Holiday Overview
Discover the wonders of Australia’s East Coast on this self drive from Sydney to Cairns.
Explore the iconic sights of Sydney with a harbour cruise taking in the views of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Venture outside of Sydney to the Blue Mountains and savour in local wines in the Hunter Valley. Begin your drive along New South Wales coastline visiting a variety of quaint towns including Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. Your drive continues into Queensland home to the Great Barrier Reef, Whale Watching and long white sandy beaches. As you drive up the coast from Brisbane you will visit laid back towns like Noosa, Hervey Bay and Airline Beach to relax in. For the more adventurous you will have the thrills of whale watching, exploring the rainforests, and visiting the islands away from the coastline.
Duration: 24 Days/23 Nights
Start: Sydney Finish: Cairns
States Visited: New South Wales, Queensland
Ultimate Australia East Coast Self Drive includes:
- Return Flights from the UK
- 23 Nights accommodation
- Car Hire
- Blue Mountains Day Tour
- Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
- Full Day K'gari Explorer
- Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
- Cape Tribulation, Daintree & Mossman Tour
Day 1 - UK to Sydney
Arrive into Sydney and transfer to your chosen hotel, spending the remainder of your day at leisure.
Day 2 - Blue Mountains
Leave the city behind for a day of natural beauty, beginning at Calmsley Hill, a working farm home to kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas, where you can enjoy morning tea and explore at your own pace. Ascend the Blue Mountains, visiting stunning, crowd-free viewpoints of the Jamison Valley. At Eaglehawk Lookout, marvel at the iconic Three Sisters rock formation while your guide shares its legends and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Lunch is served at the Hydro Majestic in Blackheath, offering a relaxed two-course meal with breathtaking views. The afternoon includes visits to famous lookouts like Govetts Leap, featuring a dramatic 180m waterfall and panoramic vistas of the Grose Wilderness.
The final stop is Mt. Tomah Botanic Gardens for sparkling wine or juice, accompanied by sweeping views to Sydney, before returning via the Bells Line of Road, arriving back at your hotel in the evening.
Staying at Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel
Day 3 - Sydney Harbour Cruise
Spend your morning at leisure, explore Sydney's Rock area and Circular Key before embarking on your lunch cruise of Sydney Harbour. Discover the secrets of one of the world's most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you will get to learn something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck.
Staying at Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel
Day 4 - Sydney to Hunter Valley
Today collect your car hire and begin your drive to the Hunter Valley one of Australia’s premier wine making regions.
Day 5 - Explore Hunter Valley
Spend the day enjoying the delights of the area, there are offer 150 wineries, many offering tastings and paddock to plate food pairings.
Staying at Hunter Valley Resort
Day 6 - Hunter Valley to Port Macquarie
Journey to the charming coastal town of Port Macquarie, renowned for its picturesque sandy beaches, inviting local cafes, and the beloved Koala Hospital, a must-visit attraction.
Day 7 - Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
Travel north to Coffs Harbour, nestled between lush forested hills and golden beaches. Don't miss the Forest Sky Pier, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning surroundings.
Day 8 - Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay
Today continue to Byron Bay, Australia’s most Eastern point. Take a stroll to the lighthouse for wonderful views.
Day 9 - Byron Bay
Enjoy a full day at leisure to enjoy the stunning beaches and restaurants in the area, if you are looking for activity, then a guided kayak tour is a fantastic option.
Staying at Eco Beach Resort
Day 10 - Byron Bay to Brisbane
Your drive today takes to Queensland's capital Brisbane.
Day 11 - Explore Brisbane
Dedicate a day to exploring a variety of activities, from whale watching (June to November) to a dolphin-viewing cruise. Alternatively, unwind and savor the vibrant, cosmopolitan charm of Brisbane.
Staying at Grand Chancellor Brisbane
Day 12 - Brisbane to Noosa
Your drive continues along Queensland beautiful coast, your first stop is Noosa. Renowned for its beautiful beach and bohemian Hastings Street, the heart of the town, filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, boutiques, day spa’s and galleries.
Day 13 - Explore Noosa
Immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of Noosa with a full day to explore. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Main Beach, wander along the vibrant Hastings Street, or take a scenic stroll along the coastal boardwalk to the stunning Noosa National Park.
Staying at Peppers Noosa
Day 14 - Noosa to Hervey Bay
Take the short drive onwards to Hervey Bay, Queensland’s whale watching capital (Jul-Nov) and gateway to Fraser Island.
Day 15 - Explore Fraser Island
Today we have included a day trip to Fraser Island. Your guide is a Fraser Island expert with local knowledge and a passion for the island. On this adventurous day out, you'll drive across sand tracks to explore some of the most beautiful, natural spots and listen to fascinating facts about the island's history, fauna and flora. The custom designed 4WD buses are airconditioned for your comfort and fitted with panoramic windows.
Staying at Mantra Hervey Bay
Day 16 - Hervey Bay to Rockhampton
This morning continue northward to Rockhampton, giving yourself time to explore the Capricorn Caves, just north of the city.
Day 17 - Rockhampton to Airlie Beach
Set out on the longest drive of the itinerary, heading towards Airlie Beach. Consider a detour to Eungella National Park, where you can explore scenic bushwalking tracks and possibly catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus in its natural habitat.
Day 18 - Explore Airlie Beach
Enjoy a full day of leisure exploring the area. Consider a cruise to the stunning Whitsunday Islands or a scenic flight over this tropical paradise. For a truly unforgettable experience, spend the night in a swag on the Great Barrier Reef.
Staying at Toscana Village Resort
Day 19 - Airlie Beach
Another full day to explore Airlie Beach.
Staying at Toscana Village Resort
Day 20 - Airlie Beach to Townsville
Continue North to Townsville, gateway to Magnetic Island, catch one of the regular ferries out to the Island to enjoy one of its 23 beaches.
Day 21 - Townsville to Cairns
Today, your journey concludes in Cairns. Along the way, take a break at Mission Beach to enjoy lunch at one of its many charming eateries. Upon arrival in Cairns, return your car hire.
Day 22 - Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
Explore the Agincourt Reef, at the very outer edge of the Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons' run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef's environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. As the region's outer reef pioneer, we chose the best location available to show you nature's finest.
Staying at Mantra Esplanade
Day 23 - Cape Tribulation, Daintree & Mossman Tour
Explore the ancient rainforests of World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation and the Daintree National Park. Discover the secrets of the rainforest at Mossman Gorge and spot wildlife along the Daintree River Cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the heart of the rainforest before stepping foot on the world-renowned Cape Tribulation Beach. Also included is a delicious afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company.
Staying at Mantra Esplanade
Day 24 - Cairns to UK
Today make your way to Cairns airport for your onward flight home.
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Image Gallery
Noosa
Townsville
Sydney Opera House
Koala
Great Barrier Reef
Sydney
Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains, Three Sisters
Hunter Valley
Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour
Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie
Byron Bay
Byron Bay
Byron Bay
Brisbane
Brisbane
Noosa Everglades
Noosa Everglades
Hervey Bay
Whale Hervey Bay
Fraser Island
Fraser Island
Turtle Great Barrier Reef
Airlie Beach
Great Barrier Reef
Daintree Rainforest
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