Cairns Sydney Route Planner Travelwheels Campervans
Cairns Sydney Route Planner
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland are two of the biggest highlights our customers recommend exploring in our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
The journey south takes you past tropical paradises, rainforest, national parks, amazing wildlife and some of the best beaches on Australia’s east coast.
Stay in Cairns for your first week and save money on campervan hire
One of the best tips our customers share is to spend their first week in Cairns exploring the reef, tropical islands and rainforest before hiring a campervan.
How much time do you need to travel from Cairns to Sydney?
The Cairns to Sydney route covers around 2,600 kilometres.
Allow around three to four weeks when renting a campervan from Cairns to Sydney.
Buy a used campervan or 4×4 and take more time to explore
Many customers who buy a used campervan or 4×4 from Travelwheels spend three or four months travelling from Cairns to Sydney.
This gives them plenty of time to travel slowly, explore remote beaches and enjoy off-the-beaten-track mini adventures along the way.
Head North from Cairns and Experience One of Australia’s Most Spectacular Coastal Drives
Before travelling to Sydney, take the opportunity to explore one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives north of Cairns.
Head north to explore rainforest-covered mountains and amazing tropical beaches with warm, crystal-clear water.
Continue towards Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where ancient rainforest reaches all the way to the sea.
Explore more customer-recommended places in our Northern Queensland campervan guide.
If you have the time, it is a wonderful addition to your Cairns to Sydney road trip.
East Coast Australia Free Camping Guide: Cairns to Sydney
Read our free camping on the East Coast of Australia guide before setting off.
It includes useful free and low-cost places to stay as you travel south from Cairns.
Email [email protected] and we will send you a free PDF copy of the Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Mission Beach: Rainforest, Cassowaries and Adventure
Mission Beach is one of Tropical North Queensland’s hidden gems. With World Heritage rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other, it is easy to see why so many travellers spend a few days here.
Mission Beach is a highlight of the Cairns Sydney Route Planner. Whether you want to relax on the beach, spot a wild cassowary or get your adrenaline pumping, there is something here for everyone.
Spend one day rafting down the Tully River or skydiving over the coastline. Slow the pace the next day with kayaking, rainforest walks or a trip to Dunk Island.
How Long Should You Stay in Mission Beach?
Allow around two to three days in Mission Beach. This gives you time to enjoy the beaches, rainforest and at least one major adventure activity.
Stay an extra day if you also want to visit Dunk Island.
Things to Do in Mission Beach
Go white water rafting on the Tully River.
Choose from full-day and shorter rafting trips through tropical rainforest. View the latest Tully River rafting tours.
Skydive over the coastline.
Mission Beach is famous for spectacular views across the rainforest, islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Find out more about skydiving at Mission Beach.
Visit Dunk Island.
Take the ferry across for rainforest walks, quiet beaches and views across the Family Islands. Check the current timetable and book your Dunk Island ferry before travelling.
Look for wild cassowaries.
Mission Beach is one of the best places in Australia to see these remarkable birds in their natural habitat. Keep your distance and never feed them. Read the latest cassowary safety advice.
Walk the Kennedy Walking Track.
The trail passes through rainforest, beaches and rocky headlands with excellent views towards Dunk Island.
Go kayaking or paddleboarding.
Explore the coastline at your own pace or simply relax on one of the long sandy beaches.
From rafting and skydiving to quiet beaches and rainforest walks, Mission Beach offers something for every traveller.
It is easy to see why it remains one of the highlights of the Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Travelwheels tip: Cassowaries often cross local roads, especially early in the morning and late afternoons.
Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands: Sailing, Beaches and Adventure
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and one of the biggest highlights of our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
After travelling south from Cairns, this is where you can sail between tropical islands, swim in clear blue water, snorkel around the reef and look out across the swirling white sands of Hill Inlet.
For many Travelwheels customers, the Whitsundays become one of the highlights of their Australian adventure.
How Long Should You Stay in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays?
Allow around three to five days.
Three days gives you time to enjoy Airlie Beach and take a full-day trip into the islands.
Stay four to five days if you want to join a two-night Whitsundays sailing trip and still have time to relax in Airlie Beach before or afterwards.
