Cairns Coastal Route North Self Drive

13 Nights

Sydney, NSW

Drive the Sydney to Cairns Coastal route and get to know its many highlights with stops at Hunter Valley, Fraser Island and Rockhampton, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Mission Beach before arriving in Cairns. To make this an extra memorable holiday we have included a Full day 4WD tour of Fraser Island and a stay at a working cattle farm!

From £1124pp
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Highlights

  • Indulge in Hunter Valley - the neat, rolling vineyards of Pokolbin are home to some of Australia’s most famous wineries and restaurants
  • Head to Port Stephens, home to 26 golden beaches and around 150 bottlenose dolphins
  • Be amazed by the northern stretch of New South Wales, which contains some of the most beautiful natural areas in Australia
  • Enjoy a full day 4WD tour of Fraser Island the worlds largest sand island, an ecologist’s paradise
  • Stay at a farmstay for a real Aussie experience. Henderson Park is a working cattle property with 1200 head of cattle
  • Get the camera ready to capture stunning white beaches of  Whitsunday Islands
  • Take part in some of the Mission Beach activites - beach and rainforest walks, white water rafting, tandem skydiving, horse riding, fishing or sailing
  • Day 1 - Sydney To Hunter Valley
  • Day 2 - Hunter Valley To Port Stephens
  • Day 3 - Port Stephens To Coffs Harbour
  • Day 4 - Coffs Harbour To Byron Bay
  • Day 5 - Byron Bay Free Time
  • Day 6 - Byron Bay to the Brisbane
  • Day 7 - Brisbane to Fraser Island
  • Day 8 - Fraser Island
  • Day 9 - Fraser Island To Barmoya/ Henderson Park
  • Day 10 - Barmoya/ Henderson Park To The Whitsundays/ Airlie Beach
  • Day 11 - Airlie Beach / The Whitsundays
  • Day 12 - Airlie Beach to Townsville
  • Day 13 - Townsville To Mission Beach
  • Day 14 - Mission Beach to Cairns
  • Additional Information

Approximately 160km (99 miles)

Depart Sydney and journey to the Hunter Valley region.

Enjoy the great scenery that New South Wales has to offer as you head to the wine region of the Hunter Valley.

The neat, rolling vineyards of Pokolbin are home to some of Australia’s most famous wineries and restaurants. There are over 70 wineries welcoming visitors, each with its own character.
Some of the scenic backroads lead to delightful restaurants with culinary treasures, served with plenty of Hunter hospitality.

Meals Included: Ro

Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill

Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill is a picturesque retreat set on 25 acres of tranquillity in the heart of the Hunter Valley Wine Country. With many cellar doors and attractions such as Hunter Valley Gardens within easy strolling distance, Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill is the unbeatable location to base yourself.

Approximately 106 Km (66 Miles)

Today you will head to Port Stephens, home to 26 golden beaches and around 150 bottlenose dolphins. We recommend a boat cruise to see the wild dolphins. Port Stephens is the collective name for the port and the peninsula. The giant scoop of Port Stephens is a natural aquatic playground. Known as the Blue Water Wonderland, is a natural bay two and a half times the size of Sydney Harbour and almost enclosed by two dormant volcanic headlands. The sparkling blue water is edged by native bushland, sheltered white beaches and small fishing villages.

Meals Included: Ro

Marina Resort Nelson Bay

Marina Resort is great place to stay in the heart of Nelson Bay. We offer value for money, convenience and friendly service motel accommodation in Nelson Bay. Enjoy beautiful harbour water-views over Nelson Bay.Marina Resort offers a range of 6 rooms to suit your style and budget. Some have Garden views right beside the pool and others have glorious views over Nelson Bay.

Approximately 450kms (280 miles)

Continue north to Coffs Harbour via Port Macquarie, situated at the mouth of the Hastings River and the mid-way point between Sydney and Brisbane.

