The Ultimate Sydney to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary

After picking up your motorhome from maui Sydney, spend a few hours roaming around the harbour – taking in the historic buildings of ‘The Rocks’ and the infamous harbour bridge and Opera House views. If you want to spend more time in Sydney, consider heading to some of the best national parks near Sydney or staying the night and exploring the nightlife. Then, it’s time to begin the journey north – starting with Newcastle on the Central Coast. Along the way, be sure to stop in at the stunning Terrigal Beach and Avoca Beach to soak up the sun and enjoy a beautiful campervan lunch by the sea. 

Once you arrive in Newcastle, visit the Newcastle Museum. Founded in 1988 as a major Bicentennial project, the museum offers visitors a dive into the local history and culture. Then, take a walk along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. This scenic 6 km coastal walk from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach honours the sacrifices made by over 11,000 soldiers who fought in World War I. If you'd prefer to unwind from the day, relax on Newcastle Beach, watch the sunset or walk along the seawall. There's nothing like the fresh ocean air and the sound of waves to cap off your first day of van travel.

Stay at: Stockton Beach Holiday Park.

Departing from Newcastle, your next destination is Port Macquarie. The drive will take you along gorgeous coastal highways, with plenty of wonderful options for roadside stops when needed. For a bit of a scenic detour, stop by the picturesque coastal town of Forster-Tuncurry, this charming little coastal holiday town offers some amazing fresh seafood and classic Aussie surf beaches. 

When you arrive in Port Macquarie, make your first stop at the Koala Hospital. This sanctuary has been dedicated to the care and conservation of koalas since 1973 and is the perfect chance to cuddle a koala. Then, explore Port Macquarie’s vibrant history by stopping into the Historic Courthouse, a heritage-listed former courthouse built in 1896, as well as the Port Macquarie Museum, which tells the stories of the transformation of Port Macquarie from a British penal settlement to the sea-change destination it is today. If you want to stretch your legs, take a leisurely walk along the Coastal Walk. The walk is 9km one-way and is graded as moderate to easy but can also be broken up into many smaller sections if you prefer a smaller stroll. Then make your way to Diamond Head in Crowdy Bay National Park to check out one of the best beachside camping spots in NSW.

Stay at: Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park.

On day three, continue along the coastal highway from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour. On your way, consider a 25-minute detour to the hinterland artsy town of Bellingen. This little haven is known for its arts and crafts scene and being the gateway to the scenic Waterfall Way that links Coffs Harbour to Armidale and passes through 185 km of rainforest, river valleys and stunning waterfalls. Just stopping into Bellingen Brewing Company for a woodfired pizza for lunch is well worth the detour. Once you reach Coffs Harbour, explore some of the stunning beaches the region has to offer, indulge in fun activities at the Big Banana Fun Park (including laser tag, mini golf, ice skating and much more!), or take the 1-hour drive to Dorrigo National Park for a taste of Australia's lush rainforests and spectacular waterfalls. 

Top tip: when heading to national parks, stay safe by observing signage and following suggested national park safety guides.

Stay at: BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park.

For day four of this ultimate Sydney to Cairns road trip, make your way to the iconic town of Byron Bay. On the way, consider dropping by the quaint coastal town of Yamba to discover the famous local seafood with lunch at Yamba’s Fisho. You can even get this takeaway and enjoy it from your motorhome by one of the many incredible beaches or by the Yamba Lighthouse. 

The next stop is a town you may be familiar with: the legendary Byron Bay. Byron Bay is a vibrant coastal town famous for its surf culture, boutique shops, and eclectic restaurants. With so many amazing things to do in Byron Bay and many seasonal festivals in Byron Bay to experience, it's no surprise this place is so popular! Begin your Byron Bay adventure with a visit to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point of mainland Australia to steal an incredible view of the surrounding coastline. Otherwise, do as the locals do – relax on one of its many stunning beaches, and dine at one of the many tantalizing restaurants. For more inspiration on things to do in Byron Bay, make sure to check out our guide to exploring Byron Bay.

Stay at: First Sun Holiday Park.

Day five takes you from Byron Bay to the bustling city of Gold Coast. Gold Coast is known for its vibrant nightlife, skyscrapers, and supersonic theme parks. Before arriving at the bustling city scene, be sure to stop at Tweed Heads for brunch and enjoy its breathtaking beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Once you have caught a glimpse of the skyscrapers hugging the coastline, it’s time to get your adrenaline pumping at one of the Gold Coast’s many incredible theme parks and discover why it's Australia’s ‘Amusement Park Capital’. Next up is a visit to the famous Surfers Paradise Beach or heading up to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to have a memorable encounter with some native Australian wildlife. For the evening, take a cruise along Broadwater for fantastic views of the cityscape from the water. 

Stay at: Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park.

Day six, it's time to trade the towering skyline of the Gold Coast for those a little further north in Queensland's capital city – Brisbane. The South Bank Parklands offers a unique blend of relaxation and cultural experiences with its lush gardens, world-class eateries, and beautiful man-made beach. If history and science pique your interest, head to the Queensland Museum. It's a dynamic and exploratory space that offers insight into the state's cultural and natural heritage. After that, unwind on a tranquil river cruise along the Brisbane River, soaking up the ambience and gazing out at the city's evening skyline.

Stay at: Brisbane Holiday Village.

