Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Ultimate Australia Adventure: Sydney to Cairns Road Trip

Viewed by 205 travelers

Day 1: Road Trip Begin

Sydney, Australia on June 1, 2024

8:00 AM

Depart from Sydney

Start your adventure by hitting the road from Sydney towards Gold Coast. Enjoy the picturesque coastal views along the way.
Drive along the Pacific Highway for about 850 km (528 miles) to reach Gold Coast.
Fuel Cost: $80, 9 hours

6:00 PM

Arrive in Gold Coast

Check into your hotel in Gold Coast. Relax and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Check in at your hotel.
Dinner Cost: $30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sydney

Day 2: Exploring Gold Coast

Gold Coast, Australia on June 2, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for a day of exploration.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Hotel Cost: Included, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Surfers Paradise

Head to Surfers Paradise to soak up the sun, relax on the beach, and maybe even try your hand at surfing.
Drive to Surfers Paradise.
Beach Parking: $10, 4 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at a Beachfront Cafe

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with a view of the ocean at a charming beachfront cafe.
Find a cafe in Surfers Paradise for lunch.
Lunch Cost: $25, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore Theme Parks

Spend the afternoon at one of Gold Coast's famous theme parks for some thrilling rides and entertainment.
Drive to the selected theme park.
Theme Park Entry: $60, 5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant in Gold Coast, trying out some Australian specialties.
Find a cozy restaurant for dinner.
Dinner Cost: $35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Gold Coast

Day 3: Journey to Cairns Begins

Cairns, Australia on June 3, 2024

8:00 AM

Depart from Gold Coast

Start your journey towards Cairns, driving through the beautiful Queensland landscapes and rainforests.
Drive approximately 1700 km (1056 miles) from Gold Coast to Cairns.
Fuel Cost: $120, 14 hours

10:00 PM

Overnight Drive

Prepare for an overnight drive to cover the distance and arrive in Cairns early the next morning.
Continue driving towards Cairns.
Snacks and Refreshments: $20, 10 hours
Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 4: Welcome to Cairns

Cairns, Australia on June 4, 2024

8:00 AM

Arrive in Cairns

Reach Cairns and check into your accommodation. Freshen up and get ready to explore this tropical paradise.
Check in at your hotel in Cairns.
Hotel Cost: Included, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Embark on a reef tour to witness the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.
Join a reef tour from the marina.
Reef Tour: $150, 6 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at the Esplanade

Wind down at the Cairns Esplanade, relax by the lagoon or take a stroll along the scenic waterfront.
Head to the Esplanade for relaxation.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at a Waterfront Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood and tropical flavors.
Find a restaurant along the waterfront.
Dinner Cost: $40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 5: Rainforest Discovery

Cairns, Australia on June 5, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local cafe, fueling up for your rainforest adventure.
Find a cozy cafe in Cairns for breakfast.
Breakfast Cost: $15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Daintree Rainforest

Embark on a guided tour of the pristine Daintree Rainforest, discovering diverse flora and fauna unique to this ancient ecosystem.
Join a tour to Daintree Rainforest.
Tour Cost: $80, 5 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch in a Rainforest Cafe

Enjoy a scenic lunch amidst the lush rainforest surroundings, savoring local delicacies.
Have lunch at a rainforest cafe.
Lunch Cost: $20, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Mossman Gorge Exploration

Visit the stunning Mossman Gorge for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters and a walk through the ancient rainforest.
Drive to Mossman Gorge for exploration.
Entry Fee: $10, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Night Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Cairns Night Markets, indulging in a variety of global cuisines and shopping for souvenirs.
Head to the Night Markets for dinner.
Dinner Cost: $25, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 6: Beach Day in Cairns

Cairns, Australia on June 6, 2024

9:00 AM

Morning Beach Yoga

Start your day with a peaceful yoga session on the beach, embracing the serene surroundings of Cairns.
Head to a quiet spot on the beach for yoga.
Yoga Mat Rental: $5, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Snorkeling at Green Island

Take a boat trip to Green Island for a snorkeling adventure, exploring the colorful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.
Join a snorkeling tour to Green Island.
Boat Tour: $100, 4 hours

3:00 PM

Beach Picnic

Relax on the white sandy beaches of Green Island, enjoying a picnic lunch amidst the tropical paradise.
Find a picturesque spot for your beach picnic.
Picnic Supplies: $20, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Island Exploration

Stroll through the island's walking paths, marveling at the lush vegetation and breathtaking views.
Explore Green Island on foot.
Entry Fee: $10, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at a Beachfront Restaurant

Savor a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant on Green Island, with panoramic views of the ocean.
Dine at a restaurant overlooking the beach.
Dinner Cost: $50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 7: Return Journey to Sydney

Sydney, Australia on June 7, 2024

8:00 AM

Depart from Cairns

Bid farewell to Cairns as you start your journey back to Sydney, reminiscing about the amazing experiences in Australia's tropical paradise.
Drive approximately 2400 km (1491 miles) from Cairns to Sydney.
Fuel Cost: $180, 19 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch Stop

Take a break for lunch at a roadside diner along the way, enjoying some Aussie classics.
Stop at a roadside diner for lunch.
Lunch Cost: $20, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Arrive in Sydney

Reach Sydney in the evening, concluding your epic road trip adventure through the wonders of Australia's East Coast.
Check in at your home or hotel in Sydney.
Hotel Cost: N/A, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Sydney
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About cairns

Best Australia Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: July in Cairns and Palm Cove
Packing List
Trip Packing List: July in Cairns and Palm Cove
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your cairns Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go