Roadtrips
Sydney to Cairns Roadtrip Guide
The Sydney to Cairns drive is the most iconic campervan route on Australiaโs East Coast. Youโll pass stunning beaches, rainforests, reefs, and remote gems โ and thanks to Imoovaโs 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 โ 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.
๐ 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:
โ The Little Nel Cafรฉ โ brunch with harbour views
๐ Pasta Di Porto โ fresh pasta & woodfired pizza
Campgrounds:
๐ Halifax Holiday Park โ walking distance to beaches
๐ BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point โ great amenities

๐ 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:
๐ Burger Rebellion โ loaded local burgers
๐ฅ The Stunned Mullet โ fancier dinner spot with ocean views
Campgrounds:
๐ Flynns Beach Caravan Park โ short walk to surf beach
๐ NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park

๐ Day 3: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour (160 km / 2 hrs)
Things to Do:
Detour inland to Dorrigo National Park โ waterfalls and rainforest walks
Visit The Big Banana โ iconic photo op and waterslides
Relax at Jetty Beach or hike Muttonbird Island
Food:
๐ณ Old Johnโs โ hip breakfast spot
๐ฎ Lime Mexican โ great value and tasty
Campgrounds:
๐ BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park
๐ Reflections Holiday Park Coffs Harbour

๐ 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:
๐ Yambaโs Fisho โ famous for classic Aussie fish & chips
๐ณ Cafรฉ Angourie โ wholesome brekkie & coffee
Campgrounds:
๐ Calypso Holiday Park โ right on the river
๐ Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort โ great for families

๐ 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 Byronโs quirky shops and live street music
Food:
๐ฅ Combi โ smoothie bowls, organic eats
๐ BayGer โ amazing handmade burgers
Campgrounds:
๐ First Sun Holiday Park โ beachfront, walk to town
๐ Byron Holiday Park โ shaded and quieter

๐ Day 6: Byron Bay to Noosa via Gold Coast (250 km / 3.5 hrs)
Things to Do:
๐๏ธ Burleigh Heads National Park walk
๐๏ธ Swim at Tallebudgera Creek
๐ฆ Noosa National Park hike
Food Spots:
๐ฅ Paddock Bakery (Gold Coast)
๐ฅช Raw Energy (Noosa)
Campgrounds:
๐๏ธ Noosa River Holiday Park
๐๏ธ BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Noosa

๐ Day 7: Noosa to Agnes Water / 1770 (370km / 4.5 hrs)
Things to Do:
๐๏ธ Swim at Main Beach
๐ถ Explore 1770 Headland or book a kayak tour
๐ Catch an epic coastal sunset
Food Spots:
๐ณ Kiss the Cook Cafรฉ
๐ค Codieโs Place
Campgrounds:
๐๏ธ 1770 Camping Ground
๐๏ธ Agnes Water Beach Holidays

๐ Day 8: Agnes Water to Airlie Beach (450km / 5.5hrs)
Things to Do:
๐๏ธ Scenic drive through sugarcane fields
๐ฆ Relax at Airlie Lagoon
๐ฅ๏ธ Book a Whitsundays snorkelling cruise
Food Spots:
๐ La Marina
๐ฅ Bohemian Raw Cafรฉ
Campgrounds:
๐๏ธ BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
๐๏ธ Discovery Parks โ Airlie Beach

๐ Day 9: Airlie Beach to Townsville (275km / 3.5hrs)
Things to Do:
๐ด Explore The Strand
๐ Sunset at Castle Hill
๐จ Option: Magnetic Island day trip
Food Spots:
๐ฅ The Strand Cafรฉ
๐ป City Lane (great for evening eats & drinks)
Campgrounds:
๐๏ธ BIG4 Rowes Bay Beachfront Holiday Park
๐๏ธ Secura Lifestyle The Lakes

๐ Day 10: Townsville to Cairns (via Mission Beach) (350 km / 4.5hrs)
Things to Do:
๐๏ธ Swim or skydive at Mission Beach
๐ฟ Detour to Babinda Boulders or Josephine Falls
๐ End at Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon
Food Spots:
๐ฆ Prawn Star โ seafood on a boat
๐ Ganbaranba โ best ramen in Cairns
Campgrounds:
๐๏ธ NRMA Cairns Holiday Park
๐๏ธ Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

The Sydney to Cairns drive is one of Australia's most unforgettable road trips. With Imoovaโs cheap campervan rentals, you can explore it all on your own schedule โ and for just $1/day.
๐ Browse current relocation deals at imoova.com
Relocations you might like...
- A$200.00
- Free linen
- A$200.00
- Free linen
- A$200.00
- Free linen

Sydney โ Cairns

Sydney โ Cairns

Sydney โ Cairns

Sydney โ Cairns
Sydney to Cairns Fuel Calculator

Estimated Fuel Cost
A$420
Based on average gasoline price A$2 per litre