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The East Coast of Australia covers a vast distance. For this East Coast Australia itinerary we are beginning our journey in Sydney and travelling to Cairns. You can do it in 2 weeks visiting the major tourist spots but if you have more time you can slow down your travel and add more destinations along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Come with us as we enjoy the best of the East Coast of Australia.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By Jane Dempster-Smith<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 1<\/strong> \u2013 Sydney to Port Macquarie<\/strong> (travelling time 4 hours 10 minutes; 393 km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 2<\/strong> \u2013 Port Macquarie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 3<\/strong> \u2013 Port Macquarie to Byron Bay<\/strong> (travelling time 4 hours 10 minutes; 387 km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 4<\/strong> \u2013 Byron Bay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 5<\/strong> \u2013 Byron Bay to the Gold Coast <\/strong>(travelling time 1 hour 18 minutes; 94 km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 6<\/strong> \u2013 Gold Coast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 7<\/strong> \u2013 Gold Coast to Brisbane<\/strong> (travelling time 1 hour; 78 km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 8<\/strong> – Brisbane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 9<\/strong> \u2013 Brisbane to Bundaberg<\/strong> (travelling time 4 hours 20 minutes; 360 km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 10<\/strong> \u2013 Bundaberg<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 11<\/strong> \u2013 Bundaberg to Airlie Beach<\/strong> (travelling time 8 hours 48 minutes; 769 km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 12<\/strong> \u2013 Airlie Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 13<\/strong> \u2013 Airlie Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 14<\/strong> \u2013 Airlie Beach to Cairns<\/strong> (travelling time 7 hours 20 minutes; 619 km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Total Distance: 2,700 km<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: <\/strong> All the major car rental companies will offer one way car rentals from Sydney to Cairns. It is worth getting at least 3 quotes on the size car that you will require.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are analysing the quotes check the following carefully:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greyhound Australia offers a Hop on Hop off Bus<\/a> ticket from Sydney to Cairns which is valid for 90 days. The buses are comfortable and offer free Wi-fi, USB charging points, leather reclining seats, toilets and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Port Macquarie lies in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales at the mouth of the Hastings River. The region is well known for its beaches and wineries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best things to do in Port Macquarie is to visit the Koala Hospital. Port Macquarie has the highest population of Koalas on the East Coast of Australia. The Koala Hospital runs a daily tour each day. On average they care for 200 \u2013 250 koalas each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two walks you can do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Byron Bay is located in the Far North Coastal Region of New South Wales. Byron Bay is also the most easterly point of Australia. The region is well known for its gastronomic delights, beaches, surfing and the Cape Byron Lighthouse, making it a popular tourist destination for all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n When visiting Byron Bay, we can recommend heading out into the hinterland and visiting the small country towns of the region such as Bangalow and Mullumbimby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Gold Coast is located to the South of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. The Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise) is one of the state\u2019s most popular tourist destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Gold Coast is famous for its 70 km of beaches and it is the theme park capital of Australia. If you’re looking for things to do on the Gold Coast with kids<\/a>, take the family to visit Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, or Sea World.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brisbane is located on the Brisbane<\/a> River. There is so much to see and do in this vibrant cosmopolitan city. Take the City Hopper Ferry and cruise the Brisbane River, and head to Streets Beach in the heart of the city at Southbank. Dine at one of the many establishments along the Brisbane River, or have a lunch or evening dinner cruise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At sunset enjoy the breathtaking views from Mt Coo-tha over the city skyline. There are picnic facilities available or you can dine in the Summit Restaurant and Bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bundaberg is located on the Capricorn Coast and is known as the Southern Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Bundaberg is famous for its \u2018Bundy Rum\u2019 \u2013 Bundaberg Rum. You can enjoy daily tours from their Rum Distillery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are dive and boat tours available from Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lady Elliot Island<\/strong> is a \u2018coral cay\u2019 and is regarded as one of the best snorkelling areas on the Great Barrier Reef. Lady Musgrave Island<\/strong> is an uninhabited island and a World Heritage Listed Marine Park. There are several tour operators that offer swimming, snorkelling and diving experiences. There is no accommodation on the island but camping is allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Airlie Beach is known as the Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsundays are a group of 74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. There are several cruises daily to Whitehaven Beach and to the islands of Daydream and Hamilton.<\/p>\n\n\n From Airlie Beach you can organise a 2 hour sunset cruise with canapes and a glass of sparkling wine included. If you are not into scuba diving or snorkelling there are glass bottom boat tours available viewing the coral reef and the colourful tropical fish around Airlie Beach and the islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The town of Airlie Beach has a bustling nightlife and some of the best seafood restaurants in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You have made it to Cairns where we hope that you have allowed a few days to explore this area. The laid back city of Cairns is the gateway to the Far North. Cairns has several tour operators that operate daily cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, you can even enjoy cruises from 2 days to 7 days depending on how much time you have.<\/p>\n\n\n The Daintree Forest and Cape Tribulation are popular tourist attractions and offer 1 or 2 day tours. The Daintree Forest is the largest rainforest in Australia. Cape Tribulation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is where the rain forest meets the Great Barrier Reef.