Best Decision Ever! Whitsunday Islands Two-Night Sailing Trip
Best decision ever! Our customers love sailing around the Whitsundays!
A two-night sailing trip gives you much more time to explore the islands.
During the day, you sail through clear water, stop for snorkelling and visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
In the evening, the boat stays out among the islands.
You can watch the sunset, share food and drinks with other travellers and wake up surrounded by tropical scenery.
That extra time lets you experience the Whitsundays properly, rather than seeing them on a rushed day tour.
Many travellers return to Airlie Beach saying it was the best part of their east coast journey.
Things to Do in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
Visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
Walk to the lookout, then swim and relax on Whitehaven Beach.
Take a Great Barrier Reef day trip.
Fantasea was one of the highlights of my own trip and an amazing way to spend a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon.
Swim, sunbathe and enjoy the waterfront.
See the Whitsundays from the air.
Take a scenic flight or skydive over the islands and Heart Reef.
Enjoy Airlie Beach after dark.
The town has live music, bars and a lively social atmosphere.
Airlie Beach gives you a fun place to stay, with some of Australia’s most beautiful islands waiting just offshore.
Travelwheels tip: Overnight sailing trips can sell out during busy periods, so book ahead and arrive in Airlie Beach at least one day before departure.
Cape Hillsborough, Rockhampton and Agnes Water
After leaving the Whitsundays, this stage of our Cairns Sydney Route Planner breaks up the journey south with kangaroos on the beach, a fun Tropic of Capricorn photo and an overnight stay in Rockhampton before slowing down in Agnes Water.
Cape Hillsborough: Kangaroos on the Beach
Stay overnight at Cape Hillsborough National Park and wake early for the chance to see kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at sunrise.
Watching them move across the sand as the sun comes up is one of those uniquely Australian moments that makes a campervan trip feel special.
Allow one night here, then continue south after breakfast.
Travelwheels tip: Arrive before dark so you can settle in, walk along the beach and be ready for an early start the following morning.
Rockhampton: Cross the Tropic of Capricorn
Rockhampton is a useful place to break up the journey south, stock up at the supermarket, refuel and spend the night before continuing to Agnes Water.
Stop at the Tropic of Capricorn Spire and take a photograph beside the marker, with one person standing on each side of the line.
It is a quick stop, but a fun reminder that you are leaving tropical Australia behind as you continue towards Sydney.
Agnes Water and the Town of 1770
Agnes Water is the perfect place to stop and chill after a long drive.
It is also one of the best places on Australia’s east coast to take an affordable beginner surf lesson.
Agnes Water is known for its gentle waves and local surf schools helping first-time surfers get started.
Spend a couple of days learning to surf, swimming, relaxing on the beach and exploring the nearby Town of 1770.
Watch the sun set over the sea – a rare event in Australia
The Town of 1770 is unusual because its foreshore faces west across Bustard Bay.
Most east-coast beaches face the Pacific, so the sun sets behind the land. At 1770, you can watch it set over the water instead.
Allow at least two nights here before continuing south towards Hervey Bay and K’gari.
Mon Repos: Watch Baby Turtles Hatch Right Before Your Eyes!
Imagine lying on a beach at night as tiny baby turtles break through the sand and begin their journey towards the ocean.
This is Mon Repos, and it is an incredible experience that will melt your heart and stay in your mind long after you return home.
Watching the hatchlings emerge only metres away is incredibly moving, and it is easy to understand why the experience brings so many people to tears.
An Overnight Stop at Mon Repos Is Essential to See the Turtles!
An overnight stop at Mon Repos is one of the most unforgettable experiences on our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
As darkness falls over Mon Repos, one of Australia’s most amazing wildlife experiences begins.
Earlier in the season, giant adult turtles emerge from the ocean and slowly make their way up the beach to lay their eggs beneath the sand.
Later in the season, those nests burst into life as tiny hatchlings appear and scramble across the sand towards the sea.
Whether you witness an adult turtle nesting or baby turtles hatching right before your eyes, this is a night you will never forget.
Turtle season generally runs from November to March, and places fill quickly.
Our customers recommend booking your Turtle Encounter through the official Mon Repos website well ahead of your visit.
