Cairns to Darwin drive Itinerary

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  Here’s a well-balanced self-drive itinerary from Cairns to Darwin, perfect if you enjoy nature, iconic outback landscapes, and photography (sunrise/sunset spots included ). Cairns → Darwin Road Trip Itinerary Distance: 3692 km Ideal Duration: 10–14 days Best Time: May–September (dry season) Day 1–2: Cairns Highlights • Great Barrier Reef (snorkel or scenic flight) • Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Railway • Palm Cove sunrise • Night markets & Esplanade Best light: Early morning reef flights / sunset at Palm Cove Day 3: Cairns → Undara Volcanic NP (260 km) Stopovers • Lake Barrine or Lake Eacham • Granite Gorge Undara • Lava tube tours • Sunset over the savannah Stay: Undara Lodge or nearby station stay Day 4: Undara → Karumba (380 km) Why go? • Famous Gulf of Carpentaria sunsets • Fishing village vibes Must shoot: Sunset at Sunset Tavern Day 5: Karumba → Lawn Hill NP (Boodjamulla) (470 km) One of Australia’s hidden gems • Canoe through Lawn Hill Gorge • Emera...

Melbourne to 12 Apostles


 Melbourne to 12 Apostles: Outbound Route


 1. Depart from Melbourne

 • Begin early in the morning to maximize daylight and sightseeing time.


 2. Anglesea

 • Approx. 1.5 hours from Melbourne.

 • Enjoy the coastal views and grab a coffee at a local cafe.

 • Stop by Anglesea Golf Course to see wild kangaroos grazing on the course.


 3. Memorial Arch (Great Ocean Road Sign)

 • A quick 10-minute stop just past Aireys Inlet.

 • Perfect for a photo-op by the iconic Great Ocean Road sign.


 4. Lorne

 • About 30 minutes past Memorial Arch.

 • Enjoy Lorne’s beach and cafes. A great spot for lunch.

 • Optionally, take a short hike to Erskine Falls or Teddy’s Lookout for incredible coastal views.


 5. Wildlife Spotting at Kennett River

 • Just past Lorne, look out for koalas in the trees along Grey River Road.

 • There’s a good chance of seeing colorful parrots and cockatoos here as well.


 6. Apollo Bay

 • About 45 minutes from Kennett River.

 • Relax, refuel, or stay overnight if you’re splitting the trip.

 • Known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe.


 7. Great Otway National Park (Otway Rainforest)

 • Drive to Maits Rest for an easy rainforest walk, where you can see ancient ferns and towering trees.

 • If you have time, consider a side trip to Otway Fly Treetop Walk for elevated views.


 8. The 12 Apostles

 • Arrive at the 12 Apostles in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views.

 • Explore nearby viewpoints, and take in the rugged coastline.


Return to Melbourne: Inbound Route


 1. Loch Ard Gorge

 • Just a few minutes from the 12 Apostles.

 • Explore this scenic gorge with its fascinating rock formations and learn about the history of the Loch Ard shipwreck.


 2. Port Campbell

 • Stop for a bite to eat or coffee, or explore the Port Campbell National Park coastline.


 3. Colac

 • About 1.5 hours from Port Campbell, a great place to stop for a meal.

 • Stretch your legs at Lake Colac or explore the Botanic Gardens.


 4. Return to Melbourne

 • From Colac, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive back to Melbourne.


This route offers a mix of scenic views, wildlife spotting, history, and rainforest experiences.

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