Sydney to Great Barrier Reef Self Drive • View Itinerary
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Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Sydney Opera House & Bridge
Hunter Valley Vineyards, New South Wales
Byron Bay Beaches, New South Wales
Gold Coast
Brisbane, Queensland
Noosa National Park, Queensland
Kingfisher Bay Resort)
Agnes Water
Capricorn Caves
Airlie Beach, Queensland
Townsville
Mission Beach, North Queensland
Cenotaph, Cairns
Daintree Rainforest, North Queensland
Great Barrier Reef Cruise
View Of Cairns, North Queensland, Australia

Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

22 day Self Drive Holiday – from £2799

With flights from £3999

The journey of a lifetime from Australia’s most iconic city to Cairns and tropical North Queensland, via beachside towns and National Parks.

Highlights:
  • Try the local vintage in Hunter Valley
  • Visit Byron Bay and the Gold Coast
  • Stay overnight on K’Gari
  • Take the chance to visit the Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach
  • Explore Queensland’s rainforests and National Parks

Your Itinerary

Expand All

You can customise your Australia Self Drive holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Sydney Opera House & Bridge

Day 1 – Sydney to Hunter Valley

Depart Sydney and travel north over the Harbour Bridge and onto the Pacific Highway. Take an…

Depart Sydney and travel north over the Harbour Bridge and onto the Pacific Highway. Take an easy detour through the towns of Gosford and Newcastle, Australia’s sixth largest city, where you can enjoy a scenic walk along the foreshore. From Newcastle, travel via Maitland into the Hunter Valley. With wineries in abundance, take the opportunity to taste and purchase some of the finest wines Australia has to offer.

    Sydney > Hunter Valley | 212 kms

    Hunter Valley Resort

Sydney Opera House & Bridge
Hunter Valley Vineyards, New South Wales

Day 2 – Port Macquarie

Leave the Hunter Valley and head back towards Newcastle, before veering north onto the Pacific Highway….

Leave the Hunter Valley and head back towards Newcastle, before veering north onto the Pacific Highway. Situated on the coast by the Hastings River and the Tasman Sea, Port Macquarie is an idyllic beach side town. Relax at one of the many restaurants or indulge at one of the local beauty spas. Don’t miss out on the beach however, where it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins.

    Hunter Valley > Port Macquarie | 270 kms

    Country Comfort Port Macquarie Waters Edge

Hunter Valley Vineyards, New South Wales
Byron Bay Beaches, New South Wales

Day 3 – Byron Bay

Travel north to Kempsey, on the way to Coffs Harbour, the capital of the Holiday Coast….

Travel north to Kempsey, on the way to Coffs Harbour, the capital of the Holiday Coast. The highway follows the coast to the seaside town of Woolgoolga then turns inland towards Grafton. Travel to Woodburn and on to Ballina and then a further 38 kilometres to Byron Bay. Nearby Cape Byron is the most easterly point on the Australian coast and also has the country’s most powerful lighthouse! Byron Bay, renowned for its beaches, makes it an ideal spot for a stroll, picnic, swim or surf.

    Port Macquarie > Byron Bay | 400 kms

    Byron Bay Resort

Byron Bay Beaches, New South Wales
Gold Coast

Day 4 to 5 – Gold Coast

Heading north along the Pacific Highway, you are destined for the glitzy Gold Coast. This short…

Heading north along the Pacific Highway, you are destined for the glitzy Gold Coast. This short drive leaves plenty of time to stop for breakfast or lunch at one of the many coastal towns along the way such as Hastings Point or Kingscliff, before crossing the border into Australia’s second biggest state – Queensland.

The following day is at your leisure; why not scour the shops of Cavill Avenue before heading to the world famous Surfers Paradise Beach for a swim and relax in the sun? With plenty of bars and restaurants lining the streets, you won’t be short of dinner options.

    Byron Bay > Gold Coast | 95 kms

    Vibe Hotel, Gold Coast

Gold Coast
Brisbane, Queensland

Day 6 to 7 – Brisbane

Today you are travelling on the Pacific Motorway towards Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane for a 2…

Today you are travelling on the Pacific Motorway towards Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane for a 2 night stay.

Ensure you set off early to have a chance to enjoy a visit to the Queensland Museum, visit the many stores and boutiques in Queen Street Mall or stroll along South Bank and explore the markets.

    Gold Coast > Brisbane | 79 kms

    Royal on the Park

Brisbane, Queensland
Noosa National Park, Queensland

Day 8 to 9 – Noosa

Depart Brisbane for Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. This is a short drive so you have…

Depart Brisbane for Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. This is a short drive so you have time to stop at the Australia Zoo (own expense) along the way and spend half a day with a few of Australia’s natives, before arriving in the relaxed beach side town of Noosa for a two night stay.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Noosa National Park, one of the best places to spot a koala in the wild, or simply make the most of the town’s beautiful stretch of beach and boutique shopping.

