Begin your road trip with a two night stay on the fabulous Sunshine Coast. Just two hours from Brisbane, the fashionable resort of Noosa has sheltered soft sand beaches, trendy restaurants and galleries and a confident holiday vibe.

Away from the beach, you can cruise or kayak through the unique Everglades, or hike through Noosa National Park. Look out for koalas and other wildlife as you follow the bush and forest trails and panoramic coastal paths.

Brisbane > Noosa | 150 kms

Noosa Blue Resort or similar

First stop today is Gympie, gateway to the Great Sandy National Park and a number of State Forests. Visit the old gold fossicking site and Heritage Museum here before heading on to the waterside town of Hervey Bay.

The calm waters of the bay provide shelter for breeding whales, as well as a home for turtles, dolphins and dugong.

A two night stay in Hervey Bay provides the perfect opportunity to visit K’Gari, formerly Fraser Island, and we can arrange a 4WD tour of the island for you.

Noosa > Hervey Bay | 190 kms

Ramada by Wyndham Hervey Bay or similar

Drive north today through the forests and farmland of coastal Queensland. Leaving the highway at Childers, you will pass through the town of Bundaberg, famous for its rum, which is made from locally grown sugar cane. The distillery in the town offers daily tours.

The pretty seaside town and golden beaches of Agnes Water make a welcome stop at the end of the day.

Hervey Bay > Agnes Water | 220 kms

Sandcastles 1770, Agnes Water

Take the chance of an early dip or a stroll along the forest boardwalk before you leave Agnes Water for your drive to Rockhampton. On the way is the port of Gladstone, departure point for Heron and Lady Elliot Islands.

The old colonial city of Rockhampton is at the heart of Central Queensland’s beef producing region. Arrive early to explore the impressive Heritage Village, Art Gallery and lush Botanical Gardens.

Agnes Water > Rockhampton | 225 kms

Edge Apartment Hotel or similar

The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Rockhampton, so you are now well and truly in the tropics. Your drive today passes through more sugar cane fields, cattle stations and forests, and touches the coast again at Clairwater Dugong Sanctuary.

Tonight’s stop is at the coastal town of Mackay at the mouth of the Pioneer River. There are plenty beaches to explore in the area, as well as a marina and fascinating Heritage Walk.

Rockhampton > Mackay | 330 kms

Rydges Mackay Marina or similar

Mackay is surrounded by cane fields but inland is the spectacular, forested Eungella National Park, with waterfalls and natural swimming holes, well worth visiting as today’s drive is fairly short.

Journey on for a two night stay at the lively seaside resort of Airlie Beach, which gives you plenty of time to explore this beautiful region. You will find secluded beaches and scenic walking trails in Conway National Park but most popular is a day cruise from Airlie to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands or even the Great Barrier Reef, and we can pre-book these for you.

Mackay > Airlie Beach | 150 kms

Heart Hotel & Gallery or similar

Leave the boutiques and cafés of Airlie Beach behind this morning as you head north to Bowen for an ocean stop on your way to Townsville.

Townsville is the administrative centre and largest city in North Queensland. There is a first class tropical museum to visit and an excellent walk-through aquarium, called Reef HQ. You can also stroll along the delightful waterfront and be sure to climb to Castle Hill lookout for a great view of the city.

Airlie Beach > Townsville | 275 kms

Mercure Townsville or similar

The final day of your East Coast Road Trip travels between rainforest clad mountains and the Coral Sea to the hugely popular North Queensland resort of Cairns.

If time allows, take a scenic detour through the forest town of Tully, or to the shore at Mission Beach, an idyllic spot to break the journey. Although your self drive finishes at Cairns, we are happy to arrange a few extra nights stay here.

Townsville > Cairns | 335 kms