Experience the best of Australia’s diverse, stunning East Coast with this ultimate Sydney to Cairns road trip itinerary!
Explore Australia’s East Coast with a Sydney to Cairns road trip!
Packed with world-famous cities, lazy beach towns, lush national parks, abundant wildlife, pristine beaches, and idyllic islands, there is so much to see between Sydney and Cairns.
Sure, you can just fly between the two cities in a couple of hours. Or hop between the major destinations.
But a slow, relaxed, immersive East Coast road trip will have you experiencing Australia in a whole new way. Here is our complete guide for a Sydney to Cairns road trip!
Plan more of your trip with our ultimate guide to travelling Australia!
How long do you need for a Sydney to Cairns road trip?
3-6 weeks is an ideal time frame for driving from Sydney to Cairns. You can make the trip in 2 weeks, but you’d be rushing and would have to skip lots of worthwhile destinations.
You could also stretch the journey out into a few months or more! There is so much to see, but you can easily customise the road trip to suit your travel plans.
We have outlined our favourite stops from Sydney to Cairns below in our itinerary. The longest you’ll have to drive between stops is 5.5 hours, with most of the driving sections only being around 2-3 hours.
This gives you a nice break from driving and allows you to enjoy all the epic places along the East Coast of Australia.
Feel free to skip or add places to the list as well. We also included our recommended time frame for each place, which can, of course, be altered as well.
The best time for a Sydney to Cairns road trip
There is no bad time for a Sydney to Cairns road trip, as the weather is generally warm and pleasant year-round. NSW has a Mediterranean climate, so the weather is lovely here at all times of year.
Once you get up to the tropics, the climate is hot and humid. You may want to plan your road trip for the cooler months, between May and October.
This is the dry season in Tropical North Queensland, so you can avoid the heavy rains and intense heat of summer.
Dry season is also when the oceans are free from stingers! Stinger season in Queensland is between November and May. During these months, the oceans around the Great Barrier Reef may have harmful jellyfish, so swimming is not recommended.
The winter months are also whale season all along the East Coast, which makes for some amazing whale watching.
Perfect Sydney to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary
From the Blue Mountains near Sydney, to the charming NSW Central Coast, to Noosa National Park and the Sunshine Coast, to the tropics of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, East Coast Australia is full of wonders.
See it all with an epic drive from Sydney to Cairns. Pick up your rental car or campervan and get ready to hit the road!
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Sydney
- Recommended time frame: 3-7 days
Your epic adventure starts in Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales and the most famous city in Australia.
Home to world-famous attractions like Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House, Sydney is a picturesque city that does not disappoint.
Outside Sydney Harbour, visitors can take the ferry up to Manly, explore the galleries and venues in Newtown, or take a day trip to the southern beachy suburb of Cronulla.
The Sydney area is also home to two breathtaking national parks. Head to Blue Mountains National Park for rugged mountains and rainforest hiking trails. Or head to the Royal National Park for coastal tracks, golden beaches, and remote swimming holes.
When you’ve experienced the best of Sydney, drive up to the Central Coast of New South Wales for your next stops.
Newcastle
- Recommended time frame: 1-2 days
- Distance from Sydney: 168km (2 hours and 10 minutes of driving)
Just a few hours north of Sydney on the Central Coast, you’ll pass through the lovely city of Newcastle.
If you’re in a rush, we recommend skipping the city and going straight to Port Stephens. But if you’re taking your time on this East Coast road trip, Newcastle is well worth a stop.
Known for its beaches, surf culture, industrial heritage, and rapidly growing arts and cafe scene, Newcastle is a fabulous place to stop for a quick swim or lunch break on your road trip.
If you have time, you may also want to take a day trip inland to the Hunter Valley. This is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. You can do a bit of wine tasting here before continuing on your journey north!
Port Stephens
- Recommended time frame: 2-3 days
- Distance from Newcastle: 59km (1 hour of driving)
Another gem of the Central Coast, located just an hour from Newcastle, is Port Stephens.