    Brisbane > Noosa | 145 kms

    Noosa Blue Resort

Noosa National Park, Queensland
Kingfisher Bay Resort)

Day 9 to 10 – K’Gari

Another easy day on the road today takes you to River Heads, the departure point for…

Another easy day on the road today takes you to River Heads, the departure point for K’gari. From here you will board the Kingfisher Bay Catamaran and be transported to the largest sand island in the world – an overnight stay will allow you to explore all its glory!

You can join a whale watching tour between the months of August to March or the Beauty Spots Tour year round.

    Noosa > K’Gari | 196 kms

    Kingfisher Bay Resort

Kingfisher Bay Resort)
Agnes Water

Day 11 – Agnes Waters

After your morning catamaran transfer back to River Heads, travel along the Bruce Highway towards Agnes…

After your morning catamaran transfer back to River Heads, travel along the Bruce Highway towards Agnes Water. Head north on Childers Road towards the historic town of Bundaberg, the home of Bundaberg Rum. Lush green cane fields line the roads as you arrive into the quaint Agnes Waters town of 1770. Take a walk along the serene 7 km beach and enjoy one of the 267 days of sunshine!

    K’Gari > Agnes Waters | 250 kms

    Sandcastles 1770

Agnes Water
Capricorn Caves

Day 12 – Capricorn Caves

This morning’s drive will take you along the Bruce Highway to the country retreat at Henderson…

This morning’s drive will take you along the Bruce Highway to the country retreat at Henderson Park Farm. Leave time to stop at one of the small towns, like Boyne Island, along the way for lunch before arriving at Capricorn Caves. Here you can explore spectacular caves set in a limestone ridge – a tour of this fascinating natural wonder is included.

    Agnes Waters > Capricorn Caves | 250 kms

    Capricorn Caves, cabin accommodation

Capricorn Caves
Airlie Beach, Queensland

Day 13 to 1 – Airlie Beach

Follow the Bruce Highway along the coast as you head towards Airlie Beach. Again cane fields…

Follow the Bruce Highway along the coast as you head towards Airlie Beach. Again cane fields are a prominent feature along the roads heading into the farming hub of Mackay, before arriving in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays.

With a two night stay you have a a full day at leisure, on which we highly recommend a sailing trip to the pristine Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.

    Capricorn Caves > Airlie Beach | 460 kms

    Heart Hotel

Airlie Beach, Queensland
Townsville

Day 15 – Townsville

Travel north passing through Bowen and the twin towns of Home Hill and Ayr. Townsville is…

Travel north passing through Bowen and the twin towns of Home Hill and Ayr. Townsville is a modern, tropical city and the administrative capital of North Queensland. A visit to Reef HQ is recommended; the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. This evening join the locals for a walk along the waterfront esplanade, known as “The Strand”.

    Airlie Beach > Townsville | 275 kms

    Mercure Townsville

Townsville
Mission Beach, North Queensland

Day 16 to 17 – Mission Beach

Continue north; following the picturesque Queensland coastline. You will pass through the towns of Ingham, known…

Continue north; following the picturesque Queensland coastline. You will pass through the towns of Ingham, known as “Little Italy” for its Italian settlers heritage, and Cardwell. Today you will see the rainforest meet the sea, by the beautiful little town of Mission Beach.

Take time to walk along the beach, visit the Mission Beach markets (held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month) or drive out to Paronella Park, a beautiful semi-ruined Spanish Castle built in 1913 on 5 Hectares of lush ground next to a waterfall.

    Townsville > Mission Beach | 235 kms

    Castaways Resort

Mission Beach, North Queensland
Cenotaph, Cairns

Day 18 – Cairns

Journey along the coast to the vibrant harbourside city of Cairns – gateway to Tropical North…

Journey along the coast to the vibrant harbourside city of Cairns – gateway to Tropical North Queensland.
Wander along the picturesque boardwalk which hugs the harbour, check out the local produce at the Cairns Night Market, or relax on the sands of the Northern Beaches just a short drive from the city centre.

    Mission Beach > Cairns | 140 kms

    Mercure Cairns

Cenotaph, Cairns
Daintree Rainforest, North Queensland

Day 19 – Daintree Rainforest

Today’s drive will take you into the rainforest of Cape Tribulation. This is where the rainforest…

Today’s drive will take you into the rainforest of Cape Tribulation. This is where the rainforest truly meets the sea in a spectacular style.

Spend a memorable night surrounded by the lush green canopy of this ancient rainforest and explore this remarkable habitat through some of the many boardwalks which meander passed towering trees and creeks. Perhaps you will see some of the forest’s unique wildlife.

