The ultimate East Coast of Australia road trip itinerary: Sydney to Cairns in 1 month

The East Coast of Australia is a bucket list trip for many travelers, especially a road trip from Sydney to Cairns in Northern Queensland. And that’s exactly what we did! This route has it all: cities, islands, beaches, rainforests, national parks, wildlife, and so much more. That’s why doing this is so popular: there’s something for everyone, with plenty of variety along the way. Whether you’re up for lazy beach days or heart-pounding adventures, you’ll find it here in our article. We spent two months traveling along the coast, and in this article we’re sharing the ultimate East Coast of Australia road trip itinerary with you. From snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef to exploring the world’s largest sand island, these are the stops you won’t want to miss.

How long do you need for an East Coast of Australia road trip?

The drive from Sydney to Cairns is over 2,500 km. You can complete it in two weeks, but that would feel very rushed. We recommend at least 3 weeks, but even that is the bare minimum! A month will give you enough time to explore the main highlights, while two months is perfect if you want to add the Great Ocean Road and Melbourne as well.

If you have:

• 2 weeks: Focus on Sydney, K’gari (Fraser Island), Airlie Beach, and Cairns.
• 3 weeks: Add Byron Bay or Townsville.
• 1 month: Add Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, and Townsville.
• 2 months: Add the Great Ocean Road and Melbourne.

Best time to visit the East Coast of Australia

Australia is a massive country, spanning six states and two territories, so the best time to visit varies heavily depending on where you’re headed. When it comes to the East Coast, you’ll be exploring three states: New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, each with its own ideal travel window. It’s not that simple, we know, so we laid it out for you:

New South Wales

New South Wales, with Sydney as its capital, has the best weather during Australian summer (November to February). Expect sunny, warm days and little rain. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips! However, this is also peak season, so it can get quite busy (especially in December and January).

Victoria

Victoria, with Melbourne as capital, shares a similar best time to visit as New South Wales: the summer months (November to February), where the weather is warm and pleasant.

Queensland

Queensland has Brisbane as capital, and is home to some of Australia’s most iconic spots. Think: the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. The best time to visit is during the Australian autumn (March to May), when the weather is comfortable and rainfall is low. Avoid the summer months (December to February), as the heat and humidity can be intense, especially in the north. Plus, from December to April, it’s stinger season, where jellyfish pose a risk in the sea.

Despite the recommendations, we did our East Coast road trip in December and January because that fit well in our world trip journey. We started in Sydney to catch the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks, then worked our way up to Cairns. Even though it wasn’t the “ideal” season for Queensland, we really had no complaints. Sure, it was hot with the odd rain shower in between, but nothing that ruined our experience. So, while it’s good to know the best times to visit, don’t let the calendar stop you from having an unforgettable road trip.

No time to read now?

Save to Pinterest

Best way to travel around the East Coast of Australia

The best way to explore the East Coast is by car or campervan, though buses are also an option. Before our trip, we were torn between renting a car or a campervan. When two friends decided to join us, we realized that a campervan for four would be too small and not that comfortable. So, we chose to rent a car and book accommodation along the way instead of traveling with a campervan.

By campervan

Traveling by campervan gives you more freedom. You can travel at your own pace, and accommodation and transport are combined. It’s also more affordable than renting a car and booking separate accommodation, though it comes with less comfort. If you plan to rent a campervan, we recommend downloading the WikiCamps app to find free campsites.

By car

Renting a car and booking accommodation in hostels, hotels, or Airbnbs is more comfortable but can be expensive. It’s a better choice if you’re in a bigger group (like we were), as you can split the cost of the car, fuel, and parking. More often than not, you will be able to find (two, three bedroom) apartments that are cheaper than hotels. This option offers more comfort and flexibility overall. Explore rental car options in Australia.

By bus

The bus is the most affordable way to travel, but it’s less practical and takes longer. It’s a good option if you’re on a tight budget, don’t want to drive, and don’t mind less comfort. Buses offer less flexibility, but for backpackers or solo travelers they can be a great option. Make sure to check out the Greyhound National and East Coast Whimit travel passes!