Port Stephens is most well-known for its stunning beaches and coastline. The waters are a haven for marine life, so consider a dolphin watching cruise or even a whale watching cruise in winter.
You can also surf and sunbathe at the various beaches along the coast, or get some amazing views at the Tomaree Headland Summit.
If you want to try something a bit different, go sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes! These are some of Australia’s biggest sand dunes, and there is nothing quite like gliding down the golden sands on a board.
Or you can simply stop through for lunch if you’re in a rush to make your way up to Cairns. You can easily spend 3 days in Port Stephens if you have the time.
Read more about our favourite things to do in Port Stephens!
Port Macquarie
- Recommended time frame: 1-2 days
- Distance from Port Stephens: 247km (2 hours and 45 minutes of driving)
Next on your Sydney to Cairns road trip is Port Macquarie.
A convenient stop on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Port Macquarie has lovely beaches, coastal walks, waterfalls, and museums.
Animal lovers can visit the Billabong Zoo or the Koala Hospital for up-close animal encounters. Or go for a rainforest walk at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre in the nearby Sea Acres National Park.
Port Macquarie also has a few excellent wineries, breweries, and fruit-picking orchards for those who want a gourmet experience for the taste buds.
From Port Macquarie, head north to Coffs Harbour.
Coffs Harbour
- Recommended time frame: 2-3 days
- Distance from Port Macquarie: 153km (1 hour and 45 minutes of driving)
With its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rich culture, Coffs Harbour has much to offer travellers.
A hallmark of the city is the iconic Big Banana Fun Park, one of Australia’s first “Big Things”. People of all ages can enjoy a variety of attractions here, from water slides to educational tours.
Another highlight of Coffs Harbour is the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a haven for marine biodiversity. Or you can explore the biodiversity on land with a visit to the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
For a bit of history and culture, visit the heritage-listed Coffs Harbour Jetty or join an Aboriginal cultural tour to learn more about the Gumbaynggirr people.
Then head north to Byron Bay, a highlight of any East Coast road trip!
Read next: Australia Trip Cost – Complete Guide
Byron Bay
- Recommended time frame: 3-5 days
- Distance from Coffs Harbour: 232km (2 hours and 20 minutes of driving)
No East Coast Australia road trip is complete without a stop in Byron Bay!
This charming yet bustling coastal town is located right at the northern tip of New South Wales, near the Queensland border.
Spend at least 3 days in Byron Bay to soak in all the natural beauty and trendy attractions. Take on the coastal walk that leads to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for the best views of the coastline.
Make the most of your time in Byron Bay with some water sports and activities. Go surfing at the Pass, join a guided kayak adventure, watch the sunrise over the ocean, or go snorkelling at Julian Rocks.
Or just hang out in town! Do some shopping, sip lattes at the cafes, and find eccentric street art. Byron Bay also has fun nightlife if you’re looking for an evening of dancing and music.
From Byron Bay, continue a bit further north to the iconic city of the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast
- Recommended time frame: 3-7 days
- Distance from Byron Bay: 100km (1 hour and 15 minutes of driving)
Another highlight of any East Coast adventure is the Gold Coast.
With picturesque skyscrapers and countless beaches, Gold Coast is a haven for surfing, swimming, nightlife, and beach bumming.
Consider venturing inland to explore lush, Heritage-listed Gondawa rainforests of Springbrook National Park or Lamington National Park. There are some amazing hikes and waterfalls to explore out in the Hinterland.
For families, the Gold Coast has several theme parks that cater to people of all ages. Just an hour away you’ll find another famous Queensland city on your road trip: Brisbane!
Brisbane
- Recommended time frame: 3-7 days
- Distance from Gold Coast: 70km (1 hour of driving)
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland. This giant city has so much to see and do. You could easily spend a week here, but 3 days is a good starting point!