    Cairns > Daintree Rainforest | 316 kms

    Heritage Lodge in the Daintree

Daintree Rainforest, North Queensland
Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Day 20 to 21 – Port Douglas

Travel south towards the popular holiday resort town of Port Douglas, a gateway to the Great…

Travel south towards the popular holiday resort town of Port Douglas, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

The beautiful stretch of 40 mile beach, the picturesque marina and boutique shops of Macrossan Street make Port Douglas the perfect destination to end your East Coast self drive adventure.

A leisurely 2 night stay here will allow time to both unwind and relax.

    Daintree Rainforest > Port Douglas | 20 kms

    Villa San Michele

Great Barrier Reef Cruise
View Of Cairns, North Queensland, Australia

Day 22 – Cairns

The last day of your self drive takes you on a scenic coastal drive back to…

The last day of your self drive takes you on a scenic coastal drive back to Cairns where you can indulge in a spot of shopping, a walk around the lagoon or even take a side trip up to the small town of Kuranda and experience the local daily markets.

    Port Douglas > Cairns | 80 kms
View Of Cairns, North Queensland, Australia

Your Itinerary

You can customise your Australia Self Drive holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1

|

Sydney to Hunter Valley

Depart Sydney and travel north over the Harbour Bridge and onto the Pacific Highway. Take an easy detour through the towns of Gosford and Newcastle, Australia’s sixth largest city, where you can enjoy a scenic walk along the foreshore. From Newcastle, travel via Maitland into the Hunter Valley. With wineries in abundance, take the opportunity to taste and purchase some of the finest wines Australia has to offer.

    Sydney > Hunter Valley | 212 kms

    Hunter Valley Resort

Sydney Opera House & Bridge

Day 2

|

Port Macquarie

Leave the Hunter Valley and head back towards Newcastle, before veering north onto the Pacific Highway. Situated on the coast by the Hastings River and the Tasman Sea, Port Macquarie is an idyllic beach side town. Relax at one of the many restaurants or indulge at one of the local beauty spas. Don’t miss out on the beach however, where it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins.

    Hunter Valley > Port Macquarie | 270 kms

    Country Comfort Port Macquarie Waters Edge

Hunter Valley Vineyards, New South Wales

Day 3

|

Byron Bay

Travel north to Kempsey, on the way to Coffs Harbour, the capital of the Holiday Coast. The highway follows the coast to the seaside town of Woolgoolga then turns inland towards Grafton. Travel to Woodburn and on to Ballina and then a further 38 kilometres to Byron Bay. Nearby Cape Byron is the most easterly point on the Australian coast and also has the country’s most powerful lighthouse! Byron Bay, renowned for its beaches, makes it an ideal spot for a stroll, picnic, swim or surf.

    Port Macquarie > Byron Bay | 400 kms

    Byron Bay Resort

Byron Bay Beaches, New South Wales

Day 4 to 5

|

Gold Coast

Heading north along the Pacific Highway, you are destined for the glitzy Gold Coast. This short drive leaves plenty of time to stop for breakfast or lunch at one of the many coastal towns along the way such as Hastings Point or Kingscliff, before crossing the border into Australia’s second biggest state – Queensland.

The following day is at your leisure; why not scour the shops of Cavill Avenue before heading to the world famous Surfers Paradise Beach for a swim and relax in the sun? With plenty of bars and restaurants lining the streets, you won’t be short of dinner options.

    Byron Bay > Gold Coast | 95 kms

    Vibe Hotel, Gold Coast

Gold Coast

Day 6 to 7

|

Brisbane

Today you are travelling on the Pacific Motorway towards Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane for a 2 night stay.

Ensure you set off early to have a chance to enjoy a visit to the Queensland Museum, visit the many stores and boutiques in Queen Street Mall or stroll along South Bank and explore the markets.

    Gold Coast > Brisbane | 79 kms

    Royal on the Park

Brisbane, Queensland

Day 8 to 9

|

Noosa

Depart Brisbane for Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. This is a short drive so you have time to stop at the Australia Zoo (own expense) along the way and spend half a day with a few of Australia’s natives, before arriving in the relaxed beach side town of Noosa for a two night stay.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Noosa National Park, one of the best places to spot a koala in the wild, or simply make the most of the town’s beautiful stretch of beach and boutique shopping.

    Brisbane > Noosa | 145 kms

    Noosa Blue Resort

Noosa National Park, Queensland

Day 9 to 10

|

K’Gari

Another easy day on the road today takes you to River Heads, the departure point for K’gari. From here you will board the Kingfisher Bay Catamaran and be transported to the largest sand island in the world – an overnight stay will allow you to explore all its glory!

You can join a whale watching tour between the months of August to March or the Beauty Spots Tour year round.

