Are you planning a road trip along the East Coast of Australia? One of the most common questions that comes to mind is – How long does it take to road trip East Coast Australia?
The answer to this question depends on several factors such as the distance covered, the number of stops made, and your travel pace. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what you can expect when road tripping along the East Coast of Australia.
The Distance:
The East Coast of Australia is a vast region that covers approximately 4,000 km from Cairns in Northern Queensland to Melbourne in Southern Victoria. If you’re planning a straight drive without any stops, it would take around 50 hours to cover this distance. However, this is not recommended as there are several stunning destinations along the way that are worth exploring.
The Number of Stops:
The number of stops you make along the way will depend on your travel style and interests. If you’re interested in exploring cities like Sydney and Melbourne, then you may need to allocate more time for these urban centers. On the other hand, if you want to explore nature and wildlife, then national parks like The Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island are must-visits.
Travel Pace:
Your travel pace is another significant factor that determines how long it takes to road trip East Coast Australia. If you’re looking for a leisurely drive with plenty of time for sightseeing and exploration, then allow at least three weeks for your trip. However, if time is limited, then it’s possible to cover this distance in two weeks by prioritizing your must-see destinations.
Sample Itinerary:
Here’s a sample itinerary for a two-week road trip along the East Coast of Australia:
Day 1-4: Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Spend your first few days exploring Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Take a snorkeling or diving tour, explore the Daintree Rainforest, and take a scenic drive along the coast.
Day 5-7: Whitsunday Islands & Airlie Beach
From Cairns, head south towards Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. Take a sailing tour around the islands, relax on beautiful beaches and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Day 8-10: Fraser Island
Next, make your way to Fraser Island – The world’s largest sand island. Go off-roading in a 4WD, swim in crystal clear lakes and explore the island’s stunning natural beauty.
Day 11-12: Noosa & Sunshine Coast
After Fraser Island, head towards Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Relax on Noosa’s stunning beaches, hike through national parks or take an eco-cruise to spot dolphins and whales.
Day 13-14: Brisbane & Gold Coast
Finish your trip by exploring Brisbane city and nearby Gold Coast attractions such as theme parks, beaches, and nightlife.
In Conclusion:
The East Coast of Australia offers some of the world’s most beautiful coastal scenery that you won’t want to miss. While two weeks is possible for a quick trip, we recommend allowing at least three weeks to fully explore this region at a leisurely pace. With proper planning and enough time at hand, you can make your road trip an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and natural beauty!
- Covering 4000km from Cairns to Melbourne without stops would take around 50 hours.
- The number of stops will depend on interests such as cities or nature.
- A leisurely pace would require about three weeks, but it’s possible to cover this distance in two weeks by prioritizing must-see destinations.