Family fly-drive Australia: Sydney & the Sunshine Coast

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Sydney
• 1 night Brisbane
• 3 nights Glasshouse Mountains
• 3 nights Mooloolaba
• 3 nights Gold Coast 

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive in Sydney

On arrival into Sydney, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel in the city, checking in for three nights. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your long journey.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel

Day 3 & 4: Sydney

Spend a couple of days exploring the iconic city of Sydney. Why not head down to the harbour and join one of the many boat cruises to see the Harbour Bridge at its best? Stroll through the Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the best views of the Opera House and the bridge before heading to one of the city's interesting museums. Find the best street food in the markets of the Rocks, hop on a bus to Bondi Beach to walk the famous Bondi to Coogee Trail or take the ferry to explore the beach suburb of Manly.

We've included the Burrawa BridgeClimb, where you'll discover the aboriginal history of Sydney as you climb the iconic Harbour Bridge. Burrawa is a local Aboriginal word that means 'above' or 'upwards'. During this spectacular experience, you can admire unrivalled views of the Indigenous landmarks around Sydney Harbour including Bennelong and Barangaroo, while hearing the stories of Australia's First Nations people. Your guide will tell stories about local history from an Aboriginal perspective whilst looking down on the shores where Patyegarang taught William Dawes the language of Sydney. Kids will love the incredible views from the top of the bridge!

Included: Burrawa BridgeClimb, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Fly to Brisbane

This morning, you'll be taken back to the airport in time for your flight to Brisbane, where you'll pick up your hire car and drive into the city, checking in for one night. You'll arrive in Brisbane with plenty of time for a wander along the river, and to enjoy a delicious meal in one of the city's famous restaurants.

Included: Transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Drive to the Glass House Mountains

You can leave Brisbane at any time today as the drive is short – just one hour until you reach the Glass House Mountains which are set in the Queensland coast hinterland. 

Included:  Rental car, hotel       

Days 7 & 8: Glasshouse Mountains

Your time here can be spent exploring the peaceful landscape, looking for wildlife in the forest and hiking to nearby Mount Ngungun to soak up the breath-taking views. You could also head out to discover other highlights of the Queensland Hinterland, whether you're meeting the koalas at nearby Australia Zoo, strolling through the Maleny Botanic Gardens or even head to Noosa for a day at the beach. Spend each evening curled up playing board games or drive to nearby restaurant to tuck into the best of Queensland cuisine.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Drive to Mooloolaba

You only have a short half-hour drive today to the seaside suburb of Mooloolaba, located on the Sunshine Coast. Take your time as you drive through the Beerwah State Forest, and perhaps make a detour to the Coochin Creek campsite and enjoy one of the many scenic walks you can take here. On arrival at your hotel, check in and relax as you soak up the seaside atmosphere.

Included: Car hire, 4* apartment hotel 

Days 10 & 11: Mooloolaba

Your time in Mooloolaba is all about sun, sand and surf! Spend your days at Mooloolaba Beach, perfect for swimming and building sandcastles before enjoying a delicious brunch by the ocean. Look for sharks and turtles at the SeaLife Centre, head north to Noosa to hike through the national park and spend the evening feasting on seafood and pasta before an ice cream cone by the water. This is true family time, ideal for bonding, relaxing and just having fun.

During your time here, we've included entry to the Adventure Park Sunshine Coast Treetop Challenge, an exhilarating day of high ropes, swinging bridges and zip lines through the rainforest. Your children will absolutely love it!

Included: Car hire, 4* apartment hotel 

Day 12: Drive to Gold Coast  

Heading south today, back through Brisbane and on towards the Gold Coast. On arrival, you'll check into your hotel for three nights - why not head straight out to explore the city or sink your toes into the beach?

Included:  Car hire, 4* hotel       

Day 13 & 14: Gold Coast 

Soak up the beach city of Gold Coast and Surfer's Paradise, where you can visit some of the regions iconic theme parks, SeaWorld and even the Warner Bros. Movie World. Meet kangaroos and koalas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a delicious dinner along the esplanade before heading to the top of the SkyPoint Observation Deck to admire the sunset. Alternatively, you could drive inland and explore the best of the Gold Coast hinterland - hike through the rainforest in Lamington National Park, admire the glow worm caves at Tamborine Mountain and swim in waterfalls at Springbrook National Park. 

Included:  Car hire, 4* hotel       

Day 15: Depart Brisbane

Make your way to Brisbane Airport in your rental car and drop the car off at the airport office before connecting with your international flight back to the UK.

Included:  International flights

Day 16: Arrive UK