Best of Queensland
Daily.
SELF-DRIVE tour
- Room only.
- 4* Grand Chancellor, Brisbane; 4* Noosa Blue Resort; 4* Kingfisher Bay Resort, K'gari; 4* Empire Apartment Hotel, Rockhampton; 4*Plus at Marina Shores, Airlie Beach; 4*Plus Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, Magnetic Island; 4* Castaways Resort & Spa, Mission Beach; 4* Meridian Port Douglas.
- The price shown for this self-drive tour includes international flights to Brisbane and return from Cairns, 14 days compact all inclusive car hire, accommodation as shown, return ferry Hervey Bay to K'gari, and return ferry Townsville to Magnetic Island).
- This holiday is 100% financially protected. ATOL protected 2713
Drive the length of Queensland's coast on this 16-day self-drive adventure. From Brisbane's riverside charm and Noosa's chic beaches to the untamed wilderness of K'gari (the world's largest sand island) this journey takes in the very best of the Sunshine State. Cruise the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach, spot wild koalas on Magnetic Island and unwind on Mission Beach's golden sands. Finish in Port Douglas, the gateway to the ancient Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where coast and rainforest meet. Savour a road trip through reef, rainforest and everything in between.
Our suggested itinerary is a starting point
We're specialists in tailor-made holidays, where we can adapt each itinerary to suit your requirements
Days 1-2 Brisbane
Fly to Brisbane. On arrival make your own way to your hotel and, if time allows, step out for a wander. Before you depart, take in some of the sights, such as the Story Bridge, Botanic Gardens and the riverside South Bank precinct.
Days 3-4 Noosa
Collect your car and hit the highway north to the Sunshine Coast and the sophisticated town of Noosa (92 miles). Along with the buzzing hive of Hastings Street, Noosa serves up gorgeous beaches and surf spots too.
Days 5-6 K'gari (Fraser Island)
Travel on to River Heads for the ferry across to K'gari (Fraser Island), famed as the world's largest sand island (139 miles land only). Discover the island's bountiful natural beauty including endless beaches, freshwater lakes and tropical rainforests.
Day 7 Rockhampton
Take the return ferry to River Heads and drive north to Rockhampton, which serves up cosmopolitan conveniences in a contemporary riverside setting. After dark, look forward to exceptional dining along the heritage-lined streets with some of the best steak houses, restaurants and pubs in Queensland (249 miles land only).
Days 8-9 Airlie Beach
Continue north along the coast. There are ample places to stop and stretch your legs as you head for Airlie Beach, gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef (300 miles). Should you wish, ample cruises offer day trips for exploring the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. In Airlie itself, there are palm-fringed beaches, alfresco restaurants and vibrant markets all wrapped up in a laidback vibe.
Days 10-11 Magnetic Island
Drive to Townsville for the ferry to Magnetic Island, a paradise of hiking trails, snorkelling adventures and more (169 miles land only). Thrill seekers can get adrenaline surging with adventure sports such as wake-boarding or, for a more sedate pursuit, hire a kayak and paddle around Horseshoe Bay. With two thirds of the island designated a national park, it'll be no surprise to find plenty of walking trails. Along the way, you may even catch a glimpse of wild koalas!
Day 12 Mission Beach
Return by ferry to Townsville and drive onwards to Mission Beach, a hidden gem of the tropics. Sprawling across miles of golden coastline, the village also offers access to the outer Great Barrier Reef (146 miles land only).
Days 13-15 Port Douglas
Enjoy the coastal scenery as you plot your course for Port Douglas, which mixes a laidback lifestyle with exhilarating adventure and luxury experiences (127 miles). You may wish for nothing more than to put your feet up and sink into a lounger on Four Mile Beach or, you could choose to discover the markets and galleries along Macrossan Street. If you'd rather get out and about, options include the primordial beauty of the world's oldest surviving tropical rainforest, the Daintree.
Additionally, there's Cape Tribulation where Reef and rainforest share a rare embrace. Another option is Mossman Gorge, which provides a spectacular taster of the region's flora and fauna.
Day 14 Cairns
Take the short drive to Cairns where you drop your car off at the airport for your onward journey (41 miles).
Need to know
Departures
Daily.
Meals
Room only.
Accommodation
4* Grand Chancellor, Brisbane; 4* Noosa Blue Resort; 4* Kingfisher Bay Resort, K'gari; 4* Empire Apartment Hotel, Rockhampton; 4*Plus at Marina Shores, Airlie Beach; 4*Plus Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, Magnetic Island; 4* Castaways Resort & Spa, Mission Beach; 4* Meridian Port Douglas.
Tour price
The price shown for this self-drive tour includes international flights to Brisbane and return from Cairns, 14 days compact all inclusive car hire, accommodation as shown, return ferry Hervey Bay to K'gari, and return ferry Townsville to Magnetic Island).
