We are all about campervanning here at RTE, and Australia is one of the Big Four countries to do so. The East Coast is one of the (if not THE) most popular route and will guarantee you an epic road trip along a very diverse coast and its hinterland. It sure did for us!
That being said, you could easily spend three months covering just the East Coast of Australia and still not have seen it all. That is why we will help you find the best route for your next campervan vacation, whether it is one, two, or three weeks.
We will, of course, let you in on our experience, which was an 18-day road trip, and tell you how you could shorten or lengthen that trip.
But first, let's talk about why you should choose the East Coast for your first trip to Australia. My guess would be that most people in the world have heard about Sydney, but by far, not everyone knows about the surrounding area.
East Coast vs West Coast vs Outback
The East Coast, especially the southern stretch from Melbourne to Brisbane, is the most populated area of all Australia and also one of the most popular road trip routes. You will get to include the two largest and most beautiful cities, Melbourne and Sydney, and at the same time, you will find unspoiled beaches without a single soul on them.
The West Coast is breathtakingly gorgeous with very few people around. Nature comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Renting a 4x4 campervan for a road trip around this area is advisable. On this route, the biggest city you will explore is Perth, a not so touristy destination. We would love to road trip the West Coast on a second or third trip Down Under.
The Outback is the most fascinating and scariest part of Australia. This area is far away from civilization, especially the desert area in central Australia. You definitely need a 4x4 vehicle. This is by far the most adventurous trip you can go on, and you should have some experience road-tripping and campervanning as well as some outdoor survival skills.
If you are like us and the idea of visiting Australia for the first time without seeing Sydney just feels weird then keep on reading. We take you on your ultimate campervan road trip along the southern East Coast, starting in Melbourne and including the Great Ocean Road, and ending in Brisbane, including Noosa.
Best time to road trip the South East Coast of Australia
The best time for you to plan your road trip along the South East Coast of Australia is for the months of November and March.
We are big fans of the shoulder season and visited during the second half of April. Please learn from our 'mistake' and travel between the first Sunday of October and the first Sunday of April to take advantage of Daylight Savings Time in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. As campervanning is, of course, very dependent on the amount of daylight you have, this will give you more exploration time.
We inspired my sister Miriam and her husband to also road trip the East Coast of Australia, and they traveled six months after us in November and had two hours extra daylight compared to us. Thus, Miriam will also share some of her experiences with you, that we didn't get to do, throughout this itinerary.
November and March will give you the benefits of fewer crowds, lower prices for campgrounds, and more availability over the high season summer months of December - February. The climate will still be nice and warm; you might want to pack a sweater and a jacket for Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road though.
From where should you start your East Coast road trip?
That, of course, depends a bit on where you live and where you are coming from. Are you flying nationally or internationally? We flew internationally, and we looked at Brisbane and Melbourne to start and end. There was no real difference in price and timing, whether we would have started in Brisbane or Melbourne. Therefore, we chose to travel from a cooler to a warmer climate, so from Melbourne to Brisbane.
Remember that in Australia, everything is the other way around. The south is cooler than the north, summer is over Christmas, and they drive on the left side of the road.
Also, everyone has different priorities and ways of road-tripping, so take this itinerary as an outline and a guide for you to create your own.
We will be highlighting each stop individually and showing you how we pieced it together to give you a real idea of what is possible in one, two, or three weeks.
What campervan or RV should you rent for your East Coast adventure?
Now that you know where you will start your epic road trip, it is time to focus on the pretty much most important thing - your campervan or RV! If you are unsure of what campervan or RV might be the right one for you, we have got you covered. Take a small detour from this itinerary to get your answer via the link below.
Should you also be a compact campervan lover, we can help you out even more. As we have done the research for you and compared the best compact campervan rental companies in Melbourne for you. Take a look at the in-depth comparison guide: 'A Curated Comparison of 4 Campervan Rentals in Melbourne'
Now that you got your home on wheels all checked out, it is time to start to plan your route.
18-day campervan itinerary along the East Coast of Australia
Start: Melbourne
End: Brisbane
Day 3: Apollo Bay --> Port Campbell
Day 4: Port Campbell --> Wilsons Promontory
Day 5: Wilsons Promontory --> Lakes Entrance
Day 6: Lakes Entrance --> Pebbly Beach
Day 7: Pebbly Beach --> Southern Sydney
Day 11: Sydney --> Blue Mountains
Day 12: Blue Mountains --> Port Stephens
Day 13: Port Stephens --> Dorrigo
Day 15: Byron Bay --> Gold Coast
Total time and distance driving: 46 hours - 3.412 km / 2.120 miles
How to use this map
- Click on the icon:
- This icon will reveal the layers of the map, which are:
- Activities
- Campgrounds
- Route
- You can click the red checkmark
to hide or show the different layers - Clicking on the different icons on the map will show you more information about each spot
- If you have a Google account: Clicking the star next to the title of the map will add this map to your own Google Maps account.
