Pacific Coast Road Trip: Sydney to Cairns

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Departure Date

December 22, 2026

Overview

  • Savor fine wines and rolling vineyard views in the sun-kissed Hunter Valley, New South Wales.
  • Cruise beside playful dolphins or stroll golden beaches along the peaceful shores of Port Stephens.
  • Journey past rainforests and beaches to discover Coffs Harbor’s coastal charm and the Big Banana.
  • Relax in the Whitsundays’ turquoise waters and powder-white sands, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
  • End in tropical Cairns after exploring Fraser Island’s wild beauty and Queensland’s vibrant coastal towns.

 

Highlights

Trip Includes

  • 1 night premium accommodation in the Hunter Valley
  • 1 night premium accommodation in Port Stephens
  • 1 night moderate accommodation in Coffs Harbour
  • 2 nights premium accommodation on the Gold Coast
  • 1 night premium accommodation in Brisbane
  • 2 nights premium accommodation on Fraser Island
  • 1 night premium accommodation in Rockhampton
  • 2 nights premium accommodation in the Whitsundays
  • 1 night premium accommodation in Townsville
  • 1 night moderate accommodation at Mission Beach
  • Shared arrival and departure catamaran transfers to Fraser Island
  • 14-day Intermediate Automatic SUV rental with unlimited kilometres and mandatory vehicle insurance

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

 

Pick up your car and drive to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia's premium wine producing regions.

 

Pick Up: Sydney Airport

Drop Off: Cairns Apt

 

Sydney to Hunter Valley 180 km (112 miles)

 

Your Accommodation

Voco Kirkton Park Hotel

Unplug or plug in. Connect or disconnect. Settle in seamlessly to our comfortable rooms and suites that are luxurious yet functional. Spend mornings and afternoons wrapped in robes with cups of coffee and glasses of wine on sun dusted balconies overlooking the picturesque wine-country landscape of the Hunter Valley and Brokenback Ranges. Choose from our range of contemporary and elegant rooms with touches of bold monochrome patterns, inky blues and a splash of voco yellow by designer Greg Natale who has taken Hunter Valley’s first vineyard estate to the next level of country retreats — perfect for any occasion.

Voco Kirkton Park Hotel

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.

 

Hunter Valley to Port Stephens 94 km (59 miles)

 

Your Accommodation

Anchorage Port Stephens

Breezy seaside style at its finest, The Anchorage Hotel & Spa offers luxurious absolute waterfront accommodation on the pristine shores of Port Stephens – from spacious rooms to mezzanine-style loft suites and an exclusive villa – along with world-class Spa Lucca, heated family and adult exclusive pools, and decadent dining options.

Anchorage Port Stephens

Drive along the Pacific Highway to the former convict settlement of Port Macquarie then continue through beautiful countryside to Coffs Harbour.

 

Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour 450 km (280 miles)

Meal

Breakfast

 

Your Accommodation

Best Western Parkside Motor Inn

Double Twin Room, Stay at this freshly renovated Coffs Harbour motel, located within 500 meters of the city center. All rooms are non-smoking. Welcome to Best Western Parkside Motor Inn in Coffs Harbour. Guests staying at this quiet, park side motel will be conveniently situated to explore the natural wonders of the Coffs Coast, including beautiful beaches and rugged rainforests. Best Western Parkside Motor Inn is a popular choice for corporate guests traveling on business, as well as leisure guests. All rooms come with cable television and in-room mini bars. Room service meals are available during weekdays. This Coffs Harbour motel's additional amenities include a swimming pool and barbecue. Best Western Parkside Motor Inn is close to all of Coffs Harbour's local attractions and activities, such as the Big Banana, beaches, golf, fishing, shopping mall and health club.

Best Western Parkside Motor Inn

Travel via Cape Byron (Australia's most easterly point) to the stunning Gold Coast. This evening visit Jupiter's Casino.

 

Coffs Harbour to the Gold Coast 330km (205 miles)

 

Your Accommodation

Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

Overlooking the beautiful Nerang River, Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is everything you could want. A unique combination of comfort and hospitality set discretely apart, yet perfectly located just a few steps from the vibrant and exciting heart of Surfers Paradise. The property offers 199 stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites.

Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

Today is at leisure to enjoy the many attractions of the Gold Coast.

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.

