From Melbourne to Cairns: Travel Itinerary for the best East Coast Australia road trip

When looking where to start your East Coast Australian adventure, the first thing you might want to consider is the time of year you are visiting. If you’re starting during Australia’s autumn / winter season (while it’s the UK summer holidays), it’s best to start in the south and travel north to keep up with the warmer weather. You’ll find temperatures will stay pretty mild as you head into the more tropical Queensland climate, rather than starting in the north and feeling the temperature drop.

As I was in Australia for my University semester abroad exchange program from February to June, I started my camper-van road trip in June from Melbourne and headed up the coast to Cairns. This blog will follow the route and recommendations from my experience but please note you can always do the trip in reverse order!

Locations:

Melbourne

Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant culture, diverse food scene and sporting events – making it the perfect place to start your East Coast adventure. But don’t run straight towards the hire car company! spend a few days enjoying a hotel, give yourself time to adjust to the jet lag (especially if you have flown in from far away) and save a few days to explore the city. If you do however want to hit the road, you can save exploring this great city for when you return.

Known as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne has a thriving arts scene, numerous laneways covered with street art, and a lively music and performance landscape. The city also has a reputation for its world-class coffee so make sure you enjoy one of the over 2,800 coffee shops available!

If you’re in Melbourne during the Australian Football League (AFL) season, I recommend watching a game at the incredible Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Whether a sports fan or not, this is a great way to really experience the Aussie lifestyle! The MCG is also host to many other sporting events and concerts, so be sure to check their website and see what’s on while you’re around.

When you’re in need of some chill time, put your feet up at one of Melbourne’s beaches. You can enjoy the iconic beach huts at Brighton Beach or check out St Kilda Beach which is easily accessible via tram from the centre of Melbourne. You can also have a fun afternoon at Luna Park, which is an amusement park just next to St Kilda Beach.

For iconic views of the city, head to the top of the Skydeck in Eureka Tower. This 300m tall skyscraper offers incredible 360-views of Melbourne and is an amazing place to visit during sunset. The Shrine of Remembrance – Victoria’s national memorial honouring the service and sacrifice of Australians in war and peacekeeping – also provides a great view of the city skyline from the roof, as well as being a very informative place to visit.

The Great Ocean Road

While you’re down in Victoria, I recommend heading towards the Great Ocean Road. This epic, 243 km (151 mile) scenic route stretches from Torquay to Allansford and is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, beaches and the iconic Twelve Apostles. If you’re into surfing and hiking, this is a fantastic place to visit. There are several coastal towns where I recommend staying over: Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell; all of which have attractions, restaurants and bars.

There are a few options to consider if you’d like to experience the Great Ocean Road. You could pick up your camper-van from just outside Melbourne, drive yourself and stop off where you like, or visit as part of an organised tour (of which GetYourGuide has plenty of) that will take you back to Melbourne. The first option gives you more flexibility and freedom but to get back onto the East Coast, you’ll need to either drive back through Melbourne or take the car ferry from Queens Cliff to Sorrento.

Phillip Island

Whichever route you decide is best for you, I recommend Phillip Island being your next stop in the camper-van. There are plenty of spots to set up camp in the main town of Cowes, including beachfront holiday parks.

Phillip Island is home to some of Australia’s best wildlife. You can see thousands of seals splashing around, come face-to-face with koala bears in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Reserve and most famously, Phillip Island is the home of Australia’s ‘Penguin Parade’. Here you can watch a large colony of little penguins make their way from the beach back to their homes at sunset. If surfing is more your thing, or it’s something you’re keen to try, then you’re in luck – Phillip Island is home to Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve and some of the best surf spots in Victoria.

Lakes Entrance, Gippsland

After spending a couple of days on Phillip Island, it’s time to drive 4 hours to the region of Gippsland and camp in Lakes Entrance.

Lakes Entrance is situated on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean, on the lands of the Gunaikurnai People. You’ll find plenty of places to set up camp with powered sites, amenities, and proximity to the town and beaches. If you want a more rustic experience, explore some free camping options with Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.

There is a variety of activities to see and do here. Beyond the usual water sports, you can explore the Buchan Caves, enjoy a Segway adventure on the beach, or relax with a floating sauna and a cold plunge.