The Turtle Centre opens at 6 pm, and you must arrive before the 7 pm tour briefing.
Your group will be taken onto the beach, and it will be one of the highlights of your Cairns to Sydney adventure!
Stop for a Photo with the Big Bundy Bottle
During the day, make the short drive into Bundaberg and stop for a photo beside the enormous Big Bundy Bottle outside the Bundaberg Rum Distillery.
It is one of Queensland’s famous roadside attractions and another landmark to tick off during your Cairns Sydney Route Planner adventure.
Discover more unusual giant roadside attractions in our guide to the Big Things of Australia, before returning to Mon Repos for the evening turtle encounter.
Hervey Bay: See Humpback Whales in the Wild
After the madness of Fraser Island, Hervey Bay is next, and this could be your chance to see humpback whales in the wild!
It is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences featured in our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Watch huge humpback whales breach, slap their tails and roll through the water.
You may even see one rise beside the boat, close enough to hear it breathe.
Seeing a humpback whale in the wild is one Australian experience you will never forget.
When Is Whale-Watching Season?
Whale-watching tours usually operate from July to October.
August and September are normally the best months.
Below are some popular local whale-watching tour operators our customers recommend
NOTE: Stay for two nights during whale season, giving yourself a full day to join a whale-watching tour and see these incredible animals in the wild.
What to Do Outside Whale Season
Outside whale season, Hervey Bay still makes a fun overnight stop.
Walk along Urangan Pier, swim at one of the calm beaches and grab something to eat along the Esplanade.
Stay for one night, then continue south the following morning.
Fraser Island: Spend Two or Three Days Here
Fraser Island, officially known as K’gari, is one of the great adventures on Australia’s East Coast.
For many travellers, it becomes one of the highlights of their whole trip.
One moment you are bouncing along sandy 4WD tracks. The next, you are swimming in a clear freshwater lake or floating down Eli Creek.
Then there is 75 Mile Beach. This huge stretch of sand is also the island’s main highway.
Fraser Island feels wild, exciting and completely different from every other stop on our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Can You Take a Campervan to Fraser Island?
Standard 2WD campervans cannot be taken onto Fraser Island.
The island has deep sand tracks and long sections of beach driving. You need a suitable 4WD, vehicle permits and a good understanding of the tides.
Most travellers leave their campervan in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. From there, they join an organised 4WD tour or tag-along safari.
This is a fantastic way to see the island. Your guide handles the driving, tides and sand tracks.
Read the official Queensland Parks advice about getting to and travelling around Fraser Island.
How Long Should You Spend on Fraser Island?
You can see some of Fraser Island on a full-day tour.
However, we recommend staying for two or three days.
An overnight trip gives you more time at the lakes, creeks and rainforest. You can explore without racing from one stop to the next.
You usually get more time on the sand tracks and 75 Mile Beach. That is a huge part of the fun.
Best Things to See on Fraser Island
- Eli Creek: Float through a rainforest towards the beach
- Lake McKenzie: Swim beside brilliant white sand.
- SS Maheno: See the famous shipwreck rising from the sand.
- Central Station: Walk through rainforest growing from sand.
- Champagne Pools: Swim in natural pools beside the ocean.
- The Pinnacles: See striking layers of coloured sand.
- 75 Mile Beach: Drive along the island’s beach highway.
See more ideas on the official Fraser Island things-to-do page.
Stay Safe Around Dingoes
Fraser Island is home to wild dingoes.
Seeing one can be an exciting part of the trip. However, always keep your distance.
Never feed or approach them. Keep all food and rubbish safely stored.
Before you visit, read the official Fraser Island safety advice.
Travelwheels tip: Book your tour before you arrive. Confirm where you can leave your campervan while you are on the island.
Check the latest Queensland park alerts before setting off.
Fraser Island is not just another stop along the coast. It is a proper Australian adventure and one of the experiences you will remember most from the Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Rainbow Beach: Climb the Dunes for Sunset
After the wild tracks and beaches of Fraser Island, keep the adventure going with one night in Rainbow Beach.
