the border of Queensland and New South Wales. This …
Mantra Twin Towns Coolangatta overlooks the pristine beaches of the Southern Gold Coast, the sparkling Tweed River, and the area's picturesque hinterland. This unique location at the twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweeds Heads sits astride the border of Queensland and New South Wales. This resort offers stylishly appointed hotel rooms and fully self-contained apartments with an array of facilities that are superior among Tweed hotels.
Facilities
- Business Centre
- Children's Activities
- Concierge
- Currency Exchange
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Massage Treatments
- Mini Golf
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Tennis
Photo gallery
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Coolangatta
Today is at leisure to enjoy the many attractions of the Gold Coast.
Coolangatta to Brisbane 100km (61 miles) 1.5 hours
Join the Pacific Highway, northbound to Brisbane - the capital city of Queensland. You may like to spend time at South Bank on the bank of the Brisbane River.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Rydges South Bank Brisbane |
| Location | View map |
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Rydges South Bank Brisbane
Rydges South Bank is located in the heart of Brisbane's arts and entertainment precinct and is the closest hotel to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Activities in the precinct are endless with regular events and showcases on art, music, food and films. It's the perfect …
Rydges South Bank is located in the heart of Brisbane's arts and entertainment precinct and is the closest hotel to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Activities in the precinct are endless with regular events and showcases on art, music, food and films. It's the perfect place to take advantage of Brisbane's outdoor lifestyle; wander through the weekend art and craft markets, take a dip in South Bank's man made Street's beach, or enjoy a barbeque or picnic in the lush parklands. The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is immediately adjacent to the hotel and downtown Brisbane and the bohemian village of West End are a 10 minute stroll away.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Barbeques (BBQ)
- Bicycles
- Business Centre
- Concierge
- Conference Facilities
- Currency Exchange
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Parking (Valet)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
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Brisbane to Fraser Island 330km (205 miles) 4 hours
Drive past the Glass House Mountains to Montville with its delightful craft shops, then on to Hervey Bay where you park your car. Transfer by catamaran to Fraser Island.
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island |
| Location | View map |
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Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island
Queensland's Fraser Island offers up an ever-changing dune scape as the worlds largest sand island. This World Heritage-listed national park, which sits within the Great Sandy Biosphere and adjoins the Great Sandy Marine Park, offers a unique blend of action and adventure versus relaxation and …
Queensland's Fraser Island offers up an ever-changing dune scape as the worlds largest sand island. This World Heritage-listed national park, which sits within the Great Sandy Biosphere and adjoins the Great Sandy Marine Park, offers a unique blend of action and adventure versus relaxation and total immersion in nature. The natural diversity of this island paradise - sub-tropical rainforest, stunning dune lakes, arid dunes, fresh-water creeks and the seaside - makes it a must-see on any Australian east coast itinerary.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Fishing Facilities
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
- Tennis
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
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Fraser Island
Today is at leisure. The resort offers 4WD tours around the sand dunes and guided walks to choose from or just relax and enjoy this beautiful World Heritage listed island, an ecologist's paradise.
Fraser Island to Rockhampton 400 km (248 miles) 5 hours
Travel north to the sugar town of Childers and its interesting Pharmaceutical Museum. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn at Rockhampton and continue to your farmstay.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Henderson Park Farm Retreat Barmoya |
| Location | View map |
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Henderson Park Farm Retreat Barmoya
Henderson Park is a family owned working cattle property. Set on the banks of beautiful Hedlow Creek, Henderson Park Farm Retreat is perfect for the individual, family, group or function looking for somewhere private with modern facilities and a relaxed ambience.
Henderson Park is a family owned working cattle property. Set on the banks of beautiful Hedlow Creek, Henderson Park Farm Retreat is perfect for the individual, family, group or function looking for somewhere private with modern facilities and a relaxed ambience.
Facilities
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry facilities
Photo gallery
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Rockhampton to the Whitsundays 488 km (305 miles) 6 hours
After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a taste of the farm life with your hosts before travelling north to MacKay and continuing to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands.
