100% customisable travel idea
Australian Summer After Sydney, a road trip in the sea air along the East Coast
Australia - Sydney - Queensland - East Coast - Whitsundays - Fraser Island
100% customisable travel idea
Australia - Sydney - Queensland - East Coast - Whitsundays - Fraser Island
100% customisable for you
Night on board, arrival the following day.
Upon arrival, private transfer and stay for three nights at a modern hotel in the Darling Harbour district, 30 minutes on foot from Circular Quay. The design of the rooms exudes urban chic, a style that continues into the bathrooms with their rain showers. The rooftop bar-restaurant, perched above the city, is one of the best in the city. The lap pool with views of Sydney is a standout feature, perfect for cooling off during the summer months or relaxing in the warmth when the weather turns cool. For a change of view, the other restaurant, just as elegant and relaxed, tempts you in for coffee or lunch.
You have two days to feel the pulse of beautiful, vibrant Sydney. Maybe start with a breath of fresh air at the Royal Botanic Gardens, or with culture, classical or Aboriginal, at the Art Gallery, before being irresistibly drawn to the harbour. Harmonious and unique, neither too big nor too small, it bustles with cheerful ferries docking at Circular Quay and releasing a stream of workers heading to CBD, the central business district. This is the daily boat (or bike)-office-pub routine for many Sydneysiders. As a non-commuter, you gladly board to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the Harbour Bridge and, of course, the Opera House. If you opt for a private cruise, you can explore cove after cove aboard a small trimaran, at your own pace. Whatever you do, be sure to have lunch at Balmoral Beach or on the waterfront at Watsons Bay. Back at the quay, there are several options for the evening. Take your pick of the renovated Woolloomooloo Wharf, cosmopolitan Potts Point or the more eclectic Surry Hills. Among the old red-brick warehouses, bars, restaurants, showrooms for young designers and trendy boutiques have sprung up along Crown Street.
Optional extra - Sydney with a local, private tour.
Private transfer to the airport and flight to Queensland, the aptly named Sunshine State. The second largest state in Australia radiates in all directions. Land in Cairns, a truly tropical city on the east coast. Pick up your rental car and take a short drive (1 hour) along the coast to reach Port Douglas. Along the way, it’s hard to resist a stop at one of the fine sandy beaches. Upon arrival, you find a small seaside town that blends the upscale, elegant character of beautiful modern villas with a bohemian atmosphere.
Stay for three nights in the heart of Port Douglas in a comfortable studio. Greenery features heavily in the design here, echoing the lush plants outside and wood has been used to bring it all together perfectly. You can prepare delicious meals in this home away from home in the kitchenette or make use of the barbecue provided. Don't worry if you don’t feel like cooking. Macrossan Street, with its wide range of dining options, is just 5 minutes away. If you walk a little further, you’ll find the marina in one direction and Four Mile Beach in the other. Some guests never actually make it to the beach. Your accommodation has a spacious pool area with not one but two pools, surrounded by palm trees.
Port Douglas is an ideal base for exploring two UNESCO World Heritage wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. In both places, marvel at the abundant wildlife, lush vegetation and fascinating ecosystems.
Things to see and do - Stroll or read in Anzac Park; on Sundays, wander among the stalls at the market near the pretty St Mary’s by the Sea chapel; climb Flagstaff Hill for views over Four Mile Beach; encounter the region’s unique wildlife at Wildlife Habitat.
Optional extra - Catamaran cruise to the Low Isles.
On your schedule - Full-day tour on the land of the Kuku Yalanji people. An Aboriginal community, originally from Queensland, the Kuku Yalanji had to move when the European settlers arrived. They chose to settle around Mossman Gorge and Manjal Dimbi, "the mountain holding back". According to legend, the mountain represents Kubirri, a higher being and protector who helped the people when they were persecuted by the evil spirit Wurrumbu. With an Aboriginal guide, explore all the important sites scattered between Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. Among them is Daintree Forest, the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest. After a learning about the medicinal plants, it's impossible to resist taking a dip in the natural pools.
Drive to Mission Beach along the Coral Sea. Bellenden Ker National Park and Josephine Falls are the perfect excuse for refreshing stops along the way. Further on, the Babinda Boulders come into view. These rocks sculpted by the river are especially photogenic.
Stay for the night on a hill in south Mission Beach. The hotel immediately impresses with its extraordinary setting. It sits nestled in a six hectare (14.8 acre) estate, on the edge of the tropical forest, overlooking the sea. After falling into disuse, it was recently given a major, and beautiful, makeover. The open reception area leads to the lovely pool, which is lined with sun loungers. All around, palm trees sway in the wind and, before you is the shimmering horizon of the Coral Sea. Its line is broken only by the enticing silhouettes of Dunk and Bedarra, the neighbouring islands. A pleasant path takes you down to the beach. In the rooms, natural light pairs with airy, natural tones. As for the restaurant, the food is equally delicious in the relaxed atmosphere of breakfast and lunch, and in the slightly more elegant setting of dinner.
