Australia

G’day and welcome to Gold coast! Upon arrival, head over to the rental car collection desk to collect your vehicle. Today, you will begin your journey by travelling north on the Bruce Highway towards the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast consists of picturesque beaches and the blue waters of the Pacific which stretches from Rainbow Beach and south toward Bribie Island. At the north, you will reach the Noosa area which has facilities for fishing, boating, and golf. Venture down to the edge of Laguna bay to visit the resort area of Noosa Heads which hosts a 2280 hectare national park. Here, you can trek down the winding rainforests, and take in spectacular views of unusual rock formations such as Hell’s Gate, Pardise Caves, Lion’s Rock, Devil’s Kitchen and Witches’ Cauldron. Accommodation: Sunshine Coast – Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Continuing north, reach Hervey Bay and leave your car overnight. Today, you will take a catamaran transfer to Fraser Island. Fraser Island is at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and is only a short minute boat ride from mainland. It hosts unique natural wonders and is listed as a World Heritage wilderness area. Enjoy the sights of cliff faces of spectacular coloured sands, thriving rainforests, 120 km of continuous ocean beach, freshwater streams, perched dune lakes, huge sand blows, and flourishing wildlife. Accommodation: Fraser Island – King Fisher Bay Resort

Head back to Hervey Bay to pick up your vehicle. Today, you will travel north and pass through the towns of Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton. Not far from these towns, you will north east to reach Yeppoon. Lying on the shore of Keppel Bay, Yeppoon is a popular costal resort and I known for its Capricorn Coast because of its proximity to the Tropic of Capricorn, which means you are now in the Tropics! You may wish to take a catamaran for a 13 km ride to Great Keppel Island. Accommodation: Yeppoon – Rydges Capricon Resort Yeppoon

Today’s journey will bring you back onto the Bruce Highway and north to Mackay. Then, head 85 km west and visit the subtropical Eungella National Park, Australia’s largest continuous stretch of rainforest. There are a range of activities for you to enjoy, especially if you’re an Ecotourist. You may choose to do at your own expense a guided bird watch, guided rainforest walk, canoeing, and a nocturnal spotlighting tour. Also, venture to Broken River, known for being the Platypus viewing capital of the world. Accommodation: Broken River – Broken River Mountain Resort

Travel north of Mackay towards the Whitsunday coast to arrive at the town of Airlie Beach. View the Whitsunday Passage and islands, and visit its own beach and marina. You may choose to go at your own expense to Airlie and Shute harbour to travel to the outer reef and reef-fringed islands. Accommodation: Airlie Beach – Best Western Colonial Palms Motor Inn

Continue along Bruce Highway towards Townsville. Continue on inland on the Flinders Highway and reach Charters Towers. This historic town features classic Australian architecture with verandas and lacework. You can view more of these works in Mosman and Gill Streets. You may also want to visit at your own expense Towers Hill which has old mine shafts and ammunition bunkers from World War II. Accommodation: Charter Towers – Best Western Country Road Motel

Head back to Townsville and travel north on the Bruce Highway. Head 24 km east of Tully to arrive at Mission Beach. This beach has 14 km of beach with pristine sand lined with coconut palms and unique heritage rainforest. Close to shore is the magnificent living structure of the Great Barrier Reef. You may wish to take at your own expense a day cruise or a sailing trip to the surrounding islands from the jetty at Clump Point. Accommodation: Mission Beach – Mission Beach Comfort Resort

Continue your journey to head up to Cairns. This city provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, and from here you may wish to take at your own expense Reef trips to experience the fabulous underwater Reef life by snorkelling or Scuba Diving. You can also choose to stay at beach front accommodation at Palm Cove. Nearby is also the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Accommodation: Cairns – Mercure Hotel Harbourside Cairns

Breakfast at accommodation. Check out of your hotel. It is time to say good-bye to Cairns! Drive away to catch your onward flight. Upon arrival at airport, return your vehicle to Airport Depot.