Pacific Coast Way

Brisbane City, Queensland, 4000

Journey

+2 more

About

The Pacific Coast Way links coastal havens, hinterland towns, and major cities all along the east coast, from the Gold Coast to Cairns. The Pacific Coast is a 'big' drive. Take your time: the real journey hides just out of sight, ready to be discovered off the highway.

From South East Queensland to the Tropical North discover world-class resorts, lush farming regions, stunning coastline, and communities that inspire sea changes. Linger near the warm temperate Pacific Ocean, where cocktail hour includes a backdrop of blue waters crashing onto white shorelines. Detour inland and savour the hinterland bounty of fine food and wine, antique stores, and lovingly restored pubs and boutique accommodations. National Parks filled with waterfalls, rockpools, rare birds and animals transport you a million years away.

Meander north to the golden beaches and country heart of regional Queensland. Uncover rainforest-studded gorges, gemfields, stunning lakes, and long unbroken sandy white beaches stretching out to the Great Barrier Reef. Slip off the main highway and explore the best Australia has to offer, and good living alongside some of the most pristine, preserved natural beauties.

Live the good life on, and off, the Pacific Coast Way.

Activities

Canoeing/Kayaking

Rock Climbing

Scuba Diving

Fishing

Sailing

Surfing

Walks

Information

Gold Coast to Brisbane

Welcome to the famous Gold Coast, this is Australia's endless playground of entertainment and adventure. For generations they have been embracing and entertaining their special guests with a promise of big smiles and warm memories in a spectacle of golden beaches, legendary theme parks, iconic rainforests, and lively attractions. Feel the excitement of life in the fun lane, where the sun shines on an unlimited variety of things to see and do all year round. Cuddle a koala, learn to surf, and walk a World Heritage listed rainforest trail in a day full of natural adventure. Scream with excitement on…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Fishing

Brisbane to Maroochydore

Welcome to a city where you are free to be whoever you want to be! Where you can escape to the natural splendour of Moreton Bay and Islands or the Scenic Rim and Country Valleys, experience world-class exhibitions at Australia's largest Gallery of Modern Art and indulge in the country's premier live music scene, The Valley... all in one day! You'll love the buzzing urban villages with live music, the coolest cafes and an eclectic array of the finest restaurants. Keep an eye on Brisbane's events' calendar for huge international sporting events, exciting and unique festivals as well as live…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Canoeing/Kayaking

Maroochydore to Gympie

Maroochydore is the commercial hub at the heart of the Sunshine Coast, neighboured by Caloundra to the south and Noosa to the north. Stop over and explore all the Sunshine Coast region has to offer. The region boasts surf beaches and sheltered waterways, national parks and pristine crown land. Enjoy waterfront dining, surf breaks, championship golf courses, antiques and trinkets at welcoming beachside communities. Head to the hills and enjoy the tranquility of the hinterland including the volcanic plugs better known as 'The Glasshouse Mountains'. Or explore the Blackall Range, a lush fertile terrain and subtropical rainforest where patchwork fields,…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Surfing

Gympie to Hervey Bay

As the heritage and cultural centre of the Cooloola Region, Gympie boasts a tradition that few areas in Queensland can offer. Gympie offers the warm hospitality of a country town with all the modern conveniences. Known as the 'Town that Saved Queensland', Gympie's proud heritage began in 1867 with the discovery of gold by prospector James Nash at the site now occupied by the Town Hall. At the time, Queensland was facing bankruptcy due to drought and the fall in wool prices. However, Nash made the five day journey down the Mary River from Maryborough and, after digging up 75…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1

Hervey Bay to Bundaberg

Hervey Bay is one of Queensland's best natural holiday destinations offering the world's closest whale watching encounters with humpback whales as well as easy access to World Heritage Lister Fraser Island; the world's largest sand island and Lady Elliot Island; the first coral cay on World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. Its safe sheltered waters make it an aquatic paradise perfect for year round swimming, diving, sailing, water sports and fishing. Dotted along the Hervey Bay Esplanade are cosmopolitan and alfresco cafes, shops, parklands, picnic areas, playgrounds, piers and a vibrant marina. In perfect, stinger-free water enjoy kayaking, yachting, diving,…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Canoeing/Kayaking

Bundaberg to Gin Gin

‘Bundy’ as locals call it, is one of those regions where you can really put the brakes on and relax. So, take a little longer stop over and explore all that it has to offer. Home to the largest turtle rookery in the South Pacific, Mon Repos beach is where you can witness the turtle life-cycle unfold from November to March. Get up close and personal with the resident turtles and manta rays just a few steps off the pristine beach of Lady Elliot Island or Lady Musgrave Island - and snap that turtle selfie you’ve always wanted! Swap your…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1

Gin Gin to Gladstone

The perfect spot to break any journey, the township of Gin Gin is known by many as 'halfway to everywhere' because of its central location for travellers heading north, south, east or west. With a laid-back country atmosphere, shaded picnic areas and garden lined streets you will feel more than welcome in Gin Gin - voted friendliest town in Queensland 2003. A reminder of Queenslands pioneering past can be found in the hisitoric buildings in town and through the collections at the Gin Gin Museum. Explore the surrounding countryside where vineyards and olive groves are emerging as new horticultural industries.…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Walks