On day seven, you'll set out on a two-hour journey from Brisbane, heading to the peaceful shores of Noosa. The drive is scenic, particularly when you stop at the breathtaking Glass House Mountains. These ancient volcanic peaks tower above pine plantations, eucalypt forests, and open fields. With plenty of great hikes, you can stretch your legs with a hike to unrivalled coastal views, or simply drive to the Glass House Mountains Lookout and catch a great view of the mountains straight from your motorhome. Noosa itself is a thriving seaside town known for its surf spots, stylish boutiques, and incredible restaurants. If you're in the mood for pizza, you absolutely can't go past El Capitano’s 72hr fermented organic pizzas. Then, retreat into the coastal wilderness in the local Noosa National Park. This is a nature lover's paradise, boasting rugged coastal tracks, abundant wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery. End the day by cooling off at the local beaches – world-renowned for their soft sands, warm waters and wonderful point-break surf.

Stay at: Noosa River Holiday Park.

Day eight takes you further north along the coastline to the sleepy seaside town of Hervey Bay. The more direct route will take you inland, but for a more scenic journey, consider the detour to Rainbow Beach, the detour will add about 40 minutes of driving to your journey but will allow you to explore the stunning naturally sculpted cliffs of coloured sand that give the beach its name. As the midpoint for the day's drive, it's the perfect place for a beach or campervan picnic. Once you reach Hervey Bay, you'll find yourself in one of the best places in Australia for whale watching, with tours available to take you up close to these magnificent creatures. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of this region, consider a trip to Fraser Island, or K’gari as it is known by the local Butchulla people. This World Heritage-listed site is the largest sand island in the world and is a unique natural environment you simply must experience for yourself.

Stay at: Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park.

With day nine comes the longest drive day of the trip. Break up the four and a half hours of driving with a stop at Seventeen Seventy or Tannum Sands. These small coastal towns are two great options to help break up the drive and have plenty of brunch options and beautiful beaches for a quick dip. In Rockhampton, the heritage-listed Botanic Gardens offer a lush, quiet retreat from the city and the chance to explore Australia's best regional botanic gardens. You can also explore the Rockhampton Heritage Village, an interactive museum showcasing the region's rich history, before taking a cruise along the Fitzroy River to end the night. 

Stay at: Discovery Parks Rockhampton.

On the tenth day of this epic adventure, it’s time to head north to Mackay, but not without a quick stop to visit the Capricorn Caves. Just 25 minutes north of Rockhampton, you can join a guided tour through the underground tunnels and chambers. When in Yepoon, take a morning stroll to the Turtle Lookout in the Capricorn Coast National Park and gaze on the Keppel Islands as you spot turtles and dolphins at the base of the cliffs below. Upon reaching Mackay, spend some time exploring the bustling Mackay Marina – boasting excellent restaurants, boutiques, and views of bobbing yachts. The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is another must-visit, as is a small detour inland to Eungella National Park, where you can go platypus spotting or enjoy one of the many walking trails.

Stay at: BIG4 Mackay Marine Tourist Park.

Leaving Mackay on day eleven, drop into Bucasia or Shoal Point – two beautiful beaches on the way out of Mackay. Shoal Point offers amazing sunrise views over the water and the ability to walk within throwing distance of the elusive Green Island on low tide. Or, for an iconic Far North Queensland experience, take a 30-minute early morning detour to Cape Hillsborough National Park, where kangaroos and wallabies are known to laze on the beach at sunrise. Then make your way to Airlie Beach, a vibrant beachside town in the Whitsundays, which serves as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Here, you can walk along the Bicentennial Walkway for stunning ocean views or swim in the man-made Whitsunday Lagoon. For an ocean adventure, consider booking a sailing trip to the famous Whitsunday Islands for snorkelling, swimming, or simply sunbathing on the pure white sands of Whitehaven Beach.

Day twelve of your Sydney to Cairns road trip will see you journeying towards the sunny pastures of Townsville. Along the way, take a midday stop in the vibrant town of Bowen and explore the stunning Horseshoe Bay Beach while cooking up a gourmet lunch platter in your motorhome. Upon reaching Townsville, you can take a stroll along The Strand, a vibrant, beachfront promenade with views of Magnetic Island or visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland to explore exhibits on the Great Barrier Reef, maritime archaeology, and regional history. For an optional exciting day trip, take a ferry to Magnetic Island to meet wild koalas, explore the hiking trails and enjoy easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.

Stay at: Big4 Townsville.

The last day of this epic east-coast road trip will take you to the place where the rainforest meets the sea, Cairns. On the way north, take an early morning detour to explore the Paluma Range National Park and stop at Piper's Lookout for an impressive view over the Bemboka escarpment and Bega Valley. 

Upon arriving in Cairns, explore The Esplanade or take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef –one of the world's seven natural wonders! Here you can swim with turtles, reef sharks, and explore the diverse underwater world of the world’s largest coral reef. 

If you’re mesmerised by Far North Queensland’s natural wonders, you can easily extend your trip and stay at Big4 Cairns Holiday Park for the night. Otherwise, it’s time to return your camper at the maui Cairns branch to bring this memorable trip to an end.

Want to try this road trip itinerary?

This brings your Sydney to Cairns road trip to an end. You shouldn't need many more reasons to travel around Australia by motorhome, so if you want to try this road trip itinerary for yourself, book your maui motorhome online today and start planning for your once-in-a-lifetime campervan adventure.