12 October 2025

Road-tripping for less on Australia's Holiday Highway

| By Rama Gaind
Start the conversation
people and kangaroos on a beach

Reconnect: Share a beach sunrise with kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park on the Whitsunday Coast, Queensland. Photos: Supplied.

When the promotional banner reads ”Travel Australia’s Holiday Highway for less”, one becomes alert! Let’s turn our attention to Queensland and the Pacific Coast Way, a popular road trip for exploring beaches, sunshine, rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.

Being observant becomes even more compelling and effective when there’s mention of up to 30 per cent savings when booking accommodation. With several NRMA holiday parks perfectly placed along the route, you’ll enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace, the way you like it — with comfortable stays and great value along the way.

Get set to plan your journey, and book by 28 November.

One needs to pay attention when it comes to directives. NRMA Parks and Resorts advises that “whether you’re planning a short break or an extended journey, our parks are your home on the road — giving you the space, scenery, and friendly service to make every stop memorable.” We accept the offer!

READ ALSO Accessible guided canoe ecotours bring deep cultural connections to the surface

Let the open road set your spirit free. Across 1800 kilometres of Queensland coastline, discover iconic reefs, ancient rainforests, hidden waterfalls, magical wildlife encounters, several bustling cities and major hubs, island escapes, excellent eateries, incredible beachside stays that are “golden”, and hidden gems along the Pacific Coast Way.

people looking at a turtle egg-laying site

Significant: Discover Mon Repos Beach and the turtle centre. Witness one of nature’s most extraordinary events as sea turtles nest and hatch under the guidance of passionate rangers.

Our itinerary is now sorted, from the Southern Great Barrier Reef to tropical North Queensland. However, decisions need to be made. There are holiday parks on the Capricorn Coast, Southern Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Coast, Bundaberg, and north-west Brisbane.

Stops along the way include holiday parks at Turtle Sands, the Atherton Tablelands, Cape Hillsborough, Capricorn Yeppoon, Lake Somerset, Agnes Water, Woodgate Beach, Bowen, Cairns and Airlie Beach.

At the forefront is Australia’s newest turtle see-and-stay experience, near Bargara. Turtle Sands is a nature resort nestled behind the dunes of the globally significant Mon Repos turtle-nesting beach near Bundaberg. It’s the only place on Australia’s mainland where you can stay in a villa, glamp or camp metres from one of nature’s most incredible experiences.

It’s home to the largest colony of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland. It is also the habitat for the largest nesting population of the endangered loggerhead turtle in the South Pacific and is integral to the conservation of the species. There’s easy access to tours to see turtles nest and hatch from November to March, as well as a host of other sea and nature experiences and year-round adventures.

Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park on the Hibiscus Coast is a paradise for nature lovers, offering sunrise moments with kangaroos on the beach, scenic coastal trails, and accommodation by the water in cabins or campsites among lush palms.

Share a beach sunrise with kangaroos and wallabies, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wander down to the beach just before first light and you’ll find yourself in a truly magical scene. As the morning sun casts incredible colours across the sky, kangaroos and wallabies can be found grazing by the water’s edge.

a car driving along a coastal road

Holidays: Queensland’s Pacific Coast Way links coastal havens, hinterland towns and major cities from the Gold Coast to Cairns.

For a relaxing coastal escape, Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park has accommodation right by the coast. Whether you’re camping in a tent or have a caravan, motorhome or campervan, staying in one of the ensuite sites ensures a hassle-free experience. Adventure is easy with the Southern Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests on your doorstep.

READ ALSO Stunning Gold Coast location turns valued moments into lasting memories at The Langham

At the Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park, settle into your cabin or shaded pet-friendly camping site from the moment you arrive. The scope for exploration is endless here, where the waterfalls tumble through the rainforest, ancient craters form crystal-clear lakes and there’s mountain biking.

Kick back and relax — tropical style — as you soak up the warmth at the caravan and camping sites at the Palm Cove Holiday Park, just metres from the beachfront. Get the most out of your Tropical North Queensland quest and organise an itinerary that includes a trip to the Daintree Rainforest or a day on the Great Barrier Reef.

Linger for a few extra days. Slow down and get the most out of your break with:

  • 20 per cent off two-night stays
  • 30 per cent off stays of three nights or more
  • An extra 5 per cent off for My NRMA Rewards members.

Road-tripping along the Queensland Holiday Highway will be unbeatable if you book by 28 November for travel between 20 October and 31 March, 2026.

It’s time to roll down the windows, curate a playlist and turn up the volume for a smooth, harmonious driving vacation!

Subscribe to PS News

Sign up now for all your free Public Sector and Defence news, delivered direct to your inbox.
Loading
By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Start the conversation

Be among the first to get all the Public Sector and Defence news and views that matter.

Subscribe now and receive the latest news, delivered free to your inbox.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.