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Home/Australia Holidays/Australia Fly Drive Holidays/Australias East Coast Self Drive

Australia's East Coast Self Drive

  • Brisbane
  • Hervey Bay
  • Noosa
  • Sunshine Coast - Queensland
  • Glass House Mountains
  • Melbourne
  • Apollo Bay
  • Mornington Peninsula
  • Port Fairy
  • Grampians National Park
  • Ballarat
  • Blue Mountains
  • Hunter Valley
  • Sydney
  • 28 nights from
  • £5,155 per person
  • Trip Code: SD-1414

Holiday Overview

Experience the highlights of Australia’s East Coast on this spectacular self-drive holiday.

Begin in Brisbane, exploring the Sunshine Coast and relaxing on the golden sands of Hervey Bay. Venture to Fraser Island to uncover its natural wonders, including the pristine waters of Lake McKenzie. Continue to Noosa Bay to visit one of the world’s rare everglades, where you can experience this unique ecosystem by boat tour or canoe. Conclude this leg of the journey with a visit to the stunning Glass House Mountains, where you can hike or simply enjoy the views of the 11 majestic peaks.

Your adventure then leads to Melbourne, where you’ll explore the iconic Great Ocean Road, home to the Twelve Apostles. Discover Victoria’s Gold Rush history and charming coastal towns. Next, travel to the Blue Mountains, a spectacular valley with views of the famous Three Sisters rock formation. In the Hunter Valley, savour Australia’s finest wines and gourmet cuisine. Finally, your journey ends in Sydney, where you can enjoy a Sydney Harbour Cruise for breathtaking views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Days: 29 / Nights: 28

Start: Brisbane Finish: Sydney

States Visited: Queensland, Victoria & New South Wales

Australia's East Coast Self Drive includes:

  • Return Flights from the UK
  • Internal flights
  • Car Hire
  • 28 Nights accommodation
  • Ferry - Sorrento to Queenscliff
  • Fraser Island Beauty Spots Tour
  • Explore French Island & Philip Island
  • Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
  • Sydney Hop on Hop off Bus
1

Day 1 - UK Brisbane

Arrive at Brisbane International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your bags make your way to your hotel. Spending the rest of day at your leisure.

Featured accommodation

Grand Chancellor Brisbane

Enhance your experience

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Rydges South Bank Brisbane

2

Day 2 - Explore Brisbane

A day at leisure to explore Brisbane, speak to your consultant about available day tours you may wish to add.  

Featured accommodation

Grand Chancellor Brisbane

Enhance your experience

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Rydges South Bank Brisbane

3

Day 3 - Brisbane to Hervey Bay

Today check out your Brisbane hotel and collect your car hire. Making the journey along the Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay. Spending the rest of the day at leisure exploring Hervey Bay. 

Featured accommodation

Mantra Hervey Bay

4

Day 4 - Hervey Bay to Fraser Island (K'gari)

Today check out of your Hervey Bay hotel and make your way to the ferry port for your crossing to Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island.

Featured accommodation

Kingfisher Bay Resort

5

Day 5 - Fraser Island Beauty Spots Tour

Explore the beauty of Fraser Island and learn about the natural and cultural history of K'gari, Fraser Island. Swim in the crystal-clear, blue waters of Lake McKenzie, the island's most beautiful perched lake. From Central Station, walk along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek as it flows silently through the rainforest. Marvel at the tall, majestic satinay trees of Pile Valley. Drive along spectacular Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Stop to swim in the cool, fresh Eli Creek. This swift-flowing creek, the largest on the Eastern beach, spills 80 mega litres of water into the ocean every day. Visit the Maheno shipwreck and marvel at the coloured sands of the Pinnacles. See an ancient forest being uncovered as Stone tool Sand Blow moves across the island.

Includes morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and National Park fees.

Featured accommodation

Kingfisher Bay Resort

6

Day 6 - Fraser Island to Noosa Heads

This morning check out your Fraser Island hotel and make your way to the ferry port for your crossing to Hervey Bay. Continuing along to Noosa Heads, after checking into your hotel spend the rest of day at leisure.

Featured accommodation

Peppers Noosa

7

Day 7 - Explore Noosa Heads

A day at leisure to explore Noosa Heads. 

Featured accommodation

Peppers Noosa

8

Day 8 - Noosa Everglades

Cruise deep into the tranquil mirrored waterways of Australia’s’ only Everglades. This spectacular network of wetlands showcases ancient landscapes and offers spectacular photo opportunities. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this unique eco system. Australia’s Everglades are found in the Northern end of the Noosa River system, perched within the sand dunes of the Cooloola National Park. An untouched, pristine wilderness area which is home to over 44% of Australia’s bird species. Pure freshwater pulses out of the Cooloola Sandmass and filters through the tea tree infused ecosystem into this unique river system – creating the most spectacular reflections you will ever see.

Choose to experience the Everglades in the comfort of the specially designed eco boats or cruise to the canoe launch area – grab a paddle, jump in a canoe and experience one of the best canoeing adventures in Australia.

Featured accommodation

Peppers Noosa

9

Day 9 - Noosa Bay to Montville

Your drive today takes you to Montville for your rainforest escape. 

Featured accommodation

Narrows Escape

10

Day 10 - Explore Montville

A day at leisure to explore Montville and the surrounding area. 

Featured accommodation

Narrows Escape

11

Day 11 - Montville to Glass House Mountains

Today check out your Montville hotel and make your way to Glasshouse Mountains. After you have checked into your Glass House Mountains hotel spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Featured accommodation

Glass House Mountains Ecolodge

12

Day 12 - Glass House Mountains

Spend today exploring the Glass House Mountains.

