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 Brisbane Inland Drive


 Here’s a recommended itinerary for an inland road trip from Melbourne to Brisbane, followed by a scenic coastal drive from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast.


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Melbourne to Brisbane (Inland Route) – 18-20 hours, 3-4 days

This scenic journey takes you through charming country towns, national parks, and regional Australia’s heartland.


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Day 1: Melbourne to Albury (3.5 hours)

- Euroa: Explore the Euroa Butter Factory and its local cafés.  

- Glenrowan: Learn about Ned Kelly’s story at the Ned Kelly Museum.  

- Albury-Wodonga: Enjoy a stroll along the Murray River or visit Lake Hume and the Albury Botanic Gardens.


Overnight in Albury


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Day 2: Albury to Dubbo (6.5 hours)

- Holbrook: Stop at the Holbrook Submarine    Museum.  

- Wagga Wagga: Visit the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery or relax along the Murrumbidgee River.  

- Parkes: Check out the Parkes Radio Telescope, known as “The Dish.”


 Overnight in Dubbo

- Option: Visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo, an open-range zoo ideal for a morning activity.


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Day 3: Dubbo to Goondiwindi (7 hours)

- Warrumbungle National Park: Ideal for bushwalking and stargazing.  

- Coonabarabran: Known for it’s astronomical observatories.  

- Moree: Relax in the Moree Artesian Baths, with naturally heated pools.


Overnight in Goondiwindi

A quaint town along the Macintyre River known for it’s friendly pubs and boutique shopping.


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Day 4: Goondiwindi to Brisbane (4 hours)

- Warwick: Explore the town’s historic sandstone buildings.  

- Toowoomba: Visit the Toowoomba Japanese Gardens or Picnic Point Lookout for scenic views.  


Arrive in Brisbane and enjoy the city’s riverside dining and vibrant culture.


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Brisbane to Sunshine Coast (Coastal Drive) – 1.5-2 hours


For this leg, you’ll follow the coast north, stopping at some of the best beaches and seaside towns along the way.


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Route and Stops:

- Redcliffe Peninsula: Walk along the Redcliffe Jetty and enjoy waterfront cafés.  

- Bribie Island: Take a detour to Bribie for a swim or explore Pumicestone Passage.  

- Caloundra: Stroll along the Kings Beach boardwalk and enjoy views of the Pacific.  

- Mooloolaba: Visit the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium or relax at Mooloolaba Beach.  

- Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore: Enjoy beautiful surf beaches and riverside dining.  


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Optional Extra Stops:

- Mudjimba Beach: A quiet beach perfect for a picnic.  

- Coolum Beach: Known for surfing and coastal walking trails.  


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Final Stop: Noosa Heads

- Explore the boutiques and cafés of Hastings Street.  

- Hike through Noosa National Park for coastal views and wildlife spotting.  


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This itinerary offers a mix of inland adventure and coastal relaxation, taking you through Australia’s diverse landscapes, from country towns to stunning beaches.

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