Are you looking for an epic road trip adventure that will let you explore the incredible sights and things to do along Australia’s East Coast? From the golden sands of the Gold Coast to lush rainforests, modern cities, and some of the best secluded beaches in Australia – there is something for everyone on a road trip along the spectacular East Coast.
Whether you’re embarking on your first exploration of this diverse stretch of coastline or seeking out exciting new locations to add to your travel bucket list, our comprehensive itinerary below provides all the information needed to plan the perfect road trip.
The entire drive is almost 3,500 kilometers in length in total and takes at least 40 hours if driven in one go. Luckily, you have plenty of time with this one-week itinerary, which you can extend at each destination if needed.
Day 1: Melbourne
Begin your road trip with a visit to Melbourne’s vibrant city center. Take in the sights of iconic attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and Federation Square. As you stroll through the streets, make sure to head down to Victoria Street for some shopping. There are plenty of small cafes and restaurants to choose from, so you can get a delicious breakfast before moving on.
Once you’ve seen all that Melbourne has to offer, head out to explore the beginnings of the Great Ocean Road – one of Australia’s most famous routes. Just don’t go too far, since you’re technically driving in the wrong direction. But even just an hour or two of the drive is more than worth it.
Cruise along this scenic route, taking in breathtaking views of lush green forests and rugged cliffs that tower over aquamarine seas. Make sure to stop off at one (or more) of the many picturesque beaches along your way. Once you’ve had your fill of the stunning coastline, head back to Melbourne, unwind at a local Melbourne pub, and get some rest before beginning Day 2 of your road trip.
Day 2 and 3: Sydney
After a long drive from Melbourne, the second day of your Australia East Coast Road Trip will take you to the beautiful city of Sydney. Here, you’ll be able to explore some of its world-famous attractions like the iconic Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and The Rocks.
For lunch, make sure to check out some of Sydney’s renowned foodie hotspots, such as Chinatown or Circular Quay. After that, spend your afternoon taking in the stunning views at Bondi Beach or exploring the vibrant nightlife scene in Kings Cross.
In the evening, why not enjoy dinner at one of Sydney’s top restaurants for an unforgettable Australian culinary experience? Alternatively, take a tour of one of the city’s renowned ferries for a unique view of Sydney’s iconic skyline.
This vibrant city has plenty of attractions to keep you busy and entertained, no matter your interests. Whether it’s a stroll through the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens or a climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You might even want to add an extra day here to make sure you’ve got time to see everything.
Day 4 and 5: Byron Bay
On Day 3, you’re going to be driving for nearly eight hours, so make sure you leave Sydney early in the morning so you’ll have plenty of time to make your way to Byron Bay.
Head north along the beautiful East Coast of Australia and arrive in the beachside town of Byron Bay in the early afternoon. A picturesque spot with its crystal blue waters, breathtaking beaches, magical rolling hills, and a laid-back vibe, this beautiful coastal paradise is worth the long drive from Sydney.
Whether you’re after some rest and relaxation or looking for adventure, Byron has something for everyone. Take a dip in the ocean or enjoy surfing lessons on one of Australia’s best surf breaks. If camping is more your thing, grab your tent and find yourself a spot at one of the best campsites in Byron Bay.
When the sun sets, you can put your feet up to an unforgettable show of stars in the night sky! Don’t forget to sample some delicious local food and drinks before you begin the next part of your road trip. With its unique charm, Byron Bay is one destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
Day 6 and 7: Gold Coast and Brisbane
After a relaxing day at the beach in Byron Bay, your next destination is the Gold Coast. This area is home to some of the best beaches in the area, with a fantastic skyline as a backdrop. If you’re into theme parks, you can visit Dreamworld, Movie World, or Wet ‘n’ Wild. There’s also Queensland Whale Watching, and no trip to the Gold Coast would be complete without a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
But the Gold Coast isn’t just about theme parks and wildlife sanctuaries; the beaches here are some of the most spectacular in Australia. Take a stroll along Surfers Paradise Beach and admire its pristine white sand and crystal clear waters, or get your adrenaline pumping with a spot of surfing or kitesurfing at one of the area’s many surf spots. After all that excitement, why not soak up some sun on Burleigh Heads Beach?
