The Ultimate Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Are you planning a road trip in Australia but not sure where to start? This Australia East Coast road trip itinerary will help you make the most of your Australia adventures.

In this post, you will find the best spots on the East Coast of Australia, as well as tips for driving in Australia.

This 5 week Australia itinerary starts in Cairns and ends in Melbourne, including the Great Ocean Road. Of course, you can do it the other way around as well. Enjoy planning your Australia road trip!

Australia East Coast road trip itinerary

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East Coast Australia itinerary: map

Click here for the interactive map

Australia road trip advice

Below you can read about some important tips and things to know about driving in Australia.

Australia is huge

Let's make something very clear: Australia is big. Huge. Massive. In fact, it's so big it qualifies as a continental landmass instead of just a country.

You can spend anything from three weeks in Australia to several months (or even years!) and not run out of things to see.

We spent 5 weeks driving from Cairns to Melbourne and while we didn't feel rushed, it would have been great to have more time.

There are just so many worthwhile Australian activities and highlights along the way…

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools:
✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com.
? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com.
?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda.
? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook.
? Plan your journey with the Lonely Planet.
?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing.

Drive on the left in Australia

First things first: in Australia people drive on the left. For the majority of the people in the world (70%), this is different than what they're used to.

It is for me, in the Netherlands we drive on the right side of the road, so be careful, especially when you're getting back on an empty road.

It can be easy to forget which side of the road you are supposed to be on without oncoming traffic and this happens quite a lot on the quiet roads of Australia.

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Watch out for wildlife

We saw so many dead kangaroos and other animals on the side (and on) the road. Be careful and avoid driving in the dark if you can.

You don't want to be involved in an accident as this isn't covered by insurance. What's more, I would be horrified and traumatized if I would ever kill or injure an animal while driving…

The unique wildlife of Australia has been around a lot longer than cars, so be careful and mind the (wildlife) signs.

Be careful in strong wind and heavy rain

There are several high-wind areas on the road from Cairns to Sydney, be very careful in these areas if you have a high-top camper van (or a car with a tent on top).

Also, sometimes it rains. A lot.

We've had a couple of days when suddenly a very heavy rainfall occurred and we could barely see through the windshield even with the wiper blades at maximum speed.

In those cases, we either found a rest area or a pull-out and waited for the worst rain to pass.

Rent a campervan

In my humble opinion, there is no better way to road trip Australia than by campervan!

A camper will provide both transportation as well as accommodation, which allows for maximum freedom and flexibility.

We rented a Kuga campervan from Travellers Autobarn and were very happy with it. In the van, we had a small kitchen with a sink, fridge, 2-pit stove, and even a microwave.

There were two windows on the side of the roof, both covered with mosquito nets, so it was easy to ventilate the van without getting lots of bugs inside. The bed was very comfortable and easy to convert into a seating area.

Most importantly, however, having your own house on wheels means you can go pretty much anywhere you like!

Click here to book your Travellers Autobarn campervan

We used the free Campermate app to find free campsites. In the app, you can read comments from people who have recently visited a place and commented on the facilities.

You can also use the Campermate app to find (free) hot showers, drinking water, gas bottle refill points, and much more. Don't forget to download the offline maps to avoid using lots of data!

Alright, let's get to the most important point of this post: the ultimate East Coast Australia road trip itinerary!

5 week Australia road trip itinerary

Week 1: Cairns, Daintree National Park, and Townsville

Day 1: Cairns to Mt. Molley

Distance: 120 km

Cairns Esplanade

During this lovely stroll along the ocean, you'll see pelicans and many other birds. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit for a dip in the public pool!

Trinity Beach and Palm Cove

While driving north from Cairns, be sure to stop at Trinity Beach and Palm Cove, two cute little villages with stunning beaches and tropical palm trees.

Captain Cook Highway

The further north from Cairns you get, the more beautiful the road! We pulled over a couple of times to take a snapshot of the amazing views.

Port Douglas

This beautifully situated town is the perfect spot to end your first Australia road trip day.

Visit the Flagstaff Hill Viewpoint and St. Mary’s by the Sea, a lovely little church. If you're lucky to visit around sunset on a clear day you'll see the entire bay in a magic golden glow…

Campsite: Rifle Creek Rest Area

This is a basic campsite with flat spots, both for tents and vans. There is a clean toilet, cold water shower, and rubbish bins. A small donation (2AUD) is requested to maintain the site.

