Drive 14 days along the Pacific Coast Way

One of Australia’s most iconic long-haul drives, the Pacific Coast Way drifts you through the very best bits of Queensland. Kicking off on the Gold Coast before dialling energy levels down through the Sunshine Coast, crossing into Bundaberg and its surrounds, and moving up to Cairns, it’s a bucket list of cup-filling rewards at every turn.

You’re welcome to race through the highlights if time is tight but consider uncovering its countless gems over two entire weeks. From postcard-perfect beaches to stunning subtropical rainforest, the Pacific Coast Way is best savoured slowly.

Here’s our 14-day itinerary across the entire stretch so you don’t miss a single trick.

Day 1: Drive Gold Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour

The golden-sand, azure-water beaches are world-renowned so tick off more than a couple with this local’s guide to the Gold Coast’s best beaches. While you’re at it, toast the start of your adventure at one of its famed watering holes — our rundown of the best Gold Coast bars will narrow options down.

Hit the M1 before peak hour to get to Brisbane with plenty of time to spare. From the cultural epicentre of South Bank, home to multifaceted museums like QAGOMA and the weekend’s Collective Markets, to the shopping haven of James Street in Fortitude Valley and go-all-night buzz of Howard Smith Wharves, thrilling activity comes on tap.

Stay overnight: Crystalbrook Vincent, conveniently located within the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.

Day 2: Drive Brisbane to Beerwah

Drive time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Set your alarm early to catch one of Brisbane’s best sunrise spots. Our hottest tip is the vantage point from Mount Coot-tha’s summit (just a 20-minute drive from the CBD) where you’ll gaze past the city skyline and out to Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim if it’s fog-free.

Tummy growling? Reward early effort with an epic breakfast (and top-notch coffee). The Gardens Cafe, located in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha, is enveloped in natural wonder and only a five-minute drive from the summit.

Alternatively, there are a few cosy spots along Racecourse Road in Hamilton in Brisbane’s north-east, which you’ll likely pass on the journey to Beerwah. Pancha Cafe dishes up all-day breakfast while Petrichor & Co offers a Latin American spin on AM classics.     

The Sunshine Coast is up next and Beerwah is a treasure trove of walking trails and nature exploration (plus Australia Zoo if cuddling up to native critters gets you jittery). Most notably, the magnificent Glass House Mountains, comprising 16 breathtaking volcanic crags and 11 ranges, is a dream spot for hikers and located within a few minutes’ drive of Beerwah proper. Check out our comprehensive look at how to do the Glass House Mountains to make the most of this very special pit-stop. You can also head to the Glass House Mountains Visitor and Interpretive Centre to sort your bearings.

Stay overnight: The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, located at Australia Zoo.

Day 3: Drive Beerwah to Noosa

Drive time: 1 hour

While holiday hot spot Noosa is your final Sunshine Coast destination, don’t rush this leg of your Pacific Coast Way road trip. Driving north from Beerwah lies a solid chunk of Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry, collating some of the state’s most outstanding culinary experiences. From authentic French-inspired dining in Montville to exceptional organic produce at Kadanga Farm Store (right up near Noosa), it’s an unmissable foodie haven.

When all that hinterland dew starts dissolving into salt-laced sea breeze, you’ll know Noosa’s nearing. Whether you’re indulging in people watching along Hastings Street, hypnotised by unspoiled beaches in Noosa National Park or tucking into riverside fish and chips in Noosaville, it’s flat-out beautiful around here.  

Don’t skip sightseeing one of the only two Everglades in the world, too. The Noosa Everglades is endlessly tranquil, dotted with water lilies, banksias and almost 50 per cent of Australia’s bird species, and gliding across its still waters demands a paddleboard or kayak. Take a look at our advice on how to experience the Noosa Everglades to best facilitate this extraordinary experience.      

Stay overnight: Fairshore Noosa Beach Apartments, located right on Hastings Street.

Must-do events: Join in a culinary extravaganza at Noosa Eat and Drink Festival or The Curated Plate.

Day 4: Drive Noosa to Hervey Bay

Drive time: 2 hours

As tough as peeling yourself away from Noosa is, there’s so much more to discover. Kiss the Sunshine Coast goodbye with a stickybeak through Boreen Point in Lake Cootharaba. The chilled-out village is a magnet for boaties and anglers given its ultra-serene waters.

Speaking of detours, you’re in prime Great Beach Drive country here so it’s well worth considering. While the 38km Great Beach Drive is worthy of multi-day exploration — think sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and richly coloured sand dunes on the other — it’s a reliably memorable add-on. Just catch the vehicle ferry from Noosa over to Noosa North Shore and take the third sand exit to get started.

When you do choose to get to Hervey Bay, the first jewel you’ll encounter within the Fraser Coast’s crown, it’s time to sit back and admire. Queensland’s whale watching capital (you’ll spy the majestic mammals migrating between July and October each year) is awash with family-friendly beaches, fabulous coastal-inspired dining and a whole lot of soothing nothingness. 

