The ultimate itinerary for a road trip on the east coast of Australia

Hey, you! Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? I’m talking about a road trip on the east coast of Australia in a campervan. It’s one of the best ways to see everything this stunning coastline has to offer. You can travel from Sydney to Cairns or reverse the route and drive from Cairns to Sydney. Another option is to start in Brisbane to experience a shorter version of this tour.

There are so many places to visit and activities to experience during your road trip. One of the first places I would recommend is the Blue Mountains region. This beautiful mountain region is only an hour away from Sydney and offers breathtaking views and hiking trails.

The journey continues to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Here you can enjoy a glass of wine in one of the many wine regions in the area or take a hike through the beautiful countryside.

Port Macquarie is another stop on the trip, here you can visit the Koala Hospital and help care for these adorable animals. Coffs Harbour is known for its stunning beaches and of course you can surf some waves here too.

Another place on this tour is Byron Bay, a stop you should definitely not miss. This hippy town invites you to chill out. Enjoy the vibe, eat vegan food and go shopping in the many boutiques of Byron Bay designers. Here you can kayak with dolphins or simply relax on the beaches.

Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast offers a vibrant nightlife and is the perfect place to meet new people.

Brisbane is a vibrant city that you shouldn’t miss. There are many activities to do here such as a river cruise, shopping or just a stroll along the river.

Noosa is another highlight, with beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes. There is also a free national park in Noosa, which has beautiful hiking trails. If you’re lucky, you can also find koalas here and spot dolphins in the sea.

Another place you should visit on the east coast of Australia, Fraser Island. It is the largest sand island in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can drive a four-wheel drive vehicle across the beach, swim in the crystal clear waters and visit stunning sights such as Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. If you have time, we recommend taking a 3-day tour to fully explore the island.

Another highlight on your trip along the east coast of Australia is a visit to the Whitsunday Islands. Here you can enjoy a variety of activities, such as a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling and diving or a sailing tour through the islands. There are both day trips and 2/3-day tours to choose from.

Magnetic Island is another gem you should visit on your trip. It is known for its wild nature and the koalas that live here in the wild. You can also relax on the beach or take a hike to Forts Walk for a magnificent view of the surrounding islands.

Another adventure you can undertake on your trip along the east coast of Australia is a skydive in Mission Beach. It’s one of the few places in Australia where you can land directly on the beach. An unforgettable experience!

And last but not least: Cairns! Once you’ve arrived in Cairns, it’s time to explore the rainforests. A day trip to the Great Barrier Reef should also be on your itinerary. The Great Bar rier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and a paradise for snorkelers and divers. You can admire a variety of fish and corals here.

Away from the well-known hotspots, there are also some hidden treasures that you can discover, such as the Emerald Beach Lookout, where you have a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding landscape. The best thing, however, is that you can see kangaroos at the lookout and take great selfies with them. This is the perfect photo with a beautiful background.

Yamba is also a small hippy town. A bit like Byron Bay 20 years ago. If you want to experience the flair of Byron but with few tourists, this could be a great stop for you. Yeppoon is another insider tip with beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle. From there you can also take the ferry over to Great Keppel Island, a beautiful little group of islands where you might be lucky enough to see turtles. Cape Hillsborough National Park offers unique wildlife. The national park is famous for seeing kangaroos right on the beach at sunrise. Atherton Tablelands are known for their breathtaking nature and the beautiful Milla Milla waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the shy platypus here.

Whether you’re traveling from Sydney to Cairns or vice versa, or starting your journey in Brisbane, there are many options for your road trip along the east coast of Australia. A campervan is the best choice to have the freedom to be on the road and enjoy the beauty of the Australian landscape to the fullest.

If you need any further tips or help planning your road trip on the east coast of Australia, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you and make sure you have an unforgettable trip!