12-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Road Trip from Sunshine Coast to Cairns, Australia

Day 1: Exploring Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast, Australia

9:00AM

Visit Australia Zoo

Start your adventure with a visit to Australia Zoo, home of the late Steve Irwin, and enjoy encounters with wildlife such as koalas and crocodiles.
Drive from your accommodation on the Sunshine Coast to Australia Zoo (approx. 30 minutes)
AUD50, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Ginger Factory

Enjoy lunch at The Ginger Factory, famous for its delicious ginger-inspired dishes and family-friendly atmosphere.
Drive to The Ginger Factory (approx. 20 minutes)
AUD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Sunshine Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Sunshine Beach, where you can build sandcastles and splash in the waves.
Drive to Sunshine Beach (approx. 20 minutes)
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Bistro C

Enjoy a family dinner at Bistro C for features fresh local seafood and stunning beach views.
Drive to Bistro C (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD150, 2 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Noosa

Noosa National Park, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Le Monde

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Café Le Monde, known for its delicious pancakes and coffee.
Drive to Café Le Monde (approx. 15 minutes)
AUD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike in Noosa National Park

Enjoy a beautiful family-friendly hike in Noosa National Park along coastal paths with stunning ocean views.
Drive to Noosa National Park entrance (approx. 30 minutes)
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Noosa Junction

Stop for lunch at Noosa Junction, where you can find several kid-friendly cafes.
Drive to Noosa Junction (approx. 15 minutes)
AUD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Noosa Main Beach

Spend the afternoon playing on Noosa Main Beach, a safe spot for swimming and relaxation.
Walk to Noosa Main Beach (approx. 10 minutes)
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Locale

Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine with a family-friendly ambience at Locale.
Walk to Locale (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD130, 2 hours
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Day 3: Hervey Bay Excursion

Hervey Bay, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Nurcha

Start your day with healthy breakfast options and great coffee at Café Nurcha.
Drive to Café Nurcha (approx. 30 minutes)
AUD50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Whale Watching Tour

Off to an unforgettable whale watching tour, where the kids will be amazed by the gentle giants of the ocean.
Drive to Hervey Bay Marina (approx. 15 minutes)
AUD400 (for family), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Dock

Enjoy fresh seafood and stunning marina views at The Dock.
Drive to The Dock (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD90, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Urangan Pier

Take a leisurely stroll along Urangan Pier to absorb the gorgeous coastal scenery and maybe see some local fishermen.
Drive to Urangan Pier (approx. 10 minutes)
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Smoothie Bar

Grab a light dinner at The Smoothie Bar, where fresh fruit smoothies and light bites are served.
Drive to The Smoothie Bar (approx. 15 minutes)
AUD40, 1 hour
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Day 4: Fraser Island Adventure

Fraser Island, Australia

6:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your accommodation in Hervey Bay before heading to Fraser Island.
Ferried from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island (30 minutes)
AUD350 (ferry and tour for family), 1 hour

8:00AM

4WD Tour Around Fraser Island

Experience the stunning landscapes of Fraser Island on a guided 4WD tour, perfect for family fun and adventure.
Tour starts from the ferry drop-off point
Included in previous cost, 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch on Fraser Island

Have a packed lunch during the tour while enjoying the remote beauty of the island.
Lunch is included in the tour package
Included, 0.5 hour

4:00PM

Return from Fraser Island

Return to Hervey Bay after an exhilarating day on the island, reflecting on your memorable experiences.
Ferried back to Hervey Bay
Included in previous cost, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Boat Club

Wrap up the day with a family dinner at The Boat Club, which offers a variety of dining options.
Drive to The Boat Club (approx. 15 minutes)
AUD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Bundaberg Distillery and Beaches

Bundaberg, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Café de CBD

Savor breakfast at Le Café de CBD where you will find fresh baked goods and splendid coffee.
Drive to Le Café de CBD in Bundaberg (approx. 1 hour)
AUD60, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Bundaberg Rum Distillery

Explore the famed Bundaberg Rum Distillery with a family-friendly guide, where you can learn about the distilling process.
Drive to the distillery (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD75 (for family), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Bundaberg Botanic Gardens

Take a relaxing walk through the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, allowing the kids to run around and enjoy nature.
Drive to Botanic Gardens (approx. 10 minutes)
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Windmill Café

Enjoy a light lunch at The Windmill Café, known for its farm-to-table approach and kid-friendly meals.
Drive to The Windmill Café (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Bargara Beach

Spend a delightful afternoon at Bargara Beach, where the sands are perfect for building sand castles.
Drive to Bargara Beach (approx. 15 minutes)
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Reef Hotel

Savour dinner at The Reef Hotel, with a family-friendly menu and stunning ocean views.
Drive to The Reef Hotel (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relax at Agnes Water

Agnes Water, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Round Hill Cafe

Enjoy delicious coffee and breakfast with ocean views at Round Hill Cafe.
Drive to Round Hill Cafe (approx. 1 hour)
AUD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Surf Lessons

Get the whole family involved in surfing with a lesson suitable for beginners at Agnes Water Beach.
Walk to surf school (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD150 (for family), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Beach Hotel

Savor a beachside lunch at The Beach Hotel, where kids' meals are popular.
Drive to The Beach Hotel (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Agnes Water Lighthouse

Visit the picturesque Agnes Water Lighthouse, take photographs and enjoy sweeping views.
Drive to Agnes Water Lighthouse (approx. 10 minutes)
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend the rest of the day enjoying leisure time on the scenic beach.
Walk to the beach (approx. 5 minutes)
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Local's Takeaway

Grab a casual dinner of fish and chips at the Local's Takeaway, perfect for the kids.
Drive to Local's Takeaway (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD50, 1 hour
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Day 7: Gladstone Discovery

Gladstone, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Start your day with a great cup of coffee and delightful breakfast options at The Coffee Emporium.
Drive to The Coffee Emporium in Gladstone (approx. 1 hour)
AUD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Gladstone Maritime Museum

Discover the maritime history of the region through interactive exhibits at the Gladstone Maritime Museum.
Drive to Gladstone Maritime Museum (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD30 (for family), 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Tannum Sands

Head to Tannum Sands for a relaxing beach experience, including swimming and beach games.
Drive to Tannum Sands (approx. 25 minutes)
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Salt Café

Enjoy a pleasant lunch at Salt Café, which offers a variety of dishes suitable for families.
Drive to Salt Café (approx. 20 minutes)
AUD80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Gladstone Marina

Stroll along the Gladstone Marina, taking in views of the harbor and local marine life.
Drive to Gladstone Marina (approx. 15 minutes)
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Crown Hotel

End the day with a delightful family meal at The Crown Hotel featuring local dishes.
Drive to The Crown Hotel (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Rockhampton & Culture

Rockhampton, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Begin your day with a cozy breakfast at The Coffee Emporium in Gladstone before heading to Rockhampton.
Drive to The Coffee Emporium (approx. 30 minutes)
AUD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Rockhampton Botanic Gardens

Stroll through Rockhampton Botanic Gardens which offers beautiful landscapes and a playground for kids.
Drive to Rockhampton Botanic Gardens (approx. 30 minutes)
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Rockhampton Zoo

Take the kids to visit Rockhampton Zoo, which is free entry and has a variety of native animals.
Drive to Rockhampton Zoo (approx. 10 minutes)
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Headricks Lane

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Headricks Lane, known for its local produce and vibrant atmosphere.
Drive to Headricks Lane (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Rockhampton Cultural Precinct

Visit the cultural precinct to learn about Rockhampton's history through its museums and art galleries.
Drive to Rockhampton Cultural Precinct (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD40 (for family), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Criterion Hotel

