The Ultimate East Coast Australia Road Trip Guide

The East Coast of Australia is a bucket-list road trip packed with iconic beaches, lush rainforests, coastal towns, and natural wonders. Stretching around 2,500 km from Sydney to Cairns, this adventure delivers the perfect blend of surf culture, wildlife encounters, and tropical escapes.

Here’s your ultimate East Coast guide — with must-see stops, activities, and road trip tips to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime.

📅 Trip Overview

Route: Sydney → Cairns
Distance: ~2,500 km (one way)
Best time to go: September – November (spring) or May – August (dry season up north)

Sydney, NSW

Kick off your road trip in Australia’s most famous city.
Must-do:

  • Sunrise at Bondi Beach

  • Walk from Bondi to Coogee

  • Snap the Opera House & Harbour Bridge

  • Visit Manly by ferry

Port Stephens

📍 200 km from Sydney
Why visit: Pristine bays, sand dunes, and resident dolphins.
Must-do:

  • Climb Tomaree Head Summit

  • Sandboard down Stockton Sand Dunes

  • Dolphin-watching cruise

Coffs Harbour

📍 530 km from Sydney
Why visit: Laid-back beach town known for surf, wildlife, and banana plantations.
Must-do:

  • Snap a selfie at the Big Banana

  • Swim at Jetty Beach

  • Forest walks in Dorrigo National Park

Byron Bay

📍 770 km from Sydney
Why visit: Iconic surf town with bohemian vibes and epic beaches.
Must-do:

  • Sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse

  • Surf or swim at Wategos Beach

  • Explore local markets & cafes

Gold Coast & Surfers Paradise

📍 850 km from Sydney
Why visit: Glitzy beaches, theme parks, and nightlife.
Must-do:

  • Hit the waves at Surfers Paradise

  • Visit Burleigh Heads National Park

  • Theme parks: Movie World, Sea World

Brisbane, QLD

📍 920 km from Sydney
Why visit: Relaxed riverside city with great food, markets, and culture.
Must-do:

  • South Bank Parklands & lagoon

  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

  • Sunset at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Noosa & Sunshine Coast

📍 1,080 km from Sydney
Why visit: Beautiful beaches, national parks, and stylish beachside towns.
Must-do:

  • Coastal walk in Noosa National Park

  • Swim at Main Beach

  • Browse Eumundi Markets

Fraser Island (K’gari)

📍 1,200 km from Sydney
Why visit: The world’s largest sand island, with 4WD-only tracks, freshwater lakes, and wild dingoes.
Must-do:

  • Swim at Lake McKenzie

  • Drive 75 Mile Beach

  • Float down Eli Creek

Airlie Beach & Whitsundays

📍 1,900 km from Sydney
Why visit: Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Must-do:

  • Sail to Whitehaven Beach

  • Snorkel on Hardy Reef

  • Relax by the Airlie Beach Lagoon

Townsville & Magnetic Island

📍 2,200 km from Sydney
Why visit: Laid-back tropical town with a charming island escape just offshore.
Must-do:

  • Hike Forts Walk (for wild koalas!)

  • Snorkel the SS Yongala Wreck

  • Chill at Horseshoe Bay

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

📍 2,500 km from Sydney
Why visit: Adventure capital of the north and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforests.
Must-do:

  • Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef

  • Visit Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail

  • Explore Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

  • Cool off in Crystal Cascades

Where To Stay

Free camps & rest stops: Plenty along the Pacific Highway (use WikiCamps)

Holiday parks: Byron Bay, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Cairns

Hostels: Great options in major towns for backpackers

National parks: Book ahead for Fraser Island, Noosa, and Daintree

Roadtrip Tips

  • Book campsites in popular spots (Byron, Noosa, Fraser) early

  • Avoid driving at dawn and dusk (wildlife hazard)

  • Watch for toll roads around Sydney and Brisbane

  • Pack for mixed weather — it gets tropical up north

  • Download offline maps (Google Maps, WikiCamps)

This East Coast adventure blends everything that makes Australia special — laid-back surf towns, tropical islands, rainforest waterfalls, and one-of-a-kind wildlife. You’ll find endless spots to swim, surf, snorkel, and soak up the sunshine.

You can travel the East Coast from $1 per day with Imoova campervan relocations. You could do it in stages with a relocation from Sydney to Brisbane then Brisbane to Cairns, or all in one go from Sydney to Cairns. You can even get up to $900 fuel costs reimbursed on select routes - it's the cheapest way to travel the East Coast!

Sydney to Cairns Fuel Calculator

Sydney to Cairns road trip scenery

Estimated Fuel Cost

A$417.10

Based on average gasoline price A$1.90 per litre

Relocations you might like...

Follow Us On Socials

From the blog

Whether you're chasing waves, wilderness or wine, New South Wales has it all—rugged coastlines, mountain villages, cool city stops, and iconic Aussie sights.

Must Visit Places on a New South Wales Roadtrip

Whether you're chasing waves, wilderness or wine, New South Wales has it all—rugged coastlines, mountain villages, cool city stops, and iconic Aussie sights.

From winding coastal drives and snow-capped mountains to vineyard valleys and laneway cafés, Victoria packs a lot into a small state.

Must Visit Places on a Victoria Roadtrip

From winding coastal drives and snow-capped mountains to vineyard valleys and laneway cafés, Victoria packs a lot into a small state.

