Are you planning a road trip along the East Coast of Australia? Congratulations, you’re in for a treat!
The East Coast is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and attractions in the world. But, before you hit the road, it’s important to know how long your journey will take. In this article, we’ll break down the estimated time it takes to road trip the East Coast of Australia.
Starting Point and End Point
First things first, let’s determine your starting point and end point. The East Coast of Australia spans from Cairns in Queensland to Melbourne in Victoria.
The distance between these two cities is approximately 3,500 km (2,175 miles). However, if you plan on exploring all the little towns and cities along the way, your journey will be much longer.
The Route
The most popular route for an East Coast road trip starts in Cairns and ends in Melbourne. This route takes you through some of Australia’s most famous destinations including Airlie Beach, Fraser Island, Byron Bay, Sydney, and Phillip Island.
Cairns to Airlie Beach
The first leg of your journey takes around 8-10 hours depending on stops. Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef so it’s worth taking a day or two here before heading south to explore Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach to Fraser Island
The next leg from Airlie Beach to Fraser Island takes around 12-14 hours depending on stops. Fraser Island is a must-visit destination for its stunning beaches and rainforests.
Fraser Island to Brisbane
From Fraser Island to Brisbane takes around 4-6 hours depending on stops. Brisbane is Queensland’s capital city and has plenty of attractions including South Bank Parklands and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Brisbane to Byron Bay
The journey from Brisbane to Byron Bay takes around 2-3 hours. Byron Bay is known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and great surf spots.
Byron Bay to Sydney
The drive from Byron Bay to Sydney takes around 9-11 hours depending on stops. Sydney is Australia’s largest city and has plenty of attractions including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Sydney to Phillip Island
From Sydney to Phillip Island takes around 12-14 hours depending on stops. Phillip Island is known for its penguin parade and Grand Prix Circuit.
Phillip Island to Melbourne
The final leg of your journey takes around 2-3 hours. Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city and has plenty of attractions including the Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley wine region.
- Tip: It’s important to plan your trip ahead of time and factor in plenty of rest stops along the way.
- Tip: Be prepared for long driving days, especially when traveling from one destination to another.
- Tip: Consider renting a campervan or motorhome for your trip so you can save money on accommodation.
Total Time
So how long does it take to road trip the East Coast of Australia? The total time for this journey depends on how many stops you make along the way.
If you’re traveling straight through without any stops, it will take you approximately 37 hours. However, if you want to explore all the destinations mentioned above, we recommend allowing at least four weeks for your journey.
In conclusion, a road trip along the East Coast of Australia is an unforgettable experience. With proper planning and preparation, you can make the most of your journey and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!