Ultimate Pacific Coast – Sydney to Cairns Itinerary

After planning your personalised journey with one of our Travel Designers, your Australia escape begins today.

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

This half-day panoramic tour offers an elegant introduction to Sydney’s most celebrated landmarks, historic districts, and coastal scenery. Guests discover The Rocks and its fascinating convict history, travel along Macquarie Street past grand sandstone buildings, and pause at Mrs Macquarie’s Point for sweeping views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The experience continues through Sydney’s prestigious Eastern Suburbs to Watsons Bay and iconic Bondi Beach, where there is time to enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Returning via Centennial Park and the leafy streets of Paddington, the journey combines harbour beauty, local history, and vibrant beach culture in one memorable sightseeing experience.

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

Discover Port Stephens' wonderful beaches and resident wild dolphins. Here, you have the option to enjoy dolphin-watching cruises and parasailing on the sparkling blue waters. Discover the many beaches, some sheltered in bays that are perfect for families as well as swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. The towering Stockton sand dunes are great for quad-biking and horse riding. Visit Gan Gan Lookout. Go sand boarding or try your hand at Surfing - so much to see and do.
 

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

Travel to the subtropical coastal city of Coffs Harbour, where forested hills, banana plantations, and uncrowded beaches create a relaxed seaside escape. For panoramic views across the coastline and hinterland, visit the Forest Sky Pier. 

Nature lovers can also experience the remarkable marine life of Solitary Islands Marine Park, which stretches along 75 kilometres of coastline and is home to colourful reef fish, dolphins, and migrating humpback whales. Between June and October, adventurous visitors can join guided whale-swim experiences, offering the rare opportunity to snorkel alongside these majestic creatures as they glide through the clear coastal waters near Coffs Harbour.

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 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

Experience all the fun and adventure of a Cape Byron Kayaks guided tour. Feel the exhilaration as you paddle your kayak with the dolphins, turtles and whales that frequent the enticing waters of Byron Bay. 

Whether you are a novice or an experienced kayaker your adventure will include paddling our magnificent protected bay, surfing the waves, encountering our abundant marine life and relaxing and enjoying all the Tim Tams you can eat once back on the beach. Cape Byron Kayaks is the original kayaking tour in Byron Bay and our fully qualified guides share a wealth of local knowledge, making your experience a safe and memorable one.

Crossing the state border into Queensland, the journey continues through the iconic Gold Coast before reaching Brisbane. The Gold Coast is renowned for its glittering skyline, long sandy beaches, world-class surf breaks, and popular theme parks including Dreamworld, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild. Stretching over 57 kilometres of coastline, its 21 beaches offer something for everyone, from the calm, family-friendly waters of Coolangatta and Currumbin to the vibrant resort atmosphere of Surfers Paradise.

Further north, Brisbane offers a subtropical climate year-round, along with cultural precincts, galleries, riverside attractions, and striking natural scenery for a dynamic city experience.

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

Accommodation: Brisbane - 2 Nights

Brisbane offers a vibrant blend of city life and green spaces. You can wander through riverside parks, enjoy peaceful gardens, or explore scenic walking paths with stunning city views. The city’s lively markets and outdoor events showcase its creative energy and diverse culture. For those who love art and history, public installations and galleries provide plenty to discover. Whether you’re after a relaxed picnic spot, a riverside stroll, or cultural inspiration, Brisbane appeals to urban explorers and nature lovers alike, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Leaving the city behind, enjoy a scenic drive north to Noosa, one of Australia’s most beloved beach destinations. Along the way, you may choose to visit Australia Zoo, where visitors can meet koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and learn about native wildlife conservation inspired by Steve Irwin, the renowned “Crocodile Hunter.”

Noosa itself is surrounded by pristine beaches and the lush landscapes of Noosa National Park, making it a haven for surfing and nature walks. The relaxed resort town also offers luxury day spas, championship golf courses, and stylish boutiques, creating a vibrant yet laid-back coastal escape for all travellers to enjoy.

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. Your Fraser Island adventure begins with crossing 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.

Included Meals: Lunch

Travel to the pristine beaches of Hervey Bay: 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 | 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'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. 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 the whole 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, soaking up the sun. 

Walk the Solway Circuit Lookout and Chance Bay. No other day cruise offered allows you so much time to explore the wonders of Whitehaven beach. A delicious gourmet burger is waiting for you back on the Whitehaven sand.

Included Meals: Lunch

Make your way north to Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city. 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. With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling and reef cruises.

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Palm Cove (Cairns) - 2 Nights

Board a luxurious 20-meter catamaran for a day cruise to the stunning Upolu Cay and the Great Barrier Reef. Upolu Cay is a naturally formed protected coral cay located 30 kilometers from Cairns, its shallow waters make it ideal for snorkeling. The mesmerizing clear blue waters that surround it are always a sight to behold. 

Continue on to the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy more time to immerse yourself in this breathtaking environment. The dedicated crew is committed to providing personalized service, ensuring you have an unforgettable reef experience. Enjoy a range of complimentary water activities, unwind with a leisurely lunch and take part in an exciting drift snorkel tour guided by attentive staff and an informative glass bottom boat tour if sea conditions suit.

Included Meals: Lunch

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.