Jervis Bay National Park

When you’re ready to get back on the road, travel up the cost towards Jervis Bay National Park. If doing this in one go (like we did) be aware that it is about a 7 hour drive between these two points. You have an option here to head in-land to Canberra, Australia’s capital city. This isn’t something that I did, due to limited time and wanting to prioritise other places, but if this is on your list to visit then this is the part of the journey to include that.

Despite it being a 7 hour drive, the Princes Highway to Jervis Bay is a coastal road with incredible views and there are plenty of towns where you can stop off and break up the journey. You’ll leave Victoria, enter New South Wales and along this route you’ll pass plenty of other people in their camper-vans or cars doing a similar adventure.

Jervis Bay is the perfect place to set up camp and relax for a few days. With white sand beaches (among the whitest sands in the Australia), turquoise waters, stunning bushland, incredible marine life and the Aboriginal people’s Booderee National Park – there is something for everyone to enjoy here. You might also be lucky enough to witness the incredible natural phenomena known as bioluminescence in the water at night!

Sydney

After all the outdoorsy adventures so far on the trip, it’s now time to spend a few days in the hustle and bustle of one of Australia’s major cities, Sydney. This very quickly became my personal favourite city in Australia due its incredible beaches, sites and the lifestyle of the people who live here.

When you’re traveling in a camper-van, it’s more difficult to find holiday parks in the big cities, especially if you are looking to spend as much time around the major sites as possible. My advice here is to stay in a hotel that has secure parking for your camper-van (yes, you can enjoy a real bed!!). We found a hotel in Rushcutters Bay, a harbour-side and very central inner-east suburb of Sydney and enjoyed the walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens to the Opera House. From these spots, you’ll get incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which you can walk and cycle on or even climb to its peak. If you’re after 360-degree views from even higher up then check out the Sydney Tower Eye.

A must-visit while you’re in Sydney is of course Bondi Beach and the iconic Icebergs Pool. From here you can also enjoy the walk to the neighbouring town of Manly. This is a coastal and harbour-side walking track between Australia’s two most famous surf beaches, Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. For its entire length the route is on public land, with the vast majority of its 80km on existing well-made and well-maintained bush walking tracks. If 80km sounds a bit daunting, you could alternatively enjoy the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte Beach, which is a much shorter 4km path.

Don’t forget to have a look out to the ocean while along the coastal path. Depending on the time of year you might see humpback whales splashing at sea as they migrate up the coast. It was a real treat to see this during my trip!

The Blue Mountains

After spending a few days in Sydney we headed north towards Byron Bay. While this is an 8 hour drive, we broke up the journey with a trip to the Blue Mountains, a famous World Heritage mountain range just outside of Sydney. Here you can hike or cycle beautiful trails, visit ancient caves, enjoy delicious food and marvel at the truly incredible views.

To ensure we made it to Byron by nightfall, we hiked one of the trails around Wentworth Falls but if you’d like to maximise more time here, there are some incredible camping sites available.

Once you’re back on the road and heading towards Byron Bay, look out for The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and a The Big Prawn in Ballina – some of the iconic ‘big’ road-trip landmarks!

Byron Bay

The last stop in the state of New South Wales is Byron Bay. A few decades ago, Byron Bay was known for its alternative culture, laid-back surfers, and hippies. Now, Byron may be a bit more upmarket, but you’ll still find incredible surf spots and laid-back yoga retreats that nod to Byron’s hippie past.

As a hippie hotspot, you have ample places to choose from when it comes to parking up your camper-van. However, there are no legal free camping spots in the Byron Bay area. Explore this Byron Campers guide for a selection of camping sites you can book.

There are so many ways you can experience Byron Bay. You can explore the beaches by kayak, on horseback or by taking surf lessons. Take a hot air balloon for a view of the mountains and coastal landscape, or cross sky-diving off your bucket list. Discover the local art scene at one of Byron’s galleries or live music venues or shop local designers and producers at the community markets.