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Airlie Beach Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Airlie Beach Hotel
The Airlie Beach Hotel first opened in December 1968 as a beachside holiday pub for residents of nearby Proserpine and surrounding cane farming districts. The hotel is now owned and operated by a private family company which purchased the site in 1982. There are 80 …
The Airlie Beach Hotel first opened in December 1968 as a beachside holiday pub for residents of nearby Proserpine and surrounding cane farming districts. The hotel is now owned and operated by a private family company which purchased the site in 1982. There are 80 rooms, 56 hotel rooms, four self-contained suites and 20 refurbished motel rooms.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Tour Desk
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
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The Whitsundays
Today you may want to enjoy the facilities of the resort or take a day trip to one of the beautiful Whitsunday Passage Islands. Visit Whitehaven Beach and walk on 6 km of sweeping, pure white silica sands - voted the world's best beach.
The Whitsundays to Townsville 286 km (147 miles) 3 hours
Fossick for gemstones at the Home Hill Gallery enroute to Townsville, gateway to Queensland's tropical north. The "Strand" is Townsville's fantastic beachfront promenade, with restaurants, cafes, a water park and picnic areas. Visit the aquarium or take a drive up the winding road to Castle Hill for spectacular views of the city. You can also visit Magnetic Island, which is only a 20 minute ferry ride away.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville |
| Location | View map |
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Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville
Nicknamed 'the Sugar Shaker', Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville is Townsville's tallest building, overlooking scenic Magnetic Island and Castle Hill. The local business and shopping district are within walking distance as well as award winning dining, nightlife, and entertainment. There is a choice of 200 guest …
Nicknamed 'the Sugar Shaker', Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville is Townsville's tallest building, overlooking scenic Magnetic Island and Castle Hill. The local business and shopping district are within walking distance as well as award winning dining, nightlife, and entertainment. There is a choice of 200 guest rooms, suites and executive rooms.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Bellman/Porters
- Business Centre
- Concierge
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Parking (Valet)
- Pool (s)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
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Townsville to Mission Beach 235 km (147 miles) 3 hours
This morning spend more time in the Townsville area or leave early for your journey to Mission Beach. From Mission Beach you can pick up a water taxi and cruise across to beautiful Dunk Island or explore the national park area fringing the 14 miles of unspoiled beaches.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach |
| Location | View map |
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Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach
Castaways Mission Beach accommodation is an ultimate beachfront escape in the tropics. Idyllically bound by the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, the resort is the perfect destination for couples, families or groups of friends. Positioned absolute beachfront with direct access to …
Castaways Mission Beach accommodation is an ultimate beachfront escape in the tropics. Idyllically bound by the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, the resort is the perfect destination for couples, families or groups of friends. Positioned absolute beachfront with direct access to the 14 km long beautiful, white sandy beach, guests have found their own tropical little paradise right here!
Castaways Resort and Spa offers a wide range of accommodation, with 47 luxury Beachfront rooms and self-contained apartments, a private Beachside Villa, 18 lush Rainforest rooms and a Luxury 3 Bedroom Apartment spread over three centrally-located properties.Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Internet Access
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Lounge(s)
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Spa
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
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Mission Beach to Cairns 140 km (88 miles) 2 hours
Depart Mission Beach for Cairns. Visit Paranella Park and see a Spanish castle and gardens. Further along the highway stop at the Atherton Tablelands and visit Millaa Millaa Falls and the Curtin Fig Tree, a spectacular rainforest wilderness.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 13 nights first-class accommodation
- Shared arrival and departure catamaran transfers to Fraser Island
- Car rental for 14 days with unlimited kilometres and mandatory vehicle insurance
- Goway's Co-Pilot Kit
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees if required
- Gratuities unless otherwise stated
- Items of a personal nature
- Optional excursions
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Park fees unless stated
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from", per person, based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates will apply, Limited seats/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple traveLlers are available on request – please inquire.
17 Mar 2021
