The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Sydney to Cairns, Australia
By: Liv Mello
Tags: Advice, Travel, Roadtrip, This Happened To Me, Australia

The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Sydney to Cairns, Australia

A list of must-sees, van rentals, and travel hacks, this guide is all you need to plan an epic Aussie road trip!

Photo by Liam Pozz on Unsplash

Similar to driving straight from New York to Los Angeles, this 2,200-mile (3,500km) trip from Sydney to Cairns takes about 37 hours non-stop, but I’d recommend giving yourself at least one month. I was recently asked if it could be done in two weeks and my answer is yes, but only if you’re ambitious.

There’s so much to see on the eastern coast of Australia — from lush hikes to beautiful waterfalls and otherworldly beaches — that’s a lot of ground to cover in a short amount of time. But if you don’t mind long days on the road, more research up-front, and a stricter schedule, then I say go for it! The continent certainly won’t disappoint.

Here’s a 6-step guide to planning the ultimate road trip from Sydney to Cairns, Australia. Let’s go!

Screenshot by Liv

Step I: Choose the right partner.

First things first, consider your travel mate and whether or not they’re fit for the trip. It doesn’t matter how picturesque a road trip might seem… if you’re with the wrong person, you’re going to have a shitty time.

I would warn against road tripping with anyone who fits the following:

Skeeved out by bugs —you’ll most likely be sharing your van with mosquitoes, spiders, moths, and other mystery insects I couldn't find on Google… which leads me to a pro tip: ALWAYS CARRY BUG REPELLENT. Needs to know exactly when their next hot shower will be Needs to take hot showers Has a tendency to get hangry Is not flexible when plans change, or optimistic when things go awry Needs to be doing something at all times Hates spontaneity Has to wear makeup every day and/or travels with a lot of baggage Does not like talking about poop Has no sense of humor

The company you keep dictates the experiences you make, so choose wisely. I took a risk while I was in Australia. I jumped into a van with a complete stranger and man, did I get lucky. Mel turned out to be the most laid back chick I’ve ever met. She’s a flexible, beer-loving night owl, quiet morning-person, who made me laugh so hard I nearly peed myself multiple times. That’s the kind of partner you’re looking for.

Photo by Liv on Instagram

So, you found yourself a killer sidekick? Perfect, you're ready for step two!

Step II: Find the right van.

Renting

You’ll see multiple van rentals on the market, but Travellers Autobarn is a “one-stop-shop for backpackers planning their self-drive trip around Australia.” We hired the Kuga, which is large enough to fit three people but was definitely more comfortable with two. This automatic van came fully equipped with one converted double bed and one single loft bed, power steering, AC in the front cabin, gas stove, fridge, sink, microwave, water tank, USB & 12 V plug-in, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, pillows, sheets, kitchen cutlery, tea towels, a kettle, and even an optional booster seat.

For specific pricing, you can inquire with the company directly but here’s a heads-up. Insurance accounts for much of the total rental cost and naturally, there are different levels of coverage. Split between two people, I believe we paid about $20 each, per night. That’s comparable to a very cheap hostel room. For additional information on their terms & conditions, click here.

And while on the topic of money, gas is expensive in Australia so don’t forget to take that into consideration while budgeting your trip.

BUYING:

If you’re in Australia for the long-haul, you can look into buying your own vehicle. You’ll pay more up-front but you can likely turn it over and resell the van after you’re done with it. Gumtree, Camper Vans Australia, and Craigslist are good places to start if you’re looking for this type of investment.

I also saw tons of vans for sale parked on the side of main roads with contact details posted on the dash. Australians tend to be super friendly and accommodating, especially fellow campers, so their enthusiasm about your adventure may lead to a better price or good travel tips, at the very least.

Step III: Download CamperMate

Screenshot by Liv

CamperMate is an amazing app that takes all the stress and uncertainty out of road tripping. The easy-to-use interface offers up-to-date, reliable information on the exact locations of campgrounds, restaurants, ATMs, things-to-do, road warnings, and public toilets with showers.

