Melbourne to Brisbane coastal drive.

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Overview of Trip
- Distance: Approx. 6,000–7,000 km, depending on detours
- Best Time to Travel: May to October (dry season; Cape York roads are accessible)
- Vehicle Recommendation: 4WD, especially for Cape York and outback roads
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Itinerary:-
Day 1-3: Port Macquarie to Brisbane (550 km)
- Head north along the Pacific Highway (A1).
- Suggested Stops:
- Coffs Harbour (Big Banana, beaches)
- Byron Bay (Cape Byron Lighthouse)
- Gold Coast or Brisbane for an overnight stay
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Day 4-6: Brisbane to Cairns (1,700 km)
- Take the Bruce Highway (A1) along the coast.
- Key Stops:
- Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay or Bundaberg for whale watching or Mon Repos turtles)
- Airlie Beach (gateway to the Whitsundays)
- Townsville (magnetic island ferry option)
- Cairns (relax and explore Kuranda or the Great Barrier Reef)
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Day 7-8: Cairns to Normanton (700 km)
- Drive inland on the Savannah Way via Mount Surprise and Georgetown.
- Things to See:
- Undara Lava Tubes
- Normanton’s Gulflander Train
- Karumba (on the Gulf of Carpentaria) – excellent for sunsets and fishing
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Day 9-11: Normanton to Cooktown (450 km)
- Continue back east towards the coast.
- Suggested Route: Normanton → Mareeba → Cooktown.
- Explore Cooktown:
- Grassy Hill Lookout
- James Cook Museum
- Finch Bay for a scenic walk
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Day 12-16: Cooktown to Cape York (1,000 km)
- Drive along the Peninsula Development Road. Depending on conditions, you can take the Old Telegraph Track for a more adventurous route.
- Highlights:
- Lakefield National Park (camping, wildlife)
- Bramwell Station (roadhouse stay)
- Fruit Bat Falls (perfect swimming spot)
- Tip of Cape York (stand at Australia’s northernmost point!)
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Day 17-19: Cape York to Cairns (1,000 km)
- Return south via the same route or detour through Weipa (a mining town with fishing tours and cultural experiences).
- Stop overnight in Cooktown or the Daintree Rainforest area.
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Day 20-21: Cairns to Port Macquarie (1,700 km)
- Retrace your steps on the Bruce Highway
- Option: Stop overnight in Mackay or Rockhampton for a break.
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Tips for the Journey
- Fuel: Fill up at every roadhouse, especially on outback sections.
- Accommodation: Book ahead for Cape York and popular coastal towns.
- Weather: Expect heat and humidity near Cape York—bring appropriate gear.
- 4WD essentials: Recovery equipment, spare tires, and an EPIRB for remote areas.
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This route will give you the best blend of coastal scenery, tropical rainforests, and outback adventures, culminating at the iconic Cape York. Safe travels!
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