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.
Drive along the Pacific Motorway (M1) north towards Gold Coast.
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.
Head to a local cafe or set up a picnic by the beach.
$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.
Drive to Surfers Paradise and find parking. Start exploring on foot.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Broadbeach

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Broadbeach before settling in for the night.
Drive to Broadbeach and choose a restaurant that catches your eye.
$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.
Head to a recommended cafe along the beachfront.
$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for close encounters with Australian wildlife.
Drive to the sanctuary and purchase entry tickets.
$50, 3 hours

2:00PM

Surfing Lesson at Surfers Paradise

Learn to surf at Surfers Paradise with a beginner's lesson on the waves.
Drive back to Surfers Paradise and join the surfing school.
$50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Coolangatta

Head to Coolangatta for dinner with a view of the sunset over the ocean.
Drive to Coolangatta and find a restaurant with ocean views.
$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.
Drive along the Bruce Highway (A1) north towards Cairns.
Fuel cost, 10 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Townsville

Stop in Townsville for a delicious lunch and stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
Explore local eateries or have a picnic in a park.
$25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Arrival in Cairns

Check into your accommodation in Cairns and unwind after the long drive.
Head to your hotel or campsite for check-in.
Accommodation cost, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner by the Esplanade

Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the Cairns Esplanade, taking in the tropical evening ambiance.
Walk or drive to one of the waterfront restaurants.
$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.
Head to Rusty's Markets in Cairns city center.
$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.
Depart from Cairns marina for the reef tour.
$200, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pier Bar

Relax and recount your reef adventures over dinner at Pier Bar, overlooking the marina.
Head to Pier Bar at the Cairns 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.
Drive to the railway station for your scenic train ride.
$45, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Kuranda

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Kuranda amidst the lush rainforest surroundings.
Explore local cafes and restaurants in Kuranda.
$30, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Kuranda Village

Stroll through Kuranda Village, visit the markets, and interact with local artisans.
Wander around the village on foot.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Indulge in a unique dining experience at Ochre Restaurant, savoring indigenous Australian flavors.
Drive back to Cairns for dinner at Ochre Restaurant.
$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.
Find a suitable spot along the Cairns Esplanade for your yoga session.
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.
Join a guided tour from Cairns that offers cultural insights.
$80, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Dundee's Restaurant

Dine at Dundee's Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views.
Head to the restaurant on the waterfront for lunch.
$50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Cairns Night Markets

Explore the vibrant stalls of the Cairns Night Markets for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Stroll through the markets in the evening for shopping.
$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.
Board the cruise from Cairns Marina for a memorable dining experience.
$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.
Embark on the Bruce Highway (A1) southbound towards Sydney.
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.
Stop at a local restaurant or cafe for lunch.
$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.
Drive to a scenic spot in Port Macquarie for sunset viewing.
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.
Find a suitable campsite in Newcastle for overnight stay.
$30, 3 hours
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