We found the campground map most useful. The fridge and sink in our camper van had to re-charge every three days so we planned our route around when and where we could find powered sites.

Unfortunately, the external batteries in these vans don’t have a gauge to warn you when they’re running low, so you just have to play it safe. In the entire two months, our battery (for the fridge and sink, not the van itself) died once. We were near Brisbane and were able to get it fixed for free at the Brisbane Travellers Autobarn branch.

Step IV: Don’t miss these 3 MUST-SEE destinations

This is your road trip — not mine — so I won’t be too specific here. Experiences I loved might not appeal to you, and I may have missed the best stops you’ll stumble upon. Flexibility is key when it comes to everything in life, especially traveling. While it’s good to have a plan, don’t be afraid to bend or extend when it feels right.

If you’re interested in a more detailed itinerary, I’d be happy to send you a list of recommendations. Shoot an email over to liv@livinlavida.blog and let’s connect! With that said, here are three places that I urge you to see.

1. The Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach

Photo by Mel on Instagram

The Whitsundays are made up of 74 islands located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The largest — Whitsunday Island — is home to Whitehaven Beach, the most beautiful beach you’ll ever lay your eyes on. If you’re going to spend money on anything in Australia, this is it.

Book a boat that’ll offer you onboard accommodation, a trip to the islands, snorkeling and/or scuba diving gear, three meals a day, and the beach you’ll think you fabricated with your mind.

There are so many overnight sailing tours to the Whitsundays that we were severely overwhelmed in the decision making process. We eventually chose Alexander Stewart, a 75ft sailing vessel with a maximum of 18 passengers on board. Even in the company of honeymooners and married couples, we had the time of our lives. I believe it cost about $300 USD for two overnights. Pricy, I know but trust me, I’m an admittedly stingy person and I felt it was worth every penny. Waking up on a sailboat, watching the sunset over the endless horizon, Mel and I had to pinch each other to prove we weren’t dreaming.

Disclaimer: As someone who is educated and interested in the Great Barrier Reef, I thought I was prepared to see the coral bleaching caused by global warming and sedimentation. But, I wasn’t.

As a kid, I watched countless documentaries and owned nerdy pamphlets, admiring its complex ecosystem and biodiversity, dancing corals, and vibrant fish. Australia felt worlds away. I never expected to go, let alone snorkel there. Twenty years later and I was accomplishing a life-long pipe dream that left me riddled with sadness and guilt. Floating a safe distance away, I watched as other snorkelers took selfies with a timid sea turtle covered in brown moss, surrounded by dusty gray coral.

I couldn’t help but feel like we shouldn’t be there and we had already done enough damage. What started as my main motivation to go on this tour ended up being my least favorite part of this incredible experience.

2. Byron Bay

Photo by Liv on Instagram

You know that thing you bought five years ago, that sexy little summer dress that’s been hanging in your closet with nowhere to go? (Sorry guys, I’m sure you have a comparable island-style button-down?) Whatever it is, you can retire it from the closet because everyone in Byron has impeccable style. Think tanned surfers, talented street performers, restless nightlife. Byron is cool and young and sexy.

Mel and I did not have the proper attire but we still had a hell of a time here! We ended up staying six days out of the five weeks of our trip.

Places to check out in Byron:

• Glen Villa Resort: Powered campground to recharge. Short walk into town.

• Arts Factory: This site is unpowered but you can park your van and use all of the hostel facilities including the pool, game room, volleyball court, and access to daily events. Don’t miss the Tuesday night Talent Show. I met so many rad people from all over the world here.

