How many days do you need in cairns?

This itinerary covers 7 days in cairns, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for cairns?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to cairns. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Ultimate Sydney to Cairns Campervan Road Trip

Day 1: Coastal Drive Adventure

Sydney, Australia on June 1, 2024

8:00AM

Start Your Journey

Pick up your campervan in Sydney and hit the road towards the Gold Coast for a scenic coastal drive.

Campervan rental cost, 8 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Burleigh Heads

Stop at Burleigh Heads for a beachside lunch and some relaxing by the ocean.

$20, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Surfers Paradise

Arrive at Surfers Paradise, walk along the vibrant streets, and take a stroll on the iconic beach.

Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Broadbeach

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Broadbeach before settling in for the night.

$30, 2 hours

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Day 2: Beach Day and Wildlife Encounter

Gold Coast, Australia on June 2, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mermaid Beach

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local cafe by Mermaid Beach.

$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for close encounters with Australian wildlife.

$50, 3 hours

2:00PM

Surfing Lesson at Surfers Paradise

Learn to surf at Surfers Paradise with a beginner's lesson on the waves.

$50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Coolangatta

Head to Coolangatta for dinner with a view of the sunset over the ocean.

$40, 2 hours

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Day 3: Journey to Tropical Cairns

Cairns, Australia on June 3, 2024

8:00AM

Travel to Cairns

Embark on the drive from Gold Coast to Cairns, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way.

Fuel cost, 10 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Townsville

Stop in Townsville for a delicious lunch and stretch your legs before continuing your journey.

$25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Arrival in Cairns

Check into your accommodation in Cairns and unwind after the long drive.

Accommodation cost, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner by the Esplanade

Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the Cairns Esplanade, taking in the tropical evening ambiance.

$35, 2 hours

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Day 4: Great Barrier Reef Exploration

Cairns, Australia on June 4, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Rusty's Markets

Start your day with a diverse breakfast spread at Rusty's Markets, sampling local produce.

$20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Great Barrier Reef Tour

Embark on a full-day tour to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling and diving in its pristine waters.

$200, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pier Bar

Relax and recount your reef adventures over dinner at Pier Bar, overlooking the marina.

$45, 2 hours

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Day 5: Rainforest Exploration

Cairns, Australia on June 5, 2024

8:00AM

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Hop on the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a breathtaking journey through the rainforest to the village of Kuranda.

$45, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Kuranda

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Kuranda amidst the lush rainforest surroundings.

$30, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Kuranda Village

Stroll through Kuranda Village, visit the markets, and interact with local artisans.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Indulge in a unique dining experience at Ochre Restaurant, savoring indigenous Australian flavors.

$60, 2 hours

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Day 6: Relaxation and Cultural Immersion

Cairns, Australia on June 6, 2024

9:00AM

Beachfront Yoga

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session on the beach, connecting with the serenity of the coast.

Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Aboriginal Cultural Tour

Embark on an Aboriginal cultural tour to learn about the rich heritage and traditions of the local Indigenous communities.

$80, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Dundee's Restaurant

Dine at Dundee's Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views.

$50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Cairns Night Markets

Explore the vibrant stalls of the Cairns Night Markets for souvenirs and local handicrafts.

$30, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner Cruise on the Trinity Inlet

Indulge in a sunset dinner cruise along the Trinity Inlet, enjoying a delightful meal as you glide through the waters.

$100, 3 hours

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Day 7: Return Journey to Sydney

Cairns, Australia on June 7, 2024

8:00AM

Depart from Cairns

Bid farewell to Cairns and start your return journey to Sydney in the campervan.

Fuel and toll costs, 12 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Townsville

Take a break in Townsville for lunch and some last-minute exploration before hitting the road again.

$25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset Stop at Port Macquarie

Pause in Port Macquarie for a picturesque sunset view by the coast, capturing the beauty of the journey.

Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner and Campsite Set-Up

Arrive at a campsite near Newcastle, have dinner, and set up for the night under the stars.

$30, 3 hours

Find Hotels in Cairns

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Ultimate Sydney to Cairns Campervan Road Trip

Day 1: Coastal Drive Adventure

8:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Beach Day and Wildlife Encounter

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Journey to Tropical Cairns

8:00AM

1:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef Exploration

7:00AM

9:00AM

6:00PM

Day 5: Rainforest Exploration

8:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Relaxation and Cultural Immersion

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 7: Return Journey to Sydney

8:00AM

1:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

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