Day 2: Mossman Gorge and Daintree National Park

Distance: 250 km

Mossman Gorge

A 2km walk leads to a beautiful gorge in the lush rainforest. The water is suitable for swimming and the River Track is a great little hike, perfect for an easy morning stroll.

Be sure to pay close attention to the warning signs, sometimes swimming is prohibited due to dangerous conditions (strong currents).

Note: there is also a shuttle bus from Mossman Gorge Centre to the heart of the Gorge. It runs every 15 minutes between 8 am and 6 pm. More information and prices can be found here.

Mount Alexandra Lookout

After a short trip on the Daintree river ferry, you'll arrive in the Daintree rainforest, one of the most impressive National Parks in Australia.

A twisting and turning narrow road leads further and further into the green jungle. Be sure to pull over at Mount Alexandra Lookout and enjoy the beautiful view over the forest and the ocean.

Cape Tribulation Beach and the Kulki Boardwalk

Cape Tribulation Beach is stunning, even on a cloudy day. The short Kulki Boardwalk leads to a viewpoint and you're bound to spot lots of tropical plants )and birds) along the way.

Cow Beach

On our way back to the ferry we took a short detour to Cow Beach, which was completely deserted. Along the way, we spotted a cassowary! Unfortunately, he disappeared before we could take a picture.

Campsite: Rifle Creek Rest Area

Return to the Rifle Creek Rest Area (day 1) or find a campground in Cairns.

Day 3: Snorkeling and scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef

Distance: 100 km (on water, 0 on the road)

Diving is one of our favorite travel activities and diving at the biggest reef in the world was a bucket list item for us!

We went on a day trip with Tusa Dive and saw white-tipped reef sharks, lagoon-spotted stingrays, nudibranchs, and many more cool underwater creatures.

This is definitely a recommended activity if you're a fan of the underwater world. Don't worry if you don't have a scuba certification, this excellent day tour is suitable for divers and snorkelers alike.

Click here to book a snorkeling and scuba dive tour

Campsite: Cairns

Use Campermate to find a good spot near Cairns.

Day 4: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Distance: 100 km

Board the amazing Skyrail near Cairns and fly over the tropical rainforest. Along the way, you'll be able to explore the world's oldest tropical rainforest and learn about its delicate ecosystem from the knowledgeable rangers who man the stations.

Gaze upon the impressive Barron Falls and pick up a souvenir or two in Kuranda, situated at the banks of the Barron River.

We spent pretty much all day riding the Skyrail and exploring the different stations, however, if you're short on time you could do it in 2-3 hours.

Campsite: Kairi Lions Park Rest Area

This grassy field in Kairi village can accommodate a lot of campers. There is a (clean-ish) toilet with running water. The spots are flat and it's very quiet. Plus, it's free!

Day 5: Fig trees, lakes, and boulders

Distance: 120 km

The Curtain Fig Tree

A huge strangler fig tree slowly took over its neighbor (another big tree). When the neighboring tree fell down, the fig created a curtain to support itself and continued growing (aka slowly killing) yet another adjacent tree.

Yungaburra platypus viewing platform

Unfortunately, we didn’t see any of these fascinating creatures but don’t skip this spot next to Peterson Creek, perhaps you’ll get lucky!

Lake Eacham

This easy stroll around a beautiful volcanic crater lake (3km) leads through a dense jungle. Fun facts: the lake is 65 meters deep and has no in or outflow other than groundwater (no streams flow in).

Lake Barrine and the Twin Kauri Trees

At this crater lake, you'll find two very large Kauri trees. There is a trail around this lake as well (5km), with lovely views.

Gillies Range Road

This amazing twisting and turning road leads from Yungaburra to Gordonvale. The views are stunning, however, this road requires concentration and careful driving.

Just take your time and enjoy!

Babinda Boulders

A great spot to go for a swim (in one of the designated swimming areas). Also, check out the Devil’s Pool Lookout and the Boulders Lookout.

Important: please mind the warning signs, they are there for a reason. People have died at the Babinda Boulders because of the treacherous currents.

Campsite: Babinda Rotary Park

This beautiful free camp spot is situated just outside Babinda village. There are lots of flat spots, clean toilets, and hot showers (2 dollars for 4 minutes, only 1-dollar coins accepted).