Coff’s Harbour is a tourist resort in the centre of a tropical fruit-growing area. The name of the town was originally Korff’s Harbour after Captain
John Korff, who sheltered here in 1847 and liked the place so much he opened a store in the main street.

Meals Included: Ro

Country Comfort Coffs Harbour

Property Location Located in Coffs Harbour, Country Comfort Coffs Harbour is in the entertainment district, minutes from Big Banana Fun Park, and close to Solitary Island Aquarium. This hotel is within close proximity of Diggers Beach and Tabatinga Family Fun Centre.

Approximately 250kms (155 miles)

This northern stretch of New South Wales contains some of the most beautiful natural areas in Australia. Depart Coffs Harbour and travel north to Byron Bay, which is the most easterly point on the Australian continent, and home to many artists. The Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia’s most powerful beacon, dominates Byron Bay.

Meals Included: Ro

BreakFree Eco Beach

Property Location When you stay at BreakFree Eco Beach in Byron Bay, you'll be near the beach and convenient to Captain Cook Lookout and Wategos Beach. This aparthotel is within close proximity of Cape Byron Lighthouse and Tallow Beach.

Today is free for you to explore in and around Byron Bay.

Meals Included: Ro

BreakFree Eco Beach

Property Location When you stay at BreakFree Eco Beach in Byron Bay, you'll be near the beach and convenient to Captain Cook Lookout and Wategos Beach. This aparthotel is within close proximity of Cape Byron Lighthouse and Tallow Beach.

Approximately 170kms (106 miles)

Leaving Byron Bay join the Highway and continue north onto Brisbane.

Brisbane, the City of Sun Days, is the capital of Queensland. The compact city centre is built along the banks of the Brisbane River, making it easy to explore on foot.

Meals Included: Ro

Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central

Property Location With a stay at Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central in Spring Hill (Brisbane Central Business District), you'll be minutes from St. Andrews Lutheran Church and Cathedral Square. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of St John’s Cathedral and Brisbane Customs House.

Approximately 330kms (205 miles)

Depart Brisbane and travel north via the Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay to join the catamaran to Fraser Island. The island offers walking tracks, fresh water lakes, long surf beaches, sand dunes, coloured cliffs, rainforest and around 230 species of birds and 25 species of mammals.

Meals Included: Ro

Kingfisher Bay Resort

Property Location Located in Fraser Island (Kingfisher Bay), Kingfisher Bay Resort is within the vicinity of Lake McKenzie and Wanggoolba Creek. This family-friendly hotel is within the region of Central Station and Lake Wabby.

Enjoy a full day 4WD tour of the worlds largest sand island, an ecologist’s paradise, by 4WD “bus” specially designed to traverse the sand dunes.

Fraser Island 4WD Beauty Spots Tour

Tour meeting point: Kingfisher Bay Resort Village Square at 07.45AM (subject to change).

Tour departure time: 08:00AM (subject to change)

Note: Please bring sunscreen and swimwear.

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 our custom-designed, four-wheel-drive coaches.

INCLUSIONS:

Full Day Guided Tour

Morning Tea

Buffet Lunch

National Park Fee

DISCOVER:

  • 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.
  • The relaxing fresh waters of Eli Creek.
Meals Included: Ro

Kingfisher Bay Resort

Property Location Located in Fraser Island (Kingfisher Bay), Kingfisher Bay Resort is within the vicinity of Lake McKenzie and Wanggoolba Creek. This family-friendly hotel is within the region of Central Station and Lake Wabby.

Approximately 487kms (248 Miles)

Transfer back to Hervey Bay by catamaran, collect your rental vehicle and head north towards Rockhampton.

Stay at a farmstay for a real Aussie experience. Henderson Park is a working cattle property with 1200 head of cattle just 30 minutes drive north of Rockhampton, Central Queensland. Stay in luxurious self contained cabins set on the banks of beautiful Hedlow Creek.

