Sydney → Cairns
Sydney to Cairns: 18 day Drive & Discover
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- Start Sydney
- End Cairns
- Meals Some meals - see each day of the itinerary
- Transport Self-drive wheelchair-accessible vehicle
- Accommodation 5 star hotels
- Destinations Australia, Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Port Macquarie, Port Stephen, Rockhampton, Townsville
- Days 18 days
Experience the freedom of the open road with this 18-day wheelchair-accessible self-drive tour from Sydney to Cairns, specially designed for two travellers including one using a wheelchair.
Enjoy seamless accessibility at every stop, with carefully selected 4-star accessible accommodations, inclusive touring, and adaptive experiences tailored to mobility needs.
From iconic city sights to coastal escapes and rainforest adventures, this itinerary ensures comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable moments.
Travel at your own pace in a wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible vehicle, with plenty of time to relax and explore Australia’s stunning east coast.
Itinerary
- 10:30 – Arrive at Sydney Airport. Collect wheelchair-accessible vehicle with lift and tie-down points.
- 11:30 – Check-in to your hotel in the Central Business District of Sydney. Your accessible room has a roll-in shower and grab rails.
- 14:45 – 16:00 – Join a wheelchair-accessible guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, exploring its unique architecture, performance spaces and rich history.
- Evening – at your leisure. Suggested activities include dinner at a nearby accessible restaurant, attend a performance at Sydney Opera House or just relax in one of the bars or lounges in the Circular Quay precinct.
All timings are suggested.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
- 07:00 – Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
- 09:00 – Stroll or roll through the Royal Botanic Gardens along wide, paved, and wheelchair-accessible paths. Pause at Mrs Macqaurie’s Chair for panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge.
- 12:30 – Optional: Catch an accessible ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Ferries feature level or ramp boarding and have designated accessible seating areas
- 18:00 – 21:00 – Board an accessible vessel for a 3-course sunset dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, passing iconic landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park.
All timings are suggested except for Dinner Cruise.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Breakfast, dinner
Included Activities
- Sunset dinner cruise.
- 07:00 – Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out.
- 09:00 – Depart Sydney for a scenic coastal drive.
- 12:30 – Check in at your hotel near Nelson Bay.
- Afternoon at your leisure
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (using included AUD$200 dining credit)
Included Activities
- Evening – enjoy dinner using included AUD $200 dining credit.
Optional Activities
- Take a beachside promenade along the Nelson Bay Foreshore, with level paved paths and ocean views.
- Explore the D’Albora Marina precinct, which offers flat access to boutique shops, galleries, and ice cream parlours.
- Grab a drink or a light bite at one of the waterfront cafés or bars.
- For nature lovers, consider a visit to Tomaree National Park’s accessible lookout platforms offering sweeping coastal views.
Special Information
Photo by Athithan Vignakaran on Unsplash
- 09:00 – Visit Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary with its elevated accessible boardwalks thorough koala habitat.
- 11:00 – Drive north to Port Macquarie.
- 15:30 – 17:30 – suggested activities include a visit to the Koala Hospital for a self-guided tour, enjoy an accessible stroll along the Breakwall Walk, featuring colourful painted rocks and ocean views or explore Town Green parklands or the Glasshouse Regional Gallery.
- Evening – dine at the hotel restaurant using your AUD $200 dining credit.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Dinner
- 09:30 – Depart via scenic coastal route to Coffs Harbour.
- 12:00 – Arrive at your hotel and check-in.
- 15:00 – 17:00 – optional visit to North Coast Regional Botanic Garden (see below).
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- North Coast Regional Botanic Garden – stroll or wheel along sealed and well-maintained trails through five distinct garden areas, including tropical rainforest, succulent gardens and a sensory garden.
Learn about local and exotic plant species and then relax in the Palm Forest picnic area.
The gardens also feature accessible toilet facilities and accessible parking.
