Cairns to Melbourne Roadtrip Itinerary
Ready to experience the ultimate Aussie road trip? With Imoova’s campervan relocation deals for as little as $1/day, you can drive from Cairns to Melbourne in 9 days, ticking off vibrant cities, rainforest hikes, coastal gems, and inland adventures — all while saving big on transport and accommodation.
Carl W
Relocation Specialist
🛻 Route: Cairns → Townsville → Airlie Beach → Yeppoon → Bundaberg → Sunshine Coast → Byron Bay → Hunter Valley → Albury → Melbourne
📅 Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
💸 Cost: From $1/day with Imoova relocations
📍 Day 1: Cairns to Townsville (~350 km / 4.5 hrs)
Start your journey in the tropics and follow the coast to sunny Townsville.
Must-sees:
• The Strand promenade
• Castle Hill Lookout
• Optional: Stop at Hinchinbrook Lookout near Cardwell
Food stop: City Lane — street eats & craft beer
Stay: Secura Lifestyle The Lakes, Townsville
📍 Day 2: Townsville → Airlie Beach (~275 km / 3.5 hrs)
Cruise south through cane fields to the vibrant gateway to the Whitsundays.
Must-sees:
• Airlie Beach Lagoon
• Coral Sea Marina sunset
• Optional: Quick cruise to Whitehaven Beach
Food stop: La Tabella Trattoria (beachfront Italian)
Stay: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
📍 Day 3: Airlie Beach → Yeppoon (~470 km / 5 hrs)
Drive through central Queensland to beachy Yeppoon — relaxed, scenic, and full of charm.
Must-sees:
• Yeppoon Lagoon
• Bluff Point Walking Track to stretch the legs
Food stop: Rosslyn Bay for fish & chips
Stay: Beachside Caravan Park
📍 Day 4: Yeppoon → Bundaberg (~310 km / 3.5 hrs)
Continue to Bundaberg, home of rum, reef, and (seasonal) turtles.
Must-sees:
• Bundaberg Rum Distillery
• Mon Repos Turtle Centre (Nov–Mar)
• Burnett River sunset walk
Food stop: Indulge Café
Stay: BIG4 Cane Village Holiday Park
📍 Day 5: Bundaberg → Sunshine Coast (~290 km / 3.5 hrs)
Pass through Gympie or stop at Eumundi Markets en route to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
Must-sees:
• Noosa Heads National Park
• Swim at Mooloolaba Beach
• Optional: Australia Zoo detour
Food stop: Betty’s Burgers, Noosa
Stay: Rivershore Resort, Maroochydore
📍 Day 6: Sunshine Coast → Byron Bay (~300 km / 4 hrs)
Cross into NSW and enjoy the chilled vibes and natural beauty of Byron Bay.
Must-sees:
• Cape Byron Lighthouse (great whale watching spot)
• Wategos Beach
• Clarke’s Beach sunset
Food stop: The Farm Byron Bay
Stay: Reflections Holiday Park, Byron Bay
📍 Day 7: Byron Bay → Hunter Valley (~480 km / 5.5 hrs)
Take in Northern Rivers views before heading inland to wine country - Australia's oldest wine region.
Must-sees:
• Cellar doors & vineyard tastings
• Hunter Valley Gardens
• Optional: Hot air balloon ride
Food stop: Muse Kitchen
Stay: BIG4 Hunter Valley
📍 Day 8: Hunter Valley → Albury (~470 km / 5 hrs)
Break up the drive to Melbourne with a scenic stop in this charming border town.
Must-sees:
• Albury Botanic Gardens
• Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk
• Murray Art Museum Albury
Food stop: Canvas Eatery
Stay: BIG4 Albury Tourist Park
📍 Day 9: Albury → Melbourne (~330 km / 3.5 hrs)
Head into one of the world’s most liveable cities and celebrate your journey!
Must-sees:
• Hosier Lane street art
• Queen Victoria Market
• St Kilda sunset & penguins
Food stop: Hardware Société (brunch gem)
Drop-off: Return campervan to Melbourne depot
💸 Budget Tips for Your Cairns to Melbourne Campervan Trip
• 🛻 Relocate a campervan for just $1/day via imoova.com
• 🧼 Use free/low-cost showers and facilities at caravan parks
• 🥘 Cook your own meals in the van to save on dining
• ⛽ Split fuel with friends — and plan ahead for cheap stops
• 📱 Use WikiCamps or CamperMate to find affordable overnight spots
With dramatic coastlines, iconic wildlife, and vibrant towns, this 9-day journey from Cairns to Melbourne is the adventure of a lifetime — and it doesn’t need to break the bank. Imoova's campervan relocations make it fun, flexible, and incredibly affordable.
Follow Us On Socials
Stay connected for the latest updates and travel inspiration
