Pacific Coast Way

Next Article

Savannah Way

This drive takes you almost all the way up the coast of Queensland. It starts at the Gold Coast, takes you on through the state capital of Brisbane and on to the Sunshine Coast.

At historic Maryborough you might like to take a short detour to see the whales in Hervey Bay and visit Fraser Island. Further along the way is Childers, where you can take another short detour to Bundaberg, famous for its rum and the Mon Repos turtle rookery. It’s near here, just north of Fraser Island, that the Great Barrier Reef starts near Lady Elliot Island.

Continuing north past the industrial city of Gladstone you’ll come to the beef city of Rockhampton, from which a short detour will take you to Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast. Continue northwards through the cane fields to the tropical city of Mackay. Along the way there you might like to visit the beautiful Capricorn Caves.

At Proserpine a short side trip will take you to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. Next is Bowen, famous for its mangoes and the twin towns of Ayr and Home Hill on the Burdekin River. From Townsville you can visit Magnetic Island.

Continuing north you’ll soon reach Ingham passing the Wallaman Falls, the highest single drop waterfall in Australia. Continue on to Cardwell where there is a ferry to Hinchinbrook Island. Further north are Mission Beach and Tully, where you might meet a Cassowary while on its Spirit of the Rainforest Walk! Then, Innisfail which is famous for its sugar and finally on to Cairns.

Pacific Coast Way Must Do’s

The journey along Pacific Coast Way will see you drive through Queensland’s iconic cane fields, rainforest and cities. Here’s our top 5 Must Do’s whilst on route.

1. Gold Coast Whether you want to relax, shop, explore or be thrilled, the Gold Coast has it all! A hidden local experience we recommend is collecting local prawns in Southport from the trawlers along SeaWorld Drive and wondering down to the Spit to enjoy the local seafood and scenery. Other favourites we recommend are the Outback Spectacular, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Mount Tamborine and exploring Springbrook and Lamington National Parks.

2. Brisbane Before you hit the coastline, take the time to explore the riverside city of Brisbane. For a cultural feast you can’t miss the galleries, theatres and museums of Brisbane’s South Bank. Brisbane is a great city to explore by foot. We recommend taking a stroll to Kangaroo Point Cliffs or a more strenuous hike to the Mount Coot-tha summit for beautiful city views in both locations. For a different perspective, jump on a ‘city-cat’ and enjoy seeing the city’s beautiful architecture as you cruise the river.

3. Sunshine Coast The Sunshine Coast has it all. Enviably positioned between Brisbane and Fraser Island, the region is a stunning haven abounding in wonders of nature, beachside culture, fresh local food, bucket list experiences and world class events just waiting to be explored. From the majestic Glass House Mountains to Noosa and the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, the Sunshine Coast includes more than 100 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches, surrounded by the quiet beauty of coastal and hinterland villages. The region has an attractive year-round climate and is also rapidly emerging as one of Australia’s favourite culinary destinations. Visit the Sunshine Coast and discover the many sub-regions that make it unique.

4. Fraser Island Undoubtedly one of the most magical islands in Australia, Fraser Island is a World Heritage listed site that combines dreamy white sand beaches with tropical rainforests. Known as the world’s largest sand island, unofficial home to the dingo and seasonal home to whales, the island is a nature lover’s paradise. If you only have time to see the key highlights of Fraser Island then make sure you visit Champagne Rock Pools, Lake McKenzie, Maheno Shipwreck, Lake Wabby, Eli Creek and Central Station. We recommend you take at least a couple of days to explore the entirety of Fraser Island, you won’t regret it!

5. The Whitsundays A location that requires no filter is The Whitsundays, which is home to 74 islands and one of the world’s best beaches – Whitehaven Beach. The striking natural wonders of the coast and islands are dotted with secluded beaches and welcoming towns. We recommend you take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef or one of the many stunning islands. But don’t dismiss the mainland! Be sure to stroll the many boardwalks throughout Airlie Beach, visit Hydeaway Bay or hike to Cedar Creek Falls for a freshwater dip in the rainforest. The Whitsundays is definitely a location you will want to take your time exploring.