Gladstone to Rockhampton

Gladstone is a lush harbourside city, but the greater region boasts fishing, camping and hiking, along with snorkelling the start of the Great Barrier Reef and the last surf on the route north. Head out to the Southern Great Barrier Reef from 1770 or Gladstone to visit some of the Southern Great Barrier Reef island gems. Or just 50 kilometres south of Gladstone is the turn off to relaxed coastal communities of 1770 and Agnes Waters, Captain Cook's Queensland landing and Queensland's most northern surf beach. Or head inland to Kroombit Tops National Park, a four wheel drive enthusiasts dream.…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Walks

Rockhampton to Mackay

Next up is the Beef Capital of Australia - Rockhampton - where the city, coast, and country all meet in one gracious city. On Sundays, ride on a Purrey Steam Train at the Archer Park Station and Steam Tram Museum. Open Sunday to Friday, view the large collection of railway memorabilia and for a greater insight into life around here from 1850 to 1950 visit the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Walk along Quay Street - a 'historical streetscape' - with glorious sandstone buildings and original delicate wrought iron lace work featured on many. For sightseeing, a leisurely stroll through the Rockhampton…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Fishing

Mackay to Airlie Beach

The Mackay region is the perfect place to stop and refresh. There are endless sandy beaches, ancient reefs teeming with life off untouched Great Barrier Reef islands, tranquil lush tropical rainforest and warm rugged golden hinterland. Be sure to visit Finch Hatton Gorge for a fresh water dip, or Cape Hillsborough National Park to find yourself face-to-face at sunrise with inquisitive wallabies or Eungella National Park for spotting platypus and taking in the view.

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Walks

Airlie Beach to Bowen

Airlie Beach provides the ideal mainland base for holiday fun and adventure in the Whitsundays, where accommodation styles are as varied as the accents that can heard in the Main Street. Airlie Beach's diverse range of accommodation is the perfect spot for watching stunning sunsets over the islands and launching your holiday activities on the water and throughout the coast. Airlie Beach boasts a broad array of accommodation from stylish resort hotels on the water's edge and apartments on the hillside overlooking the panorama of beach, bay and islands, to bed and breakfast options, motels, camping and caravan parks as…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Walks

Bowen to Home Hill

Bowen is one of the many charming towns on the Whitsunday Coast, with eight award winning, palm fringed beaches, beautiful bays and a warm tropical climate. Situated in the northern region of the Whitsundays on the shores of Edgecumbe Bay, it is a picturesque seaside town that offers a beachcomber's paradise. The Front Beach foreshore in Bowen has recently been redeveloped with fun family activities in mind. With some of the best fringing reefs of the Queensland coast lying just a few metres offshore, the area attracts snorkellers and divers keen to explore the colourful coral gardens. When heading north…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Walks

Home Hill to Townsville

They call it the bountiful Burdekin, and this incredible area is part of the great winterless north. The shire of Burdekin is virtually drought proof because of the Burdekin Falls Dam, and horticulture and agriculture flourish in the area. Visit Ayr and Home Hill, separated by the Burdekin River and accessible across the famous Silver Link - a 1,000 metre long bridge that is one of the longest of its kind in Australia. Try fishing and crabbing, go diving at the intriguing Yongala wreck and do some birdwatching. T hen see the attractions within the towns of Ayr and Home…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Fishing

Townsville to Ingham

The Townsville region in North Queensland, Australia is a bustling and vibrant destination boasting diversity in landscape, an enviable lifestyle and experiences to suit every holiday. Whether you prefer barramundi fishing in the Burdekin or Hinchinbrook, snorkelling fringing reefs around Magnetic Island, scuba diving wrecks or the Great Barrier Reef, bird watching at the surrounding wetlands, skydiving The Strand in Townsville or taking a wagon ride in Charters Towers, you will find it all in North Queensland. With reef, rainforest, outback and wetlands all within an hour or two of Townsville, North Queensland's capital, it's hard to go past this…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Scuba Diving

Ingham to Cardwell

Located 110 kilometres north of Townsville and 220 kilometres south of Cairns, the country township of Ingham is located in the heart of the tropics. It is the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforests of Tropical North Queensland. West of Ingham is Australia's highest sheer drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls, at 305 metres. North-east of Ingham is the majestic Hinchinbrook Island. The region has no less than six recreational National Parks, State Forests and islands, making it a very special part of the North Queensland region. 800 metres south of the town centre is Tyto Wetlands Information Centre,…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Walks

Cardwell to Mission Beach

Cardwell is located halfway between Townsville and Cairns, enjoying an all year round Summer climate. Settled in 1864, Cardwell was the first settlement north of Bowen and the only town in the world where two heritage listed areas adjoin. Cardwell prides itself on being a sought after fishing and boating destination with a state of the art Marina and public boat ramp. Being only a short boat ride away from The Hinchinbrook Island, the largest island National Park in Australia, makes Cardwell the perfect gateway destination. With an array of waterfalls, National Parks, State Forests, crystal clear swimming holes and…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Fishing

Mission Beach to Cairns

A paradise of golden sandy beaches is what you will discover in Mission Beach. Being one of the few places in Australia where the World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef connect, visitors can lose themselves in its natural diversity. Relaxation is what Mission Beach knows best, with beachfront day spas or one of the many professional beauty salons. Finally it's on to Cairns - Nestled on the coast of Far North Queensland, the city is tucked between the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea and the lush rolling downs of the Atherton Tableland to the…

Public Toilet One way Car Grade 1 Walks

Pacific Coast Way

About

Activities