Sydney to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary: The Ultimate East Coast Adventure
Ready to tackle the legendary Sydney to Cairns road trip? This is the Australian adventure! Over 2,400km of epic coastlines, rainforest, surf towns and tropical paradise. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, surf breaks or secret swimming holes, this trip has it all.
Below is a 21 day itinerary highlighting the best stops, campgrounds, and hidden gems between Sydney and Cairns.
Day 1-2: Sydney Port Stephens (2.5 hrs)
Highlights:
- Hike Tomaree Head Summit for panoramic coastal views.
- Sandboard the dunes at Stockton Bight.
- Go dolphin spotting in Nelson Bay.
Where to camp:
- Samurai Beach Campground - a low-key, beachside, clothing-optional campsite perfect for vanlifers.
- Reflections Holiday Park, Shoal Bay - for showers and beachfront vibes.
Day 3-4: Port Stephens Port Macquarie (3.5 hrs)
Highlights:
- Visit the Koala Hospital.
- Check out Tacking Point Lighthouse at sunset.
- Chill out at Town Beach or Shelly Beach.
Where to camp:
- NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park - prime location by the water.
- Point Plomer Campground - off-grid surf camp, accessible by 4WD.
Hidden gem: Find the secret waterfall at Boorganna Nature Reserve, only a few tourists make it here.
Day 5-6: Port Macquarie Coffs Harbour Yamba (4 hrs)
Highlights:
- Stop at Coffs Harbour's Big Banana (iconic!).
- Swim at Emerald Beach with kangaroos nearby.
- End your day in the chilled surf town of Yamba - Byron's underrated cousin.
Where to camp:
- Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, Yamba - top facilities and riverside views.
- Angourie Point Campground - rustic, surfer's paradise.
Hidden gem: Dive into Blue Pool at Angourie, a stunning natural swimming hole.
Day 7-9: Yamba Byron Bay Gold Coast (3 hrs)
Highlights:
- Watch the sunrise from Cape Byron Lighthouse - Australia's most easterly point.
- Explore the Byron Farmers Market.
- Cruise up to Burleigh Heads for a beach picnic and surf session.
Where to camp:
- First Sun Holiday Park - right on Byron's Main Beach.
- Burleigh Beach Tourist Park - coastal and convenient.
Hidden gem: Drive inland to Killen Falls (near Ballina) - a waterfall you can swim behind.
Day 10-12: Gold Coast Sunshine Coast Noosa (3.5 hrs)
Highlights:
- Spot whales at Point Arkwright Lookout (June-Oct).
- Walk the Noosa National Park Coastal Track.
- Grab fish & chips at Mooloolaba Wharf.
Where to camp:
- Noosa North Shore Beach Campground - right near the beach with great facilities.
- Ingenia Holidays Rivershore - a lush riverside spot near Maroochydore.
Hidden gem: Kayak the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world.
Day 13-15: Noosa Rainbow Beach
Highlights:
- If you've got time, book your Fraser Island tour and leave the van on shore for a day or two. The world's largest sand island is definitely worth it.
- Check out the giant sand dunes at Rainbow Beach.
- Drive the scenic route between Noosa and Rainbow Beach, the views won't disappoint.
Day 16-18: Rainbow Beach Agnes Water & 1770 (5 hrs)
Highlights:
- Learn to surf in Agnes Water, the last surf beach heading north.
- Visit the laid-back twin town of 1770, where Captain Cook landed.
Where to camp:
- Workman's Beach Campground - shady, cheap and 5 mins from the beach.
Hidden gem: Snorkel the Joseph Banks Reef, a mini Great Barrier Reef experience without the crowds.
Day 19-21: 1770 Airlie Beach Cairns (10 hrs total, split into 2-3 days)
Highlights:
- Stop in Airlie Beach and take a Whitsundays day trip (Whitehaven Beach is unmissable).
- Visit Wallaman Falls near Ingham - Australia's tallest single-drop waterfall.
- Arrive in Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
- Go up the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and enjoy the view.
Where to camp:
- Airlie Cove Caravan Park - budget-friendly tropical vibes.
- NRMA Cairns Holiday Park - close to the Esplanade.
Hidden gem: Drive up to Crystal Cascades, a local swimming spot hidden in the rainforest near Cairns.
Final Tips for Your Sydney to Cairns Road Trip
- Book campsites early around Byron, Noosa, and Cairns. They fill up fast in summer.
- Pack a snorkel and insect repellent. You'll use them!
- Check road conditions before driving remote national parks and don't take unsealed roads for longer than 10km with a 2WD vehicle.
Ready to go?
Grab a Wicked Camper, throw your surfboard on top, and hit the highway. The East Coast of Australia is calling!
BOOK YOUR EAST COAST ROAD TRIP NOW