- To view it on your phone or computer, click on the following link to open your: Google Places, where you will find the saved map.
Day 1 - Arrive in Melbourne and discover it on foot
On the Road: no driving today - only walking → 2-3 hours (9 km / 5.5 miles)
To get the most out of your first day, try to land in Melbourne in the morning to use that first day for your city exploration. To get from the airport to the city center, you can either use the SkyBus, which runs about every ten minutes, and costs AU$19.75 per person or catch an Uber. We paid AU$51 for our ride to the CBD and opted for the convenience over saving AU$10.
Should you choose to take an Uber, there is a designated car-share pick up and drop off area, across the street, after you exit the airport.
Melbourne has a very European flair and its city center is absolutely walkable. Be sure to have your comfy shoes on, as it is time to get your legs moving after that long flight.
You will start your day with one of the best coffees you have ever tasted at Patricia's, as Melbourne is the coffee capital of the world for many. You will then walk along the Yarra River, the Southbank marina and of course the famous laneways.
Be sure to click on the link below for a detailed itinerary of your city walk and more in-depth information on Melbourne.
Where to Stay in Melbourne: We recommend staying at the Adina Apartment Hotel on Queen Street, in the heart of the CBD. The location is superb for explorations on foot, and the price and value are great. There are tons of cute cafes around the corner for a delicious breakfast as well.
Day 2 - Melbourne to Apollo Bay
On the Road: 3.5 hours (187 km / 116 miles) + multiple stops
It is time to pick up your campervan in the morning to embark on your road trip adventure. Take 5 minutes to test drive your van and practice turning, especially if you are used to driving on the right side of the road. Stop by a nearby supermarket, stock up on food and drinks, and head down towards the coast.
Take the first stop in Apollo Bay, the start of the famous Great Ocean Road. Highlights on today's route to Apollo Bay are Bells Beach, the Split Point Lighthouse, Lorne and the Erskine Falls, Kennett River, and quite frankly, the road itself!
For an in-depth description of what to see and do and where to stop along the Great Ocean Road, follow the link below.
Where to Stay in Apollo Bay: We can recommend the Marengo Holiday Park, where you have the chance for an unpowered campsite with ocean views, with the Apollo Bay Beach to one side and the Great Otway National Park to the other.
Day 3 - Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
On the Road: 2 hours ( 121 km / 75 miles) + multiple stops
After you watch the sunrise over the ocean, start your day with a short (about 45 minutes) but stunning walk through the rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, down to Shelly Beach. You have great chances of spotting wild koalas with no other soul around you. This is a must-do activity, and it is only 10 minutes away from the Marengo Holiday Park in Apollo Bay by car.
Next up: head to the Cape Otway Lightstation at the tip of the peninsula for great views and some historical insights on the Shipwreck Coast and Aboriginal culture.
Be sure to dedicate the second half of your day to the fascinating sandstone cliffs of the Port Campbell National Park. There are multiple viewpoints along the road, some unknown and others crowded, such as at the Twelve Apostles. In our article about the highlights of the Great Ocean Road, you will get detailed information about each stop you shouldn't miss.
Where to Stay in Port Campbell: We recommend the NRMA Holiday Park with views of the Port Campbell Creek and within walking distance to the beach and town.
Day 4 - Port Campbell to Wilsons Promontory
On the Road: 6 hours (470 km / 292 miles) + multiple stops
Today will be a long day, so get up early and carefully drive back to the car park of the Twelve Apostles in the dark to experience a magical sunrise overlooking the Twelve Apostles and also experiencing it with a lot fewer crowds than during the day.
Afterward, you will have a long day of driving ahead of you, heading back up to Melbourne and down to the other side of Phillip Bay to the Wilsons Promontory National Park, a natural paradise. To stretch your legs out a bit during that 6-hour drive, take a stop at the beaches of St. Kilda and Brighton, Melbourne's city beaches.
The Prom, as Wilsons Promontory is also called, offers uncountable hiking opportunities, and you will get the chance to walk a few short trails. In the afternoon and evening, you can do the Prom Wildlife Walk and the Tidal River Walk.