There is even clean drinking water available to refill your water tank, making it one of the best free campgrounds in Australia.

Day 6: A waterfall, a beach, and a natural pool

Distance: 300 km

Josephine Falls

This is a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall that can be viewed from three platforms. There is a 700-meter trail leading from platform to platform and you can even go for a swim.

Again: be careful, the currents can be strong.

Mission Beach

there are so many stunning beaches along the Queensland Coast, with tropical palm trees and white sands…

In and around Mission Beach there are several places with stinger nets where it's safe to go swimming.

The Spa Pool

Take a little detour off the A1 and you'll find a pretty blue pool that is perfect for an afternoon dip!

The 3km gravel road leading to the pool is in good condition and can be done in a rental car or campervan.

Campsite: Balgal Beach free camping area

This is a nice free campsite next to the beach. There are only a couple of spots so you've either got to be a bit lucky and arrive early or make a reservation online.

The toilets are clean and there is a small restaurant across the street in case you don't feel like cooking or are short on supplies.

Day 7: Townsville

Distance: 160 km

The Strand

This well-kept esplanade along the beach offers beautiful ocean views. Spend a morning exploring the center of Townsville, grab a coffee and enjoy life the Aussie way.

Townsville has lots of facilities for travelers, making it a great spot for a ‘chores day'. And since you've been on the road for a week, you probably have a couple of things that need to be taken care of.

Freshen up at the public showers at the Strand, do some grocery shopping and laundry, visit the public library to charge your phone/laptop/e-reader/camera/GoPro, and use the Wi-Fi, etc.

Campsite: Home Hill Comfort Stop

While this may not be the prettiest spot of your Australia road trip, there are lots of amenities (for free!).

Free hot showers (max. 5 minutes), clean toilets, warm water on tap, and 200MB of free Wi-Fi per day at the Visitor Center. There is even a BBQ in the kitchen area in case you want to roast some meat.

Week 2: the Whitsunday Islands, Agnes Waters, and the Inskip Peninsula

Day 8: Beautiful beaches

Distance: 270 km

Bowen

This is a convenient stop for groceries and fuel if you need either of those. Don't spend too much time there, instead, continue to one of the two beautiful beaches below (or visit both!).

Dingo Beach

If you're lucky, you'll have this stunning beach all to yourself. The views are amazing and it's a great place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Hideaway Bay

Another great beach in Australia is Hideaway Bay, if you've still got some time after visiting Dingo beach it's worth checking out.

You can drive up the hill and take some beautiful pictures of the vivid blue waters.

Campsite: Cedar Creek Falls parking lot

This basic free site is actually just the parking lot of Cedar Creek Falls with a toilet and non-potable water. Many other cars as well and we didn't see a ‘No Camping’ sign.

It remains to be seen how long that will last…

Day 9: Airlie Beach and around

Distance: 100 km

Cedar Creek Falls

The perfect place to wake up and take an early dive! The water is cold but fresh (and croc-free).

Conway Beach

If you feel Airlie Beach is too busy, go to this beach instead! It was completely deserted when we visited.

Granted, the water isn't the pretty blue color it has in Airlie, but at least you got the whole stretch of sand to yourself…

The Lagoon

The lovely Lagoon in Airlie Beach is a great spot to spend a lazy afternoon. The swimming pool is great and there are plenty of good spots on the grass to relax.

There is a nice and friendly atmosphere and a diverse crowd (from families with young kids to backpackers and people having a quick lunch break).

Mandalay Point

Be sure to visit this beautiful viewpoint just outside Airlie Beach. You'll be able to see the Whitsunday Islands in the distance and lots of sailing yachts on the water.

Campsite: BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort

This was our first paid campsite in Australia and we felt it offered excellent value for money. Yes, it’s next to the airport so it’s noisy during the day.

That being said, there is a good camp kitchen, hot showers, clean toilets, a laundromat, a swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi (12-hour access).

There are also a couple of villas and apartments at the BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort, click here to book.

Day 10: Sailing the Whitsunday Islands

Distance: 70 km

You've probably seen pictures of the Whitsunday Islands, it looks like a postcard of paradise.

The best way to explore the Whitsunday Islands is with an organized tour. We sailed around the beautiful islands for hours on the Camira catamaran.

