Australia's East Coast Must-See Highlights

BRISBANE TO CAIRNS

Queensland Coastal Drive

SELF DRIVE TOUR

Brisbane | Noosa | K’gari | Whitsundays | Whitehaven Beach | Cairns

This iconic road trip showcases some of the very best that the Queensland coast has to offer. Head north to Noosa where you will join a unique 4WD day tour on the sandy beach, there are even road signs! Overnight on K’gari, home to the largest sand island in the world, further north Airlie Beach is the gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach. A cruise on the Great Barrier Reef will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip.

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INCLUDES FLIGHTS
18 Days
From £6459 Per Person

Includes international flights from most UK airports on 1 June 2026. Subject to availability at the time of booking. Please call for details.

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Queensland Coastal Drive
From £6459 Per Person

Your Itinerary

  • Day 1-2
  • Day 3-4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
  • Day 10
  • Day 11
  • Day 12
  • Day 13
  • Day 14
  • Day 15
  • Day 16
  • Day 17-18

Day 1-2 : UK - Brisbane

Board your flight from the UK to Brisbane.

Day 3-4 : Brisbane

On arrival into Brisbane, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to relax before your Queensland adventure begins. On day 4 we have included a morning short walking tour which will offer a blend of sightseeing, local story telling and tasty treats on route.

Day 5 : Noosa (100 miles)

Collect your car from Brisbane downtown and head north following the coastline. An easy, relaxed drive will see you arrive for your overnight stay on the Sunshine Coast.

Day 6 : Noosa – 4WD Drive Beach Drive & Wildlife Kayak Paddle

We have included one of our personal favourite tours, depart Noosa by 4x4 for a fun packed drive on Teewah Beach. You will then take part in a guided kayak paddle. The region really is a marine wildlife Serengeti whatever the time of year, with dolphins eager to play, shy turtles diving and take front of stage as you encounter the migration of whales (Jun-Oct).

Day 7 : K’gari (125 miles)

This morning you will continue your drive towards Hervey Bay where you will park at Urangan Harbour. Board the 50 min ferry ride to K’gari, for a stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Day 8 : K’gari Full Day Discovery Tour

Today you will explore K’gari with a ranger-guided 4WD bus tour, make sure you pack your swimming costume as you will have the opportunity to cool off in the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Mckenzie and Eli Creek. A highlight will be a stop at Maheno shipwreck and seventy-five-mile beach.

Day 9 : Agnes Water (155 miles)

Take the morning ferry back to Urangan Harbour and travel north towards Bundaberg. Perhaps you will take a late afternoon sundowner cruise at one Queensland’s best kept secrets.

Day 10 : Rockhampton (140 miles)

Continue to Rockhampton, a city straddling the Fitzroy River. Step back in time by walking through the Rockhampton Heritage Village or visit the city's fantastic art gallery where community and creativity come together.

Day 11 : Mackay (210 Miles)

Bid farewell to Rockhampton and continue your journey towards Mackay. En-route take a break at Clairview where you will find viewing platforms to spot platypus in their natural habitat at Broken River.

Day 12 : Airlie Beach (100 miles)

Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. With year-round tropical weather, palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks, al fresco restaurants and vibrant markets.

Day 13 : Airlie Beach Whitsundays - Full Day Whitehaven Cruise

Sail through the Whitsundays and on to the tropical paradise that is Whitehaven Beach. Deemed to be the most photographed beach in Australia. Take a guided relaxed walk where you will hear of traditional stories of the Ngaro people and on to the lookout for picture postcard photographs. Rest of the day is yours to explore further or cool off in the azure waters before returning to Airlie Beach.

Day 14 : Townsville (173 miles)

Head north via Bowen to Townsville, gateway to Tropical North Queensland.

Day 15 : Cairns (220 miles)

Your final drive to Queensland’s most northern city of Cairns, where two world heritage listed sites meet, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The town is full of life with amiable café’s, bustling markets, an array of restaurants and bars. Stop by the locals favourite swimming spot at Trinity beach and take a stroll along the esplanade.

Day 16 : Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Today set sail onboard a fast super yacht out to the Great Barrier Reef. You will visit two spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations, included, guests will be fully equipped with snorkelling gear. Step into the waters below in this magical underwater playground for marine life, where a kaleidoscope of colour awaits.

Day 17-18 : Cairns - UK

Today, return your rental car before your onward journey back to the UK. Or continue your journey to explore anther state, maybe the contrast of the red desert sands of Uluru or the bustling city of Sydney. We would be delighted to share our recommendations.

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Our Awards

We are very proud that our personal, friendly service and attention to detail has led to us becoming an industry leader in providing tailor-made holidays. We have been recognised throughout the years by winning a number of prestigious awards from within and outside of the travel industry. We won the "Best Operator to Canada" award at the 2017 British Annual Canada Travel Awards for a record 15th time.

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