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have time available visit Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands, and the 125m Barron Falls. There are several ways to visit this region e.g. half day 4WD tour, full day tours and a full day Eco tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a range of accommodation along the East Coast of Australia from hostels, to mid-range motels and luxury 5 star accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australia\u2019s climate varies from the North to South. The North experiences tropical weather conditions with hot wet summers and mild dry winters. The cyclone season runs from November to April. The best time to travel from Sydney to Cairns is during the spring and autumn months.<\/p>\n\n\n We hope you enjoy your adventure along the East Coast of Australia. Not only will you experience stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, gastronomic delights and the best of Australian wine all of which will make one of the most memorable journeys ever.<\/p>\n\n\n Jane Dempster-Smith is co-founder of To Travel Too<\/a> a travel lifestyle blog. To Travel Too creates inspirational content for all travellers and their motto is \u2013 \u201cage is no barrier when it comes to travel.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jane has worked in the travel industry since the age of 18 and brings a wealth of knowledge and travel planning to To Travel Too.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Popular Travel Guides<\/strong> to Beach Destinations Around the World<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Spanish Canary Islands Travel Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The latest Travel Guide with everything you need to know about Spain\u2019s Canary Islands. Read more\u2026 \/ Leer m\u00e1s\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Alicante Travel Guide to Costa Blanca in Spain<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Costa Blanca is a famous stretch of coast in southeastern Spain, where a warm Mediterranean Sea bathes an infinite diversity of white sand beaches and pebble bays encircled by distant mountain peaks. Follow me on a journey down the coastline, an insider\u2019s Alicante travel guide to the Costa Blanca in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more\u2026 \/ Leer m\u00e1s\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Marino Ballena \u2013 Osa de Uvita \u2013 Costa Rica<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n From Marino Ballena Marine Reserve at Uvita Beach down to the tropical forest of Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica\u2019s southern Pacific Coast is where you\u2019ll find the best wildlife in Central America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more\u2026 \/ Leer m\u00e1s\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gili Meno \u2013 Paradise Island where the Indian Ocean meets the Pacific<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n Gili Meno Island, Lombok, Indonesia. Gili Meno is a tiny island in Indian Ocean where it meets the Pacific by the Wallace Line, a few kilometres off the northwest coast of Lombok and 35 kilometres east of Bali; sometimes called \u2018Robinson Crusoe Island\u2019, it\u2019s just like a castaway island\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more\u2026 \/ Leer m\u00e1s\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 week guide to Kerala \u2013 Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our 2 week guide to Kerala in South India. Kovalam\u2019s Lighthouse Beach is one of the most photographed scenes in Kerala, a crescent shaped bay of white sands speckled by black mineral powder with the landmark red and white old lighthouse beaconing from the rocks at the far end\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more\u2026 \/ Leer m\u00e1s\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n These Are The Best Thai Islands (Besides Phuket)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Southern Thailand has dozens of beautiful islands besides Phuket! Some of the best Thai islands are Koh Poda, Koh Samui, Koh Kradan, Koh Lipe, and Koh Wai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more\u2026 \/ Leer m\u00e1s\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beaches, Islands, Nature Attractions In Punta Cana<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n An insider\u2019s guide to Dominican Republic \u2013 the best natural attractions to visit in Punta Cana, the 3 best beaches, 3 paradise islands and 3 amazing nature parks with picture perfect scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more\u2026 \/ Leer m\u00e1s\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n San Francisco Bay Area: Who Should Visit and Why<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Why You Should Visit San Francisco Bay Area (What to See and Where to Go). Read more\u2026 \/ Leer m\u00e1s\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nYour 2 Week East Coast Australia Itinerary \u2013 Self Drive<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you were considering travelling from Melbourne to Cairns we would recommend allowing at least 4 weeks. The distance from Melbourne to Sydney travelling via the coastal route is a further 1,032 km \u2013 3,732 km in total.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Travel from Sydney to Cairns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Car Rental:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bus Travel:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThings to Do in Port Macquarie<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Koala](\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/australia-east-coast-itinerary-koalas.jpeg\")
\n\n\n\nThings to Do in Byron Bay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Tree-backed](\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/australia-east-coast-itinerary-byron-bay-lighthouse-view-bay.jpg\")
\n\n\n\nThings to Do in The Gold Coast<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Gold](\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/australia-east-coast-itinerary-gold-coast-skyline-jordan.jpg\")
\n\n\n\nThings to Do in Brisbane<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"City](\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/australia-east-coast-itinerary-southbank-brisbane-city-lights.jpg\")
\n\n\n\nThings to Do in Bundaberg<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/australia-east-coast-itinerary-great-barrier-reef.jpg\")
\n\n\n\nThings to Do in Airlie Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/australia-east-coast-itinerary-white-haven-beach.jpg\")
\n\n\n\nThings to Do in Cairns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Rain](\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/australia-east-coast-itinerary-daintree-rain-forest-cape-tribulation-great-barrier-reef-queensland.jpg\")
![\"Water](\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/australia-east-coast-itinerary-crystal-cascades-cairns.jpg\")
\n\n\n\nAccommodation On the East Coast of Australia<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Australia\u2019s Weather<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Kangaroo](\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/australia-east-coast-itinerary-queensland-beach-kangaroo.jpg\")
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The latest health advice, what to see and do, best beaches and nature activities, how to get there and inter-island transport\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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If you\u2019re going to San Francisco, take time to explore the whole Bay Area \u2013 see the city and then explore beyond the Golden Gate. Visit vineyards, trail the parks, discover the coast, enjoy California as the locals do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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