Meals Included: Ro

Henderson Park Farm Retreat

Henderson Park is a working cattle property under 30 minutes drive from both Rockhampton and Yeppoon and only 10 minutes off the A1 highway. We are a genuine Australian holiday experience and provide a country compliment to our beautiful Queensland coastline Our holiday accommodation is superbly detailed and a perfect holiday destination for a family or couple, groups, functions , weddings, local businesses and schools, as well as offering short stays to international guests looking for an Australian experience. It’s also a dogs heaven with a sight and smell experience and your pet will have as good as time as you will. Henderson Park has accommodation for up to 33, including 2 Cabins, Hedlow Lodge Complex, and Barrett House, the original homestead on the property which has been beautifully renovated, as well as a marquee and extensive grounds. Annika, Ryan and the team look forward to welcoming you to our little piece of paradise.

Approximately 482kms (300 Miles)

After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a taste of the farm life with your hosts before heading north to Airlie Beach, the centre of the Whitsunday Coast
and departure point for many of the Whitsunday Islands. With the Conway Range National Park as a backdrop, Airlie Beach is a holiday haven in itself with a palm fringed beach & lively village atmosphere.

 

Meals Included: Ro

Best Western Mango House Resort

Property Location Located in Jubilee Pocket, Best Western Mango House Resort is convenient to Port of Airlie and Airlie Beach Lagoon. This apartment is within close proximity of Abell Point Marina and Bicentennial Park.

Today is at leisure to enjoy the Whitsunday region.

Meals Included: Ro

Best Western Mango House Resort

Property Location Located in Jubilee Pocket, Best Western Mango House Resort is convenient to Port of Airlie and Airlie Beach Lagoon. This apartment is within close proximity of Abell Point Marina and Bicentennial Park.

Approximately 328kms (204 Miles)

Continue north to Townsville. Set between rugged coastal hills and the Coral Sea, Townsville is a thriving and progressive city.

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, if time permits, which is only a 20 minute ferry ride away.

Meals Included: Ro

Park Regis Anchorage

Property Location With a stay at Park Regis Anchorage in South Townsville, you'll be minutes from Maritime Museum of Townsville and ReefHQ Aquarium. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Cultural Centre Townsville and Museum of Tropical Queensland.

Approximately 237km (147 Miles)

Leaving Townsville, continue north to Mission Beach. Mission Beach is a “village” scene, which more than trebles its population in season. Beach and rainforest walks in World Heritage Wet Tropics, white water rafting, tandem skydiving, horse riding, fishing, sailing are some popular Mission Beach activities.

Meals Included: Ro

Licuala Lodge

Property Location With a stay at Licuala Lodge in Mission Beach, you'll be convenient to Mission Beach Community Arts Centre and Mission Beach. This 4-star guesthouse is within close proximity of Licuala State Forest and Clump Mountain National Park.

Approximately 140km (87 miles)

Depart Mission Beach and continue north Cairns, the hub of the tropical north located between the sea and the rainforests mountains. This bustling tropical city is the gateway to the rainforest and reef of Far North Queensland where you will find many shopping arcades, courts, plazas, galleries and boutiques offering the best of local, national and international products.

Meals Included: Ro

Price includes:
- Deluxe Documentation Pack
- 13 nights accommodation, room only basis unless specified
- 14 days Hertz Group H car rental
- Return Catamaran transfers to/from Kingfisher Bay Resort
- Full Day 4wd Fraser Island Tour

Operates

Months: Year Round
Days: Daily

Accommodation (Standard):
Hunter Valley Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill or similar
Port Stephens Marina Resort Nelson Bay or similar
Port Macquarie Country Comfort Waters Edge or similar
Byron Bay Eco Beach Resort or similar
Brisbane Holiday Inn Express or similar
Fraser Island Kingfisher Bay Resort or similar
Barmoya Farmstay - Henderson Park Farm Retreat or similar
Airlie Beach Mango House Resort or similar
Townsville Park Regis Anchorage or similar
Mission Beach Licuala Lodge or similar