This small coastal town is surrounded by huge sand dunes, colourful cliffs and wide-open ocean views. It is a memorable overnight stop on our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Climb to Carlo Sand Blow in the late afternoon and watch the sky change above the ocean as the sun drops behind the dunes.
Walk across the vast sand blow, take in the views and then head back into town for the evening.
Spend the night in Rainbow Beach, enjoy a morning by the sea and then continue south to Noosa.
Find out more about Rainbow Beach, Carlo Sand Blow and the surrounding national park on the official Cooloola Recreation Area page.
Travelwheels Tip
One night is enough for most travellers. Arrive in time for sunset at Carlo Sand Blow.
The following morning, set off for Noosa the following morning as you continue along the Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Noosa: Beaches, Walks and Kayaking Adventures in the Everglades
Noosa is one of the essential stops on our Cairns Sydney Route Planner, with beaches, coastal walks and kayaking adventures in the Everglades.
How Long Should You Stay?
We recommend spending two to three days in Noosa.
If you’re planning the three-day kayaking trip into the Everglades, allow a few extra days.
Things to Do in Noosa
Walk the spectacular coastal trail through Noosa National Park.
Hire a kayak, paddleboard or small boat on the Noosa River, or spend a lazy afternoon by the water.
Three-Day Kayaking Adventure
One of our favourite Noosa experiences is the three-day kayaking trip into the Noosa Everglades.
Paddle through mirror-like waterways, camp beside the river and wake up surrounded by nature.
It’s a completely different side of Noosa that many visitors never get to experience.
For more information, visit Kanu Kapers Australia.
Noosa to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo
The next stop on our Cairns to Sydney Route Planner is one of Australia’s most famous attractions.
Australia Zoo was made famous around the world by Steve Irwin, the larger-than-life Australian conservationist whose television shows introduced millions of people to crocodiles, snakes and Australian wildlife.
Located in Beerwah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is around one hour south of Noosa.
Leave Noosa early and aim to arrive when the zoo opens. This is not a quick roadside stop.
Make a full day of it, explore the wildlife areas and plan your visit around the live animal presentations.
Afterwards, either continue south to Brisbane or spend the night near Beerwah, Landsborough or the Glass House Mountains before driving into the city the following morning.
Travelwheels Customer Tip
Check the presentation times as soon as you arrive and plan your day around the shows you most want to see.
Short on Time? Skip Brisbane and Head for the Coast
Brisbane is the next stop on our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
However, if your time in Australia is limited, we’d recommend heading straight for the coast instead.
After helping travellers explore Australia’s east coast for more than 25 years, one piece of feedback comes up again and again.
Many customers tell us that, if they were planning their road trip again, they’d skip Brisbane.
They would instead spend the extra day exploring Australia’s beaches, national parks and coastal towns instead.
That’s not because Brisbane isn’t worth visiting.
It’s a relaxed riverside city with excellent cafés, galleries and plenty to explore.
However, for many international visitors, Australia’s most memorable experiences are found beyond its cities.
Things to Do in Brisbane
If you decide to stay, one day is plenty.
Start at South Bank and enjoy a walk beside the Brisbane River.
Take a CityCat ferry for a different view of the city.
If time allows, visit the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).
Finish the afternoon at Howard Smith Wharves beneath the Story Bridge before continuing south towards the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise
After leaving Brisbane, the next major stop on our Cairns Sydney Route Planner is Surfers Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Famous for its long beach, high-rise skyline and lively atmosphere, Surfers Paradise is the best-known part of the region.
Gold Coast Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is Australia’s theme park capital. It is one of the best stops on the route for travellers seeking an adrenaline-filled day!
Warner Bros. Movie World offers rollercoasters and movie-themed attractions.
Wet’n’Wild is the place for water slides and pools.
Sea World combines marine life with rides and shows.
Dreamworld has thrill rides, wildlife and family attractions.
Allow a full day for one park. Add an extra night to your Gold Coast stay if a theme park is a priority.
Explore More of the Gold Coast
Beyond Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, Currumbin and Coolangatta offer a more relaxed side of the Gold Coast.
You will find excellent beaches, coastal walks and wildlife experiences.
For a break from the coast, head into the Gold Coast hinterland.