Along the way, we stopped at Whitsunday Island and climbed to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout (pictured above).

We relaxed at the gorgeous white sands of Whitehaven Beach and had a delicious lunch on board.

After lunch, we went snorkeling before returning to Airlie Beach. Altogether it was a great day and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Book a full-day eco-cruise to the Whitsunday Islands => in the morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel and head to the marina in Airlie Beach by bus.

During this trip, you'll go snorkeling, learn more about the marine life around the Whitsunday Islands, go for a walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, and have free time to relax on the beach and soak up the splendid scenery.

Moreover, a morning and afternoon snack and lunch are included. Check availability here.

Campsite: BP Bloomsbury

This is a good (free) spot next to the A1. We parked behind the BP where it was very dark and quieter than expected. The BP has clean toilets and a shower (you can buy a token at the counter).

There are sockets for charging your electronics as well and you can buy 1-hour WIFI for 5 dollars. However, I recommend getting a local SIM card instead, which will give you more data for less money.

Day 11: Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and Zoo

Distance: 470 km

Clairview Community Center and beach

You'll be covering a lot of distance today and the parking lot at the Clearview Community Center is a great place to break up the journey, have a little picnic and admire the views.

Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and Zoo

Desperate to stretch your legs after a long day of driving? The Botanical Gardens are a great place to do so!

You can visit the (free) zoo and spot some cool animals, such as the super-rare cassowary.

Campsite: BP Marmor

Good free camp spot, next to the A1. Several other campers, clean toilets at BP, and free hot showers.

Day 12: Agnes Waters and Seventeen Seventy

Distance: 320 km

Agnes Water Bakery

This little bakery bakes such great pies, you can even find it in the Australia Lonely Planet. Be sure to try the bacon and cheese pie, it's delicious!

Agnes Waters Beach

There are so many beautiful beaches in Australia, but this was the first beach with people on it! Probably because there aren't as many deadly marine stingers in the waters south of Agnes Waters…

Chinaman’s Beach

No crowds here, just beautiful views…

Paperbark Forest Boardwalk

A short (400 meters) and fun boardwalk through a paperbark forest.

Seventeen Seventy

This small town derives its name from Captain Cook’s landing here in 1770.

You can walk from the James Cook Memorial to the viewpoint at the tip of the peninsula (3 km return). This is a lovely walk through the forest with beautiful panoramas along the way.

Campsite: Sharon Nature Park

A nice campsite (free) with toilets, running water and a camp kitchen. It’s close to Bundaberg (15 km).

Day 13: Bundaberg

Distance: 70km

Mon Repos Turtle Rookery

This interesting turtle information center features lots of displays about the different types of turtles that nest on the beach.

The center also organizes tours and has strict guidelines to avoid disturbing the turtles.

Mon Repos Beach

Some parts of the beach are open to the public and you can walk the Turtle Trail through the forest.

Important: stick to the trails and marked areas on the beach to avoid disturbing the turtles.

Campsite: Wallum Reserve

This is a free site with plenty of spots. If you arrive early you may be able to secure one of the secluded spots under the trees.

The drop toilet is relatively clean. There is no drinking water available.

Day 14: Maryborough and the Inskip Peninsula

Distance: 70 km

Maryborough

Maryborough is one of the oldest towns in Queensland. It's pretty famous because Pamela Lyndon, the author of Mary Poppins, was born here.

There are several old buildings and a life-size (aka rather small) statue of the iconic nanny.

Inskip Peninsula and the Carlo Sandblow

The Inskip Peninsula is a narrow spit of land that feels very rugged and remote. Be sure to hike up to the Carlo Sandblow, this 120-meter-tall dune offers beautiful views over the ocean and the colorful sands.

If you've got plenty of time, consider hiking the 5-day Cooloola Great Walk. More information can be found here.

Across the Inskip Peninsula is K'gari (Fraser Island), the largest sand island in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

?If you've got time, consider taking this Fraser Island tour (from Hervey Bay). Ride along sand tracks and see dramatic sand dunes, Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, and 75 Mile Beach. Check availability.

Campsite: Roos Creek Store Rest Area

A quirky free site next to the S15. The field can be a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, however, there are clean toilets and a sink to do dishes.

The shop owners are very friendly and donations are highly appreciated.

