How the Premier Motor Service Value Pass Works
You pick your route and your starting point. From there, the whole corridor is yours.
Each pass covers unlimited stops in your chosen direction, whether that's north to Cairns or south to Sydney (or both, if you grab the unlimited option). You don't lock in a full itinerary upfront. You book each leg as you go.
There are 10 passes to choose from, covering routes between Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Airlie Beach, Cairns, and Eden. Travel windows range from 1 to 6 months depending on the pass, giving you anywhere from a quick sprint up the coast to a proper slow travel adventure.
Key conditions to know:
A Sample East Coast Trip: Sydney to Cairns
This is the classic. Sydney to Cairns takes in the best of the east coast in one go, and with a hop on hop off pass you don't have to rush any of it.
Here's what a solid run through might look like:
Sydney — Start here. The city needs at least a few days (Opera House, Bondi, the ferry over to Manly). Get the big stuff out of the way before you hit the road.
Byron Bay — First real stop. Relax, find your feet, do a surf lesson if you haven't drowned already. Byron has a way of keeping people longer than planned. (Budgeted three nights? Make it five.)
Gold Coast / Brisbane — Party central followed by a surprisingly underrated city. Spend a night or two in both.
Airlie Beach — Gateway to the Whitsundays. Non-negotiable. Book a sailing trip or island day tour while you're here.
Townsville / Mission Beach — Often skipped, genuinely worth it. Townsville for Magnetic Island, Mission Beach for that rainforest-to-reef vibe.
Cairns — End of the line. Use it as your base for the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree, and a well-earned beer at the end of a trip well done.
The PalmCove Cairns pass (Sydney to Cairns, 3 months) is $365. The GoldCoast pass gets you there in 1 month for $255 if you want to move faster.
How Pick-ups Work
Premier Motor Service runs scheduled departures between stops along the east coast. Once you have your pass, you book each individual leg as you go, choosing the date and departure that suits you.
Pick-up points are at set locations along the route. When you're ready to move on, you check availability, lock in your next leg, and show up at the right spot at the right time.
No need to plan your whole trip in advance. That's kind of the whole point.
For the full list of stops and current departure times, get in touch with our team or refer to the Premier Motor Service booking portal when you're ready to go.
Good to Know Before You Go
When should I buy the pass?
Any time before you travel. The pass must be activated within 12 months of purchase, so buying ahead is fine. Just don't leave it sitting unused too long.
Can I change direction mid-trip?
On one-way passes, no. Direction locks in the moment you book your first journey. If you want full flexibility in both directions, the Whitsunday Airlie region unlimited pass ($399 for 1 month, Sydney to Cairns) is the one to get.
What if I want to stay somewhere longer than planned?
That's entirely the point. Just book the next leg whenever you're ready. Your pass covers the full travel window, so a few extra days in Byron or Airlie won't cost you anything extra.
Is this refundable?
Once you add travel to your pass, it's non-refundable. Make sure you're committed to the trip before you start booking legs.
Which pass should I get?
Depends on your starting point and how much time you have. Quick guide: