The Ultimate East Coast Road Trip Itinerary: Melbourne to Cairns

Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory

Ditch the laneways and lattes, you’re heading straight into the wild. Wilsons Prom is a beautiful corner of Victoria where wombats rule and beaches squeak under your feet. Hike to Mount Oberon for a sunrise that slaps. Nap on Squeaky Beach, swim in the turquoise waters and remember not to feed the wildlife (unless it’s your mate Geoff).

Camp Tip: Tidal River Campground is the best spot to base yourself for exploring "The Prom." Showers optional. Good times guaranteed. Make sure to get your permit if staying overnight!

Wilsons Promontory to Kosciuszko National Park

Cut inland through Gippsland towards Kosciuszko National Park, home to Australia’s highest mountain. In summer, hike the Main Range Track for alpine views and wildflowers; in winter, hit the slopes around Thredbo.

If you want to take it slower, make a stop in Alpine National Park for even more views, hikes and potential snow.

Hidden gem: Take the scenic Alpine Way for unforgettable views.

Kosciuszko to Batemans Bay via Aslings Beach

Wind your way back to the coast and stop at Aslings Beach Rock Pool in Eden, a local secret carved into the rocky shoreline. It’s like a natural ocean bath that feels like your own private Instagram backdrop. Then cruise up to Batemans Bay, a cute little beach town, to overdose on fish & chips and saltwater air.

Batemans Bay to Jervis Bay

Roll into Jervis Bay, where the sand is blindingly white, the water’s so clear it looks fake, and dolphins are basically locals. Park up near Hyams Beach, have a cheeky ocean dip, then kick back in the sun like the coastal legend you are.

If your legs are getting twitchy, there are some inland waterfall hikes worth the sweat. Fitzroy Falls, Belmore Falls, Carrington Falls and many more are only a short drive away. Ignore TLC’s advice and go chase those waterfalls!

Jervis Bay to Blue Mountains (via Sydney)

Cruise into Sydney to tick off the big sights like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. Then swap city chaos for canyon calm in the Blue Mountains. Think towering cliffs, eucalyptus forests and misty waterfalls. If you want to skip the city altogether, just head straight to the Blue Mountains and spend more time exploring.

Must-do: The Three Sisters lookout, Wentworth Falls hike and Scenic World cableway.

Blue Mountains to Port Macquarie

Say goodbye to foggy forests and get those wheels rolling east toward the coast. Blast some road trip bangers and aim for Port Macquarie, a laid-back beach town that low-key delivers the goods. Think: surf breaks, coastal walks and more pelicans than you’ll know what to do with.

Visit the Koala Hospital and eat too much fish & chips before passing out in your campervan to the sound of the ocean.

Port Macquarie to Byron Bay

Keep heading north and make your first pitstop at Nambucca Heads, home of the Painted Rocks. Grab a paint pen and leave your own mark (just... don’t draw anything illegal, yeah?).

Roll onward to Coffs Harbour, home of the Big Banana and even bigger beach vibes. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s also got epic snorkelling, skydiving and servo pies that slap.

Then cruise that final stretch into Byron Bay, the land of sunburnt drummers, kombucha brewers and spiritual awakenings (most of which involve tequila). Watch the sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most Easterly point of Australia.

Byron Bay to Gold Coast & Brisbane

Wave goodbye to Byron’s barefoot bliss and head for the Gold Coast, a neon jungle where surfboards and skyscrapers collide. Hit Surfers Paradise if you're into glitter, nightlife and people named Chad. Or skip the chaos and chill in Burleigh Heads.

From there, stop into Brisbane, where the beer is cold and the river somehow goes sideways. Hit up Eat Street Markets, street art alleys or just park the van by the river and pretend you live there.

Brisbane to Sunshine Coast

Blow out of Brissie and cruise up to the Sunny Coast, where the locals are chill, the beaches are golden and shoes are completely optional. Stop in Caloundra, surf Coolum or treat yourself to a painfully scenic hike through Noosa National Park (yes, you might see dolphins).

If Noosa is too busy for you, head up to Rainbow Beach, check out the sand dunes and spend the night in this chill little town.

Sunshine Coast to Bundaberg

Ready to go full Queensland? Send it north to Bundaberg, the town where sugar, rum and sea turtles reign supreme. Tour the Bundy Rum Distillery (samples included if you ask nicely), then hit up Mon Repos Beach for some turtle spotting, it's one of the best places in the world to watch these little legends hatch and hustle into the sea (only from November to late March).

Warning: You may leave Bundy with a bottle of spiced rum and a tattoo idea. No judgement.

Bundaberg to Agnes Water & Rockhampton

Leave Bundy behind and roll into 1770/Agnes Water, a sleepy surf town where the waves are mellow, the sunsets are fire and the locals are too relaxed to care what day it is. Rent a board, paddle a kayak or just kick back and do sweet nothing under a palm tree.

Next up: Rockhampton, aka the Beef Capital of Australia. There’s a massive bull statue on every corner and more steak than your arteries can handle. Smash a ribeye, visit the botanical gardens and ask around if there’s a Rodeo on (definitely worth staying an extra night).

Rockhampton to Airlie Beach

Then hit the road to Airlie Beach, party port, backpacker mecca and your launchpad to the Whitsundays. Book a sailing tour to Whitehaven Beach, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and lose track of how many days you’ve been wearing the same shirt.

Airlie Beach to Cairns via Mission Beach

Your final stretch winds through lush tropics. Break it up with a stay at Mission Beach, where the reef meets the rainforest and you might spot a cassowary. Then cruise into Cairns, your final destination.

Don’t Miss in Cairns: Lagoon pool, reef tours and the epic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Final Tips for the Ultimate East Coast Adventure

• Best Time to Go: This road trip can be done any time of year, but April to October are optimal for mild temps and dry weather.
• Campervan Hire: This whole trip can be done in a 2WD, but some remote campgrounds will have a 4WD only access (like Notch Point).
• Free Camping: Use apps like WikiCamps to find hidden gems and budget sites.
• Must-Pack: Swimmers, hiking boots, mozzie spray and your sense of adventure.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Whether you’re surfing in Byron, hiking in the Blue Mountains or snorkelling the Whitsundays, this Melbourne to Cairns road trip is the ultimate Aussie adventure. Pack your bags, fuel up the campervan and get ready for an unforgettable ride up the East Coast.
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