Trip to the tropics along the Pacific Coast Way
Airlie Beach, Whitsundays
Arriving in Airlie Beach, the iconic Whitsundays colour palette of azure blue fringed by the emerald green of swaying palm trees, instantly evokes that relaxed tropical holiday feeling we all crave.
Stay: While the pull of staying on one of the Whitsundays incredible islands is hard to resist – the award-winning BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is the perfect base for those travelling by road.
Play: For a change of pace, dial up the adrenaline with Ocean Rafting – zip and dash across the water, snorkel fringing reef and walk on some of the most pristine silica sand in the world. From the reef to the rainforest, tackle the trails of Conway National Park with Bike and Hike Whitsunday on a mountain bike tour through the ancient canopies.
Dine: Watch the sunset over the water with a fresh seafood platter and a tipple in hand at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill. Tucked away on a secluded beachfront just 15 minutes from the heart of Airlie Beach, Northerlies is also home to a piece of Hollywood, as the coconut trees around the property were used during the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
A mountain biker crosses a creek in Conway National Park.
Next stop, Townsville
Travel time between Airlie Beach and Townsville is about three hours. Break up the drive by grabbing a holiday happy snap in front of the Big Mango in Bowen or spend a little longer in town with a walk along the beach at Horseshoe Bay.
Magnetic Island, Townsville
Pull up to Townsville Marina and roll onto the ferry bound for Magic Island. The SeaLink passenger ferry will have visitors on island time within 20 minutes while the Magnetic Island Ferries vehicle ferry takes about 40 minutes.
Not taking a vehicle across to the island? Cruise around in style with one of the island’s bright-coloured, soft-top mini cars.
Stay: Sleep under the stars at Magnetic Island Glamping. Having opened in 2023, the property is perfectly located behind Nelly Bay and offers eight luxe safari-style tents for an island stay that’s a little different.
Play: Visit secluded bays and learn about the reefs, beaches and landscapes of Magnetic Island from Steph and Adam Hinks, ‘Maggie’ locals and owners/Master Reef Guides of Aquascene Magnetic Island. Or saunter the waters around the island on a sunset sail with Pilgrim Sailing to finish the day.
Dine: Sit back and soak up the sunshine and serenity at Barefoot Food Art Wine Cafe in Horseshoe Bay which serves up a beautiful collection of Australian artwork alongside a scrumptious menu.
Relaxing at Skybury Care and Roastery.
Next stop, Atherton Tablelands
Travel time between Townsville and the Atherton Tablelands is about 4 hours and 15 minutes. Heading into the rainforest, discover the love story behind Paronella Park, walk among the canopy at Manu Tropical Skywalk or wander through the moody mists of the ‘Waterfall Circuit’ – including Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls.It’s time to head for the hills where the fresh air, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest provide the backdrop for a truly delectable hinterland stopover.
Stay: Pull into Atherton Holiday Park to recharge in of the park’s cabins or villas, hook up the van to one of the powered sites or pitch a tent for a good old fashioned family camping experience.
Play: A region that speaks to food lovers, start the day with a caffeine boost at Skybury Cafe and Roastery followed by an indulgent Charley’s Chocolate Tour and an afternoon tipple at Mount Uncle Distillery. Alternatively, jump onboard Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures and let the team transport your tastebuds on a mouthwatering journey across the Tablelands.
Dine: Still hungry after a day of taste testing? Our Place Restaurant in Yungaburra combines Australian and Mediterranean cuisine in a homely setting just a 15-minute drive from Atherton.
Next stop, Cairns
Travel time between Atherton and Cairns is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. For a heart-pumping pit stop, hike to the top of Walsh’s Pyramid for 360-degree views of the mountain ranges and patchwork of cane fields below.
A Jarramali Rock Art Tours guide explains drawings to guests.
Cairns and Great Barrier Reef
Discover something new in one of Australia’s most loved holiday destinations where the reef meets the rainforest – Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.Stay: For the final pit stop of this road trip be treated to a relaxing resort stay at one of three Crystalbrook Collection properties sitting proudly in Cairns CBD. Both Cyrstalbrook Riley and Crystalbrook Flynn boast Esplanade frontage, while Crystalbrook Bailey serves up an artistic flare just one street back from the waterfront.
Play: Uncover the deep cultural connection that spans the Great Barrier Reef, West Tropics Rainforest and rugged cape that makes up this awe-inspiring region. Learn Dreamtime stories of the Great Barrier Reef on a Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel outer reef tour, get hands on and paint from the heart at Janbal Gallery in Mossman or embark on an epic journey to the remote ranges north-west of Cairns with Jarramali Rock Art Tours.
Dine: Finish a Pacific Coast Way road trip on a culinary high at NuNu in Palm Cove, or for a more relaxed meal closer to Cairns, pop into Hemingway’s Brewery overlooking Trinity Inlet for locally brewed beers and delicious brewpub grub.
Start planning a Queensland road trip today at Queensland.com
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