Week 3: The Glass Mountains, Towoomba, Brisbane, and Byron Bay

Day 15: Gympie

Distance: 26 km

Despite the fact that Gympie is practically on the Sunshine Coast, it rained all day. Therefore, we didn't do anything special.

Just some basic ‘chores' such as laundry, grocery shopping, a refill for our cooking gas bottle, fuel, and a visit to the library to catch up with family and charge our electronics.

Campsite: Six Mile Creek Rest Area

This is a fairly busy site, but it's free and there are clean toilets. It's situated next to the highway, drinking water is not available.

Day 16: Mapleton Falls and the Glass Mountains

Distance: 175 km

Mapleton Falls

Because the viewing platform is above the falls you can't really tell, but this waterfall is 120 meter high! The view is beautiful and the Wompoo circuit trail (1.3km) is a nice stroll through the rainforest.

The Glass Mountains

There are 14 freestanding mountains in an otherwise flat area and from the Mountain View Lookout, you can see all of them.

There are several hikes in the area, more information about the trails can be found here. We did the 4 km Tibrogargan circuit which was perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Campsite: Kilcoy Anzac Memorial Park

This is an excellent free campsite! Free hot showers, clean toilets, and along a road with no traffic during the night. Lots of other campers and by the looks of it some of them have been staying there for a while.

Day 17: Towoomba and around

Distance: 175 km

The Japanese Garden ‘Ju Raku En'

Japanese gardens are known for their clean designs and beautiful bridges and this park is no exception. It's a lovely place for a little stroll and some contemplation.

Picnic Point

This beautiful lookout is indeed the perfect place for a picnic!

Tabletop Mountain

The trail to the top of Tabletop Mountain (600 meters high) is one of the best hikes in Australia despite it not being very long.

Parked your car at the start of the gravel road, from there it’s about a 3.6km return hike. The path is quite rocky and steep in some places, so wear proper shoes and hiking clothes.

I accidentally made the climb in my (long) dress which was far from ideal. I didn’t know it would be a climb instead of a hike, otherwise, I'd have opted for a different outfit. At least I got a cute picture out of it;-).

Campground: James Hedges Park

A nice, free and quiet place to spend the night, even though it’s next to the A2. Clean toilets and good spots, especially on the far side of the grass overlooking the river.

Day 18: Brisbane

Distance: 120 km

GOMA

One of the best things to do in Brisbane is to visit the GOMA. When we were in Brisbane there was a brilliant Yayoi Kusama exhibition on display.

I don’t know much about art, however, I recognized Yayoi Kusama's unique style immediately! I loved the funky and colorful installations, especially the box with all the black and yellow pumpkins.

Tip: If you find yourself longing for more than 5m2 of space after almost 3 weeks on the road, Belise Apartments is a great place to stay in Brisbane.

Day 19: Brisbane

Distance: 40 km

Brisbane South Bank

We walked along the South Bank and loved the lively atmosphere! We visited on a Sunday and there were lots of families and groups of friends chilling out by the pool and Streets Beach.

Bring your swim clothes, a towel, water, and some snacks and spend a lazy afternoon here.

Visit the Epicurious Garden

The concept of this organic city garden is amazing, you can read all about it here.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Take a stroll in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and relax in the shade.

Brisbane City Hall

Climb the Clock Tower for great views or sign up for a free tour to learn more about City Hall (detailed information can be found here).

Campground: Hugh Muntz Rest Area

Nothing special but when it’s free you can’t complain;-). Metallic toilets without seats, dirty in the evening but clean in the morning (thank you cleaning crew!).

There are usually many campers even though there is a sign saying it’s only for self-contained vehicles.

Day 20: Waterfalls

Distance: 160 km

Cedar Creek Falls, Curtis Falls and Witches Falls

You'll visit not one but three waterfalls today! My personal favorite was Cedar Creek, however, the walk through the forest (3km) at Witches Falls is nice too and the view over the valley is beautiful.

Currumbin Rock Pools

An excellent spot for an afternoon swim.

Campsite: Yelgun Rest Area

Another free site that's situated along the highway and isn't very quiet. Clean toilets despite the many campers.

There is a sign saying ‘no camping’ so spending the night is at your own risk (as with all the spots mentioned in this Australia itinerary).

You can also choose to stay at the Sleepy Hollow rest area a little north of Yelgun.