    Noosa > K’Gari | 196 kms

    Kingfisher Bay Resort

Kingfisher Bay Resort)

Day 11

|

Agnes Waters

After your morning catamaran transfer back to River Heads, travel along the Bruce Highway towards Agnes Water. Head north on Childers Road towards the historic town of Bundaberg, the home of Bundaberg Rum. Lush green cane fields line the roads as you arrive into the quaint Agnes Waters town of 1770. Take a walk along the serene 7 km beach and enjoy one of the 267 days of sunshine!

    K’Gari > Agnes Waters | 250 kms

    Sandcastles 1770

Agnes Water

Day 12

|

Capricorn Caves

This morning’s drive will take you along the Bruce Highway to the country retreat at Henderson Park Farm. Leave time to stop at one of the small towns, like Boyne Island, along the way for lunch before arriving at Capricorn Caves. Here you can explore spectacular caves set in a limestone ridge – a tour of this fascinating natural wonder is included.

    Agnes Waters > Capricorn Caves | 250 kms

    Capricorn Caves, cabin accommodation

Capricorn Caves

Day 13 to 1

|

Airlie Beach

Follow the Bruce Highway along the coast as you head towards Airlie Beach. Again cane fields are a prominent feature along the roads heading into the farming hub of Mackay, before arriving in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays.

With a two night stay you have a a full day at leisure, on which we highly recommend a sailing trip to the pristine Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.

    Capricorn Caves > Airlie Beach | 460 kms

    Heart Hotel

Airlie Beach, Queensland

Day 15

|

Townsville

Travel north passing through Bowen and the twin towns of Home Hill and Ayr. Townsville is a modern, tropical city and the administrative capital of North Queensland. A visit to Reef HQ is recommended; the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. This evening join the locals for a walk along the waterfront esplanade, known as “The Strand”.

    Airlie Beach > Townsville | 275 kms

    Mercure Townsville

Townsville

Day 16 to 17

|

Mission Beach

Continue north; following the picturesque Queensland coastline. You will pass through the towns of Ingham, known as “Little Italy” for its Italian settlers heritage, and Cardwell. Today you will see the rainforest meet the sea, by the beautiful little town of Mission Beach.

Take time to walk along the beach, visit the Mission Beach markets (held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month) or drive out to Paronella Park, a beautiful semi-ruined Spanish Castle built in 1913 on 5 Hectares of lush ground next to a waterfall.

    Townsville > Mission Beach | 235 kms

    Castaways Resort

Mission Beach, North Queensland

Day 18

|

Cairns

Journey along the coast to the vibrant harbourside city of Cairns – gateway to Tropical North Queensland.
Wander along the picturesque boardwalk which hugs the harbour, check out the local produce at the Cairns Night Market, or relax on the sands of the Northern Beaches just a short drive from the city centre.

    Mission Beach > Cairns | 140 kms

    Mercure Cairns

Cenotaph, Cairns

Day 19

|

Daintree Rainforest

Today’s drive will take you into the rainforest of Cape Tribulation. This is where the rainforest truly meets the sea in a spectacular style.

Spend a memorable night surrounded by the lush green canopy of this ancient rainforest and explore this remarkable habitat through some of the many boardwalks which meander passed towering trees and creeks. Perhaps you will see some of the forest’s unique wildlife.

    Cairns > Daintree Rainforest | 316 kms

    Heritage Lodge in the Daintree

Daintree Rainforest, North Queensland

Day 20 to 21

|

Port Douglas

Travel south towards the popular holiday resort town of Port Douglas, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

The beautiful stretch of 40 mile beach, the picturesque marina and boutique shops of Macrossan Street make Port Douglas the perfect destination to end your East Coast self drive adventure.

A leisurely 2 night stay here will allow time to both unwind and relax.

    Daintree Rainforest > Port Douglas | 20 kms

    Villa San Michele

Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Day 22

|

Cairns

The last day of your self drive takes you on a scenic coastal drive back to Cairns where you can indulge in a spot of shopping, a walk around the lagoon or even take a side trip up to the small town of Kuranda and experience the local daily markets.

    Port Douglas > Cairns | 80 kms
View Of Cairns, North Queensland, Australia

This Self Drive Includes

21 nights accommodation
21 nights car hire, with unlimited kilometers
Return catamaran transfers to K’gari
Capricorn Caves tour

Flights & More

Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.

They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:

  • An upgrade to deluxe hotels from £515
  • Extra nights in Sydney, Cairns or any location en route
  • A stopover to Australia in Dubai, Singapore or another destination
  • A Whitsunday Islands Cruise from £75

Next Step

Please get in touch with our Australia Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

22 day Self Drive Holiday – from £2799

With flights from £3999

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room, and include pre-booked accommodation, air conditioned car and unlimited kilometres. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard. Seasonal supplements may apply.

Map

Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef, Route Map