Make sure you explore the incredible downtown area, from the sands of Streets Beach, to the iconic Story Bridge over the Brisbane River, to the museums and markets of the South Bank.
Head over to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to escape the city and spend some quality time with the wildlife. Or head over to Mount Coot-tha to visit the fascinating Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
If you have time, take a few days to explore the offshore islands outside Brisbane. North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island have incredible beaches, wildlife, and nature that you can experience on a day trip.
Once you’ve had your fill of Queensland’s capital city, continue on your Sydney to Cairns road trip.
Noosa
- Recommended time frame: 2-5 days
- Distance from Brisbane: 158km (2 hours and 10 minutes of driving)
Welcome to the Sunshine Coast! We recommend driving past the Glass House Mountains on your way north from Brisbane to Noosa, as these unique peaks are an iconic landmark of the Sunshine Coast.
Once you arrive in Noosa, you are in for a real treat.
With rippling waves, warm weather, and countless shops and cafes in the trendy downtown, Noosa caters to all types of travellers.
Learn to surf at Noosa Main Beach, visit the famous Australia Zoo, or hit the trails in Noosa National Park. Go canoeing through the Noosa Everglades, or visit the small towns and wineries of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Noosa is a dreamy destination to visit on your way from Sydney to Cairns! We recommend a stay of at least 3 days if you have time.
Read next: Top 10 Day Trips From Noosa, Queensland
Rainbow Beach
- Recommended time frame: 1-4 days
- Distance from Noosa: 102km (1 hour and 20 minutes of driving)
The town of Rainbow Beach itself is quite small, so you may only need 1 day here to explore the sand dunes and enjoy the beach.
But if you have a 4WD vehicle, you can do some epic beach driving around Rainbow Beach!
Drive along the Great Beach Drive to Double Island Point, a stunning reserve where water sports are safe and fun and the marine life is abundant.
You can also join a guided day trip if you don’t have a 4WD.
Another fun thing to do while you’re in the area is book a day trip or overnight trip to K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island). Spend a day or 2 days exploring the majestic rainforests and pristine lakes of the world’s largest sand island!
Hervey Bay
- Recommended time frame: 1-2 days
- Distance from Rainbow Beach: 123km (1.5 hours of driving)
From Rainbow Beach, continue north along the coast towards Hervey Bay.
This is another small Queensland town that you can skip if you want. But there are two main reasons to hang out in Hervey Bay.
The first is whale season! If you’re doing your Sydney to Cairns road trip between July and October, Hervey Bay is one of the best places to book a whale watching tour. It’s actually considered the whale watching capital of Australia!
Second, Hervey Bay is also a popular departure point for day trips and overnight trips to K’gari (Fraser Island). So if you didn’t get the chance to see K’gari from Rainbow Beach, you can also do so from Hervey Bay.
Agnes Water
- Recommended time frame: 1-2 days
- Distance from Hervey Bay: 225km (2 hours and 45 minutes of driving)
Agnes Water and the nearby town of 1770 are the gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Though these small towns are not really on the usual tourist trail, they are a convenient place to stop on the drive from Sydney to Cairns.
Agnes Water has a laid-back atmosphere, and it’s actually the furthest north in Queensland that you can surf!
The Great Barrier Reef blocks any swell from the beaches in northern Queensland, so once you continue north from here, it’s time to swap the surfboard for some scuba gear.
From Agnes Water and 1770, you can book tours to Lady Musgrave Island and explore the southern Great Barrier Reef. You can also explore nearby national parks such as Deepwater and Eurimbula for some hiking and wildlife-spotting.
Yeppoon
- Recommended time frame: 1-2 days
- Distance from Agnes Water: 267km (3 hours and 20 minutes of driving)
Yeppoon is another small town in Queensland that is virtually unknown to many tourists.
Serving as the gateway to Great Keppel Island, Yeppoon offers visitors opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and exploring vibrant marine life.
The town boasts attractions like the Yeppoon Lagoon, a free infinity-edge public pool overlooking the ocean, and the Keppel Kraken, a fun water play area for families.