Day 21: Byron Bay

Distance: 100 km

Byron Bay village and beach

We drove past the Gold Coast to Byron Bay. The atmosphere in Byron Bay is lively but laid-back at the same time.

There is a great beach that is busy no matter what time of the day and plenty of cafes for a drink or a bite.

Byron Bay Lighthouse

If you're lucky with the weather and visit on a sunny day, this stunning panorama may end up being one of the highlights of your Australia road trip.

Byron Bay Lighthouse is pretty famous and while the lighthouse is indeed very pretty, it’s the stunning color of the water that draws the eye.

It's a gorgeous bay and the waters are crystal clear, you may even spot some stingrays!

Campsite: New Italy Rest Area

This free site is next to the road and rather noisy. The cafe on site is great though, as is the small museum and shop.

The toilets are very clean. The complex is run by volunteers and donations are highly appreciated.

Week 4: Yamba, Sydney, and the Blue Mountains

Day 22: Yamba

Distance: 60 km

Go for a stroll around Hickey Island

This is a quiet and relaxing place for a short walk. The view over the bay is beautiful, even on a cloudy day.

Turners Beach

Watch the surfers ride the waves (or join them if you're a surfer yourself).

Yamba Lighthouse and Yamba Main beach

Admire Yamba's cute little lighthouse atop a hill and visit Yamba Main beach.

Treat yourself to some frozen Yoghurt from Amici

All flavors are delicious, but the cake batter one is just irresistible…

Accommodation in Yamba

We stayed at the house of a friend, but you can either look for a campground via CamperMate or check out Adrift Apartments, which offers excellent value for money.

Day 23: Yamba

Distance: 175 km

Blue and Green Lagoon (Angouri)

These two freshwater pools are situated right next to the ocean. When we visited the weather was a bit dreary but these pools are a very popular place to go for a swim on a sunny (weekend) day.

Yamba Cinema

Because it was raining, we decided to catch a movie in the small but cute Yamba Cinema. There were only 6 people (including us) which made for a special and different cinema experience.

Mutton Bird Island viewpoint

In the afternoon the rain finally cleared up and we were desperate to stretch our legs. From the Marina boardwalk, we spotted a lot of fish and even a couple of stingrays!

The view from the top of Mutton Bird Island is beautiful, it feels a bit like standing at the edge of the world.

Campsite: Burdett Park Rest Area

This is a quiet and peaceful free site next to a sports field. Clean toilets, running water, and even a place to do the dishes.

Next to the road but almost no traffic at night. Donations are highly appreciated.

Day 24: Dorigo National Park

Distance: 250 km

Dangar Falls

A very impressive waterfall that's best viewed from the top viewing platform. You can walk to the platform at the bottom of the waterfall as well, it's a nice stroll but the view from the top is much better.

Dorrigo Rainforest Center

The Dorrigo Rainforest Center is a very interesting and informative visitor center about this particular section of rainforest.

The movie about Dorrigo National Park is long but very insightful and worth your time.

Skywalk

From the Skywalk platform, you'll have an amazing view over the forest and if you're patient you'll see and hear lots of tropical birds.

Wonga Walk

The Wonga Walk leads along two waterfalls and through the dense jungle. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the 6.6 km circuit.

Campsite: John’s River Tavern/Blacksmiths Inn Tavern

Quiet free spot a little off the road. Plenty of grassy shady spots below the trees. You can use the toilets in the tavern during opening hours, and a public toilet a little down the road when the tavern is closed.

Day 25: Sydney

Distance: not sure, but we walked a lot!

Sydney Darling Harbor

You've probably seen many pictures of Sydney's beautiful harbor but nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes!

Admire the famous opera building, the Sydney skyline, the harbor bridge, and more. The best views of the harbor are from the ferry between Manly and Circular quay.

?Travel tip: if you plan to visit multiple sights in Sydney, consider buying the iVenture Card.

This card gives you up to 40% discount on SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo, Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Tower, Sydney Opera House, a hop-on, hop-off boat cruise, and more. Get your card here.

Botanical gardens

While there are many impressive buildings in Sydney, there are lots of big green spaces as well.

The lovely Botanical Gardens are next to the Opera building and are the perfect place for a casual stroll. Or find a bench in the shade and relax.