Savor dinner at the Criterion Hotel with a variety of options for the whole family.
Drive to the Criterion Hotel (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Capricorn Coast Adventures

Capricorn Coast, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Coffee House, a popular local café.
Drive to The Coffee House in Yeppoon (approx. 30 minutes)
AUD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Great Keppel Island

Take a day trip to Great Keppel Island; enjoy snorkeling and relaxing on the white sandy beaches.
Drive to the ferry terminal (approx. 10 minutes) and take the ferry (30 minutes)
AUD200 (for family), 6 hours

4:00PM

Return to Yeppoon

After a day filled with fun, return to Yeppoon from Great Keppel Island.
Ferry back to Yeppoon
Included, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Yeppoon Surf Club

Enjoy a family dinner overlooking the ocean at Yeppoon Surf Club, featuring kid-friendly options.
Drive to Yeppoon Surf Club (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Activities in Yeppoon

Yeppoon, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Club

Enjoy breakfast at The Coffee Club, a family favorite with a relaxed atmosphere.
Walk to The Coffee Club (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Yeppoon Lagoon

Spend the morning at the Yeppoon Lagoon, a popular family-friendly swimming area.
Walk to Yeppoon Lagoon (approx. 5 minutes)
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Strand

Have a delightful lunch at The Strand, offering a beautiful view and kid-friendly meals.
Drive to The Strand (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Yeppoon Art Gallery

Explore local art at the Yeppoon Art Gallery, showcasing works from regional artists.
Drive to the gallery (approx. 5 minutes)
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Beach Time at Rosslyn Bay

Relax at Rosslyn Bay, where you can swim or just take a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Drive to Rosslyn Bay (approx. 10 minutes)
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Emu Park Golf Club

Savor dinner at Emu Park Golf Club, which serves a variety of options with a stunning country view.
Drive to Emu Park Golf Club (approx. 20 minutes)
AUD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Emu Park Relaxation

Emu Park, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Emu Park Bakery

Start your day with sweet cinnamon scrolls and good coffee at Emu Park Bakery.
Walk to Emu Park Bakery (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Singing Ship Memorial

Explore the famous Singing Ship Memorial and take in stunning views of the coastline.
Drive to Singing Ship (approx. 10 minutes)
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Emu Park Beach

Enjoy more beach time at Emu Park Beach, an ideal spot for family recreation.
Drive to Emu Park Beach (approx. 5 minutes)
Free, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Emu Park Hotel

Stop for lunch at the Emu Park Hotel featuring classic pub meals and a welcoming atmosphere.
Drive to Emu Park Hotel (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Adventure at the Waterpark

Visit the local waterpark for a thrilling afternoon of slides and fun for all ages.
Drive to the waterpark (approx. 10 minutes)
AUD100 (for family), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Emu Park RSL

Wind down with dinner at Emu Park RSL, known for its community atmosphere and great meals.
Drive to Emu Park RSL (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Arriving in Cairns

Cairns, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Boardwalk Café

Conclude your journey with breakfast at the Boardwalk Café, offering a range of delicious breakfast options.
Drive to Boardwalk Café in Cairns (approx. 3 hours)
AUD80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Cairns Esplanade

Spend your final morning walking along the Cairns Esplanade, where the kids can play at the lagoon.
Walk to Cairns Esplanade (0 minutes)
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Rusty’s Markets

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and grab some lunch at Rusty’s Markets, featuring fresh produce and local delicacies.
Drive to Rusty’s Markets (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Cairns Aquarium

Experience diverse underwater life at Cairns Aquarium, which is both fun and educational for the family.
Drive to Cairns Aquarium (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD80 (for family), 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Prawn Star

Wrap up your unforgettable road trip adventure with dinner at Prawn Star, known for its fresh seafood and unique dining experience right on the water.
Drive to Prawn Star (approx. 5 minutes)
AUD150, 2 hours
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