For more details on the drive, The Prom, and the hikes, take a look at our post linked below.
Where to Stay at the Wilsons Promontory: The best place to stay overnight with your campervan is by far the Tidal River Campground in the heart of The Prom. Be sure to book your ticket in advance to secure yourself a spot and also pay for the National Park permit at the same time.
Day 5 - Wilsons Promontory to Lakes Entrance
On the Road: 4 hours (335 km / 208 miles) + multiple stops
Road tripping means maximizing the day, and with that, you might have guessed it, comes another eeeaaarly morning. No one said, a campervan road trip was a relaxing vacation, but I guess that is exactly why you have found your way to our site 😉.
Get up way before sunrise for yet another magical morning. Again slowly drive to the Telegraph Saddle in the darkness and be super alert for wildlife! Equipped with your headlamps, you will start your 1.5-2 hour round trip hike up to the Mount Oberon summit for breathtaking postcard sunrise views.
After your morning exploration, it will be time to hit the road again, leaving the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland and heading up the East Coast.
You should take two stops en route to your final destination for the day. The first one will be at the 90 Mile Beach, a literally endless stretch of golden sand. The second one will be at Raymond Island in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes. Raymond Island is the best spot in all of Australia to observe wild koalas only meters away and for free!
Upon arrival in Lakes Entrance, depending on how late it is, you can opt for the Entrance Walk, a 1.5-2 hours walk along the Lakes Entrance Beach peninsula to the manmade opening and literal entrance to inland Gippsland Lakes.
Should you be a shrimp lover, this is your chance to buy fresh pre-cooked shrimp from one of the fisher boats and devour it at your campsite which is walking distance from the pier.
Again for an in-depth description, check out day 2 of our Melbourne to Sydney itinerary below.
Where to Stay in Lakes Entrance: We recommend you to stay at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve. A campground on the grounds of the local rugby field. Reserve your spot in advance for a prime location right next to the water.
Day 6 - Lakes Entrance to Pebbly Beach
On the Road: 6 hours (463 km / 288 miles)
If you haven't crossed the footbridge over to the Lakes Entrance Beach, do so in the morning before you continue driving. This will be the last really long driving day of about six hours on this itinerary. You will leave the state of Victoria, and you will enter New South Wales.
Take a break after three hours of driving in the small fisherman's town Eden. Head up to the viewpoint on the peninsula for a quick picnic, or grab a bite at one of the diners at the wharf.
Continue hitting the road, until you will reach one of the best-kept secrets along the East Coast of Australia: Pebbly Beach - the untouched kangaroo beach. We are no big fans of zoos and wildlife parks and prefer to view wildlife, well, where it is wild. So Pebbly Beach, together with Raymond Island, are the two best spots for you to do so.
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To answer two of your questions, you might have, after viewing the picture below. Yes, kangaroos do live on the beach, yes, kangaroos pretty much eat all day.
Take your time observing this fascinating creature and enjoy the evening atmosphere with only a few other people on this pristine beach.
For more details, check out day 3 of our Melbourne to Sydney itinerary below.
Where to Stay at Pebbly Beach: You will stay right at the campground behind the beach: Pebbly Beach Campground within the Murramarang National Park.
Day 7 - Pebbly Beach to Southern Sydney
On the Road: 4.5 hours (287 km / 178 miles) + multiple stops
Start your day, the way you ended the last one 🦘. Enjoy your breakfast while overlooking the beach and its favorite inhabitants. Get your morning stretch, and scratch together with the roos and get ready to leave the beach behind and head back up to the Princess Highway.
The first stop of the day is at Jervis Bay, huh that rhyme was unintentional. At Jervis Bay, you will be spoilt with white beaches. The whitest one being Hyams Beach at the southern end of the bay. Take a stroll along the different beaches of the White Sands Walk or take a dip into that turquoise gorgeousness, whatever entices you more.
For a seafood lunch and a cool vibe, head to the town of Huskisson in the heart of Jervis Bay. We highly recommend World Famous Fish N Chips, where you pick your fresh sea food and they prepare for you on the spot.
Ready for the largest blowhole in the world? Then Kiama is your next stop, although we can't guarantee you to experience the blow and its spray, as it is very dependent on the ocean's conditions. With or without the blow, Kiama is worth stopping.
Keep heading north on the coastal road to cross the famous Sea Cliff Bridge only minutes away from the entrance to the oldest National Park of Australia: the Royal National Park.
