Self-drive on Australia’s east coast

Today is the day you set off from your chosen airport and head for Australia with connecting flight(s) on the way.

You land in Sydney, one of Australia’s most iconic cities, and you are then transported from the airport to your hotel. There are no activities planned for today, which gives you the opportunity to find your feet again after the long flight.

If your room isn’t ready for you when you arrive, the hotel will be happy to store your luggage for you while you head out and enjoy your first impressions of the city.

Most people experience a bit of jet lag the first few days in Australia, and it can be tempting to have a nice long nap. But the best cure for jet lag is to drink plenty of water, and to get some fresh air and light!

Start your Sydney adventure with a walk down through the Botanic Gardens to Sydney’s famous waterfront, the iconic Harbour Bridge and Utzon’s world-famous Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.

Sydney enjoys a location that takes most people’s breath away. The city is built around the world’s largest natural harbour, with a hive of activity on the water, as small ferries transport “Sydney-siders” across the harbour between the suburbs and the workplaces in the heart of the city. There is also a sea of white sails from private boats, and once in a while one of the big cruise ships also docks here.

If your feet begin to ache, sit yourself down at a café, order a “flat white” (Australia’s answer to a cappuccino) and tune into the Aussie drawl. The Australians might speak English, but they have many words that are only used in Australia.

Sydney buzzes with life from the early hours of the morning. People head to work in the city in their droves from the suburbs, grabbing breakfast at their favourite café on the way. Join them and enjoy the fact that you’re on holiday.

Early this morning, an exciting half-day guided tour of the many highlights and attractions of Sydney awaits you. You’ll visit sights such as the city’s historic quarter, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, the Opera House, China Town and Bondi Beach to name but a few. The tour will give you a good introduction to the city, making it easier for you plan what you want to return to and explore further.
Please note that you have to make own your way to the starting point of the guided tour. The address is on your voucher.

It is possible to purchase extra excursions today if, after the guided tour, you’d like to go inside the Opera House for a guided tour or perhaps enjoy the ultimate bird’s eye view of the city on a bridge walk on Harbour Bridge. Remember to book the tours from home to ensure that they’re not sold out.

You can also delve a little deeper into the city’s history at the Museum of Sydney, an exciting interactive museum housed in Sydney’s first Government House. The Australian Museum is an exciting museum, where you can, among other things, learn more about the Aboriginal people and their history and culture.

Some of the city’s best restaurants are to be found on King Street Wharf. Perhaps you’d like to make your way down here when darkness falls and hunger strikes?

The day is yours to do as you please in Sydney, and there’s certainly no shortage of things on offer here! In and around Sydney, there are more than 100 beaches, often with really good changing facilities, so pack your swimwear and round off the day with a dip. From Circular Quay, it takes just 18 minutes to sail over to the popular Manly Beach, where there are also a multitude of cosy restaurants and cafés.

You could also head out to Bondi Beach and walk the scenic Bondi to Coogee Walk, a scenic 6-km walk that takes you past beaches, parks and lookouts along the coast.

Perhaps you’ll fancy going on more guided tours either in or outside the city? Here, too, there are plenty of options. We recommend that you purchase these excursions when you book the tour, as some of them sell out weeks and months in advance.

With just over 2 million inhabitants, Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city and the capital of the state of Queensland – not to mention a lovely city! It might seem a bit quiet compared to Sydney, but the city has plenty of charm.

On your arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. You have the rest of the day to yourself to explore the city.

South Bank by the river is the hippest area of the city, where there are restaurants, bars and a public beach – it’s pretty lively here, day and night.

If the hipster scene is more your thing, head to West End, which is less “polished” than South Bank with cool street art and cosy cafés and shops.

We also highly recommend the Botanic Garden and Roma Street Parkland, north of the station.

The day is yours to explore the city on your own.

Visit the exciting Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) for a spot of culture.

If a little more physical activity is the order of the day, you can rent a bike and cycle out to the Mount Coot-tha lookout. There is a crazy panoramic view of the city from up here. It is also possible to take the bus out here.

There are several companies along the Brisbane River that offer pleasant boat trips, where you can relax and soak up all the impressions.

You also have the option of purchasing a full-day excursion to the area around Brisbane, e.g. Moreton Island or the scenic Lamington National Park.

Your Australian road trip adventure up the east coast starts today. You take a taxi to the car rental office, where you’ll pick up your rental car. You head north from Brisbane to the popular beach resort of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.