Springbrook National Park and Tamborine Mountain offer rainforest walks, waterfalls and spectacular lookouts.
How Long Should You Stay?
Allow two days to enjoy Surfers Paradise and explore the surrounding coastline.
Stay for three days if you also want to visit a theme park or spend a day exploring the Gold Coast hinterland before continuing south towards Byron Bay.
Visit Beautiful Byron Bay – Australia’s Surfing Capital
Byron Bay and the surrounding region are world-famous for their natural beauty, surf culture and laid-back alternative lifestyle.
Cape Byron is the easternmost point of mainland Australia, with sweeping beaches on either side. Rainforest stretches behind the coastline, while dolphins, turtles and migrating whales can often be seen offshore.
That remarkable setting helped turn Byron Bay into one of Australia’s most famous surfing destinations.
Surfing Breaks such as The Pass and Wategos attracted surfers from around the world.
Artists, musicians and alternative communities gave the wider region a character unlike anywhere else on the east coast.
Walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse
The Cape Byron walking track follows the coastline past beaches, rainforest and clifftop viewpoints before reaching the white lighthouse above Australia’s easternmost mainland point.
Walk early in the morning, and you can watch the sun rise across the Pacific as surfers paddle out below.
The elevated sections of the track are also excellent places to spot dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales during the migration season.
Experience Byron Bay’s Surf Culture
The Pass is famous for its long right-hand waves and is one of Australia’s best-known surf breaks.
Around the headland, Wategos Beach offers a more sheltered place to swim, relax or watch surfers moving across the bay.
Beginners can book lessons with local surf schools, while experienced surfers have several breaks to explore along the surrounding coastline.
Explore the Ocean Around Byron Bay
Guided kayaking trips take visitors beyond the beach in search of dolphins and turtles.
Snorkelling and diving tours head to Julian Rocks, traditionally known as Nguthungulli.
Here, warmer tropical currents meet cooler southern waters.
This creates a marine environment where turtles, rays, wobbegong sharks and hundreds of fish species can be found.
How Long Should You Spend in Byron Bay?
Four or five days give you time to explore the beaches, walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse, experience the town, and add an ocean activity such as kayaking, snorkelling, or diving.
With a full week, you can also explore more of the surrounding coastline and take day trips to Nimbin and Minyon Falls.
Travelling Around Byron Bay in a Campervan
You cannot sleep overnight in a campervan or van on the streets, in public car parks or in reserves around Byron Bay.
Council rangers patrol regularly and will issue an on-the-spot fine and tell you to move on.
Stay at an official holiday park or campground, and book ahead during weekends and holiday periods.
Discover Australia’s Cannabis Capital: Nimbin
Nimbin is where Australia’s hippie past met cannabis culture and decided to stay.
Cullen Street is lined with psychedelic murals and rainbow-coloured shopfronts, making it feel as though the 1970s never quite ended.
The Nimbin HEMP Embassy campaigns for cannabis-law reform, while the annual MardiGrass festival brings protests, parades and the wonderfully ridiculous Hemp Olympix to town.
Make sure you stop at Nimbin Rocks, the dramatic volcanic formations rising above the surrounding countryside, before returning to Byron Bay.
Visit Minyon Falls and Nightcap National Park
Minyon Falls plunges more than 100 metres into a deep rainforest gorge in Nightcap National Park.
The lookout offers wide views across the surrounding forest, while walking tracks allow you to explore more of the national park.
Nimbin and Minyon Falls can be combined into a full-day campervan trip west of Byron Bay.
Coffs Harbour: Home of the Big Banana
Travelling south from Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour is the next major stop on our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Most travellers stop here to see the world-famous Big Banana, take the classic road-trip photograph and try a chocolate-coated banana.
To discover more oversized roadside attractions, read our guide to the Big Things of Australia.
Explore the Beaches Around Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is surrounded by excellent beaches, surf breaks and coastal walks, making it a good place to stay for a couple of nights.
Muttonbird Island, beside Coffs Harbour Marina, is worth the short but steep walk for wide views along the coast and the chance to spot humpback whales during the migration season.
Scuba-diving trips explore the protected waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, while the beaches north of town offer plenty of quieter places to stop.
