Pacific Coast Explorer Self Drive: Sydney to Cairns
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,899
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Explore Australia’s Pacific Coast on this popular self-drive. Travel through the famous wine region of the Hunter Valley, beautiful coastal towns and the stunning beaches of the Gold Coast. Visit Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island and enjoy a farmstay before arriving in Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
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$ 1,899
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 |
Voco Kirkton Park Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Voco Kirkton Park Hotel
Nestled in the foothills of the Brokeback Ranges, the property is set within a 40-hectare estate in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country. Designed in the style of a grand country manor, all 71 individual guest rooms and suites are elegantly appointed with antiques …
Nestled in the foothills of the Brokeback Ranges, the property is set within a 40-hectare estate in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country. Designed in the style of a grand country manor, all 71 individual guest rooms and suites are elegantly appointed with antiques and period furniture. In the onsite restaurant, choose from an extensive a la carte menu and wine list, which feature a number of Hunter Valley wines and produce from the local area.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Laundry facilities
- Lounge(s)
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
- 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 |
Anchorage Port Stephens |
| Location | View map |
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Anchorage Port Stephens
On the shores of beautiful Port Stephens and nestled between rugged bushes, Anchorage Port Stephens is a boutique resort offering premium accommodation and a wide range of recreational facilities. Overlooking the Anchorage Marina, Corlette Beach and the unspoilt waters of Port Stephens, allow the sea …
On the shores of beautiful Port Stephens and nestled between rugged bushes, Anchorage Port Stephens is a boutique resort offering premium accommodation and a wide range of recreational facilities. Overlooking the Anchorage Marina, Corlette Beach and the unspoilt waters of Port Stephens, allow the sea to soothe your soul with a seaside weekend escape.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Concierge
- Conference Facilities
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Secretarial Service
- Spa
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 |
Oaks Calypso Plaza Resort Coolangatta |
| Location | View map |
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Oaks Calypso Plaza Resort Coolangatta
Oaks Calypso Plaza Resort embodies the original relaxed charm of Queensland's Gold Coast. Centrally located in the heart of Coolangatta, minutes from the airport and a variety of Gold Coast attractions, the resort's focal point is a spectacular free-form lagoon pool with landscaped tropical gardens.
Oaks Calypso Plaza Resort embodies the original relaxed charm of Queensland's Gold Coast. Centrally located in the heart of Coolangatta, minutes from the airport and a variety of Gold Coast attractions, the resort's focal point is a spectacular free-form lagoon pool with landscaped tropical gardens.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Barbeques (BBQ)
- Conference Facilities
- Games Room
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Spa
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 |
The Calile Hotel Brisbane |
| Location | View map |
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The Calile Hotel Brisbane
Located in the city of Brisbane, with direct access to restaurants, shopping and bars, The Calile Hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa facilities. You can complete your Brisbane experience with visits to the city's art galleries, museums and the CBD, all within …
Located in the city of Brisbane, with direct access to restaurants, shopping and bars, The Calile Hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa facilities. You can complete your Brisbane experience with visits to the city's art galleries, museums and the CBD, all within a short drive from the property.
The Calile Hotel offers generous guest rooms, including city and pool view rooms. Each room is designed with the guest experience in mind, with most offering an individual balcony or terrace and all featuring Chromecast and Bluetooth sound bar, automated blackout blinds, Grown Alchemist bathroom amenities, a locally curated minibar, 55 inch UHD television and complimentary WiFi.Facilities
- Bar
- Meeting Rooms
- Reception
- Wifi/Internet Access
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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 |
Coral Sea Marina Resort |
| Location | View map |
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Coral Sea Marina Resort
Positioned on the absolute ocean front and just a short stroll via seaside boardwalk to the enchanting Airlie Beach village; with its relaxed atmosphere and collection of eclectic shops and cafes; lies the Coral Sea Resort. A stroll in the opposite direction crossing a separate …
Positioned on the absolute ocean front and just a short stroll via seaside boardwalk to the enchanting Airlie Beach village; with its relaxed atmosphere and collection of eclectic shops and cafes; lies the Coral Sea Resort. A stroll in the opposite direction crossing a separate boardwalk with the sea below is Abel Point Marina, your direct access to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Coral Sea Resort features a variety of hotel rooms including deluxe suites and one, two and three bedroom apartments, penthouses and beach houses.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- 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 |
Park Regis Anchorage |
| Location | View map |
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Park Regis Anchorage
Park Regis Anchorage's great location in the cosmopolitan Palmer Street dining precinct means you're an easy stroll from restaurants, cafes, bars, city nightlife and Jupiters Casino. You'll also have privileged access to the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island, water sports and cruises, golf, fishing, …
Park Regis Anchorage's great location in the cosmopolitan Palmer Street dining precinct means you're an easy stroll from restaurants, cafes, bars, city nightlife and Jupiters Casino. You'll also have privileged access to the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island, water sports and cruises, golf, fishing, the region's rainforests, national parks and colourful outback.
Facilities
- Barbeques (BBQ)
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
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
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