- 09:00 – Depart for Byron Bay
- 12:30 – Check in at you hotel
- Evening – Enjoy a locally inspired dinner with your AUD $200 dining credit
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Dinner
Optional Activities
- Head to Main Beach, with a level foreshore promenade perfect for wheeling or strolling along the water’s edge.
- Visit the Byron Bay Community Market (Sunday only), or explore smaller artisan and produce stalls open throughout the week.
- Relax at a beachfront café, both with good accessibility and fresh produce on the menu.
Special Information
Photo by Martijn Vonk on Unsplash
- 09:30 – Cape Byron Lighthouse & Lookout
Travel to Cape Byron State Conservation Area, explore the accessible pathway from the car park to the lighthouse – the easternmost point of mainland Australia.
Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean; whales are often visible for the lookout during migration season (May to November). - 12:00 – Byron Bay Foreshore and lunch.
Continue your morning with a relaxed route along the accessible foreshore promenade.
Dine at a laid back accessible café like Bayleaf, Espressohead or Treehouse on Belongil. - 14:00 – Visit The Farm Byron Bay
Explore this working farm with step-free gravel and lawn paths, access to animal enclosures, and an on-site produce store and bakery.
Enjoy casual encounters with pigs, chickens and Highland cows. Or simply unwind in the shaded picnic areas. - 16:00 – Free time or Clarkes Beach.
Visit Clarkes Beach, with access boardwalks, accessible parking, and gentle waves – ideal for a relaxing end to the day.
Alternatively, enjoy some free time in Byron’s town centre, browsing local boutiques, markets and gelato shops.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Special Information
Photo by Martijn Vonk on Unsplash
- 09:30 – Depart Byron
- 11:00 – 13:00 – Stop at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Enjoy two hours at this award-winning accessible wildlife park. Hand-feed kangaroos in the open paddock, meet a koala up close and watch the famous free-flight bird sshow.
Grab a light lunch or coffee at the on-site café, which has accessible seating and toilets nearby. - 14:30 – Check in at your hotel near Surfers Paradise.
- Evening – at your leisure (see below)
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Optional Activities
Evening at Leisure
- Take a sunset stroll or roll along the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, featuring a wide, smooth, accessible beachfront path.
- Explore the local markets (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) for food, art and live entertainment.
- Dine at one of the many nearby accessible restaurants, such as Sandbar, Hurricane’s Grill, or SkyPoint Bistro & Bar with panoramic views.
Suggested itinerary
- 07:00 – Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
- 10:00 – 12:30 – Use your full-day HOPO Ferry Pass.
Board the fully accessible HOPO ferry, designed with ramps and level boarding for wheelchair users.
Hop on and off at scenic Gold Coast waterfront destinations as: Surfers Paradise, Marina Mirage (upscale marina complex with boutique shops and waterfront dining), Broadwater Parklands (expansive park with step-free trails, picnic areas and ocean views). - 13:00 – 15:00 – Explore the Home of the Arts (HOTA).
Visit HOTA Gallery (Australia’s largest regional gallery), wander through the sculpture walk or relax in the rooftop accessible café wirt great views of the Gold Coast skyline. - 15:00 – 17:30 – Free time back at your hotel
- 17:30 – 21-30 – Broadwater Sunset Dinner Cruise.
Transfer to the Sea World Marine Precinct jetty and board an accessible luxury catamaran (ramp access, spacious decks and accessible toilets).
Enjoy a 3-course dinner as you cruise along the Broadwater, passing waterfront mansions, islands and the sparkling Gold Coast skyline at dusk.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Suggested itinerary
- 07:00 – Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
- 10:00 – Depart for Brisbane
- 11:30 – Check-in to your hotel
- 12:00 – 14:00 – Explore QAGOMA and dine at the riverside café
Take a guided accessible tour of QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art), featuring wide paths, lifts, and accessible toilets.