Around an hour’s drive north of Brisbane are the scenic Glass House Mountains. A group of natural rock formations, they rise steeply from the surrounding flat landscape to form a spectacular backdrop that is visible from a long distance. There are hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, so beginners and seasoned hikers can find something to suit their level. But you can also just drive past and take some nice pictures.

On your arrival in Noosa, be sure to have a dip in the sea at the popular Main Beach, located in the area known as Noosa Heads. You’ll also find the town’s lively Hastings Street here, the main street lined with trendy shops, gourmet restaurants and cosy cafés. It’s a great place for a stroll and just soak up the atmosphere.

Driving distance Brisbane – Noosa: Approx. 150 km

Drive: around 2 hours

You decide what’s on the agenda today in Noosa, but we recommend a hike in the scenic Noosa National Park.

The park is easy to get to, and there are several hiking trails of varying duration and difficulty, which offer spectacular lookouts such as Hell’s Gates, Dolphin Point and Boiling Pot. It also offers exciting wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, iguanas and a wide variety of bird species. During whale season (July–October), you might be lucky enough to spot the impressive mammals here from the coast.

Another exciting destination is the Noosa Everglades, a unique area of natural beauty around 30 km north of the city. It is one of only two places in the world where these kinds of wetlands exist, the other being the Florida Everglades in the US. Home to a rich biodiversity, the Noosa Everglades consist of a complex network of rivers, canals and lakes extending through lush rainforest and mangrove forests. A popular way to experience the area is to explore the river systems either by canoe or on a boat trip.

Today’s drive is not that long, so you can choose to make a few exciting stops along the way, e.g. in the old gold mining town of Gympie or in Maryborough, one of Queensland’s oldest cities.

At the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum, you’ll learn about the town’s exciting history, and if you’re feeling a little extra lucky today, you can try your luck and pan for gold at the Deep Creek Gold Fossicking Park. You can also take a nostalgic train ride through Mary Valley on board the historic steam locomotive “The Mary Valley Rattler”.

Founded in 1843, Maryborough is one of Queensland’s oldest cities. Many European immigrants arrived in the city in the latter half of the 19th century. The magnificent old houses have given Maryborough the reputation of being one of the most beautiful historic cities in Queensland. Judge that for yourself by following the Heritage Walk around the city, which includes 28 historic buildings. The city is also the birthplace of P.L. Travers, the author of “Mary Poppins”, and celebrates this with an annual festival for the author.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Hervey Bay, which is the starting point for excursions to the world’s largest sand island, K’Gari (formerly known as Fraser Island). The city is furthermore known to be one of the best places in the world to see whales during the whaling season from mid-July to the end of October. If you come here during this period, we recommend that you purchase a whale watching tour from home and experience these impressive creatures off the coast of Hervey Bay together with an experienced nature guide.

Driving distance Noosa – Hervey Bay: Approx. 180 km

Drive: around 2 hours

The island of K’gari was formerly known as Fraser Island, but its name has now been changed back to the original name, given by the country’s indigenous population. K’gari means paradise, and with its endless white sand beaches, crystal-clear freshwater lake, coloured sand cliffs and unique flora and fauna, we understand why the island has been given this particular name.

The day starts with a scenic, 45-minute ferry ride across the Great Sandy Strait. Together with a passionate guide, you explore the island in a 4WD bus – four-wheel drive is necessary to get around the island’s highlights. Take a swim in the scenic Lake McKenzie, see giant ferns in the rainforest at Central Station and keep an eye out for wildlife as you zip along the scenic 75 Mile Beach, the island’s “main road”. You might be lucky enough to see dingoes, the wild dogs that live on the island. It is also on 75 Mile Beach that the rusty shipwreck Maheno lies, dramatically washed up on the beach after a violent cyclone in 1935.

You’ll also see the coloured sand dunes at The Pinnacles and cool off in the impressive Eli Creek, where a massive 4 million litres of fresh water flow out into the Pacific Ocean every hour!

Remember your swimwear, towel, cap and sunscreen with high SPF.

Your lunch (included) is enjoyed along the way at one of the island’s few resorts.

After a day of adventure and nature experiences, you’ll take the ferry back to Hervey Bay, where you’ll be driven back to your hotel, many memories of an unforgettable day at K’gari the richer.

