Campervan Road Trip Cairns - Sydney (Or Reverse)

30 Day Campervan Road Trip Example Itinerary

Note:  Driving time is based on the direct route

Day 1: Cairns

Suggested Stay (2 Nights)

Welcome to the land down under, mate! Your East Coast adventure is about to start. Collect your vehicle and explore the tropical region of Cairns. With so much to do, you’ll be spoilt for choice including visiting the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, Atherton Tablelands, skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting, and more! Check out Josephine Falls, a scenic waterfall from the tallest peak in Queensland and for an epic swim hole head to the Babinda Boulders surrounded by lush rainforest.

Day 2: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef Intro Dive/ Snorkel

This morning you can tick off one of Australia's must-do activities - a full day Great Barrier Reef tour. You'll board at 7:30 am for a day packed with fun and excitement as you explore the outer reef. With options to try snorkeling or even scuba diving, you'll spend up to 6 hours discovering 2 spectacular reef locations. Swim alongside schools of tropical reef fish and admire amazing coral formations. Learn about the underwater ecosystem during a glass-bottom boat cruise and Marine Biology presentation. It's a true bucket-list experience that you won't want to miss! 

Day 3: Cairns - Cape Tribulation

Suggested Stay (1 Night)

Today you can get up early and go on a road trip to Cape Tribulation - a hidden gem in the tropics and the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites (the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef) meet together! This is a really special area to stay for the night and to watch the glowing sunset. Head to Mason's Swimming Hole, a crocodile-free waterhole that's sure to be a highlight of your trip. The rocks are perfectly round, while the crystal-clear water is ideal for a refreshing swim. And the best part? You'll be surrounded by the lush green canopy of the rainforest overhead! Then you’ll journey to Cape Tribulation to relax in paradise!

Day 4: Cape Tribulation - Daintree Cruise - Port Douglas

Suggested Stay (1 Nights)

Today you’ll road trip South to experience a popular eco-friendly wildlife spotting tour in the Daintree Rainforest. Cruise down the Daintree River, which is home to a variety of wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles, birds, snakes, frogs, and other creatures. You'll have the opportunity to see crocs up close as they bask in the sun or swim in the river and spot various bird species, including the magnificent Great-billed Heron and the Azure Kingfisher.

After your cruise you’ll then drive to Port Douglas and select a campsite of your choice.

Day 5: Port Douglas - Mission Beach

Suggested Stay (2 Nights)

First up, you can drive down the coast to stunning Palm Cove for some sun, sand and sea before exploring Kuranda - a vibrant rainforest village located in the mountains above Cairns, accessible via a scenic train or cable car ride! You’ll then hit up the stunning Babinda Boulders for a refreshing swim in crystal clear waters surrounded by lush rainforest and then park up around the action-packed Mission Beach for a couple of nights.

Day 6: Mission Beach - Skydive

This morning you’ll experience an exhilarating skydive - landing directly on the sandy shores! This jump has been voted one of the TOP 10 destinations for skydiving worldwide. The breathtaking views of 14km of pristine white beaches, lush rainforests, and tropical islands will leave you speechless. Get ready for the ultimate thrill of a lifetime and a Bucket list tick!

Day 7: Mission Beach - Townsville 

Suggested Stay (2 Nights)

Journey to the picturesque Murray Falls before heading to the charming seaside town of Cardwell to soak up some sun and relax on the beach. You can then venture to Paluma Range National Park, where you can hike to breathtaking waterfalls and swim in crystal-clear rock pools. Then, you'll head Townsville - the entry point for Magnetic Island.

Day 8: Townsville - Magnetic Island

Townsville is a great place for hiking, kayaking, and full relaxation! Explore Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay for a pristine beach day. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including koalas, rock wallabies, and over 180 species of birds. The island is also surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Note - You’ll have to jump on a ferry (own cost) to get to the Island and pre-book your accommodation. 

Day 9: Townsville - Airlie Beach

Suggested Stay (2 Nights)

This morning you can check out the impressive Burdekin Bridge and enjoy a swim at the beautiful Alva Beach. Make a pit stop at Bowen's Big Mango for some awesome photo ops and then head to the tropical paradise that is Airlie Beach - the gateway to the stunning Whitsundays.