I recommend walking up to Cape Byron’s lighthouse. As the most easterly point of mainland Australia, you can be the first to watch the sunrise in Australia or just head up to enjoy the views. During the winter season keep an eye out for whales as they migrate north.

Gold Coast

Just over an hours drive north of Byron and in the state of Queensland, you’ll find the Gold Coast. This buzzing city has everything from long sandy beaches, to adrenaline fuelled theme parks (Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild) and ancient rainforests. You’ll also find plenty of centrally located camping spots to meet any budget.

The Gold Coast is home to the world’s first buoyant reef, the Wonder Reef Gold Coast. It’s just 10 minutes from the seaway, and with nine giant reefs ranging from 8 to 30 metres deep, this is perfect for divers of every level. If you’re looking for something different, watch the glow worms light up the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park, or head to Mount Tamborine for a glow worm tour at the purpose-built Glow Worm Cave.

Surfers Paradise Beach is exactly what it says it is – a surfers paradise! With consistent waves, it’s a great spot for both experienced surfers and beginners. Surf lessons and board hire are readily available in the area. Even if you aren’t into surfing, the golden sands and vibrant atmosphere make it a great place to chill for the afternoon.

As I visited during Australia’s winter season, it was a great time to go whale watching and see humpback whales splash in the water. The Gold Coast is a great place to do this with ample boat tours available.

Brisbane & Australia Zoo

After a few days along the Gold Coast, drive just over an hour north to Australia’s “sunny city”, Brisbane. With over 280 days a year of sunshine and a subtropical climate, Brisbane is great to visit any time of year! Similar to Sydney, you might struggle to find a campsite that is walking distance from the main attractions. I stayed just outside the city and used Uber to easily travel in / out of the city. When planning your trip, you can find a selection of camping sites in and around Brisbane here.

As the city is located on the river, you can enjoy a boat trip or kayak down its length, day or night. Foodies will find that Brisbane is armed with a number of fine diners, specialty bars and craft breweries. If you’re more culturally inclined, then you can enjoy the impressive array of artistic precincts in South Bank and Fortitude Valley; GOMA, QPAC, Judith Wright Centre, and Brisbane Powerhouse are just the beginning.

I particularly enjoyed the hike to Mt Coot-tha summit. The view of the city from here is incredible, especially at sunset. If you’re after even more adventure then you can cool off with a dip in a local waterfall, or abseil your way down the iconic Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

The famous Australia Zoo is located just north of Brisbane, near the Sunshine Coast, and is a great place for a day trip on your journey up to Noosa. Here you can come up close to some of Australia’s wildlife, feed kangaroos and check out the crocodile shows hosted by the Irwin family members! They are not only educational, but entertaining to watch.

Noosa National Park

Home to one of the only two Everglades systems in the world and surrounded by stunning beaches, lakes, and the lush hinterland of Noosa National Park, adventure is on our doorstep when you’re in Noosa. With plenty of options on where to park your camper-van for a few days, Noosa is a travellers paradise.

Be sure to take a stroll down Hastings Street, a wonderful mix of beachside, luxury and laidback holiday vibes, this street has everything you need. Cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques sit beside gift shops, surf stores, day spas and galleries. You’ll find coffee carts at sunrise to Champagne brunches, long lunches, sunset cocktails and fairy-lit strolls along the boardwalk to dinner.

K’gari Island

After a few days of luxury in Noosa, get ready for adventure on K’gari island.

To visit K’gari Island, we drove to Hervey Bay and set up camp on a holiday park ready for an early start the next day. Once we met the local tour operator, they took a small group of us in a 4WD mini van over to the island for a day trip.

K’gari (sometimes called Fraser) is the world’s largest sand island and is a World Heritage-listed wonder of diverse landscapes and unique wildlife experiences. The Butchulla people are the Traditional Owners of the land and it’s truly an incredible and naturally beautiful place to visit. Complete with a 75 mile long beach, crystal clear freshwater creeks and lakes, rock pools and even a shipwreck to explore, K’gari Island is a must-visit on your East Coast adventure. Look out for the wild coyotes while on the island and always follow your tour guides advice.

