Coral Reef, Island & Outback Fly/Drive Itinerary

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.

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.

Accommodation: Brisbane - 1 Night

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.

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 150 km | 93 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Noosa - 2 Nights

Enjoy abundant wildlife spotting and photographic opportunities on a cruise of the Noosa Everglades: one of only two Everglades systems on the planet.

Board your purpose-built vessel at Habitat Noosa for a cruise along the pristine Lake Cootharaba, before moving into the tranquil, mirrored waterways of the Everglades. Stop for morning tea at historic Harry’s Hut – a relic of the early timber cutting days.

Explore, take a swim in pristine waters, photograph the abundant wildlife or simply relax in this unique natural environment.

Included Meals: Morning Tea

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

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 | 99 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 1 Night

Lady Elliot Island is a small coral cay sitting at the southern tip of the beautiful Great Barrier Reef. Miles from civilisation, it's the perfect place to live like a castaway. With sparkling white coral beaches and crystal clear lagoons, it's hard to imagine a more relaxing getaway.

Giant manta rays, migrating whales and rainbow-coloured fish are a handful of the 1200 species of sea creatures at your doorstep. Look out for migrating whales too.

Visitor numbers to the island are capped to protect the Island's fragile ecosystem. This guarantees you a peaceful stay where you will experience this fragile ecosystem to the fullest with minimal impact.

Accommodation: Lady Elliot Island -  2 Nights

Enjoy a free day on Lady Elliot Island: today is yours to discover this exotic Island however you desire.

Staying at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, you'll find incredible natural experiences on offer, both above and below the waterline. Here are some awesome ways to make the most of your day:

• Reef Walking: Take a guided walk in the lagoon at low tide, armed with reef walking poles, seascapes and protective shoes. You'll see sea cucumbers, starfish, sea urchins, coral, clams, crabs and colourful fish of all shapes and sizes.
• Diving: Lady Elliot Island boasts 20 incredible dive sites around the island. They are within close proximity to the shore and have an almost limitless variety of marine and coral life.
• Snorkelling: You can snorkel straight from the beach or take a glass-bottom boat tour and hop over the side. Try the Eastern side of the island for tropical fish and colourful corals. The Western side is where you'll discover manta rays, reef sharks and dolphins (experienced snorkellers only).

Say farewell to your island haven and fly back to Hervey Bay. From here you will make your way back to Brisbane to return your rental car.

Relax after your journey with a stroll along the footpath by the meandering Brisbane River: it will lead you to the lagoon for a refreshing swim, or to trendy South Bank for a delicious dinner.

Approximate Distance: 285 km | 177 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Brisbane - 1 Night

Today you’ll arrive in Australia’s Red Centre, home to some of the country’s most iconic and spiritually significant landscapes.

 Located in the heart of the Northern Territory, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a place of ancient culture, dramatic scenery, and deep connection to the land. Dominating the landscape is Uluru, a 348-metre-high sandstone monolith sacred to the Anangu people and known for its ever-changing colours at sunrise and sunset. Nearby, the 36 ancient domes of Kata Tjuta rise from the desert plains, creating a remarkable natural wonder shaped over hundreds of millions of years.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Uluru - 3 Nights 

Kata Tjuta and the Valley of the Winds offer one of Australia’s most powerful outback experiences, where towering red domes create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. 

This rewarding Grade 4 walk takes you deep between the formations on a 7.5-kilometre trail that challenges and inspires in equal measure. With your expert guide leading the way, you’ll gain insight into the cultural significance of this sacred men’s area while discovering unique desert flora along the route. You’ll also hear stories of early European exploration, adding depth to the dramatic scenery. It’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Red Centre.

Enjoy a relaxed day at leisure in Uluru, giving you time to take in the desert surroundings at your own pace, explore the cultural centre, or simply soak up the vast desert landscapes and changing light across the Red Centre. As evening falls, experience an unforgettable dining journey combining the Sounds of Silence dinner with the Field of Light installation. Watch Uluru glow at sunset before enjoying a bush tucker inspired three course menu with Australian wines. As darkness deepens, 50,000 glass spheres illuminate the desert in a shifting sea of colour after nightfall unfolds.

Included Meals: Dinner

Fly 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 must be seen to be believed.

Settle into Sydney with a stroll along Circular Quay. With the Sydney Harbour Bridge at one end and the white sails of the Opera House at the other, is there any more iconic view in the world?

Accommodation: Sydney - 3 Nights

Discover Sydney’s rich and complex story on this expert-led small-group walking tour. 

Explore key landmarks while gaining insight into Australian history, culture, society, and the experiences of First Nations people. Beginning at Customs House, learn about British colonisation and its impact on the Cadigal people of the Eora Nation. Along the way, hear stories of Aboriginal leaders, governors, convicts, entrepreneurs, and migrants who shaped the city. The tour winds through Sydney’s vibrant centre before concluding in The Rocks at a popular brewery, where harbour views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge provide a memorable finishing touch.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Discover the natural beauty of Blue Mountains National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area, on this immersive full-day guided tour. 

Travel beyond the crowds to explore dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and the region’s iconic blue-hazed eucalyptus forests. The day begins with a visit to Calmsley Hill, home to kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and emus, with time to enjoy morning tea. Continue to scenic lookouts over Jamison Valley and admire the famous Three Sisters while learning Aboriginal legends. A two-course lunch is served at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, followed by visits to Govetts Leap Lookout and the charming village of Leura before returning to Sydney in the evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch

Say farewell to Sydney 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 Coral Reef, Island & Outback Fly/Drive and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Included Meals: Breakfast