Featured accommodation

Glass House Mountains Ecolodge

13

Day 13 - Glasshouse Mountains to Melbourne

Today make the drive back to Brisbane Airport for your onward flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel spending the remainder of your day at leisure. 

Featured accommodation

Batman's Hill On Collins

Enhance your experience

Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto

Crown Towers Melbourne

14

Day 14 - Explore Melbourne

A day at leisure to explore Melbourne.

Featured accommodation

Batman's Hill On Collins

Enhance your experience

Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto

Crown Towers Melbourne

Unmissable Experiences

Great Ocean Road

15

Day 15 - Explore French & Philip Island

An unforgettable island-hopping adventure from French Island to Phillip Island, where you’ll experience Australia’s charming wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. Begin the day with a ferry ride across Western Port Bay, soaking in the crystal blue waters and picturesque views as you arrive at French Island. Once there, enjoy a guided 4WD tour of this hidden natural gem, spotting koalas and other native animals while learning about the island’s unique ecosystem.

Next, take a scenic ferry journey to Phillip Island, famous for its beautiful beaches, top surfing spots, and the iconic motorbike circuit. Explore Cowes, where you can stroll along the pier, visit local boutiques, and enjoy the cafes and restaurants along the Esplanade. Then, head to the Nobbies Boardwalk at Point Grant for dramatic sea views, rugged cliffs, and a chance to observe a seal colony.

To complete your day, witness the renowned Penguin Parade, where adorable little penguins waddle ashore at sunset. Expert rangers will provide insights into these fascinating creatures’ lives, making this a day filled with breathtaking sights and cherished wildlife moments.

Featured accommodation

Batman's Hill On Collins

Enhance your experience

Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto

Crown Towers Melbourne

Unmissable Experiences

Melbourne Experiences

16

Day 16 - Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula

Collect your car and take a short drive to the Mornington Peninsula. You might choose to visit one of the area’s vineyards to sample the local artisan produce, or perhaps enjoy the charming beaches and coastal towns nearby.

Featured accommodation

Flinders Hotel

Enhance your experience

Jackalope Hotel

17

Day 17 - Mornington Peninsula to Apollo Bay

Catch the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff and embark along the first section of the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay.

Featured accommodation

Best Western Apollo Bay Motel & Apartments

18

Day 18 - Apollo Bay to Port Fairy

Spend a full day exploring the Great Ocean Road, where just east of Apollo Bay, you’ll encounter the Twelve Apostles – stunning 150-foot limestone pillars rising from the ocean. Before reaching Port Fairy, consider a stop at the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a dormant volcanic crater now home to kangaroos, koalas, and emus in their natural habitat.

Featured accommodation

Seacombe House - Comfort Inn Port Fairy

19

Day 19 - Port Fairy to Grampians National Park

Turn inland and continue to the Grampian National Park. Well known for its trails, waterfalls and wildlife.

Featured accommodation

D'Altons Resort

20

Day 20 - Grampians National Park

Spend a full day enjoying the Grampian’s, whilst the scenic beauty and wildlife in this area are a massive pull, there are also galleries, vineyards and award-winning restaurants waiting to be discovered.

Featured accommodation

D'Altons Resort

21

Day 21 - Grampians National Park to Ballarat

Next stop is Ballarat, a town that boomed during an 1850’s gold rush. Visit the open air museum of Sovereign Hill to get a better understanding of the areas history.

Featured accommodation

Craig’s Royal Hotel

22

Day 22 - Ballarat to Blue Mountains

Make your way back to Melbourne for your onward flight to Sydney. Upon arrival pick up your car hire and take the drive to the Blue Mountains. 

Featured accommodation

Lilianfels Blue Mountain Resort & Spa

Enhance your experience

Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains

23

Day 23 - Explore the Blue Mountains

Spend a full day exploring the beautiful Blue Mountains, visit Echo Point, for a fantastic view of the Three Sisters and a chance to enjoy one of the many nearby bushwalking trails.

Featured accommodation

Lilianfels Blue Mountain Resort & Spa

Enhance your experience

Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains

24

Day 24 - Blue Mountains to Hunter Valley

Continue to the Hunter Valley, with more than 150 Wineries and a plethora of restaurants, it’s a must-see destination for any foodie.

Featured accommodation

Hunter Valley Resort

Enhance your experience

Spicers Vineyards Estate

25

Day 25 - Explore Hunter Valley

Spend a full day exploring the cellar doors and restaurants of the Hunter Valley.

Featured accommodation

Hunter Valley Resort

Enhance your experience

Spicers Vineyards Estate

26

Day 26 - Hunter Valley to Sydney

Return to Sydney, drop off your car and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Featured accommodation

Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel

Enhance your experience

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour

27

Day 27 - Sydney Harbour Cruise

Spend your morning at leisure, explore Sydney's Rock area and Circular Key before embarking on your lunch cruise of Sydney Harbour. Discover the secrets of one of the world's most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you will get to learn something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck.

Featured accommodation

Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel

Enhance your experience

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour

Unmissable Experiences

Sydney Experiences

28

Day 28 - Explore Sydney

A day at leisure to explore the sights of Sydney, we have included the Hop on Hop off bus. 

Featured accommodation

Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel

Enhance your experience

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour

29

Day 29 - Sydney to UK

Transfer to Sydney airport for your onward flight home. 

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