This month long road trip was designed to allow for regular overnight stopovers when travelling with a baby. It was a 6000km return trip from Sydney to Cape Tribulation which we attempted to break into 300km chunks, taking into account the traffic over the Christmas and New Year period.
There are a lot of interesting localities on the eastern coastline. This itinerary is one of many that could possibly be done and includes some of our favourite places and recommendations along the way.
It’s possible to do this trip with one driver but recommended to have two, since it’s spaced over a short period. Also recommend going off-season or a day or two before the holiday rush starts, to avoid traffic and delays.
When travelling on Australian highways, remember to stay in the left lane unless overtaking and watch out for the signs that say “Speed Camera Ahead”.
Day 1: Sydney to Harrington – 334km
Harrington is a small village located on the mouth of the Manning River with a beautiful and unique coastline that stretches up to the picturesque fishing village of Crowdy Head.
On the way to Harrington
Recommended near Harrington
Day 2: Harrington to Coffs Harbour – 208km
Coffs Harbour is a coastal town in the northern part of New South Wales, famous for its beaches, bushwalks and bananas!
On the way to Coffs Harbour
Recommended in Coffs Harbour
- Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout
- Big Banana
- Park Beach
Day 3: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay – 241km
Byron Bay is a coastal town on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland with a chilled out bohemian vibe.
You can often see humpback whales from the headland between the months of June and November.
Recommended in Byron Bay
- Captain Cook Lookout
- Fisherman’s Lookout
- Cape Byron Light House
Optional
- Whale Watching Boat Trip
Day 4: Byron Bay to Nimbin – 77km
Nimbin is a village in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales famous for its annual Mardigrass Festival.
The drive is beautiful as it cuts through the mountains, forest, rolling hills and valleys.
Recommended in Nimbin
- “Main Street”
- Nimbin Pizza and Trattoria
Day 5: Nimbin to Brisbane – 179km
Brisbane, located on the Brisbane River, is the capital city of Queensland, full of great place eat, drink and shop.
Recommended in Brisbane
- Mount Coot-tha Lookout
- Queen Street Mall
- South Bank
Day 7: Brisbane to Rainbow Beach – 237km
Rainbow Beach is what dreams are made of with its spectacular dunes and coloured sand. Possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. It’s one of our favourites!
On the way to Rainbow Beach
- Sunshine Coast – Mooloolaba
- Burleigh Heads
Day 8: Relax
Rainbow Beach is also the gateway to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, stretching over 120km.
OptionalÂ
- Fraser Island by 4WD
Day 9: Rainbow Beach to Rockhampton – 476km
Rockhampton is a historical city in the Rockhampton Region of Queensland known for its “big bulls” and beef production. This is one of the longer legs of the trip but with little traffic and roadworks we were able to maintain high speed and reached there in good time.
Recommended near Rockhampton
Day 10: Rockhampton to Mackay – 336km
Warning! There is nothing between Rockhampton and Mackay. When we say nothing we mean… nothing!
If you’re waiting for a Maccas, a petrol pump, or a loo, you may as well turn off the highway and find a tree. Take food! And water! You will need it.
Recommended in Mackay
Day 11: Mackay to Townsville: 389km
Townsville is a coastal town situated in the dry tropics region of North Queensland. It has more than 300 days of sun each year on average, making it a seriously warm and beachy environment.
Recommended in Townsville
- The Strand – Beach Walk
- Kids Water Park on The Strand
Day 12: Townsville to Palm Cove – 372km
Palm Cove is a breezy beach-side resort area with good food and picture perfect views. If you’re here in the summer months watch out for sharks, crocodiles and stingers (jelly fish) and make sure you swim between the nets. This area is very dog friendly and great for long walks along the beach.
On the way to Palm Cove
Day 13: Relax
There are plenty of good restaurants and cafes in Palm Cove. One of our favourites was Il Forno Pizzeria, their Quatro Formaggi had us coming back for more!
Day 14: Cairns – 55km return trip
Cairns is a short drive from Palm Cove and many tour operators offer snorkelling and diving day trips to the reef from the Cairns Seaport.