 

Gold Coast to Brisbane 100km (61 miles)

 

Your Accommodation

Amora Hotel Brisbane

Situated in the heart of the Brisbane CBD, Amora Hotel Brisbane is a 4.5 star hotel featuring 296 spacious rooms and suites ideal for business and leisure stays in the bustling capital. Guests arriving at the hotel are welcomed into a sleek, modern lobby with an abundance of natural light and treated to warm, engaging service that elevates the standard for Brisbane hotels. Our hotel’s location is just a short stroll from Central Railway Station, Queen Street Mall, Howard Smith Wharves entertainment and dining district, along with the James Street high-end fashion and lifestyle precinct. The hotel’s premium location makes Amora Hotel Brisbane the ideal corporate and social hub for the most discerning traveler.

Amora Hotel Brisbane

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. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. On arrival you will be transferred (or you can take a scenic 5-minute walk) to the Kingfisher Bay Resort Reception to check in. The day is free to relax, explore and enjoy the facilities of the resort with idyllic white beaches, endless sunshine, World Heritage wilderness and spectacular sunsets across the bay, it’s the perfect place to stay and unwind on island time. Wake up in paradise to the sweet songs of birdlife, take in the scenery from your private deck, or stroll down to the beach for a dip with nature right on your doorstep. Here you can do as much or as little as you like.

 

Brisbane to Fraser Island 330km (205 miles)

 

Your Accommodation

Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island

With idyllic white beaches, endless sunshine, World Heritage wilderness to explore, and spectacular sunsets across the bay, it’s the perfect place to stay and unwind on island time. Wake up in paradise to the sweet songs of birdlife, take in the scenery from your private deck, or stroll down to the beach for a dip with nature right on your doorstep. Here you can do as much or as little as you like.

Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island

On this full day of adventure seeing all of the iconic Fraser Island sights, you’ll meet like-minded travellers, visit the top natural attractions and cool off in watering holes – all from the air-conditioned comfort of a custom-designed, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Discover island highlights such as: Gorgeous Lake McKenzie. Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek, Pile Valley’s awe-inspiring Satinay and Brush Box forests, 75 Mile Beach's famous highway, the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of The Pinnacles and last but not least the relaxing fresh waters of Eli Creek. The tour includes lunch and refreshments, so all you need to pack is your sunscreen, swimwear, and sense of adventure.

You will depart K’gari today for your transfer back to the mainland. Enjoy the relaxing 50 minute journey back to River Heads and 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.

 

Fraser Island to Rockhampton 400 km (248 miles)

 

Your Accommodation

The Edge Apartment Hotel

Rockhampton’s leading 4.5 AAA Star Rated Deluxe Accommodation in the heart of the CBD Riverfront Precinct. Take in spectacular views of the mighty Fitzroy River, Mount Archer, and the city. Our hotel is within walking distance of Rockhampton shopping mall in the CBD.

The Edge Apartment Hotel

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.

 

Rockhampton to the Whitsundays 488 km (305 miles)

Meal

Breakfast

 

Your Accommodation

Coral Sea Marina Resort

Located spectacularly on the oceanfront, overlooking the blue waters of tropical North Queensland, Coral Sea Marina Resort is both the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands and a central hub for the enchanting seaside town of Airlie Beach. The Coral Sea Resort Hotel is conveniently located along the scenic Bicentennial walkway directly between the marina, which offers direct access to the incredible adventures awaiting you out on the water, and the small town of Airlie Beach with its eclectic mix of vibrant shops, restaurants, nightlife, beaches and lagoon.

Coral Sea Marina Resort

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.

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.

 

The Whitsundays to Townsville 286 km (147 miles)

 

Your Accommodation

Park Regis Anchorage

Tucked in the quiet end of Palmer street and a walk distance to award-winning restaurants and nightlife, Park Regis Anchorage offers a great accommodation location for easy access to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island, tropical rainforests, national parks as well as numerous golf, fishing, watersports and cruise options. Queensland Country Bank Stadium is a short drive distance.

Park Regis Anchorage

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.

 

Townsville to Mission Beach 235 km (147 miles)

 

Your Accommodation

Club Wyndham Mission Beach

Club Wyndham Mission Beach accommodation is your ultimate beachfront escape in the tropics. Idyllically bound by the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, our 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 you have found your own tropical little paradise right here!

Club Wyndham Mission Beach

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.


Summary

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.