Travelling the Pacific Coast Touring Route you will encounter breathtaking scenery en route from Sydney to Cairns. Participate in water sports, discover national parks and native wildlife and sample delicious local seafood, wine and produce along the way. This itinerary helps you to make the most of your travels, unearthing Australia's diverse nature and relaxed way of life.
Day 1: SYDNEY - CENTRAL COAST - HUNTER VALLEY
From Sydney, drive 1 ½ hours' drive north along the Pacific Hwy to the Central Coast. Explore the region's fabulous beaches and waterways en route then head inland toward Cessnock to sample the delights of the Hunter Valley. There are numerous boutique and well-known wineries with cellar door tastings and sales. Fresh local produce is served at several excellent winery restaurants along the way.
Overnight in Cessnock
Day 2: HUNTER VALLEY - NEWCASTLE
Enjoy the morning in the Hunter Valley before returning to the golden surf beaches of the Hunter Coast. There are a string of seaside villages and a number of National Parks to explore before you head on to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Overnight in Newcastle
Day 3: NEWCASTLE - PORT MACQUARIE
Take the scenic drive via Port Stephens' beautiful beaches and bays. Head north to Forster and the clear water of Myall, Smiths and Wallis Lakes, home to pelicans, sea eagles, kangaroos and koalas. Port Macquarie has one of the best climates in Australia, with water temperature of 22 C even in winter. There are 13 golden beaches, National Parks, spectacular mountain and river scenery and a long list of attractions to captivate you.
Overnight in Port Macquarie
Day 4: PORT MACQUARIE - COFFS HARBOUR
On the way to Coffs Harbour, enjoy the coastal scenery, paddle in the waters of Trial Bay at South West Rocks or visit the Swiss Toymaker at Nambucca. Coffs Harbour is a bustling resort town and ideal family holiday location. There's a wonderful array of beaches, recreational facilities and Bonville International Golf & Country Club, which is modelled on Augusta in the USA.
Overnight in Coffs Harbour
Day 5: COFFS HARBOUR - TWEED COAST
On the way to the Tweed Coast enjoy the lush countryside and panoramic views. Drive to Ballina, a bustling community at the mouth of the Richmond River and home of Thursday Plantation (the original tea tree plantation), then on to Byron Bay, Australia's most easterly point, with its eclectic mix of cultures, superb beaches, great cafes and restaurants. Drive along the Tweed Valley, a scenic drive through pretty villages, to Tweed Heads or Cabarita Beach.
Overnight Tweed Heads
Day 6: TWEED HEADS - GOLD COAST
The Tweed is a natural wonderland, home to three World Heritage Listed National Parks, lush rainforests and miles of unspoiled beaches. Drive via Mount Warning, offering dazzling views, to the Gold Coast for some action & adventure or some relaxation. Lie on a beach, surf, bushwalk, dive, golf, fish, shop, dine out or visit the numerous theme parks. You will not be short of things to do on the Gold Coast!
Overnight in Gold Coast
Day 7: GOLD COAST - BRISBANE
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland. This laid-back city is built on the banks of the Brisbane River and, with its wonderful weather, friendly people and plenty of attractions, it is an easy place to explore on foot. From Mt Coot-Tha, 8 kms from the city, you are afforded wonderful views over Brisbane and as far as Stradbroke Island and the Glass House Mountains. Take a City Cat ride along the Brisbane River or take a stroll around South Bank, one of the city's liveliest areas with a wildlife sanctuary, market stalls, restaurants and cafes, bike paths and a sandy beach.
Overnight in Brisbane
Day 8: BRISBANE - SUNSHINE COAST
Head north past the spectacular Glass House Mountains to the Sunshine Coast, a low rise, relaxed alternative to the Gold Coast. The coastline from Caloundra to Noosa Heads affords panoramic seascapes and has expansive beaches. The coastal resorts offer contemporary food prepared by some of Queensland's most accomplished restaurateurs, using local seafoods and produce. Noosa Heads is home to trendy boutiques and internationally recognised haute couture, whilst locally produced crafts can be found in the markets of Caloundra and Mooloolaba.
Overnight in Sunshine Coast
Day 9: SUNSHINE COAST - HERVEY BAY OR BUNDABERG
Continue sampling the delights of the Sunshine Coast today. In the afternoon head up to Hervey Bay - 'Whale Watch Capital of the World'. Enjoy the magnificent protected waterways and year round swimming or, between August & October, view the humpback whales.
Overnight Bundaberg or Hervey Bay
Day 10: BUNDABERG - ROCKHAMPTON
Bundaberg is the heart of Australia's sugar industry and home to the famous Bundaberg Rum. Take a guided tour of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and enjoy a rum cocktail afterwards. Bundaberg is the southernmost access point to the Great Barrier Reef and Mon Repos Beach hosts the annual pilgrimage of giant sea turtles to lay their eggs in Queensland's largest turtle rookery. Travel north through Gladstone to Rockhampton, enjoying the coastline and hinterland sights along the way. Heron Island, a coral cay renowned for its unique marine life, is accessed from Gladstone.
Overnight in Rockhampton
Day 11: ROCKHAMPTON - MACKAY
Explore the seaside villages of Yeppoon and Rosslyn Bay or visit one of the 15 National Parks, the wildlife parks or the Dreamtime Cultural Centre in Rockhampton. Turn off Highway 1 to take the Scenic Loop, which takes you to 13 of Queensland's most beautiful beaches between Yeppoon and Emu Park. Travel on through sugar cane fields to Sarina and Mackay.
Overnight in Mackay
Day 12: MACKAY - AIRLIE BEACH
Mackay is amidst some of the most fertile plains of sugar cane plantations. Head north to take advantage of the spectacular Whitsunday's - lush, tropical, mountainous islands and bays set in clear blue waters on the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef. Cruise to some of the islands or take a seaplane or cruise out to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef. There are many trips to choose from departing from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour.
Overnight in Airlie Beach
Day 13: AIRLIE BEACH - TOWNSVILLE
On your journey north you will travel through Bowen, home to Australia's best mangoes. Bowen has some pretty beaches and lookouts with views over the Whitsunday Islands and coastline. Head north to Townsville in time for a trip to nearby Magnetic Island. In Townsville, experience the relaxed charm of the tropics and indulge in the entertainment, dining and shopping this city has to offer.
Overnight in Townsville
Day 14: TOWNSVILLE TO CAIRNS
The area from Townsville to Cairns is known as the Great Green Way with sandy beaches, World Heritage Rainforests and plunging waterfalls. On the way, visit Mission Beach or Dunk Island. Travel via Kuranda and enjoy the afternoon in the rainforest on the Kuranda Scenic Rail or Skyrail before settling into one of the excellent restaurants available in Cairns.
Overnight in Cairns
Day 15: CAIRNS
From Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef is at your doorstep. There are reef trips to suit every taste and budget. Take part in your choice of activities from snorkelling, diving, swimming, coral viewing and fishing. There are numerous coastal resort towns to the north up to Port Douglas and the Atherton Tablelands and Kuranda Rainforest to be discovered inland, with more activities such as white water rafting, bushwalking, ballooning, horse riding and many other adventure activities. |
