Arrive at Brisbane International Airport for your self drive adventure along Australia’s eastern seaboard. A short drive takes you to the beaches of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and the fashionable, laid-back resort of Noosa.

There is plenty of ways to explore the area, including coastal walks and forest trails in Noosa National Park or the nearby Glass House Mountains. The National Park is a great place to be able to see koalas in the wild. Alternatively Australia Zoo is a short drive from the coast.

Brisbane > Noosa | 150 kms

Your chosen Noosa hotel

Drive north today for one of Queensland’s most famous natural attractions – the island of K’gari, formerly known as K’gari. This World Heritage listed site is the largest sand island in the world and is a paradise of rolling dunes, pristine beaches, freshwater lakes and lush rainforest.

You have two nights in nearby Hervey Bay and we suggest you cross over to the island on a full day cruise and 4-wheel-drive tour. Your FREEDOM consultant can prebook this for you.

Noosa > Hervey Bay | 190 kms

Your chosen Hervey Bay hotel

Head to Bundaberg today, a town famous for its rum that has been distilled there from local sugar cane since 1888.

Continue on through the farmlands and forests of coastal Queensland to the delightful seaside resort of Agnes Water. There are several secluded beaches here, where you can take a refreshing dip or coastal stroll before a good night’s rest.

Hervey Bay > Agnes Water | 220 kms

Your chosen Agnes Water hotel

Get up early to see the sun rise before heading away from the coast towards historic Rockhampton.

This old colonial town was established in the 1850s, during the gold mining boom, but is now the hub of Central Queensland’s beef industry. Within the town, is a fun Heritage Village, telling the story of Rockhampton’s early pioneers. There are also fine botanical gardens to explore.

Agnes Water > Rockhampton | 225 kms

Your chosen Rockhampton hotel

After crossing the Topic of Capricorn at Rockhampton, you are now in tropics The scenery can be quite lush, with large cattle stations, sugar cane fields and dense rainforests.

The road heads back towards the Coral Sea this afternoon, to the coastal town of Mackay, where you will stop overnight. There is a marina, an interesting Heritage Walk and plenty of beaches to explore.

Rockhampton > Mackay | 330 kms

Your chosen Mackay hotel

A shorter journey means there is time to explore inland, perhaps to the waterfalls, natural swimming holes and subtropical forest of Eungella National Park.

Today’s drive ends at Airlie beach for a two night stay in this popular seaside resort. Airlie is the gateway to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and you can visit the islands or cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef – FREEDOM can prebook this for you. There are also fabulous beaches and walking trails in nearby Conway National Park.

Mackay > Airlie Beach | 150 kms

Your chosen Airlie Beach hotel

Follow the Coral Sea coast for a stop at the small seaside town of Bowen, then on to Townsville, the centre of government for Tropical North Queensland.

The city’s Reef HQ has a superb walk-through aquarium and there is also a fascinating tropical museum. You can stroll along the delightful waterfront or drive to the top of Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city and coastline.

Airlie Beach > Townsville | 275 kms

Your chosen Townsville hotel

In places, the lush mountain rainforest almost meets the ocean, as you drive the final leg of your Australia journey to Cairns.

This hugely popular coastal resort is one of the nearest mainland points to the Great Barrier Reef, and a full days Reef Cruise is included in your holiday. You will be able to snorkel the Reef or view the amazing coral from a glass bottom boat.

You might also like to take a cable car ride to the rainforest village of Kuranda, or use your car to explore the local beaches, awesome Mossman Gorge and the fashionable resort of Port Douglas.

Townsville > Cairns | 335 kms

Your chosen Cairns hotel

Return your car to Cairns Airport today for your flight to Sydney, and a three night stay in the world’s favourite harbourside city.

Sydney is easy to get around and has so much to see and do. Must-see sights include the famous Opera House and Botanical Garden, and the Harbour Bridge, which you can climb for a truly unforgettable experience.

Of course there are fine shops, galleries and historic museums, but there are also the famous beaches of Bondi and Manly, just a short bus or ferry ride away.