The drive from Hervey Bay to the next stop on the tour, Rockhampton, takes around 4–5 hours without stops.

Along the main road, the sugar cane plantations begin to appear, stretching as far as the eye can see. You’ll also pass the large Isis Sugar Mill in the town of Childers, where rum is also produced from all the sugar cane, and one of the country’s famous rum distilleries can be visited in Bundaberg, just a small detour on the road to Rockhampton.

You’ll also drive past the lovely little agricultural town of Gin Gin. Just east of the town are the Mystery Craters. These strange sandstone formations were likely created by meteors.

As you approach Rockhampton, you’ll be in no doubt about why the city is called the Beef Capital of Australia. The fields abound with beef cattle, and if you like beef, then today might be a good day to treat yourself to a good steak for dinner.

Driving distance Hervey Bay – Rockhampton: Approx. 380 km

Drive: Approx. 4-5 hours

Another long day on the road awaits you, and you’re probably beginning to sense just how big the country actually is. You may also already have come across the huge lorries (also called road trains) that transport goods around Australia.

It’s still agricultural land and especially sugar cane plantations that you’ll pass through on your way. Just as Rockhampton calls itself the Beef Capital of Australia, the city of Mackay calls itself the Sugar Capital of Australia. If you’re interested in learning more about the sugar refining process, stop in Mackay for an interesting guided tour.

Just outside Mackay, you can also take a detour to Eungella National Park, known for its subtropical rainforest and the opportunity to see the rare and shy duck-billed platypus in the wild.

In the evening, you’ll arrive at the picturesque coastal town of Airlie Beach, which is a base for trips to the magical Whitsunday Islands National Park, also known simply as The Whitsundays.

Take a walk down the town’s main street, which is always buzzing with life, and where you’re sure to find somewhere to enjoy your evening meal.

Driving distance Rockhampton – Airlie Beach: Approx. 480 km

Drive: Approx. 5-6 hours

The Whitsundays archipelago consists of 74 islands located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland. The islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and are a truly unique experience not to be missed!

Aboard an 85-foot catamaran, you’ll leave the harbour in Airlie Beach and sail past Daydream, Hamilton and Hook islands en route to Whitsunday Island. You’ll arrive at the island’s picture-perfect Whitehaven Beach, known for its long, white sandy beach, where the sand is so fine that it crunches under foot. The combination of the white sand and clear turquoise water is absolutely magical, and the beach has been named one of the world’s most beautiful several times.

Your guide will take you on a walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, where the tide creates an amazing swirling effect in the sand and water. A unique panoramic view of the area is enjoyed from up here.

Afterwards, there’s time to swim, sunbathe and take lots of photos at the beach, before a delicious buffet lunch is served on board the boat.

After lunch, it’s time to experience life under the sea, where corals and colourful fish await. The experienced crew ensures you enjoy a safe and memorable experience. You can borrow snorkelling equipment on the boat. If you don’t feel like snorkelling, you can simply relax on the boat and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the meantime.

In the afternoon, you’ll head back to Airlie Beach and have the rest of the evening to yourself in the cosy town.

Remember to bring shoes, sandals, a drinking bottle, towel, swimwear, sunglasses, cap and sunscreen with a high UV factor – preferably one of the so-called reef-safe sunscreens, which do not contain the harmful substances that can destroy the corals.

You’ll leave Airlie Beach and drive back to Proserpine where you head out on Bruce Highway and drive through the towns of Bowen and Ayr on your way to Townsville. Today’s drive is a nice mix of beautiful coastline and lush fields.

After an hour’s drive, you reach Bowen, a charming seaside town with undisturbed beaches and beautiful bays. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the idyllic Horseshoe Bay or put on your walking shoes and enjoy the stunning views. Bowen is also known for its fruit production, e.g. mangoes.

At the town of Ayr, you’ll pass Burdekin Bridge, an impressive feat of engineering. You can also enjoy your lunch here at the nearby Alva Beach, which is popular with anglers and divers.

Townsville is a cultural and economic hub in North Queensland and buzzes with life. We recommend walking down to the city’s lively waterfront, The Strand, or to Castle Hill for fantastic views of the city and the coast. From here, you can look across to Magnetic Island, which is just off the coast of Townsville. The city also has a popular aquarium, which is, in fact, the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium! You can get right up close to sharks and rays here and experience the incredible marine ecosystem without getting wet.

