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3‑Week Road Trip: Geelong to Brisbane via the Princes Highway

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Day 1: Geelong → Warrnambool (≈ 260 km)

Morning: Depart Geelong early, cruising along the scenic coastal stretch of the Great Ocean Road. Stop at the iconic Torquay surf beaches for a quick walk.

Afternoon: Continue to the dramatic cliffs of the 12 Apostles and enjoy the views before heading inland to Port Fairy for lunch.

Evening: Arrive in Warrnambool, check into your accommodation and stroll the waterfront, catching a sunset over the ocean.

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Day 2: Warrnambool → Portland (≈ 115 km)

Morning: Explore the historic Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and the Logans Beach seal colony.

Afternoon: Drive to the coastal town of Portland, visiting the Portland Maritime Museum and enjoying fresh seafood.

Evening: Relax at the Portland Foreshore, perhaps a sunset picnic by the harbor.

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Day 3: Portland → Mount Gambier (≈ 210 km)

Morning: Cross the border into South Australia, stopping at the limestone cliffs of the Cape Nelson State Park.

Afternoon: Arrive in Mount Gambier and tour the stunning Blue Lake and the underground wonder of Umpherston Sinkhole.

Evening: Dine in the town centre and enjoy a leisurely walk along the Glenelg River precinct.

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Day 4: Mount Gambier → Robe (≈ 140 km)

Morning: Visit the historic Coonawarra wine region for a quick tasting before heading south.

Afternoon: Arrive in the charming coastal town of Robe, exploring the Robe Gaol and the scenic Glenelg River Mouth.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset beach walk at Long Beach and sample local seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

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Day 5: Robe → Adelaide (≈ 340 km)

Morning: Depart early, driving through the rolling vineyards of the McLaren Vale region for a short wine stop.

Afternoon: Enter Adelaide, visit the bustling Central Market and stroll through the Botanic Gardens.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife on Rundle Street with dinner at a local eatery.

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Day 6: Adelaide Exploration

Morning: Tour the historic Adelaide Oval and the South Australian Museum.

Afternoon: Take a short drive to the Barossa Valley for wine tasting at renowned wineries.

Evening: Return to the city for a relaxing dinner along the River Torrens promenade.

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Day 7: Adelaide → Mildura (≈ 400 km)

Morning: Head north on the Princes Highway, crossing the Murray River at Renmark and admiring the riverine scenery.

Afternoon: Arrive in Mildura, visit the Mildura Fruit Loop and sample local grapes and oranges.

Evening: Relax by the Murray River and enjoy a sunset cruise.

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Day 8: Mildura → Broken Hill (≈ 440 km)

Morning: Drive through the outback landscapes of western New South Wales, stopping at the historic town of Wilcannia.

Afternoon: Reach Broken Hill, explore the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and the iconic Silver City mining heritage.

Evening: Dine at a local pub and watch the outback stars from the Living Desert Sculptures park.

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Day 9: Broken Hill → Cobar (≈ 320 km)

Morning: Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum before departing.

Afternoon: Arrive in Cobar, explore the historic Cobar Miners’ Heritage Park and the Great Cobar Heritage Centre.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening in the small outback town, perhaps a campfire under the clear night sky.

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Day 10: Cobar → Dubbo (≈ 460 km)

Morning: Travel north, crossing the expansive plains of the Central West.

Afternoon: Arrive in Dubbo and visit the award‑winning Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where you can see native and exotic wildlife.

Evening: Stroll the historic Dubbo Courthouse precinct and dine at a local restaurant.

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Day 11: Dubbo → Newcastle (≈ 470 km)

Morning: Depart early, stopping at the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit in Bathurst for a quick look.

Afternoon: Continue to the coastal city of Newcastle, explore the revitalised Darby Street and the Newcastle Museum.

Evening: Walk along Newcastle Beach at sunset and enjoy fresh seafood at a harbor restaurant.

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Day 12: Newcastle → Port Stephens (≈ 45 km)

Morning: Short drive to the stunning Port Stephens region.

Afternoon: Take a dolphin‑watching cruise from Nelson Bay and explore the towering sand dunes at Sandgate.

Evening: Relax at a beachfront café and watch the sun dip over the bay.

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Day 13: Port Stephens → Hunter Valley (≈ 120 km)

Morning: Head inland to the renowned Hunter Valley wine region.

Afternoon: Visit boutique wineries such as Brokenwood and the Hunter Valley Gardens for a leisurely walk.

Evening: Savor a gourmet dinner at a vineyard restaurant, followed by a nightcap in the valley.

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Day 14: Hunter Valley → Coffs Harbour (≈ 530 km)

Morning: Depart the vineyards and drive north along the Pacific coast.