Discover the Ancient Rainforest of Dorrigo National Park
Around one hour inland from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo National Park takes you from sunny beaches into World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest that has survived for tens of millions of years.
Follow Waterfall Way through Bellingen as the road climbs into mist-covered mountains, giant trees, tangled vines and waterfalls hidden deep in the forest.
Start at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and walk onto the Skywalk above the canopy, with views stretching across the valley towards the Pacific Ocean.
Then follow the Wonga Walk to Crystal Shower Falls, where the track leads directly behind the waterfall, before continuing through the rainforest towards Tristania Falls.
Make it a full-day campervan adventure, stopping at Dangar Falls and exploring Bellingen along the way.
Hidden Coastal Stops Between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie
Do not drive straight from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie.
Turn off the highway for oceanfront ruins, kangaroos, surf towns and some of the best coastal views on the Mid North Coast.
South West Rocks: Kangaroos, Ruins and Ocean Views
Explore Trial Bay Gaol, where the old sandstone ruins sit beside the beach inside Arakoon National Park.
Kangaroos often graze on the lawns around the gaol, with the ocean just metres away.
South West Rocks is also home to Fish Rock Cave, one of Australia’s best-known dive sites for seeing grey nurse sharks.
Crescent Head: One of Australia’s Great Surf Towns
Around 45 minutes north of Port Macquarie, Crescent Head is famous for its long right-hand point break.
It is a brilliant place to learn to surf, try longboarding or watch experienced surfers glide along the wave.
The headland gives you wide views across the bay, while the beachfront holiday park lets you stay right beside the ocean.
Visit Australia’s Oldest Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie
If you only stop in Port Macquarie for one reason, make it the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
Founded in 1973, it is Australia’s oldest koala hospital and one of the most memorable wildlife experiences on the East Coast.
This is not a zoo. The hospital rescues, treats and rehabilitates sick and injured koalas before releasing as many as possible back into the wild.
As you walk around the hospital, you’ll learn the stories behind the koalas and see the incredible work being done to protect one of Australia’s most iconic animals.
Are “Koala Bears” Actually Bears?
No! Koalas are not bears, so the term “koala bear” is incorrect.
They may look like fluffy teddy bears, but koalas are tree-dwelling marsupials. Like kangaroos and wombats, female koalas carry their babies in a pouch.
The Koala Hospital Is the Highlight, but Port Macquarie Has Much More to Offer
Port Macquarie is also home to beautiful beaches that never seem to feel as crowded as many of Australia’s better-known coastal towns.
Explore the spectacular rainforest boardwalk at Sea Acres National Park, discover the Port Macquarie coastal walk, relax beside the ocean or simply enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere.
Port Stephens: Visit Australia’s Dolphin Capital
If seeing wild dolphins is one of your dreams, Port Stephens is one of the best places on the Australian East Coast to watch them playing in their natural environment.
Just 2.5 hours north of Sydney, this huge turquoise bay is home to a resident pod of over 140 wild bottlenose dolphins.
Join a dolphin-watching cruise from Nelson Bay and watch them swimming, playing and riding the waves beside the boat.
Surf the Largest Sand Dunes in the Southern Hemisphere
Jump into a 4×4 and explore the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes for a real adventure!
Grab a sandboard and fly down giant slopes in the largest dune system in the Southern Hemisphere, reaching up to 40 metres high!
Port Stephens is a highly recommended stop along our Cairns Sydney Route Planner, and a favourite with our customers.
Free & Low Cost Things to Do in Port Stephens
Some of the best experiences in Port Stephens cost nothing at all.
Port Stephens is a great place for families and free-spirited travellers to explore beaches, headlands, lookouts and walking tracks at their own pace.
Hike Tomaree Head:
Climb to the summit for sweeping views across the bay, ocean and nearby islands.
Swim at Shoal Bay:
Swim in the calm turquoise water or relax on Shoal Bay’s white sand.
Drive to Gan Gan Hill Lookout:
Enjoy wide views over Nelson Bay and the surrounding coastline with very little walking.
Walk to Wreck Beach:
Follow a short bush track to a quieter beach hidden behind Shoal Bay.