Accommodation (Superior):
Hunter Valley Voco Kirkton Park Hotel or similar
Port Stephens Anchorage Port Stephens or similar
Port Macquarie Sails Resort or similar
Byron Bay The Byron at Byron or similar
Brisbane Rydges South Bank or similar
Fraser Island Kingfisher Bay Resort or similar
Barmoya Farmstay - Henderson Park Farm Retreat or similar
Airlie Beach Water’s Edge Resort or similar
Townsville Rydges Southbank Townsville or similar
Mission Beach Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach or similar

Blockout dates:
Please note additional blockout dates are subject to change. Additional block out dates may apply during special event and public holiday periods.

Standard:
Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill 10-27 Apr 20, 04-20 Jul 20, 26 Sep - 11 Oct, 17 Dec 20 - 26 Jan 21. Surcharge will apply for stays over Friday & Saturday nights. 2 night minimum stay will apply for stays over Saturday nights.
Marina Resort Nelson Bay: 10-13 Apr 20, 25 Apr 20, 05-08 Jun 20, 02-05 Oct 20, 21 Dec 20 - 21 Jan 21, 26-27 Jan 21. Surcharge will apply for stays over Saturday nights.
Country Comfort Waters Edge: 01-15 Apr 20, 01 - 10 May 20, 25 Sep - 05 Oct 20, 21 Dec 20 - 31 Jan 21, 01-15 Feb 21.
Eco Beach Resort: 10-12 Apr 20, 17-19 Jul 20, 19 Sep - 05 Oct 20, 28 Nov - 06 Dec 20, 20 Dec 20 - 25 Jan 21
Kingfisher Bay Resort: 10-12 Apr 20, 19 Dec 20 - 10 Jan 21.
Henderson Park Farm Retreat: 10-13 Apr 20, 25 Apr 20, 04 May 20, 05 Oct 20, 20 Dec 20 - 05 Jan 21, 26 Jan 21. Surcharge & 2 night minimum stay will apply for stays over Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights.
Property Maintenance: 27 Jan - 28 Feb 21
Park Regis Anchorage: 26 Apr - 11 May, 26 -28 Jun, 25 Jul - 02 Aug 20, 31 Dec 20.
Licuala Lodge: 11-25 May 20, 09-22 Nov 20, 16 Feb - 16 Mar 21.

Superior:

Voco Kirkton Park Hotel: 24 Dec 20 - 10 Jan 21. Surcharge applies when staying over a Saturday night.
Anchorage Port Stephens: 10-13 Apr 20, 02-04 Oct 20, 24 Dec 20 - 09 Jan 21
Sails Resort10-12 Apr 20, 24-25 Apr 20, 01-03 May 20, 22 Dec 20 - 30 Jan 21, 11-13 Feb 21.
The Byron at Byron: 09-13 Apr 20, 20 Dec 20 - 12 Jan 21.
Rydges South Bank Brisbane: 01-03 Apr 20, 26-27 May 20, 02-03 Jun 20, 08 Jul 20, 10-11 Jul, 30 Sep - 02 Oct 20, 26 Sep 20, 30 Sep - 02 Oct 20, 17- 21 Oct 20, 30-31 Oct 20, 31 Dec 20.
Kingfisher Bay Resort 10-12 Apr 20, 19 Dec 20 - 10 Jan 21.
Henderson Park Farm Retreat: 10-13 Apr 20, 25 Apr 20, 04 May 20, 05 Oct 20, 20 Dec 20 - 05 Jan 21, 26 Jan 21. Surcharge & 2 night minimum stay will apply for stays over Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights.
Waters Edge Resort: 
25 Dec 20 - 09 Jan 21.
Rydges Southbank: 01-03 May 20, 25-28 Jun 20.