Stay overnight: Discovery Parks Hervey Bay offers a wide range of budget-friendly options.  

Day 5: Drive Hervey Bay to K’gari

Drive time: The ferry from Hervey Bay will take up to 50 minutes, but factor in up to 5 hours depending how far north you’re keen to venture.

Ready to live the island life? Hop aboard one of the SeaLink K’gari Ferries, located off River Heads Rd in Hervey Bay, to discover the brilliance of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) — a nature enthusiast’s dream come true. Pick your poison out of the world’s largest sand island’s unparallelled 4WD terrain, beachside camping, natural rockpools (our guide to the Champagne Pools will provide all the info you need) and otherworldly rainforest.  

K’gari is in fact one of just five World Heritage sites in the Sunshine State so the sights are often unbelievable. Rainforest thrives amid sand mounds that stretch so high you’ll need to crane your neck. Dedicate a generous portion of your day to Lake McKenzie, a crystal-clear swimming spot so serene it may spring tears.

Stay overnight: Kingfisher Bay Resort provides all your creature comforts.

Day 6: Drive K’gari to Bundaberg

Drive time: The ferry to Hervey Bay will take up to 50 minutes and it’s a 1 hour and 25 minutes journey onwards

Swap expansive coastline for a slice of the country in Bundaberg, one of Queensland’s most diverse destinations. Renowned for its quality hard stuff, (no visit can skip the Bundaberg Rum Distillery), you’ll find farmers and distillers alongside an abundance of marine life.

First thing’s first — solid exploration requires a delicious feed. Our Bundaberg foodie itinerary is a great resource to help you acclimatise to the region’s local flavours. Top picks include the iconic Windmill Cafe in Bargara, which dishes up local produce with a side of Dutch windmill ambience.

Once you’ve lined your belly, seek out The Bundaberg Barrel for yet another standout distillery before immersing yourself in the Mon Repos Conservation Park. There, you’ll soak up insight into Bundaberg’s loggerhead turtle conservation efforts and even catch the little (or not-so little) guys up close and personal depending when you visit.

Stay overnight: Splitters Farm is located less than 15 min from the centre of town.

Day 7: Drive Bundaberg to Agnes Water and Town of 1770

Drive time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Hit the road for a little over an hour to lock eyes with two idyllic Gladstone suburbs: Agnes Water and 1770. You’re officially in Southern Great Barrier Reef territory so expect absolutely breathtaking vistas while tackling both. Board riders will be desperate to trial some of the country’s most incredible surf breaks, while the historic Captain Cook’s Landing Place is steeped in rich heritage, best experienced during May’s annual 1770 Festival — one of the best Pacific Coast Way events.

Another bucket list item is a day trip out to Lady Elliot Island, a coral cay with a thriving rainforest plonked right in the middle. The Great Barrier Reef Day Trip to Lady Elliot Island from 1770 serves up next-level snorkelling and diving, jumping off a glass-bottomed boat and a scenic flight to send your visit soaring.          

Stay overnight: NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park is located right off Australia’s most northern surf beach, Agnes Water Beach.

Must-do events: Join the annual commemorative event at 1770 Festival.

Day 8: Drive Agnes Water to Rockhampton

Drive time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Next stop? One of the prettiest towns on tour, Rockhampton. Hug the coastline north for just under two and a half hours to reach Rocky, renowned as Australia’s beef capital thanks to its long history of beef production, and marvel in its original colonial beauty.

Check out the town’s most fascinating structures along the Rockhampton Heritage Building Trail, which commences at its iconic wharves. Meanwhile, if food is your number one driver (we get it), unearth an epic steakhouse for lunch. The Great Western Hotel is a popular pick, as is the Criterion Hotel — two of the best dining experiences in Rockhampton. 

Mount Archer National Park is the place to go for game-changing views. An extremely handy 500-metre boardwalk makes visiting a cinch and the sights extend out beyond the city to the Fitzroy River, renowned for its famed barramundi catches.

Stay overnight: Citywalk Motor Inn Rockhampton is in the centre of town, and very affordable.

Must-do events: Check out Queensland's largest car and bike festival at Rare Spares Rockynats 05.

Day 9: Drive Rockhampton to Mackay

Drive time: 4 hours

Before you punch Mackay into Maps, make a pit stop just off the Pacific Coast Way at Capricorn Caves, located less than 30 minutes from Rockhampton. Ancient rock formations, endangered wildlife and passionate local guides will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on your two-week journey.

Push on to Mackay once you’re done as this leg is one of the longest continuous stretches, and you don’t want to miss any of Mackay’s charms. A ridiculously scenic stretch of subtropical rainforest, Australia’s longest in fact, is quintessential Queensland: brilliantly bold and endlessly overachieving.

While you’re in town, make the 45-minute trek out to Cape Hillsborough for something truly special. Fabulous walking trails and wallaby-dotted beaches provide memory-making moments from start to finish. There’s also Finch Hatton Gorge, speckled with hidden rock pools, an incredible waterfall and really unusual flora and fauna.  

Stay overnight: Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel offers luxe amenities in the heart of town.

