Ask anyone planning a trip to Australia what they look forward to most, and I guarantee you the answer 95% of people will give is travelling the east coast. Hardly surprising; given the number of iconic spots along the way. Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Whitsunday Islands… just to name a few.
October 1st, 2020. Peak summertime in Australia and thirteen months into my working holiday, I packed my bags, threw them into my new 4×4, and set off up the east coast. My goal was to make it from Sydney to Cairns without being stung by a jellyfish, bitten by a snake, or eaten by a crocodile. Mission accomplished.
The distance between Sydney and Cairns is approximately 1,500 miles. I spent eight weeks in total on the road, but you can comfortably do it in 4-6. In fact, most do. I was just fortunate enough to have a little extra time on my hands, and a relative who lived in Gold Coast. For this reason, I condensed my eight-week trip into a four-week itinerary. If you have less time or longer, you can adjust the timeframe accordingly.
📍 Sydney
Duration: 3 nights
Things to do: Sydney Opera House, Coogee-Bondi coastal walk, Blue Mountains (The Three Sisters), Manly Beach
📍 Port Stephens
Duration: 1 night
Things to do: Quad biking with Sand Dune Adventures
📍 Byron Bay
Duration: 2-3 nights
Things to do: Skydive, kayak with dolphins, Cape Byron Lighthouse trail, visit the Stone & Wood brewery
📍 Gold Coast
Duration: 2 nights
Things to do: Surf lesson at Surfers Paradise, relax at Burleigh Heads Beach
📍 Brisbane
Duration: 1 night
Things to do: Explore the CBD, visit Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin Zoo)
📍 Noosa Heads
Duration: 2 nights
Things to do: Visit Noosa National Park, relax at Noosa Main Beach
📍 Fraser Island
Duration: 2 nights
Things to do: Take a tour
📍 Cape Hillsborough
Duration: 1 night
Things to do: Feed Kangaroos & Wallabies at sunrise
📍 Airlie Beach
Duration: 3-4 nights
Things to do: Skydive, Whitsunday Islands Tour, hike to the Honeyeater Lookout
📍 Magnetic Island
Duration: 2 nights
Things to do: Rent a barbie car and explore the island, Magnetic Island forts walk, relax at one of many beautiful beaches
📍 Mission Beach
Duration: 1 night
Things to do: Hike to Wallaman Falls (on the way to Mission Beach)
📍 Cairns
Duration: 3-4 nights
What to do: Hike to Josephine Falls, dive/snorkel at The Great Barrier Reef, party at Gilligan’s Hostel, take a tour to Green Island or Fitzroy Island
📍 Port Douglas
Duration: 1 night
What to do: Explore the Daintree Rainforest
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