Independent Touring Queensland

SUNSHINE COAST & FRASER ISLAND

6 day Self Drive from Brisbane

Noosa National Park, Noosa, QLD. Credit: Tourism Australia

INCLUDES: 5 nights accommodation | Mid-Size rental car on all-inclusive basis & unlimited kms

DAY 1: Brisbane, Noosa (145km) - Sunshine Coast. Here you can experience the typically Australian laid-back lifestyle centred round pristine beaches, freshwater rivers, lakes and subtropical forests. Stay: Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas (3 nights).

DAY 2: At leisure on the Sunshine Coast - Leave the car parked up today and explore this stylish seaside town by foot. With subtropical trees and greenery blending with low rise architecture, designer boutiques, alfresco cafe's and pristine beaches, it's easy to see why Noosa is such a popular holiday destination for Australians. It certainly offers the best of nature and culture for all to enjoy!

DAY 3: At leisure on the Sunshine Coast - Another day at leisure to explore Noosa. We suggest following the boardwalk from Noosa Main Beach into Noosa National Park. Along the way look out across Laguna Bay for dolphins and whales, or spot a koala in the trees. The National Park has many popular bays and surfing spots, not to mention walking paths for a short stroll or a longer hike.

DAY 4: Hervey Bay, Fraser Island (185km) - Travel north to Hervey Bay where you leave your car in a secure car park at River Heads Mainland Reception. Catch the ferry to world heritage listed Fraser Island. The island supports more than 40 beautiful fresh water lakes, towering rainforests, clear fast flowing streams, spectacular cliff faces of coloured sands and 120km of continuous ocean beach. Stay: Mercure Kingfisher Bay Resort (2 nights).

DAY 5: Explore Fraser Island - Kingfisher Bay Resort nestles amongst the tree covered dunes on the edge of the calm blue waters of the Great Sandy Straight and offers all the amenities of a modern resort while blending with Fraser Island's sensitive ecological system. It is a paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, bushwalking and four-wheel driving. The resort is surrounded by a wealth of plant and animal species.

DAY 6: Return to Brisbane (290km) - Return to the mainland by ferry this morning and then drive back to Brisbane where you return your rental car on arrival.

Per person twin share from £700

For more info visit www.anzcro.co.uk

PACIFIC COAST EXPLORER

8 day Self Drive Sydney to Brisbane (or vice versa)

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay Credit: Tourism Australia

INCLUDES: 7 nights accommodation as shown | Mid-size rental car on all-inclusive basis & unlimited kms

DAY 1: Sydney, Central Coast, Port Stephens (210km) - Collect your hire car and head north on the Pacific Highway to Port Stephens via the Central Coast and city of Newcastle. This beautiful coastal resort offers something for everyone but is best known for its crystal clear water, beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants and whale and dolphin watching. Stay: Shoal Bay Resort & Spa (2 nights).

DAY 2: Port Stephens at Leisure - Why not join a dolphin watch boat trip today? There are boat trips that are designed to give you the best possible view of these lovely playful creatures and on warm days, it may even be possible to swim with the dolphins. If you want to see koalas in the wild then Port Stephen’s Tilligerry Habitat State Reserve offers a good opportunity.

DAY 3: Port Stephens, Port Macquarie (190km) - Pass through the seaside villages of Harrington and Laurieton today as you continue your journey north today to Port Macquarie. You can do everything from fishing, golf, tennis, family theme parks and water sports or choose to do nothing but relax. Stay: Mantra Observatory

DAY 4: Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour (160km) (B) - The Pacific Highway will carry you through the coastal holiday towns of Macksville and Nambucca Heads today before you reach Coffs Harbour. Coffs is well known for its spectacular coastline and friendly relaxed atmosphere & there are plenty of things to see and do in the area. Stay: Ramada Coffs Harbour.

DAY 5: Grafton, Ballina, Byron Bay (245km) (B) - Your drive today will skirt the beautiful Yuraygir National Park on-route to Byron Bay. With rainforest walks on timber boardwalks and luxuriously appointed rooms, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa provides a unique opportunity to experience Natural Luxury. Stay: The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa (2 nights).

DAY 6: Byron Bay at Leisure (B) - Time to relax in Byron Bay, the most easterly point in Australia. Walk the Cape Byron Track to the trademark lighthouse, kayak with dolphins, trawl the markets, indulge in a day spa or simply explore the glorious beaches of the area.

DAY 7: Tweed Heads, Gold Coast (90km) (B) - There is plenty to offer everyone on Australia’s Gold Coast. Enjoy the best of Aussie beach life, indoor and outdoor attractions, markets and water sports... the choice is almost endless! Main Beach, Broadbeach & Surfers Paradise boast some of the Gold Coast’s best shopping and fashion, not to mention an array of beachfront café’s and upmarket restaurant’s. Stay: QT Gold Coast.

DAY 8: On to Brisbane (80km) (B) - Time for some last minute sightseeing before the leisurely drive up to Brisbane later this afternoon. Return your rental car on arrival into Queensland’s capital city. You may like to stay a few days to explore the city before heading further north towards the barrier reef and Cairns.

Per person twin share from £849

For more info visit www.anzcro.co.uk

The Australia Book 2019 - 20 | UK Sterling