Highlights include Indigenous and contemporary Australian art, interactive exhibitions and the unique Children’s Art Centre.
Enjoy lunch at GOMA Bistro, overlooking the Brisbane River, with step-free access and outdoor seating available. - 15:00 – Ride the Wheel of Brisbane.
Head to South Bank Parklands to ride the Wheel of Brisbane, which features dedicated wheelchair-accessible gondolas and is fully inclusive.
Take in 360° views of the city, including the skyline, Brisbane River, and beyond. - Evening at leisure
You may wish to explore South Bank’s accessible public lagoon, visit the Maritime Museum, or enjoy an early evening drink at River Quay Green, with its range of accessible waterfront bars and restaurants.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
- 07:00 – Enjoy breakfast in your hotel. Check out.
- 09:00 – Drive north with comfort stops along the way.
- 14:00 – Check into your hotel.
- 15:30 – Visit Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens and Orchid House
Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, which feature wide accessible pathways through sub-tropical flora, peaceful lagoons, and shaded rest areas.
Visit the Orchid House, a beautifully maintained display of exotic orchids, also accessible via a wide ramp and boardwalk-style entry.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Special Information
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash
- 09:00 – Depart Hervey Bay, with a lunch break in Gladstone.
- 15:00 – Check in at your centrally located hotel.
- Afternoon / Evening at Leisure – see Optional Activities
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Optional Activities
- Gladstone’s East Shores Parklands: Take a leisurely stroll along the accessible Riverside Boardwalk, with ocean views, art installations, water features, and flat paths throughout.
- Auckland Hill Lookout: Offers panoramic harbour views, with parking and accessible paths to scenic viewing platforms.
- Gladstone Maritime Museum: Discover local maritime history with level access and accessible displays.
- Enjoy sunset by the Marina: The Gladstone Marina Parklands include BBQ areas, accessible paths and picnic seating – perfect for a relaxed evening outdoors.
Suggested itinerary
- Relax at the fully accessible Airlie Beach Lagoon, a scenic spot with shaded seating and calm waters.
- Browse local boutiques and artisan market stalls (especially lively on Saturdays), all along a flat and wheelchair-friendly main street.
- Enjoy a leisurely coastal stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway, a paved, accessible path offering ocean views, tropical gardens, and marina outlooks.
- 17:00 – 19:00 – Sunset cruise on a fully accessible vessel, with canapés and a complimentary sparkling wine.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
- 09:00 – Depart Airlie Beach
- 13:00 – Arrive in Townsville and check in to your hotel
- 15:00 – Visit the Museum of Tropical Qjueensland.
Explore fascinating exhibits on marine archaeology, dinosaurs and coral reef ecology.
Wheelchair-accessible with ramps, lifts and spacious galleries. Entry included. - Evening – Explore The Strand
Stroll or roll along the accessible beachfront promenade with ocean views and public art.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the many accessible waterfront restaurants, with fresh seafood and tropical flavours.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Special Information
Photo by Samantha Gilmore on Unsplash
- 09:00 – Scenic coastal drive to Cairns.
- 13:30 – Check in at your hotel.
Suggested itinerary
- Relax at the cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a fully accessible public pool with gentle ramps, beach wheelchairs available, and tropical landscaping.
- Alternatively, take a stroll along the Esplanade Boardwalk stopping at cafés, markets (if operating), or shady parks.
Evening
Enjoy a relaxed dinner in the city.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Special Information
Photo by Mitchell Y on Unsplash
Suggested itinerary
- Option 1: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with accessible gondolas and scenic rainforest stops; return on the Kuranda Scenic Railway (Gold Class upgrade, with accessible carriage).
- Option 2: Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Tour- board via accessible lift, explore snorkel platform with water chairs and assistance if needed.
Accommodation
5 star hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (on Quicksilver option)
- Morning – final breakfast and check-out
- By 10:00 – Return vehicle to Cairns Airport for departure
Meals
Breakfast
Gallery