Cairns > Sydney | flight included

Your chosen Sydney hotel

Leave Australia behind as you cross the Tasman Sea to the green hills and snow topped mountains of New Zealand.

You will fly straight to Queenstown, the adventure capital of South Island, set on the glistening shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps. Enjoy two nights here, with time for a lake cruise, a visit to historic Arrowtown or even a helicopter flight over Milford Sound.

Sydney > Queenstown | flight included

Your chosen Queenstown hotel

Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery today as you drive from Queenstown to the east coast town of Oamaru.

Settled by Scottish and English pioneers in the 1850s, there are lots of grand colonial buildings to discover here. There is also a wonderful coastal nature reserve to walk round, plus an opportunity to get up close to a colony of native blue penguins in their natural environment.

Queenstown > Oamaru | 290 kms

Your chosen Oamaru hotel

Follow the coast north from Oamaru to the delightful city of Christchurch, capital of the South Island. You will travel through rich farmland, passing through many rural communities on the way.

You can explore Christchurch on the hop-on hop-of tram or take the Christchurch Gondola to Port Hills for a panoramic view of the city. The tree lined River Avon also runs through Christchurch, attracting punting locals and visitors alike.

Oamaru > Christchurch | 245 kms

Your chosen Christchurch hotel

There is time for a little more sightseeing in Christchurch before the relatively short drive to the east coast town of Kaikoura.

This small fishing town is famous for its local marine life, including a colony of fur seals close to the ocean front esplanade and harbour. Whale watching cruises and flights also depart from Kaikoura, and there is a good local heritage museum here.

Christchurch > Kaikoura | 180 kms

Your chosen Kaikoura hotel

As you travel north today, the coastal and mountain scenery is spectacular. There are more seals to spot at Ohau Point and superb Maori carvings and history at Paparoa Point.

The delightful town of Blenheim is in the heart of the beautiful Marlborough region. It is one of the sunniest areas of New Zealand and is famous for its great food and superb wines.

Kaikoura > Blenheim | 130 kms

Your chosen Blenheim hotel

A short distance from Blenheim is the small port of Picton, where you will catch the interisland ferry to Wellington. The first half of the crossing is through the Marlborough Sound and the scenery is quite breath taking.

Wellington is New Zealand capital, with lots to explore. A cable car trip to the lofty Botanical Gardens provides a fabulous view of the city. In town, the national Te Papa Museum is world class, or stop for a meal or drinks along the trendy waterfront.

Blenheim > Wellington | 30 kms + ferry included

Your chosen Wellington hotel

You have a long journey today, but a stunningly beautiful one, with sweeping views of the Remutaka Mountains and passing through several small town and villages before dropping down to the dairy farms and vineyards of the Hawkes Bay region.

The seaside town of Napier was rebuilt in the art deco style of the 1930s after it suffered a major earthquake at that time. There are plenty of boutiques and galleries and a delightful tree-lined waterfront parade. Nearby, Otatara Pa Historic Reserve gives an insight into the Maori history of the area.

Wellington > Napier | 325 kms

Your chosen Napier hotel

Head inland today through undulating pastures and dense mountain forest to the bustling lakeside resort of Taupo. Be sure to visit the thundering waters of nearby Huka Falls before continuing on to Rotorua for a two night stay.

Rotorua is at the heart of New Zealand’s Geothermal region and there are so many amazing experiences here, from the steaming mud pools and hot waterfalls of Hell’s Gate to the geysers and sulphur lakes of Waiotapu. The area has been inhabited by the Maori people for over 700 years and there is an excellent Maori village and cultural centre in the town.

Napier > Rotorua | 220 kms

Your chosen Rotorua hotel

Your final drive is towards New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. By taking the route through Matamata, ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans can visit the film set of Hobbiton, plus Wairere Falls, the highest in North Island, is also close by.

A two night stay in Auckland allows time to explore this fine harbourside city and to buy those last minute souvenirs. You also journey to the top of the lofty Sky Tower, cruise the harbour, chill out along the lively Waterfront or take a trip up Eden Hill for your last panoramic views of New Zealand.

Rotorua > Auckland | 225 kms

Your chosen Auckland hotel