A coastal adventure from Sydney to The Whitsundays

The wonders of The Whitsundays, located in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef on the North Queensland coast await, why not make the journey part of the holiday experience and take your time exploring the East Coast of Australia. It's a three day, two thousand kilometres trek, that can be filled with adventure, education, and fun for the whole family.

Day One: Depart Sydney to Byron Bay

Depart Sydney on the M1 heading north along the central coasts, past Newcastle, all the way up to Port Macquarie. There a several roadhouses and rest stops available along the highway to break up the initial drive out of Sydney.

First Stop: Port Macquarie | 386km North of Sydney | 4-hour drive

The lovely seaside town of Port Macquarie sits the mouth of the Hastings River. Be sure to keep an eye out in the water, and you may spot a dolphin of whale frolicking.

Port Macquarie has the highest koala population on the east coast of Australia and is home to the famous Koala Hospital. Treat the kids to a visit to the Billabong Zoo: Koala and Wildlife Park. Here they can pat a koala and meet the resident saltwater crocodile Shrek. If you're short on time, take the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk into the Sea Acres National Park and follow the rainforest boardwalk, where you might spot a koala in the wild. 

It's a cruisey three hundred, and eighty-five kilometre drive up the Pacific Highway, into Byron Bay. Coffs Harbour makes a beautiful rest stop midway. Just north of the turnoff, you will find the Big Banana fun park! A great way to entertain the kids and grab a few family photos at one of Australia's iconic destinations!

Photo credits: @portmacquarieinfo & @visitbyronbay

Overnight Stop: Byron Bay | 385km North of Port Macquarie | 4-hour drive

With its stunning natural attractions and eclectic community, Byron Bay is one of the world's most famous coastal towns. You'll be captivated by gorgeous beaches, breathtaking hinterland rainforest, spectacular coastal trails, incredible marine life and a buzzing food scene. Finding accommodation close to town is recommended as it's easy to walk around. Cape Byron Lighthouse will give the whole family some much needed time out of the car and provide the perfect setting for family photos and selfies! Built-in, the nineteenth-century Cape Byron Lighthouse, stands resolute on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. You'll enjoy some of the best views of the ocean and hinterland from the top of the lighthouse walk, and if you' r lucky you may spot a turtle, dolphin or humpback whales.

Day Two: Depart Byron Bay to Agnes Waters

Continue along the Pacific Motorway/M1 around the Gold Coast and bypassing Brisbane on your way north to Noosa Heads.

First Stop: Noosa Heads | 307km North of Byron Bay | 3.5-hour drive

Noosa Heads is the cosmopolitan coastal town situated on the southern shore of Laguna Bay. Hastings Street provides a hive of activity with many places to stay and eat. Noosa Heads and Main Beach offers a safe location for the whole family to take a dip. To the north past the groyne the surf is suitable for beginner and experienced surfers.

The Noosa National Park boasts a beautiful walk up through the park onto the headland stopping at Hell's Kitchen. Walkers can enjoy views of the ocean, surfers, dolphins, and turtles. It's going to be tough to leave, but the haven of the Whitsundays is waiting so back in the car heading north along the Bruce Highway/M1 and headed for Bundaberg. 

Photo credit: @queensland

Second Stop: Bundaberg | 260km North of Noosa Heads | 3-hour drive

Enjoy the Burnett river flowing through Bundaberg central or head out to the beach for a rest stop continuing your coastal adventure. Bundaberg is renowned for Bundaberg Rum, a scrumptious food bowl, Bundaberg Botanical Gardens, and Mon Repos Regional Park, home to sea turtles. A stop off in Bundaberg central to stock up on supplies and sustenance, followed by a stroll along the Burnett River, losing yourself (and a break from the kids) in the lush botanical gardens. A tour and tasting at the Bundaberg Distillery will entertain the whole family!