Hyde Park and the ANZAC Memorial

This is another lovely park with an impressive ANZAC memorial to remember the soldiers fallen in the wars Australia has fought over the years.

The Rocks

A pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with beautiful old buildings, lots of shops, and restaurants.

Visiting Sydney as a family? Read about the best things to do in Sydney with kids (written by a Sydney local)

Accommodation in Sydney

We were lucky to stay with friends, but there are many accommodation options in Sydney, suitable for all budgets.

Great options are St. Marks Randwich (a lovely design apartment) and Veriu Broadway (a boutique hotel near the city center).

Day 26: Sydney

Distance: another day of walking!

Chinatown

Explore this small but beautiful Sydney neighborhood and get some bubble tea while you're there.

The Observatory

From the observatory hill, you can see different areas of Sydney and get a grasp of the size of the city. Did you know about 20% of the Australian population lives here?

The Harbor Bridge

It's a bit of a walk but crossing the Harbor bridge on foot is definitely worthwhile. The views over the city and the harbor are great.

Manly

This is a lively neighborhood on the north side of the bay. There is a beautiful walk from Manly wharf to Spit Bridge.

Also read: the ultimate Sydney city walk

Day 27: the Blue Mountains

Distance: 150 km

The Jamisons, Princes Rock, and Wentworth Falls Lookouts

There are several lookouts, all offering stunning views over the beautiful blue mountains.

A short trail leads down to the Princes Rock lookout which offers a much better view of the waterfalls than the Wentworth lookout.

Wentworth Falls Lake and Reserve

This peaceful and quiet lake is a good spot for a picnic or a lazy afternoon. There is also a playground, making it a good stop for families with kids.

Campsite: Blackheath Glen reserve

Quiet campsite in the forest that's usually quite busy with campers. The toilets were dirty and smelly, there are garbage bins.

If you arrive early you may be able to confiscate one of the good spots, otherwise, you'll have to squeeze in with the rest.

Day 28: the Blue Mountains

Distance: 200 km

Echo point and the Three Sisters

Echo Point is the most well-known (and therefore busiest) viewpoint in the Blue Mountains. It's overlooking a gorgeous valley it's the best place to admire the Three Sisters, a peculiar rock formation.

Evans Lookout and the Grand Canyon trail

This is a great hike down into a moist green gorge. You'll feel like walking through the King Kong film set.

Please note this 6.6-kilometer-long trail involves lots of steps, though if you're reasonably fit you won't have any issues completing it.

Be sure to bring enough water though as it can get pretty hot, especially if you do this trail in the early afternoon. The trail took us 2 hours to complete.

Campsite: Abercrombie River Camp

This was one of our favorite campgrounds in Australia. We didn't drive all the way down to the river because we didn't want to risk getting stuck with our camper van.

If you've got a 4×4 those spots are definitely worth checking out! It was very quiet during the night and the starry night was beautiful.

The toilet is very basic, there are lots of garbage bins and it's free.

Week 5: Canberra, Daylesford, and the Great Ocean Road

Day 29: Canberra exploration

Distance: 250 km

Explore Canberra

I'll get straight to it, I didn't love Canberra…

Maybe we didn't do the right things, for one we should have visited the Australian War Memorial and the National Museum of Australia but the city felt so… quiet. Almost deserted.

We walked along the river, across Reconciliation Plaza, and visited the National Gallery and the National Library of Australia but just didn't feel the vibe.

It was a little more lively in the area around City Hill where we went for dinner but altogether I couldn't help but be a little disappointed in Canberra, especially after falling in love with both Brisbane and Sydney.

That being said, I'd love to revisit and give the city another try as I've heard many people who love Canberra.

Campsite: parking area in Murumbateman

We spent the night at a small parking area in Murumbateman, a little village along the A25.

There were no signs saying no overnight camping and but it's in the middle of the village so I'm not sure if the locals really appreciate people camping there.

Anyway, we arrived late, left early, and behaved like responsible and considerate campers.

Day 30: to the South (via Yass and Albury)

Distance: 330 km

Visit the Murbateman farmer's market

Every Saturday there is a small farmers market in Murbateman. There are cherries, local beer, freshly brewed coffee, and raw honey for sale amongst other things.

Take a shower at Caltex in Holbrook

After not being able to take a shower for a couple of days, finding a place to do so can be a real highlight;-).