Road trip highlights

Before getting into the full East Coast of Australia road trip itinerary, here are some of the best stops along the way:

• Sydney: Home to the iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach.
• Byron Bay: Surfing, relaxed vibes, plus the chance to spot dolphins.
• Gold Coast: Hotspot for surfers and theme park enthusiasts.
• Brisbane: Modern city with a vibrant atmosphere, while still feeling “cozy”.
• Noosa: Home to Noosa National Park and Noosa Everglades, great destination for outdoor lovers.
• K’gari (Fraser Island): The world’s largest sand island.
• Whitsundays: Home to some of the most stunning beaches in Australia, and the world.
• Magnetic Island: Known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife.
• Cairns: Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the best places in the world to snorkel.

East Coast of Australia road trip itinerary

Here’s a detailed itinerary for your East Coast of Australia road trip from Sydney to Cairns, outlining the best things to do, where to stay, how long to spend at each stop, and how far you’ll drive between destinations. We’ll follow the route from Sydney to Cairns, but feel free to switch it up and start your journey in Cairns if that works better for you.

Day 1 to 3: Sydney

Sydney is an essential stop when road-tripping along Australia’s East Coast. It doesn’t matter whether you’re starting or ending your adventure here, you just must visit the biggest city of Australia! And while you’re here, you can’t miss iconic landmarks like the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. For those seeking something a little more unique, why not take the challenge of climbing the Harbour Bridge or go on a day trip to the majestic Blue Mountains? For a different perspective, consider a sunrise kayak tour on the Harbour or enjoy a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise, soaking in the views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. There’s so much to explore, and if you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our article on the best things to do in Sydney.

Things to do in Sydney

• Sydney Opera House
• Royal Botanic Garden
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Spice Alley
• Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
• Luna Park
• Blue Mountains National Park

Day 4 to 6: Byron Bay

On day 4, drive for about 8 hours to Byron Bay, one of our favorite stops along the East Coast. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, this place offers plenty of relaxing things to do. You can shop at local boutiques and enjoy amazing food at spots like Light Years for Asian dishes, Byron Bay Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant for fresh oysters, or Costa Taco for delicious (and affordable!) tacos.

Byron Bay is also known for its fantastic surf scene. If you’re new to surfing, why not take a surf lesson in Byron Bay and give it a go? Whatever you choose to do, make sure to start your day at Wategos Beach. It’s one of the best spots to see dolphins in the morning. You’ll thank us later!

Things to do in Byron Bay

• Learn how to surf
• Wategos Beach
• Cape Byron Marine Park
• Cape Byron Lighthouse
• Dinner at Light Years

Day 7 and 8: Gold Coast

On day 7, it’s an about 1-hour drive to the Gold Coast. While it’s a great destination for surfers, we have to admit that the Gold Coast didn’t quite suit us. The beaches weren’t as picturesque as we expected, the place was very crowded, and the overall vibe felt more focused on partying, which wasn’t what we were looking for. That said, now that you’re in Australia we still recommend staying for at least one night to experience the atmosphere. If you’re into theme parks, you might enjoy a visit to Warner Bros. Movie World. And if surfing is on your list, you can always add an extra day to explore the waves in the area.

Things to do in the Gold Coast

• Surfers Paradise Beach
• Sky Point Observation Deck
• Warner Bros. Movie World

Day 9 to 11: Brisbane

The next stop on this East Coast of Australia road trip is Brisbane, a 1-hour drive from the Gold Coast. Locally known as Brizzie, Brisbane is a modern city that’s rather compact and easy to explore. While we really enjoyed our time here, it didn’t capture our hearts the way Sydney did – maybe because Brisbane lacks a beach? Still, we loved strolling through the City Botanic Gardens and shopping along James Street. South Bank is also worth a visit with its man-made beach, Streets Beach, the iconic Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane, and QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art). We also really loved Felons, a cozy brewery nestled down under Story Bridge and Eat Street Northshore, an open-air food market with over 70 stalls. If you have extra time, we highly recommend a day trip to Moreton Island to snorkel around the Tangalooma Shipwrecks.