As you head out of Bundaberg, take Rosedale Rd, Lowmead Rd, and Tableland Rd to Round Hill Rd finally arriving in Agnes Water.

Photo credit: @australia

Overnight Stop: Agnes Water | 122km North of Bundaberg | 1.5-hour drive

Agnes Water & 1770 offer pristine beaches, an extensive range of wildlife and service providers who pride themselves on excellent customer service. Agnes Water is another town that will be hard to move on from, but make the most of your time here.

Create some lasting memories by taking a family sunset tour and paddle past Captain Cook's landing point and on towards the headland to watch the sunset over the ocean.  Go glamping & fall asleep under canvas listening to the sound of gently crashing waves from the comfort of your beachside safari tent. The morning views are breathtaking.

Before you leave, the history lesson on board the LARC, a bright pink amphibious tour bus, is undoubtedly worth a go! Educate the kids as you cruise along deserted sandy beaches and through pristine estuaries, hearing stories of the town's early settlers and take in all the sights that made Captain Cook drop anchor all those years ago. 

Photo credit: @_markfitz

Day Three: Depart Agnes Waters to Bowen

When the time arrives and you have to head off, take the car straight west to the Bruce Highway/M1 for a trip north to Rockhampton.

First Stop: Rockhampton | 225km North of Agnes Water | 2.5-hour drive

The Beef City of Rockhampton offers all your cosmopolitan conveniences in a contemporary riverside setting. There are plenty of places to keep the kids occupied including the newly redeveloped Riverbank Precinct, the beautiful Botanic Gardens, and Zoo, which is proudly home to more than 70 species of native and exotic animals, and a must-do for families is a visit to the recently opened Kershaw Gardens Central Precinct - Playground and Water Play area!

As you drive through town keep an eye out for Rockhampton's six iconic bull statues standing proud throughout the city.

The next part of the trip is made entertaining with trivia questions to keep the driver focused and educate the kids along the way! Continuing along the Bruce Highway for Mackay, there are several rest stop locations available for bathroom breaks and to stretch the legs.

Second Stop: Mackay | 336km North of Rockhampton | 3.5-hour drive

In the centre of Queensland's coast, and neighbouring The Whitsundays, you'll arrive in the Mackay region. The historic town of Mackay is filled with 1920s Art Deco buildings and public artworks, as well as a vibrant dining precinct in the city.

Mackay's revitalised city centre has seamlessly linked central businesses with the attractive Bluewater Quay riverside precinct. At the intersection of Wood and Victoria Streets is Cane Fire, an interactive sculpture which, produces swirling effects of colour, light, and mist; controllable by visitors using a mobile phone.

Mackay boasts one of the best art scenes in Queensland, check out the art down Fifth Lane, download the Zappar App, and watch the artwork come alive before your eyes!

The Bluewater Trail is a shared bicycle and pedestrian path which links a variety of Mackay City's attractions, including the Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens, Town Beach, and the Bluewater Lagoon, a three-tiered swimming haven. Mackay's largest shopping mall can also be found along the Bluewater Trail, lined with riverside cafes and restaurants.

Onto the last leg along the Bruce highway, with only another one hundred and ninety-two kilometres, before you reach your destination in Bowen (please note that Airlie Beach is only 150kms from Mackay).

Photo credit: @visitmackay

Arrive in The Whitsundays, Proserpine | 126km North of Mackay | 1.5-hour drive

Time to stop and stretch your legs, you've reached your destination!. Old fashioned courtesies meet country hospitality in the quaint hinterland village of Proserpine. Head to the Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation for a cup of coffee and to explore the bird aviary and wonderful farm animals on site. Need to book a tour or accommodation for your Whitsundays stay? Be sure to visit the visitor services team at The Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre.

Photo credit: @donna1404

Want to know what to do and where to go in The Whitsundays? Click here for a selection of great itineraries!

Heading to Cairns after your visit to The Whitsundays? Check out our recommended itinerary here.