The coastal drive from Sydney to Cairns is one of the most scenic road trips in Australia, covering around 2,400 kilometres (1,500 miles) and offering a mix of beaches, rainforests, national parks, and vibrant cities. Here's an outline of the journey with key highlights along the way:
Day 1: Sydney to Port Stephens (2.5–3 hours)
- Highlights: Whale watching (seasonal), sandboarding at Stockton Beach, dolphin cruises, hiking in Tomaree National Park, and beach time at Shoal Bay.
Day 2: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie (2.5–3 hours)
- Highlights: Koala Hospital, Tacking Point Lighthouse, surfing, river cruises, and exploring nearby rainforest areas.
Day 3: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour (2 hours)
- Highlights: The Big Banana, coastal walks, whale watching (in season), Dorrigo National Park (for waterfalls and rainforest walks), and surfing at Park Beach.
Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay (3 hours)
- Highlights: Visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunrise, surfing or relaxing at Wategos Beach, and exploring the hinterlands like Minyon Falls.
Day 5: Byron Bay to Gold Coast (1.5–2 hours)
- Highlights: Surfers Paradise, theme parks (Dreamworld, SeaWorld, Warner Bros. Movie World), and Lamington National Park for hiking.
Day 6: Gold Coast to Brisbane (1 hour)
- Highlights: Explore Brisbane’s South Bank, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and take a ferry ride on the Brisbane River.
Day 7: Brisbane to Sunshine Coast (1.5 hours)
- Highlights: Noosa Heads for national park walks and the Everglades, Eumundi Markets (Wednesday and Saturday), and Australia Zoo.
Day 8: Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay (2.5–3 hours)
- Highlights: Gateway to Fraser Island, whale watching tours (seasonal), and exploring the calm beaches and nearby rivers.
Day 9–10: Hervey Bay to Bundaberg (1.5–2 hours)
- Highlights: Visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, turtle nesting and hatching at Mon Repos (seasonal), and the Southern Great Barrier Reef at Lady Musgrave Island.
Day 11: Bundaberg to Rockhampton (4 hours)
- Highlights: Mount Archer National Park, the Capricorn Caves, and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.
Day 12: Rockhampton to Airlie Beach (5–6 hours)
- Highlights: Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Enjoy sailing trips, beach hopping, and snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 13–14: Airlie Beach to Townsville (3–4 hours)
- Highlights: Visit Magnetic Island and The Strand waterfront.
Day 15: Townsville to Cairns (4 hours)
- Highlights: Explore Mission Beach on the way, with opportunities to skydive or spot cassowaries, and once in Cairns, explore the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Tips for the Drive:
- Timing: Allow at least two weeks for this trip to enjoy the main stops. A month would allow for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration.
- Best Time: Winter (June to August) is ideal for whale watching, while summer (December to February) offers warmer temperatures for beach activities but may bring tropical rain.
- Road Conditions: The Pacific Highway is mostly in great condition, but be mindful of remote areas in Queensland where services may be more spread out.
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