Discover Queensland’s must-visit destinations—from tropical islands and ancient rainforests to hidden beaches, reef adventures, and vibrant coastal towns.

Must Visit Places on a Queensland Roadtrip

Discover Queensland’s must-visit destinations—from tropical islands and ancient rainforests to hidden beaches, reef adventures, and vibrant coastal towns.

From rugged outback ranges to world-class wine valleys and dramatic coastlines, South Australia is packed with under-the-radar gems.

Must Visit Places on a South Australia Roadtrip

From rugged outback ranges to world-class wine valleys and dramatic coastlines, South Australia is packed with under-the-radar gems.

Looking for a cheap camper in Australia? Look no further than Imoova - the world's largest relocation marketplace where you can hire a campervan from $1 per day

How To Find Cheap Campervans In Australia

Looking for a cheap camper in Australia? Look no further than Imoova - the world's largest relocation marketplace where you can hire a campervan from $1 per day

Snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and unforgettable small towns — this Christchurch to Queenstown campervan trip is short, sweet, and stunning.

Christchurch to Queenstown Roadtrip Itinerary

Snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and unforgettable small towns — this Christchurch to Queenstown campervan trip is short, sweet, and stunning.

Discover New Zealand's lesser-known South Island road trip spots—perfect for campervans, with lakes, hikes, and budget-friendly surprises.

Hidden Gems of New Zealand's South Island

Discover New Zealand's lesser-known South Island road trip spots—perfect for campervans, with lakes, hikes, and budget-friendly surprises.

Save big with these budget-friendly and free activities around New Zealand — perfect for campervan travellers and road trippers alike.

Free & Cheap Things to Do on a New Zealand Road Trip

Save big with these budget-friendly and free activities around New Zealand — perfect for campervan travellers and road trippers alike.

Discover the perfect Bordeaux to Nantes road trip with Imoova campervans from €1/day. Explore Cognac, Île de Ré & Puy du Fou on this epic French adventure.

Bordeaux to Nantes Roadtrip Guide

Discover the perfect Bordeaux to Nantes road trip with Imoova campervans from €1/day. Explore Cognac, Île de Ré & Puy du Fou on this epic French adventure.

Experience the ultimate 5-day Alice Springs to Darwin road trip with Imoova campervans from $1/day. Discover Katherine Gorge, hot springs, & more on a budget!

Alice Springs to Darwin Roadtrip Itinerary

Experience the ultimate 5-day Alice Springs to Darwin road trip with Imoova campervans from $1/day. Discover Katherine Gorge, hot springs, & more on a budget!

Ready to experience the ultimate Aussie road trip? With Imoova’s campervans for $1/day, you can tick off cities, rainforest hikes & coastal gems on a budget.

Cairns to Melbourne Roadtrip Itinerary

Ready to experience the ultimate Aussie road trip? With Imoova’s campervans for $1/day, you can tick off cities, rainforest hikes & coastal gems on a budget.

Dreaming of tapas, flamenco, and coastal sunsets? Hit the road from Málaga to Barcelona and explore the best of Andalusia and Catalonia — all for €1/day!

Malaga to Barcelona Roadtrip Itinerary

Dreaming of tapas, flamenco, and coastal sunsets? Hit the road from Málaga to Barcelona and explore the best of Andalusia and Catalonia — all for €1/day!

Road trip from Gold Coast to Townsville in 6 days with Imoova's $1/day vehicle relocations. Explore beaches, waterfalls, and Queensland gems on a budget.

Gold Coast to Townsville Roadtrip Guide

Road trip from Gold Coast to Townsville in 6 days with Imoova's $1/day vehicle relocations. Explore beaches, waterfalls, and Queensland gems on a budget.

Explore Eastern Canada with a Halifax to Montreal RV road trip. Scenic drives, charming towns, & national parks all on a budget with Imoovas $1/day RV rentals.

Halifax to Montreal Roadtrip Itinerary

Explore Eastern Canada with a Halifax to Montreal RV road trip. Scenic drives, charming towns, & national parks all on a budget with Imoovas $1/day RV rentals.

Think Japan is too expensive? Think again. With a few insider tricks you can travel Japan — from ancient temples to neon cities — without blowing your budget.

How To Travel Japan On A Budget

Think Japan is too expensive? Think again. With a few insider tricks you can travel Japan — from ancient temples to neon cities — without blowing your budget.

Road trip through historic towns, lush national parks, and dramatic coastlines on a budget. You can travel from £1/day with Imoova motorhome relocations!

Bristol to Edinburgh Roadtrip Itinerary

Road trip through historic towns, lush national parks, and dramatic coastlines on a budget. You can travel from £1/day with Imoova motorhome relocations!

Explore the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles to Portland in 7 nights with Imoova's $1/day RV rental. Enjoy epic coastal views, food, redwoods, and top RV parks!

How To Roadtrip USA's West Coast on a Budget

Explore the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles to Portland in 7 nights with Imoova's $1/day RV rental. Enjoy epic coastal views, food, redwoods, and top RV parks!

Drive from Miami to New York on a budget with Imoova’s $1/day RV relocation deals. Explore beaches, cities, and coastlines on the ultimate East Coast road trip!

Miami to New York City Roadtrip Guide

Drive from Miami to New York on a budget with Imoova’s $1/day RV relocation deals. Explore beaches, cities, and coastlines on the ultimate East Coast road trip!