From there, it’s onto Brisbane, which might be rushed in one day, so add an extra day if you can or skip one of the two cities. As you drive through this vibrant city, make sure you check out the man-made Streets Beach in South Bank Parklands or take a tour of the Gallery of Modern Art. You can also explore Mt Coot-tha Reserve to see beautiful views of the city before heading over to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to get up close with Australian wildlife.
End your day with some delicious food at one of Brisbane’s renowned eateries, such as the award-winning Stokehouse Q, and then a fun evening out. The city is known for its busy nightlife scene and has plenty of pubs and bars where you can enjoy delicious meals and drinks as you listen to live music.
Day 8 and 9: Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a coastal town located in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland. It takes almost 12 hours to drive here from Brisbane, so make sure to plan at least a full day for the trip.
This is the perfect spot for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering stunning white sand beaches, an abundance of activities, and plenty to explore.
For nature lovers, take a stroll along Boathaven beach. This idyllic beach is surrounded by lush greenery and has its own picturesque jetty that’s great for fishing. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, why not try skydiving? You can get amazing views of the Whitsundays from over 3,000 feet in the air! You can also go on island day trips and explore the Great Barrier Reef. For something a little more relaxed, take a sunset sail around Airlie Beach’s sea passage.
If you’re looking for some nightlife, Airlie Beach is the place to be. There are plenty of bars and clubs playing live music, and it’s the perfect spot for an evening out with friends. You can get a bite to eat down at the waterfront and check out one of the local seafood restaurants or cafes offering delicious fare.
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, and Whitehaven Beach is the most famous beach in the area. Located just a short boat ride from town, this stunning 7-kilometer stretch of sand and crystal-clear turquoise water is the perfect place to relax and soak up some tropical sunshine.
The sands here are incredibly fine – made up mainly of 98 percent pure silica – giving it a unique white color that contrasts beautifully against the blue waters. Keep in mind that it’s prohibited to take the sand home with you.
Whitehaven Beach also offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, from swimming and snorkeling, hiking, or simply lounging around in a hammock, taking in the views. Visitors can even explore the nearby Hill Inlet Lookout for a breathtaking panoramic view of the beach.
And don’t miss sea kayaking in the Whitsunday islands! This is a must try!
Day 10: Townsville
Head 3 hours north from Airlie Beach to the small city of Townsville. This coastal area is known for its laid-back vibes, and it is a great place to take a break after the long drive from Airlie Beach.
In Townsville, there are plenty of things to do: visit Magnetic Island and explore beaches like Horseshoe Bay; walk up Castle Hill for spectacular views over the city; or soak up some culture at Reef HQ Aquarium, Jezzine Barracks or the Museum of Tropical Queensland. If you’re feeling active, then why not hire a bike to cycle around The Strand, a 2.2km esplanade lined with restaurants, shops, and parks?
Townsville is also famous for its local produce, and you can sample some of it at the Townsville City Markets which are held every Saturday morning in Flinders Street East. Here you’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and much more!
After such a busy road trip so far, take this day to relax and simply take in the beauty of Australia’s East Coats.
Day 11 and 12: Cairns
Cairns is the final destination of your Australia East Coast road trip, and it only takes 4 hours to get here from Townsville.
Enjoy pristine rainforests, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of things to do.
Start your exploration by visiting Kuranda, an Indigenous community nestled in the Atherton Tablelands about 25 km from Cairns. Here you can visit markets and galleries and discover unique pieces of Indigenous culture. Then, take a scenic Skyrail journey over the rainforest back down to Cairns. It’s an incredible experience!
When you get back down to Cairns, there are lots of activities awaiting. Take a dive or snorkel at one of the nearby Great Barrier Reef locations, explore picturesque beaches like Palm Cove and Ellis Beach, or take a stroll around the Botanic Gardens.
Cairns also has fantastic nightlife options so that you can celebrate the end of your road trip with drinks by the beach.