Afternoon: Arrive in Coffs Harbour, explore the iconic Big Banana and relax on Jetty Beach.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant and enjoy a stroll along the marina.

**Day 15: Coffs Harbour → Port Macquarie (≈ 160 km)**

Morning: Leave Coffs Harbour, stopping at the beautiful South West Rocks for a quick walk.

Afternoon: Reach Port Macquarie and visit the Koala Hospital and the historic Taree River promenade.

Evening: Watch the sunset from Town Beach and enjoy dinner at a waterfront eatery.

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Day 16: Port Macquarie → Newcastle (Return for a break, ≈ 250 km)

Morning: Drive back south to Newcastle, taking a scenic route through the Hunter Valley countryside.

Afternoon: Revisit any missed attractions, such as the Fort Scratchley Historic Site.

Evening: Relax in a local café and prepare for the final coastal stretch.

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Day 17: Newcastle → Byron Bay (≈ 770 km)

Morning: Embark on a long drive with a brief stop at Port Stephens for a coffee break.

Afternoon: Continue to Byron Bay, arriving in time to explore the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse and the vibrant town centre.

Evening: Enjoy the lively beachfront atmosphere, dinner at a local surf‑side restaurant, and a night walk on Main Beach.

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Day 18: Byron Bay Relaxation

Morning: Take a sunrise surf lesson at Wategos Beach or a yoga session on the sand.

Afternoon: Visit the Byron Bay Markets and explore the nearby Broken Head Nature Reserve.

Evening: Dine at a farm‑to‑table restaurant and enjoy live music in town.

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Day 19: Byron Bay → Gold Coast (≈ 100 km)

Morning: Short drive up the coast to the bustling Gold Coast.

Afternoon: Explore the famous surf spots of Surfers Paradise and take a ride on the SkyPoint Observation Deck.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife along Cavill Avenue with dinner and a show.

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Day 20: Gold Coast → Brisbane (≈ 80 km)

Morning: Depart the Gold Coast, stopping at the serene Lamington National Park for a short rainforest walk.

Afternoon: Arrive in Brisbane, tour the cultural precinct at South Bank and visit the Gallery of Modern Art.

Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner on the Brisbane River promenade and reflect on the journey.

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Day 21: Brisbane Exploration & Departure

Morning: Visit the iconic Story Bridge and take the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Wander through the historic Queensland Museum and the Botanical Gardens at Mount Coot‑tha.

Evening: Conclude the trip with a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city skyline.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Great Ocean Road (Torquay, 12 Apostles) – 4 h – $0 (free scenic stops)
  • Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village – 2 h – $12
  • Portland Maritime Museum – 1.5 h – $8
  • Blue Lake (Mount Gambier) – 2 h – $0
  • Umpherston Sinkhole – 1 h – $5
  • Robe Gaol & Glenelg River – 3 h – $10
  • Adelaide Central Market & Botanic Gardens – 3 h – $0
  • Barossa Valley wine tasting (2 wineries) – 4 h – $40
  • Mildura Fruit Loop – 3 h – $15
  • Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery – 2 h – $7
  • Living Desert Sculptures – 1.5 h – $10
  • Taronga Western Plains Zoo – 4 h – $35
  • Newcastle Beach – 2 h – $0
  • Dolphin cruise (Port Stephens) – 2 h – $45
  • Hunter Valley wineries (3) – 5 h – $60
  • Big Banana (Coffs Harbour) – 2 h – $20
  • Koala Hospital (Port Macquarie) – 2 h – $10
  • Cape Byron Lighthouse – 1.5 h – $0
  • Byron Bay Markets & Broken Head Reserve – 3 h – $0
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck (Gold Coast) – 1 h – $25
  • Lamington National Park walk – 3 h – $0
  • South Bank (GOMA, museums) – 4 h – $15
  • Story Bridge Adventure Climb – 2 h – $55
  • Mount Coot‑tha Botanic Gardens – 2 h – $5
  • Fuel (≈ 3,500 km) – – – $500
  • Accommodation (21 nights, mid‑range) – – – $2,100
  • Meals (average $45/day) – – – $945
  • Miscellaneous (park fees, souvenirs) – – – $300
  • Total Estimated Cost – – – $4,837

Tips

If you wish to extend the adventure, consider adding a few days in the Barossa Valley for deeper wine immersion or detouring to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for extra beach time. Conversely, you can shorten the trip by skipping the Hunter Valley wine stops and reducing the stay in Byron Bay, which would bring the itinerary down to around 14‑16 days while still covering the highlights of the Princes Highway corridor.

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Plan Your Road trip from Geelong victoria to Brisbane Queensland via princess hwy 3 weeks Trip