Thus, it’s just as cheap to stay in a hostel in the centre of town. Where would you recommend we should go? Head for Noosa Heads, a beautiful destination on the east coast. While it's possible to fly between Melbourne and Sydney in an hour, it's far more rewarding to take the coastal drive and spend a few days sampling Australia's many delights along the way. Between Fraser Island and Airlie Beach there isn’t too much in the way of attractions, but Agnes Water/1770 is a great way to break up the long journey to come. Have an amazing East Coast Australia road trip! Both towns are laid back, but Byron has a more alternative, hippie vibe. There’s lots of reasons why so many people fall in love with it. But I visited Sydney on 3 separate occasions just for the day. Day 1, AM– Prior to your Queensland itinerary, You’ll likely be driving north from a previous destination such as Byron Bay in New South Wales. Introduction. We are a Brazilian couple as well! Spend sun drenched days exploring the long, golden beaches, surf or just chill out in chic and charming, Noosa. Go snorkeling to see turtles, coral reefs, and many species of fish beneath the clear water. A week probably not enough to explore Australia. Code: S25 . Prepare for the long drive up to Airlie Beach from Agnes Water. Never assume fuel will be readily available or easily accessible when traveling far from major cities. From Melbourne drive 3 hours south east to reach your next destination: Wilsons Promontory. Plan to leave early enough to make it to the Burleigh heads, at the southern end of the Gold Coast, in time for Lunch. The walk offers beautiful beaches and views of Port Macquarie. Or, if you’re brave, consider taking the aerobatic flight. If you’ve got your own 4WD and want to explore Fraser Island in your own car instead of a tour, head down to Rainbow Beach to get the ferry onto Fraser Island. This ultimate East Coast Australia road trip itinerary will be starting in Melbourne and heading north up to Cairns/The Daintree Rainforest.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'luxurybackpacking_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',110,'0','0'])); Do not worry too much about the time of year, as winter (June-August) can be cold and rainy in Victoria/New South Wales but perfect weather up in Far North Queensland. To get from Sydney to Melbourne, one could take the fast inland 880 km long route via Hume Highway, allowing a peek into rural Australia and its awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes. The route covers2,485mi (4,000km) from the Great Ocean Road (near Melbourne) to Cairns, the best base to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. You can take a day trip or a live aboard multi day trip where you can go further out on the reef and maybe even do some night diving. Make sure to visit the golden gumboot in the centre of Tully to get an idea of how much annual rain falls each year. Among all route options, the coastal drive from Melbourne to Sydney is the best. I’ve visited these beautiful islands on 5 separate occasions, and it still never gets old or boring. Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Drive – coastal route Make your way from Melbourne to Sydney, taking in dramatic landscapes, deserted surf beaches and the pristine waterways of the Gippsland Lakes. Leave the trail and walk toward the ocean over the rocks, a quick three-minute detour. So come and travel well for less with me! Since we wanted to discover small unknown villages and hidden paradise … With spectacular crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and safe for all the family to hiking trails throughout the territory a few days here to relax is a good option. I have done Blue mountain and hence wanted to explore this and have heard rave reviews of this drive. If it's been raining, the clear blue water will become murky from the runoff, and won't be so pretty. We took a three-day cruise, but if you have the skills (and the money) you can charter your own yacht. We just did a 6 week tour zt the west coast from Darwin to Margareth River with a 4WD Camlervan. Having a self-driving itinerary, will allow yourself to get more immersed in what the East Coast offers whilst taking in the hidden gems where tourist buses do not venture. It’s no surprise it’s Australia’s cultural capital with amazing coffee shops, beautiful art murals and open green parklands throughout the city. From Kanangra-Boyd National Park head 2 hours north to The Blue Mountains. The distance between Cairns and Melbourne on the coastal route is over 3,500km which is about 40 hours of solid driving time, you could drive it in a week but that wouldn’t leave hardly any time at all to see or do anything on the way. This is the last of the big cities now all the way up to Cairns. Follow the rocky path by the ocean, and watch out for big waves that might be on the horizon – never turn your back to the ocean, and never go alone. See the whole skyline, St Kilda, and beyond at, Venture outside of Melbourne and see the beauty of, This error message is only visible to WordPress admins. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information. To get there it’s a 25km unsealed road, which can be accessible by 2WD during dry weather. We just drove the Hume Hwy to Mel ... A very boring drive but I wanted to see Canberra! 