Driving distance Airlie Beach – Townsville: Approx. 300 km

Drive: Approx. 3-4 hours

There are many places to make exciting stops today en route to Cairns. You can’t do them all, but it might be a good idea to set your alarm to ensure you get the most out of the day. Today’s drive offers stunning scenery through tropical landscapes and fabulous beaches.

On your way north, you’ll pass through the small town of Ingham, known for its Italian heritage and annual Australian-Italian Festival. Ingham is also the gateway to Girrigun National Park, home to Wallaman Falls. If you have time, it’s worth a detour to see this impressive natural wonder. It’s a somewhat steep and winding road to get here, but it’s definitely worth the drive.

The waterfall has a drop of 268 metres, making it Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall. It’s pretty impressive. The colourful cassowary lives in the rainforest. It’s a beautiful flightless bird, but keep your distance, because it’s also one of the world’s most dangerous birds due to its sharp talons.

From Ingham, you continue through Cardwell, a cosy coastal town overlooking Hinchinbrook Island, one of Australia’s largest national parks. Cardwell is a great place to stop for a break and enjoy the views of the island or take a short walk along the seafront.

Further north, you’ll come to Tully, which is known as one of the wettest places in Australia. You’ll see the giant gumboot, which symbolises the town’s record rainfall. Tully is also a popular base for adventure seekers wishing to go white-water rafting on the Tully River.

Right after Tully, you’ll pass through Mission Beach, a relaxed coastal town with long beaches and dense rainforest. Mission Beach is a perfect place to stop for a break, enjoy a swim or maybe even take a short boat ride to Dunk Island.

After Mission Beach, you’re not far from Cairns, but before you get there you’ll pass through Babinda and the famous Babinda Boulders. This scenic area offers natural waterholes and smooth rock formations that are perfect for a refreshing dip and a coffee break.

Finally, you arrive in Cairns, the busy coastal city, which is probably best known for being the base for trips to the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef.

Spend the evening walking along the city’s waterfront, the Esplanade, and choose a good seafood restaurant.

Driving distance Townsville – Cairns: Approx. 350 km

Drive: Approx. 4-5 hours

You’ll spend the day on your own in Cairns. It goes without saying that we recommend a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, which is a must in these parts. There are several different options to experience the reef, whether you’re into snorkelling or diving, or perhaps you’d rather see the colourful fish and impressive corals through the glass of a glass-bottomed boat. It’s wonderful to experience life under the sea, no matter what you choose to do.

You also have the opportunity to enjoy a ride in the more than 100-year-old train along one of the world’s most scenic railway lines to the small town of Kuranda.

North of Cairns, there are a host of pleasant beach resorts, and Port Douglas is one of our favourites. Here, ensconced in tropical surroundings, you can process all that you have seen and done on your journey up the east coast of Australia.

Look forward to experiencing the charming town, which exudes sun and beach, and feel the sand between your toes on the beautiful Four Mile Beach.

It’s not that far up here from Cairns, so if you haven’t already visited the cosy little town of Kuranda, you can make a stop here on the way and enjoy your lunch.

Driving distance Cairns – Port Douglas: Approx. 70 km

Drive: Approx. 1 hours.

You can spend the last days swimming, relaxing and enjoying yourself in Port Douglas.

The town was originally founded in the mid-19th century as a shipping port for gold and tin, which was mined further inland. The town grew explosively, but when a new road was opened from Cairns to Mossman further north in 1933, it bypassed Port Douglas, and the town became a quiet fishing town.

As Cairns became increasingly popular with visitors in the 1980s, more and more people also found their way here – and the town grew again. Today, it is a veritable beach holiday paradise, and you can easily while away many a day just enjoying yourself in the tropical climate.

If you need one last adventure before the tour ends, we recommend a trip up to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rainforest is believed to be more than 135 million years old. To put that in perspective, the Amazon in South America is estimated to be around 10 million years old! On a boat trip on the Daintree River, you may be lucky enough to spot the large saltwater crocodiles that live here. You can either drive up here in your own car or go on an organised tour with a guide.

Your tour has come to an end, and it’s time to drive to the airport in Cairns, where the rental car is returned and your journey home to Europe with connecting flight(s) along the way begins.

Driving distance Port Douglas – Cairns: Approx. 70 km

Drive: Approx. 1 hours.

You will land at the airport of your choice after an exciting and unforgettable tour up along the east coast of Australia.