From Yeppoon, your next stop is Airlie Beach. This is the longest stretch of driving on this Sydney to Cairns road trip itinerary, but it’s worth just punching out the 5.5 hours on the road and enjoying extra time in the glorious Whitsundays!
Airlie Beach
- Recommended time frame: 3-6 days
- Distance from Yeppoon: 500km (5.5 hours of driving)
Airlie Beach is the Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, and a must-see on your Sydney to Cairns road trip.
The town of Airlie Beach itself is quite small and charming. You don’t need a car as you can walk to all the main attractions. Airlie Beach has a fun nightlife and some nice walking trails nearby as well.
But the main reason to visit Airlie Beach? The Whitsunday Islands! This collection of 74 protected, tropical islands is where you can find world-famous attractions like Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach.
It’s 100% worth booking a boat tour from Airlie Beach out to the Whitsundays. Whether you want a quick day tour, an overnight sailing tour, or a scenic flight and boat tour combo package, seeing the gleaming white sands and turquoise waters of the Whitsundays is a must.
Most day tours from Airlie Beach also include snorkelling in the fringing Great Barrier Reef!
Townsville
- Recommended time frame: 3-4 days
- Distance from Airlie Beach: 272km (3 hours and 15 minutes of driving)
From Airlie Beach, continue north along the gorgeous East Coast of Australia. Your next stop is Townsville, a small city with a palm-fringed Esplanade, scenic pier, and nearby wildlife sanctuaries.
Most travellers visit Townsville so they can catch a passenger ferry out to Magnetic Island.
This gem of the East Coast is home to a healthy koala population, long sandy beaches, coastal walks, secluded bays, and epic snorkel spots.
Top things to do on Magnetic Island include the historic Forts Walk, spotting rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay, kayaking at Horseshoe Bay, and exploring the island in a little topless car.
If you have time for a detour out to Magnetic Island, you’ll be blessed with tropical warmth, Aussie wildlife, and a laid-back, heartwarming atmosphere.
Read next: Getting Around Magnetic Island – ‘How to’ Transportation Guide
Mission Beach
- Recommended time frame: 2-3 days
- Distance from Townsville: 235km (3 hours of driving)
The second-to-last stop on your Sydney to Cairns road trip is Mission Beach.
Though the town itself is pretty small, the nature and adventure that surround Mission Beach are the real highlights.
You can take boat tours to offshore islands like Dunk Island and go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef with few crowds.
Mission Beach is also one of the best places on Australia’s East Coast for skydiving! The weather is warm, the scenery is stunning, and you can land right on the beach.
There are also some gorgeous rivers and creeks in the surrounding rainforest. White water rafting is a popular way to spend an afternoon in Mission Beach.
Cairns
- Recommended time frame: 4-7 days
- Distance from Mission Beach: 139km (1 hour and 50 minutes of driving)
You’ve made it from Sydney to Cairns! This is an incredible road trip to have conquered, so it’s time to really relax and enjoy the wonders of Cairns.
As the unofficial capital of Tropical North Queensland, Cairns has much to offer.
The city itself has a sunny Espanalde, Botanic Gardens, cool museums, and a variety of eateries. Shop for souvenirs at the Cairns Night Markets, or sample fresh, locally-grown produce at Rusty’s Fruit Markets.
Then, when you’re ready to get out of the city, Heritage-listed reefs and rainforests await!
Of course, you can’t miss the Great Barrier Reef. You can book snorkel tours, scuba diving tours, and scenic flights where the unparalleled beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is on full display.
You can also explore the inland rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife parks, and cultural attractions. Explore the mountain town of Kuranda, spot crocodiles on the Daintree River, go waterfall-hopping in the Atherton Tablelands, or see Cape Tribulation, the only place in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet (Daintree Rainforest & Great Barrier Reef).
Celebrate the end of your epic road trip with the adventure of a lifetime in Cairns!
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