Things to see and experience - While there are beautiful beaches to the north of Cairns, the south should not to be overlooked. Mission Beach has 14 km (9 miles) of beaches for visitors looking for somewhere to relax. The coast here features broad stretches of golden sand lined with coconut palms, and coves like Garners Beach, where the forest reaches right down to the water. Also worth trying out is the little known Brookes Beach or Bingil Bay, a peaceful spot popular with surfers.
Drive to Airlie Beach. The route follows the coastline with stunning views of the local islands, which seem to follow you. With its dream beaches facing the Great Barrier Reef, a tropical climate and lush vegetation Airlie Beach was truly blessed from the start. It had everything in place to become one of the most popular holiday spots for Australians. Before rushing off, like everyone else, to Whitsunday Islands National Park, see what this lovely small town has to offer.
Stay for two nights in the town centre. In terms of location, this one is hard to beat. Shops and restaurants are nearby, and both the beach and the lagoon are within walking distance. There are 40 rooms, half with a village view, and the other half, more popular of course, with views of the water. Good news: you are one of the lucky few! In terms of amenities, the hotel is well equipped with a restaurant, a lounge bar and a spa. The whole place reflects the feel of the town, intimate and tropical.
On your schedule - Catamaran cruise to the Whitsundays. One palm tree does not an island make. As can be seen off the coast of Airlie Beach on this string of 74 islands draped in green forests. Remnants of ancient volcanoes, the Whitsundays were formed by volcanic activity and tectonic shifts. Millions of years later, floating on the Coral Sea, they have all the charm of tropical lands. They look as if they were painted by all-powerful artist. An artist that used a palette of white sand, turquoise waters and soft green foliage. A perfect example is the aptly named Whitehaven Beach, dazzling and pristine with crystal-clear water. Something like this only comes along once in a lifetime. Set off for the day to explore the islands from the water.
Drive to Rockhampton, heading further south. The busy Bruce Highway winds its way between two stretches of untouched rainforest before opening out onto a wide plain. At first the land is fertile, crossed as it is by beautiful rivers. Fields of crops pass by and then give way to the coastline.
Stay for one night in the centre of Rockhampton, tucked in a bend on the Fitzroy River. To the east, the city is overlooked by Mount Archer, itself circled by a densely forested national park. Set on the riverbank, the modern thirteen storey building is reflected in the water. There are over one hundred rooms and apartments, all with balconies where you can enjoy the view, and the peace and quiet. As for the common areas, everything you need is here. There’s a pool to cool off, two restaurants so you won't go hungry, and even a cafe to get your day off to a good start.
Our Concierge’s suggestion - Drive for 30 minutes to the small coastal town of Yeppoon. From the marina, board a ferry and spend the day on Great Keppel Island with its golden sand, crystal-clear water and no tourists!
Drive to Gladstone, the gateway to the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, still following the Bruce Highway. The route switches between the Australian coastline and a windswept plain. Once in Gladstone, head for the marina. Board a boat to Heron Island, a hidden paradise and sanctuary for majestic wildlife such as birds, blacktip sharks, turtles and even whales in season.
Stay for two nights at the island’s only hotel, which can only be accessed by water or air. It’s easy to let the resort take care of everything. You sleep there, you eat there, and you can join in the excursions on offer, or not. It's all taken care of in a very laid-back atmosphere. Even the rooms are keyless, but you can leave your valuables at reception. The spacious rooms are a little old-fashioned and brightened by a few turquoise touches, evoking the sea that surrounds you on all sides. The restaurant, set beneath a vaulted ceiling, is the only one on the island. In any case, you quickly lose interest in the facilities. As they say here, "in Heron, everything happens on the water".
A speck of land on the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island comprises 17 hectares (42 acres) of golden sand. This tiny coral cay has is so peaceful and quiet that turtles choose it as their nesting site. Every year, they return to lay their eggs during the nesting season. Whales also frequent its waters and can be spotted splashing in the sea nearby. The aquatic spectacle doesn’t end there. The neighbouring reefs are home to nearly a thousand species of colourful fish. This haven far from the rest of the world is one of the most beautiful in the world.
Return crossing to Gladstone and drive to Hervey Bay. Along the way, Deepwater National Park, the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and Mon Repos Conservation Park (with its turtles) all tempt you to slow down and stop. Once in Hervey Bay, you discover a sun-drenched city. Even in winter, the temperature never drops below 20°C. Whales enjoy this mild climate and spend much of the year performing an aquatic ballet in the bay.