Albury museum and library

We needed to charge our electronics and some Wi-Fi to catch up with our family and the Albany library offered both. There is also a small exhibition about the area.

Campsite: Chiltern park rest area

Free, next to the highway but behind an earthen wall with trees so the noise from the highway isn't that bad. The toilets were clean.

From the parking lot, you can go for a short stroll through the forest, we even saw a kangaroo!

Day 31: Daylesford

Distance: 325 km

Lake Daylesford

There is a lovely trail leading around the lake, perfect for a quiet afternoon walk.

Check my extensive guide about the best things to do in Daylesford.

Hepburn Springs

There are several mineral springs in this cute little village. Be sure to check out the Wyuna spring, Sulfur spring, and Locarno spring.

Don't forget to bring an empty bottle to sample some of the spring water!

Campsite: Mount Franklin reserve

This was our favorite free camp spot in Australia. This picturesque campsite is situated in the heart of an old caldera.

There are lots of beautiful spots under the trees and there is a nice walk up the hill and around the edge of the caldera. There are pit toilets and that's pretty much it.

No drinking water is available and neither are garbage bins. Bring plenty of water and take your trash with you when you leave.

Day 32: Queenscliff and Bells Beach

Distance: 250 km

Princes Park

Princess Park is a nice place for a stroll. Be sure to walk to the beach for beautiful views over the bay. On a clear day, you can see Melbourne in the distance.

Queenscliff Fort

This fortress was built in 1860 and there are several options to take a tour and learn more about its history. Check this website for more information.

Bells beach

Torquay is the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road and there are loads of beautiful viewpoints from here until Petersborough.

One of those is Bells Beach, where you can spend an entertaining afternoon watching the surfers ride the waves.

Campsite: Big Hill campground

It can be challenging to find a spot on this popular free campground. The toilets were surprisingly clean. Garbage bins on site.

Day 33: The Great Ocean road

Distance: 250 km

Erksine Falls

The trail leading to the lower viewpoint involves lots of steps but the view of the beautiful Erskine Falls is much better than the top viewing area and worth the effort.

The Great Ocean Road

The one and only Great Ocean Road! Be prepared to pull over lots of times (but only when it's safe to do so). This is an amazing and scenic road.

Take your time and be prepared for lots of twists and turns and phenomenal views. Basically, everything you want for a road trip.

Castle Cove Lookout

A beautiful viewpoint and a good spot to make some lunch in your campervan while admiring the view.

The Gibson Steps

The original steps have been replaced by concrete ones but the new ones are nowhere as cool.

The old steps were carved from stone by hand by a man called Hugh Gibson. The view is beautiful, both from the top as well as from the beach.

The Twelve Apostles' viewpoint

This is a world-famous and iconic view. It's usually very crowded but definitely a spot to add to your Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Loch Ard wreck lookout

From this beautiful viewpoint, you can see both a natural arch as well as the location where the Loch Ard clipper went down in 1878 (after a 3-month journey from England).

Campsite: Killarney Beach Camping reserve

This was the second paid campsite of our 5-week road trip. Included in the price is the use of the outside camp kitchen, the use of the (hot) showers, and the laundry machine.

Just behind the campsite (which doubles as a sports field) is the ocean.

Day 34: Tower Hill Reserve

Distance: 150 km

Tower Hill Reserve

A small but beautiful park consisting of an old volcano and wetlands. In the park, you can hike several (short) trails and look for wildlife. We saw emus just before exiting the park, a mother with two chicks!

Campsite: Meredith Park

A lovely free site next to Lake Colac. Clean toilets, several trash cans, and a beautiful view…

Day 35: Back to Melbourne

Distance: 160 km (back to Travellers Autobarn)

We had planned to spend a couple of days in Melbourne and subsequently fly to Darwin to visit friends.

However, a close friend of ours unexpectedly passed away so we abruptly ended our trip and flew home to attend his funeral and be with our family and friends. 

Road trip East Coast Australia: in conclusion

Despite the very sad end of our Australia road trip, we had 5 wonderful weeks. Rain forest, coral, ocean, lakes, waterfalls, fun cities, and little villages, Australia has so much lot to offer!

I hope this itinerary will help you plan your Australia road trip! Also, check out my Australia road trip budget or read about getting a work and travel visa for Australia.

This post was updated in December 2022.