Take the drive along the scenic road through this beautiful park and take in the sounds and smells, while having your windows down. The Royal National Park literally marks the end of the city limits of Sydney.
End your day with a visit to the southern suburbs of Sydney, which only a few visitors take the time to notice. Cronulla, the most southern peninsula of Sydney, is worthwhile seeing and getting more trendy with locals. Grab a nice dinner, you deserve it, after cooking for yourself for the past week and head back to your trailer park for the night.
For all the detailed scoop, check out day 4 of our Melbourne to Sydney itinerary below.
Where to Stay in Southern Sydney: The Sydney Tourist Park is the closest campground or better said RV park you will find to the city center of Sydney.
Day 8-10 - Sydney
On the Road: 0.5 hours (27 km / 17 miles)
Sydney marks pretty much halftime of your road trip, and you should make it your three-day city escape. It is totally worth it!
Now one of the biggest questions you might have is where to stay with your campervan in the city. Lucky for you, I have compiled an entire article to answer your question. Check out the link below if you are interested in city stays on your road trip.
Where to Stay in Sydney: For Sydney, our recommendation is to rent an Airbnb, either with or without parking. In our detailed article about Sydney, you can learn where to stay and where to park your campervan.
The next big question you will probably have is what you can do and see in three days. There is an endless list; however, since we are all about active road trips here at RTE, we take a walk, hike, or kayak over a museum's visit anytime.
Here are our top six active must-do activities in Sydney for you:
- Drive to Watsons Bay and walk to the Hornby Lighthouse
- Kayaking Sydney Harbour at sunrise
- Taking the ferry to Manly and walking to Shelly Beach
- Doing the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk
- Swim in the famous Icebergs Pool at Bondi Beach
- Discovering different neighborhoods on foot
As always, if you are interested in more details about each activity and how we planned it all out during the three days, click on the link below.
Day 11 - Sydney to the Blue Mountains
On the Road: 1 hours (112 km / 70 miles) + multiple stops & hikes
After three days back to civilization, your campervan is calling for attention. Get up early and head up to the Blue Mountains.
Drive all the way up to pretty much the end and find a parking spot at the Evans Lookout in the northern part of the National Park and put on your hiking shoes. The Grand Canyon Walk is your best introduction to this lush rainforest, full of waterfalls, cliffs, and creeks. The hike is about 8 km / 5 miles and will take you around 3 hours.
After your morning adventure, head back down to Katoomba, the main town within the Blue Mountains and the nearby Leura. Both towns are worthwhile seeing.
For your afternoon/evening, it is time to take a look at the most famous sight within the Blue Mountains: the Three Sisters! That being said, avoid Echo Point, the most touristy of places you can be (together with the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road).
Instead, park your campervan at your campground for the night (see below) and walk the cliff walk until the Wollumai Lookout, from where you will get to see the Three Sisters in peace and overlook the magnificent Jamison Valley.
Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains: The best campground for your Blue Mountains escape is the Katoomba Falls Tourist Park, within walking distance to the cliff walk.
Day 12 - Blue Mountains to Port Stephens
On the Road: 3.5 hours (283 km / 176 miles)
After your hinterland breakaway, it is time to head back to the coast.
Take a quick stop in Newcastle to experience an Aussie city that is not world-famous and continue your drive on to the Port Stephens peninsula. Yes, Port Stephens is not actually a town, but an area full of natural highlights.
The first one being the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. The number one activity for you to do here is sandboarding the dunes. It is good fun, and the views are amazing!
Next, head to the One Mile Beach for a sunset walk on the beach to end your day.
Where to Stay in Port Stephens: We recommend you to stay at the Middle Rock Holiday Resort, as it offers unpowered campsites in a grassy foresty area close to the pristine One Mile Beach.
Day 13 - Port Stephens to Dorrigo
On the Road: 4.5 hours (391 km / 243 miles)
It is time to be active again. Drive to the Tomaree Mountain at the end of the Port Stephens peninsula and start your Tomaree Head Summit Walk for a gorgeous 360° panoramic view. The hike takes you up many steps through lush forest with lookouts in between. Plan one hour for this must-do walk!
Afterward, take a dip into the ocean at the gorgeous, pristine Zenith Beach to cool off.
Along the coast, you should make a stop in the non-touristy seaside town of Port Macquarie. Walk along the rock art at the mouth of the Hastings River or have a seafood snack.
Your next stop is a hidden gem, missed by many because they only focus on the coast. Only ten minutes inland, you will find the sleepy, historic town of Bellingen. I promise you, within one minute of being there, you will have experienced yet another side of Australia. That place has such a cool vibe!