10:00 am start in Melbourne drive for about 2 hours. Take the coastal walk to Alexandria Bay, and check out the Fairy Pools. Drive to Wattamolla Beach, where there’s a waterfall and a river with unique scenery. Ahhh Gold Coast, also known as the Miami of Australia, you either love it or hate it. The drive to sydney is not really close to the coast and you will have to make detours from the main highway to see the coast. A coastal walk from the town centre to the 19th-century Tacking Point Lighthouse offers views over waters home to whales and dolphins. You can’t visit Cairns without taking a trip snorkelling or diving the Great Barrier Reef . Australian city can offer a lot of really different amusements, so, back in Cairns, we were wandering through the city, shopping, watching some interesting places, sightseeing. Fraser Island is a must on your east coast Australia road trip. It is a fairly large town which gets busy in the holiday months, and is around 200km from the NSW/Victoria border. We’ll check it out! The Town of 1770 was the first western settlement in Australia, named after the year it was discovered by Captain Cook and has some cute surf beaches to break up the journey. You'll also have the option to catch a smaller vessle over to the island, which is covered with coral, so take a pair of flip-flops. We took a two-day tour, departing from Rainbow Beach (80mi130km north of Noosa). Gather your mates, assign someone playlist duty, and hit the road with the best scenic drives around Victoria. Oh The Whitsundays I can never get enough of you. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. From Eden head north passing through the towns of Tilba Tilba (historic village), Narooma (stop at Australia Rock where you can spot seals basking in the sun), and Mogo (artsy and eccentric shops). Not many tourists venture here, and it’s known as a well kept secret to many Melbournians. Making it just as cheap to stay in a hostel. Taking the long way round from Melbourne to Canberra via the eastern coastal towns Here, you'll also see the famous Kiama blowhole, which, depending on the conditions of the ocean, can spray water 82ft (25m) into the air! Don't miss the Coastal Walk from Bondi to Coogee, which takes in lovely beaches, and views along a clifftop walk. Sydney is an hour north. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Townsville to Melbourne. I mean It's not completely desert, as lots of people think, it's just small percentage of urbanization comparing with continent(!) Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. So pack your surfboard, your hiking boots and your appetite and hit the East Coast … The Email address or Password is incorrect, World Nomads Contributor - Sun, 10 Jan 2016, Itinerary for Traveling Melbourne to Cairns, Again, many injuries have occurred down here, Prepare your zoom lens on the camera for epic shots, The World Nomads Podcast: Traveling with Children, 5 Experiences to Get Off the Beaten Path in Turkey, What You Should Know Before Visiting Kazakhstan, The World Nomads Podcast: The Power of Travel, Ecotourism and Adventure in French Polynesia. Compare prices and find the operator that's right for you, but a few options include Greyhound, Contiki, Loka Travel, and OzExperience. With many monuments, galleries, museums, and parklands Canberra isn’t as bad as everyone makes it out to be, trust me! Road trips & itineraries. After more than 10 years of traveling, I finally got the chance to explore the Australian east coast by motorhome. If you’re wanting to travel off-road, on the beaches and want a bit more comfort a 4×4 is a great option. However, previously having done so much research on this trip before I went off, I couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I really hope this guide will help you on your incredible trip up the east coast! If you’re in a rush you can do the East coast of Australia coastal drive quick. Make sure to go as far as Cape Tribulation but after that the road ends and you’ll need a 4WD. Continue your road trip north for 2 1/2 hours up to Agnes Water/1770, ready for a long drive the next day. I've currently travelled to 53 countries with no plans to stop! It is a long drive, so you may want to split it up between 2 days, but it you get up early you can do this in 1 day. Short-term briefing and you are one of the best kayakers all over the world) The rest of that day our team spent in camp frying barbecue and having fun. Try a stand up paddle boarding experience from Main Beach to Tea Tree Bay, a must for anyone who loves the water. After your Fraser Island Tour you’ll be dropped back at Harvey Bay. Inquire this trip on your next Australia vacations. Nowhere does hostels like the East Coast of Australia, and I’m pretty sure that no hostels are as expensive as the East Coast of Australia, especially in the big cities and tourist hotspots. I hope I can inspire you to travel the world with my travel guides, travel and blogging tips, as I believe travel is for everyone. Downloading the right apps will make travel easier, while the wrong ones just waste space on your phone. The route you are taking will be very enjoyable. If I had the choice, I’d start in February/March time in Victoria and work my way north up to Cairns by April/May time. I’ve definitely been bitten by Australia and can’t wait to return. Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip : The East Coast Road Trip to Remember. Spot koalas in the trees on to Phillip Island, watch seals at play and see the little penguins come in after a day in the ocean. After this, I will enjoy it. On the way stop over in the beautiful seaside town of Bowen, famous for mangos! I personally based myself out of Noosa when I did a 3 day 2 night trip onto Fraser Island, as I was linked with a hostel in Noosa. However, free camps aren’t everywhere and some may look sketchy, thus paid campsites are advisable. Respect the wildlife you encounter on your trip. If you’re there in March, don’t miss the Byron Bay Bluesfest. My wife and I will be doing a three week road-trip from Melbourne to Cairns. I will try to enjoy Australia driving in the east coast like this. The total drive time without stops is just under 8 hours. About 62mi (100km) north of Batemans Bay is our favorite part of New South Wales, Jervis Bay. Get the reverse directions for a Melbourne to Townsville drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. They are very worthwhile and necessary to take notice. Australia is one of the safest countries in the world. As we'd made a plan for our trip carefully and visiting some town was in it, we picked Cairns up. From Jervis Bay head west inland through Jerrawangala National Park to reach Canberra in 2 1/2 hours. The entire island seems to run at its own time, with a chilled pace. Kayaking sounded really good, but it appeared much better! But I'd really like to) May be next time... But now I am busy in my touring the east coast of america. 8 weeks is definitely do able, and you’ll have lots of time to really see all the sights etc! Set 3 hours east of Melbourne is Wilsons Promontory National Park, home to the southern most point of the Australian mainland and offers pristine untouched wilderness. It’s a 185 kilometre road traversing no less than five national parks, and has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Not many tourists venture here, and it’s known as a well kept secret to many Melbournians. Great blog post. And, for sure, there are really a lot of stuff to do in there! Just make sure to let your tyre pressure down a bit. Hey there I'm Emma! Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Drive 1432km, 20 hours Take the coastal route for fine food and wine, fabulous beaches and charming beachside towns. 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It will now make my research into dog friendly camping grounds and places of interest so much easier ???? Day 1. I am gonna do this trip with my husband on December! Victoria has many great drives that start within an hour of the CBD, so wherever you've set up camp in Melbourne it's never too far away. If you get sea sick, think twice before going – the boat trip out to the island is quite a bouncy adventure. Read my. Enjoy freshly caught local seafood from fish shops and at restaurants, such as Ulladulla Oyster Bar. Amy Palfreyman, winner of our 2010 Travel Writing Scholarship, shares her top tips. it was my first time staying in casino hotel. Without a doubt my overall favourite place on the whole east coast of Australia. Tick off all the great places to stop and explore, like Phillip Island, Wilson’s Prom, Merimbula, Jervis Bay and more. On my east coast Australia road trip, I took around 3 weeks but that felt very rushed and I didn’t see all the amazing sites. Kangaroos are cute, but may be violent – never approach them for a selfie or with food. This wasn't on our itinerary, but we couldn't ignore it. You get to see the forest and the lakes from above, and you'll find out Lake Mackenzie is actually heart-shaped when viewed from the air. Are you thinking about starting a travel blog and you want someone other than your mother to read it? many thanks. This 5 week Australia itinerary starts in Cairns and ends in Melbourne (including the Great Ocean Road) but of course, you can do it the other way around as … The Townsville Region in North Queensland, Australia offers diverse experiences from the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage Wet Tropics and primarily the picturesque Magnetic Island. Thanks for your tips in regards of theeast coast. I recommend you use Ulludulla or Mollymook as a stopover before Jervis Bay, as tomorrow will be a big day for beautiful white sand beaches. We spent the night at the Apostles Camping Park. For any bookings like the Eureka Tower, Penguins at Philip Island or tours around the city I highly recommend using Get Your Guide. We stayed on the Pacific Highway and kept going north to Port Macquarie (236mi/380km north of Sydney). Yeah, Australia is a really wonderful place! Save it for later! Surfers can’t miss Bells Beach, home of the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition since 1960. Burleigh heads beach is one of the top surf beaches in Australia, as well as being one of the prettiest too. The country got its own specificity. Take a surf lesson if you haven’t already as this is the last place on your east coast Australia road trip. It’s been a while I visited Australia, and your article made me wanna visit there again. Spend a few days in Melbourne, or continue on Australia's coast toward Adelaide. Another 55mi (90km) north, head into the beautiful Royal National Park (AU $12 per vehicle, per day). The water is calm here, perfect for kids and a bit of relaxation. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. About 31mi (50km) away, see Honeymoon Bay, which is opposite to Hyams Beach, still in Jervis Bay. Look for free local maps detailing where rest areas are, and whether overnight stays are permitted. From Noosa drive 2 1/4 hours north to Hervey Bay. Batemans Bay,Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Route. This post i very helpful, thank you very much! Use extreme caution and only attempt to go at low tide, when surf conditions are flat. Thanks so much! The Nambucca River offers clear water that we couldn't stop ourselves from spending a few hours in the area. haha whoops sorry You live in a gorgeous country, very jealous! Take a look at what time your chosen campground reception closes, it's better to call them before and inform your anticipated arrival time. Grab some food to BBQ from the loca… If Wattamolla is your first stop at the park, bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards at the entrance. Give your tastebuds a serious work-out in Australia’s oldest wine growing region. The Melbourne to Sydney drive along the coast makes roughly 1400 kilometres, without any side trips. This drive to Melbourne is one of Australia’s best; it captures the essence and personality of Australia’s beauty. Note: From Whitehaven Beach, there's a trail leading to a scenic lookout. We are thinking of starting in Cairns and fly home from Melbourne because of the seasons. Australia is one of my favourite and most travelled countries, having lived in Sydney for the past 3 years and completed a 6 month road trip around Australia, it’s safe to say I’m not short on knowledge/information when it comes to travelling this magnificent country. Never feed the local wildlife. Another seaside town by the coast, Eden has sapphire warm blue waters, nearby National Parks that encompass secluded coastal wilderness that is simply yours to explore. On the island, a guide will tell you about the local bird life and plants that thrive in the ocean. From Coffs Harbour head 3 hours north to Byron Bay. And you helped me discover a bunch of things that I haven’t done at home, so I guess I need to go back for a little road trip visit! Staying cooped up in your room will never be a part of your to-do list as there are numerous outdoor and indoor activities you can consider especially if you explore Hakuba Valley, the home to the most spectacular and awe-inspiring resorts in Japan. But again don’t be too worried or indecisive on the best months, as you’ll have an epic time either way! Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. It certainly is one of the best lookouts in the Blue Mountains, but it’s extremely crowded. The Twelve Apostles (rock monoliths which stand in the ocean just off the coast - although there aren't 12 anymore) are also a must. You’ll soon get accustomed to the pace of Magnetic Island and you’ll never want to leave. Sydney is expensive so I’ve made a list of 10 things to do in Sydney for under $10! If you’re on a budget/backpacking Australia here are my favourite hostels: From Melbourne drive 3 hours south east to reach your next destination: Wilsons Promontory. Often missed by many, since they can't be seen directly from the trail, to access Fairy Pools, pay attention to a bench close to a sign reading "warning - unfenced cliffs", right after Picnic Cove. Or get a full Townsville to Melbourne flight plan. Just a 90-minute drive north of Sydney is the Central Coast region of NSW known for its beaches and small coastal towns. From AUD$1,270.00* per person, based … We recognize your safety travel tips. If you’re tight on time, I highly recommend taking a day trip from Cairns to this area. https://www.notmyfault.com.au/. We asked Dave Dean from Too Many Adapters to share the best apps for travelers. To help with finding accommodation/campsites, practical tips and things to do I traveled with the Camps Australia Wide book to find free campsites all down the East Coast and a Lonely Planet Australia Travel Guide and I would recommend buying this from Amazon before you go as it’s cheaper. Note: be careful, many accidents happen when people go too close to cliffs – hence the sign. These two resources were my wholly grail to free camping, and I cannot recommend them enough: So starting from Melbourne in Victoria, here are some essential stops and things to see on the my ultimate East Coast Australia road trip up to Cairns and The Daintree Rainforest. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'luxurybackpacking_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',111,'0','0'])); I would allow a minimum of 3/4 weeks to drive the whole East Coast. From Port Douglas head 1 1/2 hours north to Cape Tribulation, the northern most destination on your east coast Australia road trip! If the tide is low, there won't be much water, so you'll see a shade of green instead of blue. The GSM standard emergency number, 911, won’t work. The village was renamed 1770 in 1970, to commemorate the bicentenary of Captain Cook’s landing there. Hard to imagine how full it is of different attractions and entertainments,  I tried almost everything described in this article except of sailing. Start off your epic east coast Australia road trip with the vibrant and hip city of Melbourne. It’s also important to rest three to four days for every 10 days of travel. Be careful. Taking a scenic flight to the Great Barrier Reef might set you back a bit of money, but seeing the heart-shaped reef, and all the corals beneath the surface is surreal from above. Planning a Road Trip for the Gold Coast to Melbourne Drive. If driving isn't an option, or if you're traveling solo, check out bus tours. As the Blue Mountains are so close to Sydney, it is one of the most popular day trips to take for visitors and residents alike. I've been there this month having the best vacation in my life! Sydney to Cairns map. I used it all round Australia, and had the most wonderful tours and activities. Australia is a huge country. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Australia, and you've got to see it for yourself. Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 4 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car, full breakfast in Tilba Tilba and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Goway's Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Self Drive highlights the best beaches, coastal towns on route and much more. This will renew your energy to continue the long journey. These two coastal towns will give you a taste of what’s to come, with stunning beaches and a real family friendly vibe. With many saying it has the whitest sand in the world, Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s most popular seaside destinations. I too will be travelling lone female and this post made me feel right at home ???????? We spent four days at Tidal River campground. Where the ‘rainforest meets reef’. Once there, we found a campground and did the 5.5mi (9km) coastal walk from Town Beach to Tacking Point Lighthouse. Great round up of the Aussie east coast! Without a doubt the highlight of your trip from Sydney to Brisbane will be Byron Bay. I’m now feeling a pang of homesickness, so thank you LOL We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Trust me – the east coast has a lot to offer, and you will want to spend a number of days at each destination. At around 1,200 square kilometres, the Daintree is a part of the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent. We will use your advice for stops along the way and campsites. While driving north, we came across the Belwood Park in Nambucca Heads. Allow a sufficient amount of time to rest on longer stretches of road, and stay alert if you're driving at dusk and dawn – when Australia's wildlife are most active. The Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach is a must do on any trip up/down the east coast. Despite reading bad reviews, we enjoyed the campsite. Answer 1 of 9: Need some of your thoughts on an itinerary for a 5 night/6day "coastal" drive from Mel to Syd. Routing: Sydney to Melbourne. Do you have Pinterest? This really depends on your time frame and if you’re planning on travelling more of Australia. And don't forget, the Australian sun is powerful, wear lots of sunscreen. Home to more than 120 wineries, this is paradise for lovers of wine, cheese and chocolate. Code: S13 . Cairns is a backpackers paradise, thus you won’t be short on choice for great hostels at your final destination on your east coast Australia road trip. So Australia can give a lot of experience for any traveller, not depending on what he's seen during his journeys. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'luxurybackpacking_net-box-4','ezslot_3',112,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'luxurybackpacking_net-box-4','ezslot_4',112,'0','1'])); Below you can find a free quote with DriveNow. Therefore getting the best of both worlds. Here, you’ll find Booderee National Park, Hyams Beach – which is renowned for having the whitest sand in the world – Cave Beach, a surfers’ favorite, and Green Patch, a beautiful beach and campground in Booderee National Park. Cairns is the gateway to the largest coral reef system in the world – The Great Barrier Reef and also the adrenaline capital of Australia. I spent my evening amazingly(200$ win) and went back to our room. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Melbourne to Gold Coast. In case of emergency dial 000 or 112. Take a day trip to the near by islands of, Head to the ethereal volcanic crags of the, Go stand up paddle-boarding in Little Cove. Thank you. The lesser known Kanangra-Boyd National Park is shadowed by it’s famous sister The Blue Mountains, despite being located in the Greater Blue Mountains it is not nearly as popular. Give yourself at least a month. From the Blue Mountains drive 1 1/2 hours to Sydney. An East Coast Australia road trip will give you a taste of the best Australia has to offer from cosmopolitan cities, iconic sites, world class natural wonders, show stopping beaches and ancient rainforests. In between is perfect. The Big Banana’s waterslides and activities. In Byron Bay, grab a burger at the Beloporto – a local’s favorite. This is why most travelers choose to drive the east coast.