I would like to give you an idea of the travelling distance, here, in Australia. So many holiday makers I encounter are trying to fit too much in so little time that they end up missing out on all the best things to see and do and spend their time driving. I don’t know about you but I would prefer experiencing more rather than just drive and look at the road. I have put together what I think are the best trips you can fit in 15 days whilst enjoying your holidays.

Please note total times and kilometers are straight distance and indicative only.

 

 

 

ROAD TRIP IDEA 1 

Coastal Sydney to Brisbane (including Fraser Island)

 

Who is it for? Mainly for beach and walks lovers

14h drive - 1,200km

 

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Day 1- Sydney, arrival, rest and gather information and maps.

Day 2 - Sydney sightseeing, such as Darling Harbour, the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Day 3 - Sydney beaches ,Manly Beach and Bondi Beach are both popular especially during a hot day. You can get to Manly taking the Sydney ferries across since Manly is located on the other side of Parramatta River. Bondi Beach is accessible via normal public transport. From there you could enjoy a coastal walk leading to Coogee Beach (1 hour one way, 4.4km), make sure to bring some water with you or you could stop at one the cafes and restaurants on the way.

Day 4 - Sydney to Blue Mountains - 1.5h drive 100km

You could pick up your rental van or car in the morning. Stop by the Three Sisters lookout when you arrive at Katoomba, Blue Mountains. The Three Sisters is an unusual rock formation. An Aboriginal legend tells it represents three sisters who were turned to stone.

Day 5 - Blue Mountains walking trails. Most of these walking tracks were actually created by the locals themselves as they wanted to create a tourist attraction in the region. There is a wide range of walks to choose from, however the best day ones are:

• Katoomba Falls (2km circuit, 2h)

• Grand Canyon Walk (6km return, 2.5h)

• National Pass (4.5km circuit, 3h).

Day 6 - Blue Mountains to Newcastle – 3h drive or 230 km

In Newcastle you can visit the Fort Scratchley and go to Merewether Beach or Nobbys Beach.

Day 7 - Newcastle to Port Stephens – 1h drive 60km

Enjoy Port Stephens relaxing atmosphere and walk to the stunning Tomaree Head lookout or take a tour to discover the Worimi sand dunes (Worimi National Park is only accessib;e to 4WD)

Day 8 - Port Stephens to Byron Bay – 7.5h drive or 630 km

Long driving day!

Day 9 - Byron Bay

This pretty town is much loved by surfers, travellers and hippies alike. You could laze around at the beach or grab your sneakers and walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse. You will be rewarded by awesome views across Tallows Beach and coastal Arakwak National Park.

Day 10 - Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise – 1.25h drive or 100 km

Accommodation is quite affordable in Surfers Paradise, depending on the season it could be $50 for a campsite quite far from everything or $100 for a night in a hotel or via Air BnB. Not bad for the difference of comfort!

Day 11 - Surfers Paradise

There is so much to do on the Gold Coast, however you can do the “essentials” in a short time frame. Its beach is famous for surfing but also for swimming as you get beach lifeguards for each locality along the stretch from Main Beach to Coolangatta as shown on this useful link:

http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/documents/bf/beach-patrol-brochure.pdf

Mount Tamborine and Springbrook National Park are 2 other spots you could visit if you prefer the hinterland or if the weather is not appropriate for the beach. You could then hand over your rental vehicle.

Day 12 - Overnight tour to Fraser Island from Gold Coast

Day 13 - Fraser Island tour

4 WD experience on Fraser Island where you drive on the beach and stop by amazing lookouts and points of interests such as lakes, sand dunes, shipwreck… (See my post and photos of Fraser Island for more info)

Day 14 - Fraser Island tour back to Brisbane

Day 15 - Departure If you have time in the morning you could walk alongside the river, hop on board the CityCat Ferry or visit the Botanic Gardens.

 

 

ROAD TRIP IDEA 2

Great Ocean Road to Australia’s Red Centre including Sydney

 

Who is it for? Mainly for those who wish to "get lost" within the vast outback.

Total 35h drive or 2,960km

 

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Day 1 - Melbourne Arrival, rest and gather information and maps.

Day 2 - Melbourne sightseeing

Melbourne is great for food and shopping. However if you would like to visit the city the best way is to use the City CircleTram driving around Melbourne CBD. Melbourne also has a beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens within the city.

Day 3 - Melbourne to Great Ocean Road – 4h drive or 280km (without all the stops on the way which could take you up to another 4 or 5 hours)

Collect your van or car rental and head to Lorne where your Great Ocean Road trip will start. The #GreatOceanRoad was built by returned war servicemen as a permanent memorial to those who died during World War I. From Lorne you can drive along the Great Ocean Road and stop by the main lookouts and attractions (such as famous Twelve Apostles and Loch Arch) on the way up to Port Campbell.

Day 4 - Great ocean road to Grampians NP – 2h drive or 150km

Head to Halls Gap, base to the Grampians National Park.

Day 5 - Grampians National Park

A must do is the McKenzies Falls waterfalls where you can enjoy the views for above and below. The walk is a bit steep therefore get ready for the way back up! The Sundial lookout and the Pinnacle are another two best things to do in the Grampians with fantastic view across the national park.

