Road trip along the Australian East Coast

Melbourne to Cairns is nearly 4000 km, definitely a road trip to remember!

Whether you're sharing your road trip adventure with some friends or fellow backpackers by car, or you're enjoying the Greyhound Melbourne to Cairns Hop On Hop Off pass (that allows you to get on and off as many times as you want as long as you travel in one direction) make sure you pencil these cities on your itinerary. Some destinations may require just one night's stop, however Australian beauties are likely to enchant you and you may end up spending a week or more in each location. Just remember the Greyhound pass lasts for 3 months once travel commences.

Let your road trip start!

Melbourne

With its stylish European flair and cultured population, fashionable Melbourne is a fascinating cosmopolitan place to explore on vacation. As the second most populous city in Australia, it's famous for its dramatic changes in weather, where you can experience four seasons in one day. Australia's Second City or 'Mel-bun' as its known locally is home to international cultural events and bohemian music festivals. Come, explore the romantic old Queen Victoria Markets, the rides at Luna Park in St. Kilda and see free exhibitions at Federation Square, before you set off north towards your next destination.

Sydney

World-famous Sydney offers much more than just its Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The iconic city combines awesome beaches (and by the way, do not miss the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk) and trendy middle-class suburbs. Come and ride a ferry to Manly, go shopping in Surry Hills and dance the night away in the vibrant Kings Cross district.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour, situated close to the highway, deserves to be visited on your way to Cairns. Its uniquely vibrant heart with shops, boutiques and al fresco cafés together with its uncrowded beaches where to scuba dive, sky dive, surf or whale watching, will keep you actively entertained for a day or two, before you head to your last stop in New South Wales.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay, Australia's most easterly point, with its laid-back lifestyle and surf beaches, is a special place. Its singular vibe is the result of the surf culture mixing into the hippie alternative-lifestyle. With its funky shops, boutiques and independent cafés and bars, Byron Bay preserve its small-town flair despite crowds packing it especially during schoolies or holidays. Reliable surf breaks, fine food, a beer or maybe two with a mate fixing his dreadlocks... make sure you don't spend your whole travel budget here, as there's so much to see up to Cairns!

Surfers Paradise

Welcome to Queensland! Its warm, tropical climate means that winters are very mild and it's a all-year-round destination. Make sure your itinerary includes a stop on the Gold Coast and its 70km of golden beaches with Surfers Paradise as one of its most popular destinations; the city's name says that all. Should you be sick with sunbathing and surfing, there's a lot going on also in the city center. Hard Rock Café fans will find their place just by spotting the huge red electric guitar in the city CBD. And party people, this is also your paradise as nightlife is faboulous here, you can go wild at weekends as well as weekdays with Surfers Paradise's local pubs and clubs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a modern, vibrant city with a sunny sub-tropical climate where you can experience the Aussie beach vibe in the heart of the city: South Bank of the Brisbane River, famous for its diverse mix of entertainment, recreation and leisure activities, boasts of a fully patrolled beach with white sand and sub-tropical plants. The city skyline from here is simply amazing. Beyond shops, historic buildings and cultural attractions, you'll discover all the natural beauties Queensland has to offer at Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Roma Parkland. Before you hit the road again, make sure you vist GoMA, Australia's largest gallery of modern and contemporary art.

Noosa

One hour 45 minutes North, right on the Sunshine Coast, is the trendy Noosa, famous for its fine al fresco eateries, elegant boutiques on Hastings Streets and lovely beaches. Watch the surfers on Noosa Main Beach, try to spot a koala at Noosa National Park, buy local food and products at Noosa Farmers Markets. From Noosa there are also daily pick-ups to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island.

Your 4WD trip to Frazer Island will be a lifetime experience: swim in freshwater Lake McKenzie, walk through lush rainforest, float in fast-flowing Eli Creek straight to the ocean, take a picture to the Maheno shipwreck and spot dingos.

Airlie Beach

Vibrant Airlie Beach filled with palm beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants will make you feel welcomed by its bohemian charm and relaxed vibe. Chill out at Airlie Beach Lagoon or take a walk on Airlie Beach Esplanade. The beach walk offers incredible views over the ocean and summer-like breeze 365 days a year. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands.

Go on a boat trip to heaven. You can choose from a day trip or a 3-day sailing adventure depending on time and budget, however they will both include a stop to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island: crystal clear waters and a long stretch of white sand like no beach in the world. Second stop is car-free exclusive Hamilton Island, where you'll manage to see some hard-to-believe luxury beach resorts while on you free hop on and off bus tour.

Townsville

Back to the mainland, get back on the road and drive up to your next destination: Townsville, in Tropical Queensland. It's a bustling city where the Great Barrier Reef meets the wet tropics rainforest, wetlands and national parks. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine each year, Townsville has much more than palm-lined beaches and waterfront parks where to relax and sunbath: it is also a popular centre for fashion, food and entertainment.

Cairns

You have reached your destination! As a reward to your almost 4000km trip, enjoy our short guide on what to do in Cairns. And remember what Ernest Hemingway said: "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end".

Now make your road trip indelible, download your Australia desktop:

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