Pacific Coast Touring Route
Stretching from Brisbane to Cairns, the Pacific Coast Touring Route is the backbone of this Queensland self-drive. There are plenty of great diversions along the way with parks, gardens, local arts and crafts, discover glorious beaches and of course, the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.
Mackay © Tourism Queensland
6 days / 5 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Day 1: Brisbane – Bundaberg( 362km) Visit the famous Sunshine Coast to take some time out and relax. Next is the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!
Day 2: Bundaberg – Rockhampton( 288km) Head into the scenic beachside town of 1770, named after the year it was discovered by Captain Cook. Detour inland and bushwalk the lush rainforest of Cania Gorge National Park. Arrive in Rockhampton, where the Big Bull represents Rockhampton’ s reputation as Australia’ s beef capital.
Day 3: Rockhampton – Mackay( 336km) Head to the Capricorn Caves, these are spectacular above-ground caves set in a limestone ridge. Stop at Byfield National Park to bird watch and bushwalk through the rainforest. Drive to Sarina to visit the Sugar Shed, known as Australia’ s only miniature sugar mill and boutique distillery.
Day 4: Mackay – Townsville( 386km) Hug the coastline as you journey north. Think clear tranquil waters filled with colourful coral and tropical fish, mouth watering fruits and succulent seafood, long white sandy beaches and secluded rainforest pockets, and this is just a taste!
Day 5: Townsville – Cairns( 347km) This part of the drive is called‘ The Great Green Way’ and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Explore 12 National Parks, over 20 tropical islands, cascading waterfalls, swimming holes and walking tracks.
Day 6: Cairns Cairns is a great base to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree.
Rental car: Hertz( Group C) from $ 75 per day
Our favourite places to stay:
• The Point Bargara
• Best Western Bundaberg City Motor Inn
• Rydges Southbank Townsville
• Southern Cross Atrium Apartments, Cairns
Daintree Cairns
Townsville
Eungella National Park
Magnetic Island
Clairview Rockhampton
Cania Gorge National Park
Mackay
Byfield National Park
1770 Bundaberg
Sunshine Coast Brisbane
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Bundaberg – Best known for its iconic rum and turtles, Bundaberg is one of the gems of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Start your escape by exploring the coastal gems before heading to the shores where hundreds of sea turtles return to the beach each year to nest.
Broken River – Located within the Eungella National Park, Broken River boast as one of the best locations in the world to see platypus in the wild. A little over a one hour drive from Mackay, travel through the picturesque Pioneer Valley and climb the mountain range to Eungella township.
Dugong Sanctuary – Travel to Clairview, a small beach town approximately 1.5 hours south of Mackay. This has been established as a dugong sanctuary. Often dugongs can be spotted when they surface to breathe from the shore, or in the water- so keep an eye out for these majestic creatures.
Keswick Island – Nestled within the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and just a stone’ s throw from Mackay, is a truly natural wonderland. Discover its natural treasures of national parks and tropical rainforests, fringed by white sands and a coral reef bursting with vibrant marine life.
Broken River © Tourism & Events Queensland Cairns © Tourism & Events Queensland
Bundaberg © Tourism & Events Queensland
48
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 6 day hire rate. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date