Sydney to Cairns Roadtrip Guide

Sydney to Cairns Roadtrip Guide

The Sydney to Cairns drive is the most iconic campervan route on Australia’s East Coast. You’ll pass stunning beaches, rainforests, reefs, and remote gems — and thanks to Imoova’s campervan rental deals, you can do it all for as little as $1/day. Whether you're chasing surf breaks, waterfalls, or sunny campsites, this 10-day itinerary combines flexibility and adventure with affordability.

Why Choose Imoova For Your Roadtrip?

Imoova offers unbeatable campervan rental and car rental relocation deals — starting from just $1/day, often with some fuel or toll costs included. Travel like a pro, on a budget, and with ultimate freedom. The Sydney to Cairns drive is perfect for this: over 2,400 km of coastline, surf towns, rainforest, reef, and endless adventure.

📍 Day 1: Sydney to Port Stephens (210 km / 2.5 hrs)

Things to Do:

• Climb Tomaree Head Summit Walk for panoramic ocean views

• Swim or snorkel at Shoal Bay or Zenith Beach

• Book a dolphin-watching cruise in Nelson Bay

Food:

• ☕ The Little Nel Café – brunch with harbour views

• 🍕 Pasta Di Porto – fresh pasta & woodfired pizza

Campgrounds:

• 🏕 Halifax Holiday Park – walking distance to beaches

• 🏕 BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point – great amenities

📍 Day 2: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie (250 km / 3.5 hrs)

Things to Do:

• Stop at Forster for a quick dip or coffee

• Visit Koala Hospital and Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk

• Enjoy a sunset walk along Town Beach Breakwall

Food:

• 🍔 Burger Rebellion – loaded local burgers

• 🥗 The Stunned Mullet – fancier dinner spot with ocean views

Campgrounds:

• 🏕 Flynns Beach Caravan Park – short walk to surf beach

• 🏕 NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park

📍 Day 3: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour (160 km / 2 hrs)

Things to Do:

• Detour inland to Dorrigo National Park – waterfalls and rainforest walks

• Visit The Big Banana – iconic photo op and waterslides

• Relax at Jetty Beach or hike Muttonbird Island

Food:

• 🍳 Old John’s – hip breakfast spot

• 🌮 Lime Mexican – great value and tasty

Campgrounds:

• 🏕 BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park

• 🏕 Reflections Holiday Park Coffs Harbour

📍 Day 4: Coffs Harbour to Yamba (130 km / 1.5 hrs)

Things to Do:

• Surf at Turners Beach or Angourie Point

• Swim in Angourie Blue Pool (freshwater rock pool)

• Take a sunset stroll along Yamba Breakwall

Food:

• 🐟 Yamba’s Fisho – famous for classic Aussie fish & chips

• 🍳 Café Angourie – wholesome brekkie & coffee

Campgrounds:

• 🏕 Calypso Holiday Park – right on the river

• 🏕 Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort – great for families

📍 Day 5: Yamba to Byron Bay (130 km / 2 hrs)

Things to Do:

• Hike to Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunrise

• Chill at Wategos Beach or take a surf lesson

• Explore Byron’s quirky shops and live street music

Food:

• 🥗 Combi – smoothie bowls, organic eats

• 🍔 BayGer – amazing handmade burgers

Campgrounds:

• 🏕 First Sun Holiday Park – beachfront, walk to town

• 🏕 Byron Holiday Park – shaded and quieter

📍 Day 6: Byron Bay to Noosa via Gold Coast (250 km / 3.5 hrs)

Things to Do:

• 🏞️ Burleigh Heads National Park walk

• 🏖️ Swim at Tallebudgera Creek

• 🦎 Noosa National Park hike

Food Spots:

• 🥐 Paddock Bakery (Gold Coast)

• 🥪 Raw Energy (Noosa)

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ Noosa River Holiday Park

• 🏕️ BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Noosa

📍 Day 7: Noosa to Agnes Water / 1770 (370km / 4.5 hrs)

Things to Do:

• 🏖️ Swim at Main Beach

• 🛶 Explore 1770 Headland or book a kayak tour

• 🌅 Catch an epic coastal sunset

Food Spots:

• 🍳 Kiss the Cook Café

• 🍤 Codie’s Place

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ 1770 Camping Ground

• 🏕️ Agnes Water Beach Holidays

📍 Day 8: Agnes Water to Airlie Beach (450km / 5.5hrs)

Things to Do:

• 🏞️ Scenic drive through sugarcane fields

• 💦 Relax at Airlie Lagoon

• 🛥️ Book a Whitsundays snorkelling cruise

Food Spots:

• 🍕 La Marina

• 🥗 Bohemian Raw Café

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

• 🏕️ Discovery Parks – Airlie Beach

📍 Day 9: Airlie Beach to Townsville (275km / 3.5hrs)

Things to Do:

• 🌴 Explore The Strand

• 🌇 Sunset at Castle Hill

• 🐨 Option: Magnetic Island day trip

Food Spots:

• 🥗 The Strand Café

• 🍻 City Lane (great for evening eats & drinks)

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ BIG4 Rowes Bay Beachfront Holiday Park

• 🏕️ Secura Lifestyle The Lakes

📍 Day 10: Townsville to Cairns (via Mission Beach) (350 km / 4.5hrs)

Things to Do:

• 🏖️ Swim or skydive at Mission Beach

• 🌿 Detour to Babinda Boulders or Josephine Falls

• 🌆 End at Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon

Food Spots:

• 🦐 Prawn Star – seafood on a boat

• 🍜 Ganbaranba – best ramen in Cairns

Campgrounds:

• 🏕️ NRMA Cairns Holiday Park

• 🏕️ Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

The Sydney to Cairns drive is one of Australia's most unforgettable road trips. With Imoova’s cheap campervan rentals, you can explore it all on your own schedule — and for just $1/day.

👉 Browse current relocation deals at imoova.com