Things to do in Brisbane

• South Bank
• Shopping at James Street
• City Botanic Gardens
• Day trip to Moreton Island
• Felons
• Eat Street Northshore

Day 12 to 14: Noosa

On day 12, drive about 2 hours from Brisbane to Noosa, one of the best stops on the East Coast. Noosa is home to the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglades systems in the whole world. A cruise through the Everglades is a must, because it’s such a unique way to experience this rare ecosystem.

Another highlight is Noosa National Park, one of Australia’s most visited national parks. The park has five walking trails, but if you only have time for one make it the Coastal Walk. This 5,4 km one-way trail takes you past stunning bays, the famous Fairy Pools, and offers plenty of chances to spot wildlife.

Things to do in Noosa

• Noosa Heads National Park
• Noosa Everglades
• Hastings Street

Day 15 to 17: K’gari (Fraser Island)

On day 15, you’ll join a 3-day tour of K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island. This World Heritage-listed site is the largest sand island in the world and a must-see on any East Coast road trip. With impressive sand dunes, crystal-clear lakes, flowing creeks, and wild dingoes, K’gari is full of adventure. Be sure to book your 3-day K’gari tour in advance, as spots fill up quickly. Tours (usually) depart from Rainbow Beach, which is an about 1-hour drive from Noosa. On day 3, you’ll return to Rainbow Beach. We recommend spending one night here before continuing to your next destination. We stayed at Freedom Backpackers Hostel Rainbow Beach and had a great experience. It had an amazing pool area, free pancakes and sausage sizzles, and the whole vibe was just amazing.

To make the most of your visit, check out our guide on how to explore K’gari (Fraser Island).

Things to do on K’gari

• Lake Wabby
• Lake McKenzie
• Eli Creek
• SS Maheno Shipwreck 
• Champagne Pools

Day 18 to 22: Airlie Beach

On day 18 it’s a 10-hour drive from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach. We know that’s a lot, but Airlie Beach has a lot to offer. That’s why we want to make it clear that you have to make sure to spend enough time here! Airlie Beach is the gateway for Whitsundays, one of the prettiest places along the East Coast. We highly recommend you join a 2-night sailing trip of the Whitsundays. Or if you don’t feel comfortable sleeping on a boat, you can join a day trip to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout to witness the highlights. Make sure that the tour that you book includes the Hill Inlet Lookout, this is without doubt the prettiest viewpoint we’ve ever seen! Yes, the most beautiful spot in the whole world. 🥹

Other things to do in the area is taking a day trip to Hamilton Island. This is the largest island in the Whitsundays and great for a day trip. The island isn’t that big, but it has a great atmosphere and beautiful beaches. We also recommend taking a scenic flight over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Who doesn’t want to see the iconic Heart Reef from above? Lastly, make sure to grab dinner at Eastwoods Dining, our absolute favorite restaurant in the area. They focus on Southeast Asian sharing dishes, and are so so good!

Things to do in Airlie Beach

• Whitsunday Islands
• Hamilton Island
• Scenic flight over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef
• Dinner at Eastwoods Dining

Day 23 and 24: Magnetic Island

On day 23, you’ll drive about 3 hours from Airlie Beach to Townsville. Townsville itself doesn’t have much to offer in our opinion, but it’s the perfect gateway to Magnetic Island. And yes, Maggie is one of our favorite places in all of Australia! Magnetic Island is known for its beautiful bays, amazing walking trails, and plenty of wildlife. It’s the best spot to see wallabies and koalas in the wild. Be sure to book your ferry to Magnetic Island in advance. For more tips, check out our article on the best things to do on Magnetic Island.