If you’d like spend more time here than just one day, then I’d recommend booking an overnight tour experience. Due to K’gari being an entirely sand island, standard camper-vans and cars are not recommended as you run the risk of getting bogged down and struggling through the challenging sandy conditions. Tour operators are properly equipped with FWD vehicles and years of experience. For more information and guidance on this, you can explore the Queensland Government FAQs.

Agnes Water & 1770

After a 2.5 hour drive from Hervey Bay, you’ll arrive in Agnes Water and the town of Seventeen Seventy. This is one of the only places along the East coast of Australia to have a westerly-facing peninsula, making it a perfect place to catch a sunset! If you’re feeling adventurous, head up to the 1770 Headland to check out the iconic Bustard Bay and Wave lookouts.

Seventeen Seventy is also known for its calm, protected waters and sheltered anchorage making them ideal for swimming. You’ll also find some amazing camping spots along the beach giving you the ideal to place to set up and relax for a couple days.

Rockhampton

Another 2.5 hour drive north of Agnes Water you’ll find Rockhampton. This city in Central Queensland is placed along the Fitzroy River and is known for beef production, nicknamed the “beef capital of Australia” with several bull statues around town. For campers-vans, Rockhampton has plenty of holiday parks, including some free camping spots.

I thoroughly enjoyed embracing the cowboy and rodeo culture here with a steak and bull riding night. If this is something you’d be interested in watching then take a visit to the Great Western Hotel with live bull riding every Wednesday and Friday night.

If cowboys aren’t your thing then Rockhampton still has so much to offer. With plenty of National Parks to explore you’ll be able to get your outdoor fix, or head to Rockhampton Zoo and meet a family of chimpanzees.

Rockhampton also provided a reminder of just how far we’d driven at this point and how far we still had to go to reach Cairns… Australia really is HUGE!

Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands

As Rockhampton to Airlie Beach is a 5 hour drive, we stopped off to explore Cape Hillsborough National Park to break up the journey. This place is paradise for nature lovers and you’ll find local kangaroos and wallabies wandering along the beach. They do offer camping sites and accommodation options if you’d like to maximise more time here.

We decided to stay in Airlie Beach for 1 week, which was the longest time spent in one place during our road trip. But when you visit I think it’s easy to see why. With incredible weather (especially during the winter), white sand beaches and access to the Great Barrier Reef, there is so much to see and do. It felt like a mini ‘holiday’ in the trip and a break from the long hours of driving up to this point, giving us time to relax and even jet ski around Airlie Beach – an incredible experience!

If you don’t have the time to be able to stay for a week then make sure you prioritise a visit the Whitsunday Islands while in this part of Australia. There are 74 islands in total and while most islands are uninhabited, you can hike trails, dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy the crystal clear waters or even take a helicopter tour to see the region from a Birds Eye view.

Whitehaven Beach is often cited as one of the best beaches in the world and it’s truly Mother Nature at her best. The sand is 98% pure silica, giving it an incredibly fine, white texture that doesn’t retain heat, making it comfortable to walk on even on hot days. For the best views, head to Hill Inlet look out.

Cairns & Port Douglas

Before returning the camper-van, we spent a few days in the laid back city of Cairns. Here you can visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park which tells the stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with music and dance, or have a walk along the Cairns Esplanade, with its open air markets and popular outdoor cafes.

We also took a day trip further north to Port Douglas. Known as “where the rainforest meets the reef”, Port Douglas is relaxed village that is perfect for travellers of all budgets with access to Great Barrier Reef adventures and the Daintree rainforest. If you’d like to connect with the local indigenous community, there are Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours where you can join Kubirri Warra brothers on their beach, mudflat and mangrove walk.

Eventually and over 5000km later, it was time to say goodbye to the camper-van we had called home for the last 7 weeks and fly back to Melbourne for a few days before returning to the UK.

I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different countries all over the world but there are some travel experiences that just stay with you for a lifetime. And honestly, traveling Australia’s East Coast in a camper-van is one of those experiences. From the big, bright cities, to the immaculate beaches, incredible wildlife, outdoorsy lifestyle, connection to nature and rich culture, a visit to Australia should be on everyone’s bucket list. I hope this guide is useful for your own Aussie adventure and as always, safe travels!

The Explored Club