Day 10: Airlie Beach - Whitsundays Adventure Cruise

Today you’ll jump on an unforgettable day trip to the Whitsunday Islands! Discover the incredible underwater world of the Whitsundays through snorkeling at one of its most picturesque islands. Then, head to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach for a dip in its crystal-clear waters and a hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout for some stunning views and Insta-worthy sand swirl pictures. With two snorkeling opportunities, you'll get to see the vibrant marine life up close and personal.

Your day cruise is one of the fastest catamarans in the Whitsundays and is proud to be accredited as a Climate Action Leading tour. Encounter a small part of The Great Barrier Reef while taking care of the environment. You’ll arrive back at Airlie beach around 5 pm.

Day 11: Airlie Beach - 1770 Agnes Water

Suggested Stay (2 Nights)

Let's hit the road and take in the stunning coastal scenery towards 1770 - Agnes Water! Head to the charming town of Mackay to stroll through the botanical gardens and check out the local markets. Afterwards, you can drive through Rockhampton known for its history and culture and incredible Art gallery - one of the best in Australia! Then make your way to a campsite of your choice near 1770. 

Day 12: 1770 Agnes Water

Time to explore the charming town of Agnes Water - the site of Captain Cook's first landing in Queensland in 1770. Today you can visit the Paperbark Forest Walk that takes you through a beautiful paperbark forest and is a great way to experience the area's unique flora and fauna. You may want to check out the Discovery Coast Markets held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month, these markets offer a great selection of local produce, crafts, and live music - a must do!

Day 13: 1770 Agnes Water - Rainbow Beach 

Suggested Stay (3 Nights + 2 Nights Camping)

Today you can make your way to stunning Rainbow Beach - the gateway to K’gari Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world! Don’t forget to check out Carlo Sand Blow for stunning views of the coastline and moon shaped dunes. 

Day 14: Rainbow Beach

Explore the rainbow cliffs, search for the rainbow stairs and relax in paradise. You may wish to venture around the surrounding national parks and nature reserves such as the Great Sandy National Park and Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area. There are heaps of breathtaking walking trails and hikes that are great for wildlife spotting. Make sure you're at the Freedom Rainbow hostel tomorrow at 7am for your Fraser Island safety brief tomorrow!

Day 15: Depart Rainbow Beach - Fraser Island Lake McKenzie

The morning starts bright & early with our compulsory tour briefing at 7am sharp at Freedom Hostel. Here you will be placed into groups and have the opportunity to organise sleeping bag hire and luggage storage. You will also be taught how to drive safely on Fraser Island ahead of your big adventure! Once you have arrived on the world's largest sand island, drive for 1 hour to the Eurong Beach Resort along 75 Mile beach - K'gari's (Fraser Island) own highway with speed limits! There you can grab a coffee and chocolate croissant (own cost) for morning tea. From here, the adventure really begins, as we drive to the famous Lake McKenzie, one of the most popular and picturesque highlights of K'gari (Fraser Island). We stop for lunch and time to swim and relax in the amazingly clear waters of the lake before driving up the beach to your campsite around 3:00 pm. Settle in for an early dinner, some well-deserved drinks and plenty of fun!  

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: K’gari - Fraser Island 

The day begins with a quick breakfast to fuel your busiest day on K'gari (Fraser Island)! First stop is Eli Creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a relaxing swim. Travelling north, stop at Maheno Shipwreck for a photo opportunity and a short history lesson about this famous K'gari (Fraser Island) icon before continuing on to Indian Head, K'gari's (Fraser Island) highest point. From here you may be lucky enough to see whales and sharks in the ocean before travelling to Champagne Pools for a dip. Lunch is served at either Maheno Shipwreck or Champagne Pools on Day 2. In the afternoon, travel back to camp for dinner and drinks.  

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Lake Wabby - Fraser Island Return to Rainbow Beach

After brekkie and once packed up, you'll drive to the beginning of the Lake Wabby walk where you'll stride through the dunes to find a tropical paradise! Lunch follows your trip to Lake Wabby before you begin the drive down the beach and back to the barge. From the mainland, head to the 4WD shed where you can unpack and quickly clean the cars. You will return to Freedom Hostel between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. 