Things to do on Magnetic Island

• Forts Walking Track
• Arthur Bay
• Horseshoe Bay
• Alma Bay
• Geoffrey Bay
• Maggie Island Brewery

Day 25 to 28: Cairns

The last stop on this East Coast of Australia road trip is Cairns, about a 4-hour drive from Townsville. If you don’t mind a slight detour, be sure to visit Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall! While we weren’t big fans of the vibe in Cairns, it’s an ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. A visit to this iconic spot is a must during your trip to Australia! We joined a Great Barrier Reef cruise that took us to two amazing snorkel spots and included a delicious lunch. Another highlight in Cairns is going on a tour of the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world. And for thrill-seekers, Cairns is the perfect place to try skydiving! Been there, done that. 😉

Things to do in Cairns

• Great Barrier Reef
• Cairns Botanic Gardens
• Daintree Rainforest
• Skydiving
• Dinner at Koi Restaurant

Daily budget for the East Coast of Australia

During our road trip along the East Coast of Australia, we spent an average daily budget of EUR 159 per person. Flights are not included in this budget, as they depend on your departure location and that one’s different for everyone. Our biggest expense during our trip was accommodation, which averaged EUR 58 per night per person. We stayed in a mix of hostels, apartments, Airbnb, and hotels. Sightseeing was our second-largest expense, costing us EUR 37 per day (including some overnight experiences on tours). Food and drinks came to about EUR 36 per day per person, while transportation averaged EUR 24 per day per person. We also spent around EUR 9 daily per person on groceries and other small expenses.

For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around EUR 70 per day per person. Hostels in Australia start at approximately EUR 20 per night, so they are an affordable option. To keep costs down, we recommend cooking your own meals when possible, using public transport like buses, and cutting back on extra expenses like drinks. Alcohol is pretty expensive Down Under!

If you’re a mid-range traveler, a daily budget of around EUR 150 per person should cover most expenses. Private accommodation typically starts at EUR 150 per night for two people, though these may occasionally come with a shared bathroom. Alternatively, renting a campervan combines both your accommodation and transportation in one, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option. This budget also allows for dining out almost every meal and enjoying all the activities you want. That’s what we did! 😉

For luxury travelers, a daily budget of approximately EUR 400 per person offers plenty of flexibility. Five-star hotels typically start at around EUR 250 per night for two people. With this budget, you can enjoy fine dining and drinks, and a range of private tours and activities.

For more details on our spending, along with useful saving tips to visit Australia on a budget, make sure to read our budget breakdown for 1 month in Australia.

Additional Australia tips

Renting a car

• If you’re not returning to the starting point, check the one-way policies of rental companies. There’s almost always an extra fee for dropping off the car in a different location.
• Fuel up when you can! Some roads go for hours without a gas station.
• When refueling, you fill up first and pay inside afterwards. This is something we weren’t used to at first. We were also never able to pay at the pump.
• Phone service can be limited in remote areas, so download offline maps on Google Maps or maps.me before you go.
• Watch out for kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
• The Aussie word for gas station is service center, or servo.

Expect the unexpected

• Add extra days to your East Coast of Australia road trip itinerary for spontaneous stops or unexpected delays. To give you an idea: We once got stuck for 5 hours at a gas station because the only road to our destination was closed due to an accident!
• If you have time, we recommend checking out some day trips from Sydney. We found some incredible spots we hadn’t planned on visiting!

Book popular tours in advance

• If you’re traveling during peak season (December to February), tours sell out fast. Book tours like K’gari (Fraser Island) and Whitsundays early to avoid disappointment. A real-life example: we booked all our tours 6 months in advance, but when we got to Airlie Beach for our 2-night Whitsundays sailing trip, the boat broke down 30 minutes before departure! Every other tour was fully booked for the next 5 days. We had to come back a week later just to do a day trip instead. Another reason why having extra days is a good idea!

Travel insurance

• When covering long distances and doing adventure activities, travel insurance is a must. It can save you from huge costs in case of car trouble, medical emergencies, or trip cancellations.