Queensland Coastal Self Drive

Brisbane is a cosmopolitan riverside city; a laid-back yet buzzing metropolis with friendly residents and a great cafe culture. It’s a shiny, modern state capital with plenty to do: make the exhilarating climb up Story Bridge, relax on the inner city beach, take a relaxed cruise on the river or maybe even visit the Castlemaine ‘XXXX’ Brewery. Enjoy dinner in one of Brisbane’s great restaurants, browse the abundant boutiques and high street stores along Queen Street Mall, or peruse the funky markets in Fortitude valley. Meet the locals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you can get to know these endearing creatures better.

Welcome to Surfers Paradise, capital of the Gold Coast. Its iconic waterfront, where sliver high-rise buildings soar above a long sweep of beach, exudes a vibrant energy, and isn’t just for surfers. Head to the ocean where there are plenty of water sports on offer, or you could just relax on the dazzling beach. There’s always plenty going on around the chic cafes and restaurants near the foreshore, and the after dark action can be found in the many buzzing bars and late-opening shops.

Cruise down the Sunshine Coast to fabulous Noosa. This classy seaside resort is the perfect place to kick back and relax for a couple of days with its stylish boutiques, varied restaurants, relaxing spas and welcoming beaches. Noosa radiates a lovely small town feel and boasts excellent surf beaches, lush tropical forest and the ruggedly beautiful Noosa Heads. Noosa National Park is a must-see while you’re in town, offering sensational coastal scenery and plenty of quiet beach spots to stop off for a cooling swim. After a busy day’s activities, enjoy alfresco waterfront dining on Hastings Street, or browse for fresh local delicacies at the farmers’ market.

The picturesque seaside town of Hervey Bay doubles up as the gateway to beautiful Fraser Island, a World Heritage site and the largest sand island on the planet. Discover the sand dunes, endless beaches, freshwater lakes and crystal-clear rivers of this world-famous island, which is also home to an incredible array of wildlife, both on and off shore. One of the best places for whale watching in Australia, the island is also home to dugong and dolphins.

Relax on the beach in the petite seaside town of Yeppoon, found on one of the endless stretches of tropical coastline on the Capricorn Coast. This corner of Australia boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year, which means there is plenty to do in any season. Explore the shallow coves and offshore islands, and don’t miss Great Keppel Island, a large neighbouring island paradise, the vast majority of which is a national park.

Discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from Hamilton Island, part of the Whitsunday Islands and fringed by immaculate white beaches. This area offers world-renowned snorkelling and diving, as well as an assortment of adventurous water sports. Indulge in fine foods and wines, head out to sea on a fishing trip or stay on land and walk one of the gentle hiking trails to a pretty island viewpoint or play a round of golf. Over 70 percent of the island is part of the Whitsunday National Park, so get exploring!

End your holiday in the beautiful surrounds of Port Douglas, a sophisticated upmarket town with a pristine white sand beach, backed by palm trees and access point to the oldest living rainforest in the world – the Daintree. Explore untouched tropical rainforest, relax on a quiet beach, follow a hiking trail and search for phenomenal wildlife in this fascinating forest, one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature’s work in the world. While you’re here, don’t forget to explore Port Douglas itself, with assorted historical buildings, a pretty lighthouse and various colourful shops and markets waiting to be discovered.