Meal(s) included: Lunch

Day 18: Rainbow Beach - Noosa

Suggested Stay (2 Nights)

It's time to say goodbye to Rainbow and hello Noosa! You may have time this morning to head to the quaint town of Eumundi to check out the famous Eumundi Markets, where you'll find unique handmade crafts and local delicacies. From there you can take a road trip to the popular local spot of Noosa and select a campsite of your choice.

Day 19: Noosa - Everglades Cruise

Today you’ll discover Noosa’s iconic Everglades off-the-beaten-path! Explore the serene and scenic waterways of Australia's only Everglades on a specially designed eco boat or by canoe. This untouched, pristine wilderness area located within the sand dunes of the Cooloola National Park is home to over 44% of Australia's bird species and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding tea tree infused ecosystem.

Day 20: Noosa - Brisbane

Suggested Stay (2 Nights)

Get ready for a thrilling road trip from the tropical paradise of Noosa to Brisbane. Head towards the Sunshine Coast and explore the area, Caloundra has lovely coastal beaches so take a dip! Then continue your drive towards the bustling city of Brisbane AKA Bris-vegas!

Day 21: Brisbane

Today you can check out Brisbane's cultural attractions including the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Queensland Museum. Don’t forget to head to South Bank, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes you can kick back by the river and reflect on some awesome travel memories.

Day 22: Brisbane - Coolangatta

Suggested Stay (1 Nights)

Today you can make a few stops at the stunning Gold Coast beaches for a dip in the ocean and even some shopping! You can also explore the natural beauty of Mount Tamborine and take in the breathtaking views from Curtis Falls. Time permitting you may wish to stop off at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can cuddle with koalas and feed kangaroos. 

Day 23: Coolangatta - Byron Bay 

Suggested Stay (3 Nights)

Ready for an epic road trip from Coolangatta to Byron Bay? Hit the road early and make your first stop at the stunning Currumbin Rock Pools. Next, you may wish to explore Mount Warning for an incredible hike to the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Hit up the charming town of Brunswick Heads for some delicious fish and chips and free live music at the pub before finding a campsite close to super chilled out Byron Bay.

Day 24: Byron Bay - Learn to Surf

Surfs up! It's time to tackle some waves like the locals. From Byron Bay your surf school will take you to the best beaches with perfect learning waves and will have you riding in no time! You’ll enjoy a half day Surf lesson with an expert local team and all equipment will be provided. Get stuck into the bohemian vibe, catch the sunrise at the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse before wandering the colorful markets and indulging in some delicious street food. 

Day 25: Byron Bay

Byron Bay has several stunning beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Check out Main Beach, Wategos, and Tallows Beach for a more chilled beach vibe! You can also hike in the Hinterland and explore the Minyon Falls walk/ lookout, which takes you to a stunning waterfall. In the evening head to one of the beaches or hilltops in Byron Bay to watch the sun go down.

Day 26: Byron Bay - Yamba

Suggested Stay (1 Nights)

Today you’ll experience a road trip along the stunning Australian coast from Byron Bay to Yamba. Head to the beautiful coastal town of Lennox Head and pop into the local town of Ballina. Catch some waves, go for a hike, or simply soak up the sun before settling down near the laid-back coastal town of Yamba - a popular destination for surfers of all levels, with some of the best waves on the East Coast of Australia. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there are plenty of spots to catch a wave. Park up at a campsite near Yamba and enjoy the stunning sunset views. 

Day 27: Yamba - Coffs Harbour

Suggested Stay (1 Night)

First, you can take a road trip to Minnie Water - a super old quaint fishing town full of charm, history and lengthy beaches. Head to Woolgoolga for some fresh craft beer and stunning beach views before hitting up the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk to spot some dolphins and whales. You'll then arrive at Coffs Harbour for the evening.