Recommended from Cairns
- Great Barrier Reef Day Trip
Day 15: Palm Cove to Cape Tribulation – 117km
Although it’s a short distance to travel, there are many things too see and do on this leg of the journey as you pass through the ancient and enchanting Daintree Rainforest.
On the way to Cape Tribulation
Day 16: Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is a coastal area within the Daintree National Park known as the place where the “rainforest meets the reef”. The pristine white sandy beaches may look inviting but you need be wary of sharks, crocodiles and stingers, especially during the summer months. While it’s not recommended to swim at the beach, there are numerous waterfalls and waterholes that provide a relatively safer alternative, just watch out for the crocs!
Recommended in Cape Tribulation
Day 17: Great Barrier Reef Trip
Ocean Safari run snorkelling and diving trips to the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation.
The boat trip offers spectacular views of the mainland and Mount Sorrow.
Day 18: Cooktown – 206km return trip
Continue along the winding roads of the Daintree Rainforest, taking in the fresh air and lush scenery. If you’re lucky you might spot a Cassowary, a giant bird descended from dinosaurs. Note: you might require a large 4WD for crossing the river along the way.
Day 19: Cape Tribulation to Mission Beach – 279km
Mission Beach is a small coastal town in the Cassowary Coast Region of Queensland. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to enjoy the gentle currents without getting fried in the sun. Stinger season runs from October to June so it’s advisable to only swim between the nets during this period.
Day 20: Mission Beach to Magnetic Island – 235km
Magnetic Island is a 52 km² rugged, mountainous island approximately 8 km offshore from the city of Townsville. It offers secluded beaches, plenty of walking tracks, and is abundant with wildlife. Check the dates and Ferry Timetable before you go and book yourself or your vehicle on the passenger or vehicle ferry prior to arriving in Townsville.
Day 21: Relax
Plenty of things to see and do on Magnetic Island, or you can simply relax and soak in the beach vibes.
Day 22: Townsville to Airlie Beach – 276km
Airlie Beach is a resort town on the Whitsunday Coast and is a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Numerous sea cruises depart from the Port of Airlie, Abell Point Marina and Shute Harbour daily.
Optional
- Whitsunday Islands Tour
Day 24: Airlie Beach to Yeppoon – 499km
Yeppoon is the gateway to the Capricorn Coast and the Southern Great Barrier Reef and Keppel Bay Islands. This is the longest leg of the journey and it takes even longer once you exit the main highway and the speed drops to 60 km/hr. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to explore this region but it’s definitely worth coming back to.
Optional
- Great Keppel Island
Day 25: Yeppoon to Bargara – 341km
Bargara is a coastal town in the Bundaberg Region, 13km drive through the rich sugarcane fields from Bundaberg. It is located next to the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland. From November to March, you can visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and go on a guided tour to watch these majestic creatures nesting in their natural habitat.
Recommended near Bargara
- Mon Repos Nightly Turtle Encounter at Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Day 26: Bargara to Noosa Heads – 269km
Noosa Heads is a town on the Sunshine Coast with a picturesque coastline that has become popular over the years for its beach resorts, dining and shopping.
Day 27: Eumundi – 44km return trip
Take a trip to Eumundi and check out the Eumundi Markets, famous for their music, art and locally made artisan treasures. Markets run every Wednesday and Saturday.
Day 28: Noosa Heads to Gold Coast – 218km
The Gold Coast is one of the most popular stretches of coastline in Australia, famed for its beaches, inland canals, surfing, nightlife, and shopping. Surfers Paradise is the main seaside resort on the Gold Coast with a lively beach side market that runs several evenings a week.
Recommended in Gold Coast
Optional
- Theme Parks – Movie World, Sea World, Dream World, Wet n’ Wild
Day 30: Gold Coast to Port Macquarie – 470km
Port Macquarie is located at the mouth of the Hastings River and is known for its beaches, wildlife and history of being founded as a penal settlement for convicts who had committed secondary crimes in New South Wales.
Recommended in Port Macquarie
Day 31: Port Macquarie to Sydney – 385km
The last two destinations are great for a day trip or a long weekend from Sydney so don’t worry if you can’t fit them into this trip, just plan another one 🙂
On the way to Sydney
- The Hunter Valley
- Nelson Bay, Port Stephens