Stay for two nights overlooking the harbour in a stunning location. The views from your balcony are beautiful: colourful boats swaying on the water and, on the horizon, the slender outline of K’gari (Fraser Island). Most people who spend the night here are either heading to K’gari or just coming back from it. Either way, you board the boat just down below. The rooms are a good size and make up for their age with impeccable cleanliness. The staff are very friendly and will point you in the direction of the pool before you even ask. For dining, there are numerous options within walking distance.
On your schedule - A day on K’gari. Landing on K’gari you discover a world of sand, rivers and perched dune lakes with crystal-clear waters and remarkably white beaches. It's no wonder its name, K'gari, means "paradise" in the Butchulla language. This heritage-listed Eden is also the largest sand island in the world. The abundant wildlife includes dingoes, turtles, dolphins, wallabies and crocodiles. In the heart of this vast National Park, experience the fun of driving a 4WD along the iconic 75 Mile Beach . There are a few unmissable stops along the 120 km (75 mile) stretch of sand. These include the Maheno shipwreck, stranded since 1935, Lake McKenzie, which is perfect for swimming, and Eli Creek, an ideal spot for a picnic. Be sure to take a detour through the virgin forest, where you can stroll among ferns and palm trees.
With Hervey Bay in the rear-view mirror, let the Bruce Highway take you all the way to Noosa. The route skirts Mount Bauple and its vast forest. Generally speaking, there is more vegetation in this part of Australia.
Stay for two nights in a campsite on the shore of a beautiful coastal lake. The tents are simply yet comfortably furnished and all have a small private terrace. The common areas include a restaurant-bar serving modern Australian bistro cuisine, and even a microbrewery. Water sports are available on site, but for something more unusual, you can also play frisbee golf . The campsite makes every effort to be eco-friendly and sustainable. The whole area is much loved by the large kangaroos that can be seen hopping around the site.
Part seaside resort, part national park, Noosa has more than one ace up its sleeve. Depending on your mood, there are two beaches. One is in the city centre, and the other, quieter and more secluded, stretches as far as the eye can see. At either one, you can rent a surfboard and join the dolphins in the waves, especially at sunset. Another option is to go hiking in Noosa National Park, through the forest or by the sea, greeting the occasional koala. Or follow the marked trails of Great Sandy National Park, known for its varied habitats and rich birdlife. Here you might spot regent bowerbirds, ground parrots or black-breasted buttonquail.
On your schedule - Whale watching cruise. Every year, during the winter, thousands of whales leave Antarctica and head north in search of warmer waters. From July to October, they find the perfect place to rest in the sea along the coast of Queensland. After following the Noosa River, the cruise heads out to the ocean to look for whales offshore. It is usually the guides who are the first to spot a shadow or a spray of water. Just hold your breath and wait to see where the mammal will resurface.
Head to Brisbane, along the Sunshine Coast. As you leave Noosa, skirting Lake Weyba, the landscape turns countless different shades of green. Once you reach Deception Bay, continue for a few more miles. Ahead of you are the outlines of Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island. Return the rental car and stay for the night at Howard Smith Wharves, on the banks of the Brisbane River, right next to Story Bridge, the trendiest neighbourhood in the city. Developed in the 1930s and later abandoned, the wharves have been completely renovated and turned into an area bustling with restaurants, bars and shops. The building itself gives a strong sense of what lies inside. It is distinctly modern and clad in vibrant panels, some of which reflect Brisbane’s bright blue sky. In the suites, the decor is understated with retro touches. The rooms are mainly black and white, with flashes of deep green, velvet, gilded furniture and designer lighting. Some suites have a prime view of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. This same view can be enjoyed in the open air on the rooftop, where a superb heated pool and a bar tempt you to relax.
Things to see and do - Mingle with artists, designers and creative types in Fortitude Valley. In the same neighbourhood, take a cookery class, buy a cowboy hat or unwind with a cocktail. Shop at Chinatown Mall or take part in the events held under Story Bridge. Stroll through the botanical garden and continue to the CBD. Explore the New Farm Powerhouse, a former power station which is now an arts and cultural centre.
Private transfer to the airport and international return flight. Night on board, arrival the following day.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your trip
Travel with complete freedom, guided by your interests,
ideas and passions.
250 travel specialists, organised by country and region. Driven by a passion for beauty and never short of ideas, they inspire you and design an ultra-personalised journey: itineraries, accommodation, workshops, encounters, and more.
Always at your service: with a dedicated travel specialist, Concierge service and 24/7 assistance, our teams support you and adapt in real time, for a trip that is both flexible and expertly supported.
With family, as a couple, in a group of ten, on a road trip, by train, by boat, for a weekend or a round-the-world journey... Trips tailored to your preferences, enhanced by clever services, for ever smoother travel.