• Byron Bay Brewery: The best live music on the daily

• Surf Lessons at Clarke’s, Belongil or Main Beach

• Minyon Falls Lookout: Waterfall, 45 minutes from the coast

• Cape Byron Lighthouse: Incredible views at sunrise and sunset

3. Fraser Island

Photo by Mel on Instagram

This is the largest sand island in the world, spanning a whopping length of 639 miles, and the only place where rainforests grow on dunes. With 72 different colors of sand, none of the roads are paved which means only 4 wheel drive vehicles are permitted.

From the beautiful turquoise water of Lake Mckenzie, to the SS Maheno shipwreck of 1935, to the champagne pools, the best way to see everything is to book a tour and spend the night.

Photo by Mel on Instagram

Cool Dingo Tours: Start the tour getting to know your guide with a cheeky welcome drink, then hop on board your GIANT TOUR BUS. I’m talking gigantic. Cool Dingo offers different lodging options essentially equating to shared hostel rooms or private hotels. Our hostel room smelt like farts for some reason so we missed the van, but it was still bearable.

Tag Along 4WD Tour is perfect if you want to get in on the driving action. Hop in your SUV rental and cruise down 75 Mile Beach, the island’s only “highway” which is affected by the rising tides.

Ferries run daily to Fraser from Rivers Heads, which is about 20 minutes south of Hervey Bay.

Don’t miss: Eli Creek on 75 Mile Beach is the most magical real-life lazy-river you’ll ever float down. Oh, and 75 Mile Beach is exactly what it sounds like. The island’s main “highway” runs along its sandy shoreline.

Step V: Consider these hidden gems

Seventeen Seventy:

I had the most peaceful day here, eating lunch on a grassy lawn near Endeavour Park, taking a swim in the estuary, and a nap in our hammock.

Nimbin:

We didn’t make it over to Nimbin, mostly because we loved Byron too much to make the two and a half-hour drive inland, but looking back, I wish we had. Nimbin is known as the hippie hub of Australia. Rainbow murals, free spirits, medicinal marijuana, and hallucinogens, the locals are just as colorful as their landscape.

Surfer’s Paradise:

An hour north of Byron on the Gold Coast, the name says it all.

Magnetic Island:

Located off the coast of Townsville in Queensland, if you catch a ferry over to Magnetic Island you can expect some easy hiking trails, beachfront bars, reefs for snorkeling, and a park where you can hold koalas. (Disclaimer: You’re only given about ten seconds with them, just long enough to have your photo taken, and the whole experience felt strange and invasive to me.)

Magnetic Island is tiny so if you go, rent a Tropical Topless Car, not just to get around but for the pure experience of driving a Barbie car with a stick-shift.

Wallaman Falls:

This is the tallest waterfall in Australia! If you own a drone, be super careful flying it here. Don’t descend lower than your starting point without adjusting your settings and don’t hover the drone too close to the falls. They will eat it.

We learned this the hard way…

Photo by Mel on Instagram

Step VI: Always remember, better safe than sorry

1. Always lock your van, even when you’re sleeping in it.

2. Don’t drive at night.

Some van rentals don’t provide insurance coverage for accidents that have occurred between sunset and sunrise. Kangaroos are cool and all — trust me, I couldn’t stop smiling the first time I saw one — but they’re known to jump out into the middle of the road just in time to f**k your car up. You also don’t want to get stuck without a place to crash, and most campgrounds shut their gates around 5 or 6 pm.

3. Be careful where you park.

In Australia, camping is illegal on the side of the road and many public lots, and the fines can be hefty, but there are tons of permitted rest areas on A1. A few nights we risked it and prepared ourselves for the potential of being woken up by police banging on our windows, but we never had any problems.

4. Drive the speed limit.

Speed cameras are everywhere. They’re hard to see and the fines are no joke.

5. Buy a dashboard mount for your phone.

Holding your cellphone while driving is illegal. If you need to use the phone as a GPS, get a dashboard mount, or have your partner hold it and navigate. Here we’ve come full circle, people. Be sure to choose a partner who doesn’t mind navigating. Now, there’s only one thing left…

Have fun and don’t die :)

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