Day 28: Coffs Harbour - Port Macquarie

Suggested Stay (1 Night)

Today you’re off to Port Macquarie. Head to the quirky town of Bellingen, where you can explore the artsy streets and grab a coffee in one of the many charming cafes. Then take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Trial Bay. You can also check out the incredible beaches of Southwest Rocks, before choosing your campsite for the evening close to Port Macquarie. 

Day 29: Port Macquarie - Blue Mountains

Suggested Stay (1 Night)

Ready for an epic road trip from the coastal paradise of Port Macquarie to the breathtaking Blue Mountains? Take a dip at the stunning Ellenborough Falls, a 200 metre horsetail waterfall that will nicely break up this journey. Check out campsites near Katoomba - close to the Blue Mountains National Park for more options. 

Day 30: Blue Mountains - Sydney Departure

Oh hello nature! Today you may wish to stroll along the Cliff Top Walk in Katoomba and then head to Echo Point Lookout for amazing views of the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Check out the stunning Leura Cascades before making our way to the vibrant city of Sydney where you can drop off your vehicle and say goodbye to like minded friends and you set off on the rest of your travels. 

We hope you have made memories to last a lifetime and hope to help you on your next adventure! Fiji or New Zealand anyone….!

Itinerary Vehicle Pick Up - Cairns

Itinerary Vehicle Drop Off - Sydney

OR Reverse

Pick ups & Drop offs are available in: 

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane & Cairns

Contact us for more information

Optional K'gari Fraser Island $25 - $50 vehicle insurance levy to pay directly.

Please note: Prices are subject to change for travel between PEAK SEASON.

Please contact us for a custom quote.

Love this package but have some questions? No worries!

Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about our packages.

Don't see yours here? Contact Us to find out more.

•  Can I make changes to the package?

It is no problem to customize your package to suit your travel plans by adding/removing anything that you wish. If you wish to make changes, please contact us via email hello@backpackersworld.com

• Is the itinerary flexible?

We book all of the included tours/activities on your behalf and you will be given a voucher for each with all of the information needed ie travel date and departure/pick up location/time.

We also provide a recommended driving and overnight stay itinerary with loads if info on what to see along the way. You are welcome to follow this suggested itinerary or change it up as you travel. Please just keep in mind you will need to arrive at the departure points for the booked activities as per the dates you are booked.

It is your responsibility to prebook the suggested campsites or find free freedom camping areas along the way. Most travellers find this is a really flexible way to explore the East Coast whilst still seeing all the bucket list destinations.  

• How much should I budget for spending money?

All of our packages include some meals (you can find the included meals in the inclusions and in the day-to-day itinerary) which means that you will only have to budget for the meals that are not included. The amount that these meals will cost vary however all of the hostels have communal kitchens so you can cook your own meals instead of eating out. Some travellers will only spend an extra $5 a day whereas some will spend an extra $50! Your campervan rental includes everything you need to cook your meals.

You will also need to budget $9-35 per/person per night if you wish to stay at dedicated camp sites with full amenities if you wish to pre book these. When you book your package you will receive a document with all of our favourite campsites. This also includes free campsite options (with limited availability) if you wish to use these and save money.

• Do I have to choose the exact dates to start and finish?

Due to limited availability for the campervan rental and tours/activities we recommend that you book your package as far in advance as possible to guarantee availability on your chosen dates.

• Does this package depart daily?

Yes this package is available to depart daily (subject to availability).

• Do I have to pay upfront for this package or can I pay a deposit/in instalments?

The majority of our customers book and pay for their package in full, meaning that we will book everything in advance to guarantee availability. However, as the prices of our packages can change due to price increases, you are able to secure this amazing package price with a small deposit of just $100pp. You are then able to pay off the package in instalments as and when you wish. As we are unable to make the bookings for the campervan and tours until we have received full payment, due to availability, we do recommend completing payment for your package as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Because of this, it is no problem to tweak the itinerary until full payment has been received - the deposit just locks in the discounted price of this package. If you are worried about availability, let us know as so we can go ahead and look into options for you, for example locking in certain parts of your trip that are likely to fill up in advance such as the Whitsundays/Fraser Island. Have a query about the payment that isn't answered above? Feel free to ask us on live chat, give us a call on +61 2 9070 1025 or send us an email at hello@backpackersworld.com.