Must-do events: Enjoy a great day of rodeo fun at Nebo Rodeo.

Day 10: Drive Mackay to Airlie Beach

Drive time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

White sand beaches, swaying palm trees and an almost-overwhelming network of perfect islands (there’s 74 in total so, yep, overwhelming). Welcome to The Whitsundays, where even if it’s balmy out, the vibe is welcoming all year round. Airlie Beach is one of its standout locales, brimming with sensational experiences — and that’s before you even consider heading out on a boat.

If you’re a biker, head straight for Conway National Park for the Conway Circuit, which winds around the entire park and takes in all that sparkling blue beyond. The four-kilometre Bicentennial Boardwalks path from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale is better for slow-paced strolling.

Before too long, however, those creamy blue water swirls are going to win you over. Lean into Airlie Beach as the perfect base to explore surrounding waters. Take a chopper ride over gorgeous (albeit, much smaller up close) Heart Reef, snorkel the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and drop into Hamilton Island into via a one-hour ferry trip. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, too — you’ll find the ultimate selfie backdrop at the northern end where the tides at Hill Inlet shift 50 shades of turquoise spectacular.      

Stay overnight: Big4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort is stacked with facilities and less than 10 minutes’ drive from Airlie Beach.

Day 11: Drive Airlie Beach to Townsville

Drive time: 3 hours and 10 minutes

Journey right to the edge of the Whitsundays to reach Townsville, which flows with community spirit and killer cultural experiences. One of the state’s most enthralling museums, the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is a must, crammed with local, national and international exhibitions plus a loaded schedule of talks, tours and other events.

When it’s time to eat, Palmer Street is always a safe bet. It’s home to Townsville’s best restaurants and local cuisines span the entire globe. City Lane is gaining serious buzz too, an emerging foodie laneway filled with bars, eateries and, naturally, quality street art.

Nature lovers should make time for the somewhat-nearby Wallaman Falls, too. It’s a two-hour drive from Townsville, but it clocks in as Australia’s highest single drop waterfall and the spritzy beauty is absolutely staggering.  

Stay overnight: Ardo Hotel is worth the splurge, situated right on the Coral Sea so the views are ridiculous.

Day 12: Drive Townsville to Mission Beach

Drive time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

As your Pacific Coast Way road trip winds down, we’ve saved some of the best for last. Mission Beach is your next stop, located on the pristine Cassowary Coast and generally quite untapped. Boasting 14 kilometres of coastline, this sleepy town encourages you to unplug and unwind as crowds are thin and outdoor activity beckons.

Explore Mission Beach’s four unique villages (Bingil Bay, North Mission, Wongaling Beach and South Mission) and don’t miss checking out Bingil Bay Cafe, a family-run spot where everyone seems to know everyone. Then it’s time to explore Dunk Island, a slice of heaven located just off the coastline, where you’ll need to climb Mount Kootaloo because the views are just perfect.

Stay overnight: Castaways Resort & Spa is located right on the shores of this stunning beach.

Day 13: Drive Mission Beach to Cairns

Drive time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Switch up serenity for Tropical North Queensland’s beating heart, Cairns, which is technically the final destination along the Pacific Coast Way — so let’s make the most of it.

An intoxicating mecca of breezy outdoor dining (Prawn Star is one of the best seafood restaurants in and around Cairns) and convenient Great Barrier Reef exploration, there’s also the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, to get lost within. Take a unique bird’s eye view of the 100-million-year-old expanse (which, astonishingly, makes up 0.12% of the country) via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway above the rainforest canopy and gaze down to spot just some of the 3,000 animal and plant species thriving below.

Push your adventure into the following day to ensure you dive feet-first into Cairns’ fine dining all-stars, often positioned right on the water by the marina. For a comprehensive sweep of the city’s best meals, check out our guide to the best Cairns restaurants and cafes. 

Stay overnight: Crystalbrook Riley is home to one of Queensland’s most fun-filled hotel pools, hands down.

Must-do events: Discover the ultimate mountain biking experience at Crankworx Cairns.

Day 14: Drive Cairns to Port Douglas

Drive time: Just over 1 hour

Cheers the end of one of Australia’s greatest road trips by flirting with the outskirts of another: the Great Barrier Reef Drive. Just one hour down the Great Barrier Reef Drive (which winds directly from Cairns to Cape Tribulation) will skim you past Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach where you’ll have practically nothing but swooping sea birds to share brilliant beach vistas with, before hitting Port Douglas.  

At your final destination, the Great Barrier Reef has never been closer so use our guide to discover the best ways to access the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. Marine exploration is best chased with hearty meals featuring everything you’ve just spied, so stroll Macrossan Street, the town’s main retail and dining strip, and surrounding roads for exceptional seafood spreads at the likes of Watergate and Zinc.

Stay overnight: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort because it’s time to celebrate two smashing weeks and, well, why not?

Must-do events: Uncover the best of Tropical North Queensland at Port Douglas Carnivale.

For more fun as meander, keep your eye on these must-do events along the Pacific Coast Way.