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Family Road Trip from Sydney to Cairns

Viewed by 121 travelers

Day 1: Departure from Sydney

Sydney, Australia on June 1, 2024

8:00 AM

Start Road Trip

Depart from Sydney and start the family road trip towards Gold Coast. Take plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey.
Head north on M1 towards Gold Coast.
Fuel costs, 8 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Gold Coast

Stop for a delicious lunch at a family-friendly restaurant in Gold Coast. Enjoy some freshly prepared local cuisine.
Find a restaurant on or near the Gold Coast highway.
50 AUD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Gold Coast

Visit the stunning beaches of Gold Coast, take a walk along the coast, and maybe indulge in some beach activities.
Head to the famous Surfers Paradise Beach or Broadbeach.
Free, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner

Enjoy a hearty family dinner at a local Gold Coast restaurant famous for its seafood or international cuisine.
Explore dining options in Gold Coast central.
100 AUD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sydney

Day 2: Journey towards Cairns

Byron Bay, Australia on June 2, 2024

9:00 AM

Visit Byron Bay

Take a detour and explore the charming town of Byron Bay. Visit the iconic lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views.
Head to Cape Byron Lighthouse for a scenic drive.
Entry fees if applicable, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch in Byron Bay

Have lunch at a picturesque cafe in Byron Bay, offering fresh and healthy menu options for the family.
Explore cafes in Byron Bay town center.
60 AUD, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Continue Journey to Cairns

Resume the road trip towards Cairns, enjoying the scenic drive and making occasional stops for photo opportunities.
Head north on Pacific Highway towards Cairns.
Fuel costs, 8-9 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner in Cairns

Arrive in Cairns and have a relaxing dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood dishes.
Find dinner spots along the Esplanade in Cairns.
120 AUD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Byron Bay

Day 3: Exploring Cairns

Cairns, Australia on June 3, 2024

9:00 AM

Great Barrier Reef Tour

Embark on a family-friendly Great Barrier Reef tour, snorkeling, and exploring the diverse marine life of the reef.
Meet at the Cairns Marina for the tour departure.
500 AUD, Full day

6:00 PM

Dinner at Night Markets

Head to the Cairns Night Markets for dinner, where you can enjoy a variety of street food and unique shopping.
Stroll through the Night Markets in the city center.
80 AUD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 4: Rainforest Adventure Day

Kuranda, Australia on June 4, 2024

8:00 AM

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway through lush rainforest, enjoying breathtaking views and a memorable family experience.
Board the train at Cairns Railway Station.
150 AUD, Half day

12:00 PM

Explore Kuranda Village

Explore the quaint Kuranda Village, visit local markets, and perhaps have lunch at a charming cafe.
Walk around the village for shopping and dining options.
50 AUD, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Experience the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a birds-eye view of the rainforest canopy, a thrilling adventure for the whole family.
Take a shuttle to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.
200 AUD, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner in Cairns

Return to Cairns for dinner at a cozy restaurant, sharing stories of the day's rainforest adventure.
Choose a local restaurant in Cairns for dinner.
100 AUD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kuranda

Day 5: Beach Day and Relaxation

Palm Cove, Australia on June 5, 2024

10:00 AM

Morning at Palm Cove Beach

Spend a relaxing morning at Palm Cove Beach, building sandcastles, swimming, or simply lounging by the sea.
Drive to Palm Cove from Cairns for beach time.
Free, 3-4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Palm Cove

Enjoy a beachfront lunch at one of the cafes in Palm Cove, offering fresh and delicious seafood options.
Explore dining options along the beachfront.
70 AUD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relaxation Time

Indulge in some family relaxation time, maybe by the pool or exploring the Palm Cove Esplanade.
Enjoy the amenities at your accommodation or walk along the Esplanade.
Free, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner with Ocean Views

Dine at a restaurant with stunning ocean views, enjoying the sunset and a delightful family dinner.
Choose a sea-view restaurant in Palm Cove for dinner.
120 AUD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Palm Cove

Day 6: Atherton Tablelands Exploration

Atherton Tablelands, Australia on June 6, 2024

9:00 AM

Explore Waterfalls and Lakes

Embark on a scenic drive through Atherton Tablelands, visiting waterfalls, lakes, and enjoying the lush landscapes.
Drive to attractions like Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Eacham, and the Curtain Fig Tree.
Car rental, Full day

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch

Have a picnic lunch by a waterfall or a tranquil lake, surrounded by the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands.
Find a suitable picnic spot along your route.
30 AUD, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Scenic Drive

Take a leisurely scenic drive back towards Cairns, enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the Tablelands.
Drive back towards Cairns and enjoy the views.
Fuel costs, 3-4 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner in Cairns

Return to Cairns for dinner at a cozy restaurant, celebrating the day's explorations in Atherton Tablelands.
Choose a local restaurant in Cairns for dinner.
100 AUD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Atherton Tablelands

Day 7: Return Journey to Sydney

Sydney, Australia on June 8, 2024

8:00 AM

Start Return Journey

Depart from Cairns and start the journey back to Sydney. Enjoy the road trip with memories of the adventures in mind.
Head south on Pacific Highway towards Sydney.
Fuel costs, 3 days

1:00 PM

Lunch Stop

Take a break for lunch at a roadside restaurant or cafe, enjoying some Aussie comfort food.
Stop at a suitable restaurant along the way.
50 AUD, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Afternoon Drive

Continue the journey towards Sydney, passing through scenic routes and enjoying the landscapes on the way.
Drive south on Pacific Highway.
Fuel costs, 5-6 hours

8:00 PM

Arrival in Sydney

Arrive back in Sydney, concluding the family road trip filled with unforgettable experiences and bonding moments.
Arrive at your accommodation in Sydney.
End of road trip, Rest of the day
Find Hotels in Sydney
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