Explore Fort Tomaree:
Discover old Second World War gun emplacements along the lower slopes of Tomaree Head.
Watch for Humpback Whales:
From May to November, watch for humpback whales breaching offshore from the coastal headlands.
Optional Stop: Hunter Valley Wine Region
Leave the beaches and sand dunes of Port Stephens behind and follow the country roads into the Hunter Valley.
Vineyards roll beneath the Brokenback Range, while some of Australia’s oldest wineries open their cellar doors.
Stop for a few hours to taste local wine, cheese and handmade chocolate.
You could also stay overnight and enjoy a long lunch surrounded by vines before continuing to the Blue Mountains.
The lovely scenery, local food and relaxed country atmosphere make the Hunter Valley a great addition to our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Blue Mountains National Park
Before you reach Sydney, make time for a few days in the Blue Mountains.
This is one of the highlights of our Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Expect dramatic lookouts, waterfalls, walking tracks and mountain towns.
From Katoomba, Sydney is around 95 to 100 kilometres away.
The drive takes roughly 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic.
The Blue Mountains are part of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area.
The area covers more than one million hectares and is roughly one third the size of Belgium.
Its sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, waterfalls and vast eucalyptus forests create the famous blue haze seen across the mountains.
How long should you stay?
Allow two to three days to see the main highlights without rushing.
That gives you time to visit Echo Point, see the Three Sisters, explore Katoomba and Leura and fit in at least one good walk.
Travelling in a campervan or 4×4 gives you the freedom to stay longer and explore beyond the busiest parts of Katoomba.
Have more time and enjoy longer walks?
Allow five to seven days for Blackheath, Govetts Leap and the Megalong Valley.
You will also have time for some of the quieter tracks beyond Katoomba.
Things to do in the Blue Mountains
- See the Three Sisters from Echo Point
- Ride the Scenic Railway, Skyway or Cableway at Scenic World
- Walk part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk
- Visit Wentworth Falls for a shorter walk and impressive valley views
- Walk the Grand Canyon Track near Blackheath for a more challenging hike
- Explore the cafés, shops and old buildings in Katoomba and Leura
- Visit Katoomba Falls, close to Scenic World and Echo Point
- Stop at Govetts Leap for one of the best views in the mountains
- Drive through the Megalong Valley
Echo Point and Scenic World can become busy when the tour coaches arrive.
Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
Looking for more ideas?
Our dedicated Sydney to Blue Mountains road trip guide will help you add more lookouts, walking routes and scenic drives to your Cairns Sydney Route Planner.
Check before you go
The weather can be much cooler than Sydney, especially early in the morning and later in the day.
Tracks and mountain roads can occasionally close after heavy rain, bushfires or repair work.
Check the latest local alerts before heading out.
Allow extra time for traffic when leaving the mountains and approaching Sydney.
Finished the Cairns Sydney Route Planner? Contact Travelwheels in Sydney
After travelling down the East Coast through tropical Queensland, coastal New South Wales and the Blue Mountains, you will finally arrive in Sydney.
Travelwheels has helped international travellers plan campervan and 4×4 adventures around Australia for more than 25 years.
If you are planning to buy a used campervan or 4×4 in Sydney, our team can help you understand the different vehicles available and choose the right option for your Australian road trip.
We can also answer questions about the route, travelling around Australia and preparing for a longer campervan or 4×4 adventure.
You can call or WhatsApp the Travelwheels team on 0412 766 616.
You can also email us at [email protected] or visit www.travelwheels.com.au to start planning your journey.
Our team can help in English or German.
Continue Planning Your Australian Road Trip
The Cairns Sydney Route Planner is only one of the great road trips you can experience in Australia.
Explore more Travelwheels guides recommended by our customers:
- Continue exploring Tropical North Queensland with our Cairns Road Trip Planner.
- Plan the journey in the opposite direction with our Sydney to Cairns Route Planner.
- Travel south with our Melbourne to Sydney road trip guide.
- Explore one of Australia’s most famous coastal drives with our Great Ocean Road Campervan Road Trip.
- See the penguins on our Melbourne to Phillip Island road trip.
- Discover beaches, wildlife and walking trails in our Wilsons Promontory National Park guide.