Day 6 - Grampians to Adelaide through Dimboola pink lake – 5.5h drive or 470 km

Following the A8 road you will go pass the Pink Lake. The pink colour of this salt lake is caused by an algae found in the lake. Very pretty!

Day 7 - Adelaide

Here you could visit and relax at the Botanic Gardens, or try some new food at the Adelaide Central Market. Glenelg Beach is also a popular spot in the area.

Day 8 - Adelaide to Port Augusta – 3.5h drive or 300 km

A couple of attractions are available at Port Augusta: Wadlata Outback Centre exhibiting Abriginal culture and life in the outback; Water Tower lookout over Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Range in the distance. .

Day 9 - Port Augusta to Coober Pedy – 5.5h or 550 km

Coober Pedy has a very special lifestyle due to its climate. People have actually built houses, hotels and restaurants underground. You can visit Faye’s underground house to give you an idea of what it looks like.

Day 10 - Coober Pedy to Ayers Rock – 8.5h or 750 km

A long drive showing the majesty of the outback.

Day 11 - Ayers rock

If you think Australia’s Red Centre, Uluru or Ayers Rock will come to mind. During your visit you can also enjoy a free ranger-guided tour on the Mala walk and don’t miss out on the sunrise viewing point which boosts a 360 degree view on top of a sand dune!

Day 12 - Ayers rock to Alice Springs – 6h or 460km

If you set off early enough (and depending on the temperatureJ) you should be able to visit MacDonnell Ranges which is located near Larapinta Drive from Alice Springs. Different attractions are available on the way such as Simpson's Gap Standley Chasm, Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Big Hole and Redbank Gorge.

Day 13 - Alice springs flight to Sydney

Day 14 - Sydney sightseeing such as Darling Harbour, the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge or head to one of Sydney beaches.

Day 15 - Departure

 

 

 

Road trip idea 3

Queensland East Coast including Sydney

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Who is it for? Mainly for nature, beach and islands lovers

Total 19h drive or 1,680km

 

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Day 1 - Sydney arrival

Day 2 - Sydney sightseeing, same ideas as above, Darling Harbour, the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge or head to one of Sydney beaches.

Day 3 - Fly to Cairns

Visit of Cairns, the esplanade and perhaps go for a swim at the lagoon (big public swimming pool looking like a lagoon). Collect a van or a car hire for the duration of your trip.

Day 4 - Trip to Cape Tribulation and Daintree River – 6h drive return or 300 km

Visit the Daintree River and encounter crocodiles in their natural habitat by taking a guided crocodile and wildlife spotting river cruise. Enjoy the scenic drive to Cape Tribulation. Once there it seems like we are back in time, looking at this pristine beach with the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest in the background. From Cape Tribulation it’s onto the top of the Alexandra Range for amazing views of the Daintree Rainforest, Coastal Hinterland and Daintree River. On the way back to Cairns you could stop at Port Douglas and check out the views of Trinity Bay, Coral Bay and the Great Barrier Reef from Rex Lookout.

Day 5 - Day trip to the Great Barrier Reef

A day trip to the Great Barrier Reef allows you to discover a variety of marine life, including coral and lots of fish, this Marine Park has to offer. You will snorkel or dive depending of the day trip.

Day 6 - Cairns to Airlie Beach – 7.25h drive or 620 km

Day 7 - Overnight sailing in the Whitsundays

An overnight sailing trip is the best way to discover the Whitsundays. Not only you get a sailing experience, but you also visit the main Whitsunday Islands, including Whitehaven Beach and its picture perfect Hill Inlet lookout, and snorkel in the best spots available around the islands. Overnight sailing tours will not take you to Hamilton Island as this island is privately owned.

Day 8 - Overnight sailing in the Whitsundays

Day 9 - Back to Airlie Beach

Enjoy the laid back lifestyle of Airlie Beach. Spot the turtles from the boardwalk (depending on the season) or have a swim at the lagoon.

Day 10 - Airlie Beach to Yeppoon – 5.5h drive or 500 km

Taking a walk to beautiful Bluff Point lookout will definitely stretch your legs after a long drive. Causeway Lake is also a great spot where you can hire kayaks or floating tricycles.

Day 11 - Yeppoon to Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay – 6h drive or 520 km

If stopping at Rainbow Beach you could take a look at Carlos sand blow which is an amazing sand dune located 2 minute drive from the town centre.

If stopping at Hervey Bay you could take a stroll on its very pleasant esplanade and the pier.

Day 12 - Overnight tour to Fraser Island

4WD experience on Fraser Island where you drive on the beach and stop by amazing lookouts and points of interests such as lakes, sand dunes, shipwreck…

Day 13 - Fraser Island back to Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay

Day 14 - Rainbow Beach to Brisbane – 3h drive or 240 km

Walk alongside the Brisbane River, hop on board the CityCat Ferry or visit the Botanic Gardens. Hand over of vehicle hire.

Day 15 - Brisbane Departure

 

 

 

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