Continue your hinterland discovery by following the Waterfall Way for another 20 minutes inland to the Dorrigo National Park. Another lush rainforest, very different from the Blue Mountains or the Great Otways and with very few tourists. Should you still have some daylight left, go for a small hike or just marvel at the Dangar Falls, right next to your campground.
Where to Stay in the Dorrigo National Park: The best location to set up camp for the night is at the Dangar Falls Lodge. This lodge does not offer very much (except for showers and a toilet), but it is right next to the impressive Dangar Falls.
For specific details, check out day 3 of our in-depth itinerary from Sydney to Byron Bay below.
Day 14 - Dorrigo to Byron Bay
On the Road: 3.5 hours (276 km / 172 miles)
Today you will end your hinterland exploration and head back to the coast. Your first stop will be at Coffs Harbour, a relaxed and hip marina town. The city center is actually located inland, but it is the marina you are aiming for. Plenty of free parking spaces invite you for a delicious pancake breakfast with ocean views.
Next up will be the famous Byron Bay. You can't road trip the East Coast of Australia and not stop in Byron Bay. However, don't set your expectations too high, as in our opinion Byron Bay is overhyped.
Nevertheless, head up to the lighthouse on Cape Byron, stroll on the Cape Byron Walk, and of course, discover the city center and the beach. The vibe still is very hippy, surfy, and alternative.
Where to Stay in Byron Bay: There are two Holiday Parks in Byron Bay, and we recommend you stay at the Reflections Holiday Parks Clarkes Beach a little bit away from the bustle of downtown and right next to the beach.
Our recommendation is to not stay in Byron Bay, but head up to Brunswick before sunset. It is only a 20-minute drive, but you will find a lot more peace and better chances for an affordable campsite. Stay at the Reflections Holiday Parks Terrace Reserve right next to the river and the footbridge to the Brunswick Beach. Perfect for a fun morning dip.
For more details, check out day 4 of our in-depth itinerary from Sydney to Byron Bay below.
Day 15 - Byron Bay to Gold Coast
On the Road: 1.5 hours (95 km / 60 miles)
Are you ready for your third and final state on this road trip? Well, say hello to Queensland tropical and humid Queensland. Right after entering Queensland, make your first stop in Coolangatta.
Take a stop at Danger Point and observe the multiple surfers with their different skill levels and styles. Now turn your attention to Rainbow Bay, to find the Gold Coast skyline on the horizon.
The Gold Coast is a conglomerate of coastal and lagoon towns and counts as a city. Discover the different areas and lagoons by car and take a stop at the most famous suburb, Surfers Paradise.
Here we experienced the opposite of Byron Bay. Our expectations were low, and we got pleasantly surprised. Spend the afternoon and evening in Surfers Paradise to experience some Australian 'culture'.
For tips on things to do, take a look at my article below.
Where to Stay at the Gold Coast: There is only one place to spend the night with a campervan at Surfers Paradise or the Gold Coast for that matter, and that is the Main Beach Tourist Park.
Day 16 - Gold Coast to Noosa
On the Road: 3 hours (214 km / 133 miles)
Start your day with a surf lesson from 1st Wave Surf School or just a morning dip in the by now warm ocean. After you are all cleaned up, head north to Brisbane for a few hours of big city escape. Brisbane is located inland and for Australian standards, far from any beach. So the city simply built their own beach lagoon inside the city on the Southbank 😆.
Other than that, Brisbane is just an ordinary city. Yes, it is being hyped in the media as becoming more attractive and hip and drawing attention away from Melbourne and Sydney, however in my opinion, that is mainly for living there. For visiting, the downtown area of the Queen Street Outdoor Mall and the Southbank are the most attractive.
There are multiple car parks in downtown Brisbane. Drop your home on wheels, discover the area around the Queen Street Outdoor Mall on foot and then rent the sharable city bikes from one of the multiple stations. Cross Victoria Bridge and discover the Southbank Parklands, while cycling along the promenade.
If you are curious as to how we got internet to register for a sharable city bikes service, make sure to checkout our essentials post where we give you the scoop of where and how to buy your local sim card.
Enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the alfresco restaurants and cycle back via the Goodwill Bridge through the Botanical Gardens to your car park.
Get back on the road and keep on heading north to the Glasshouse Mountains.
The Glasshouse Mountains are located about one hour north of Brisbane. They are a National Park with 12 volcanic hills that are millions of years old. They abruptly rise above the natural landscape and offer you several walks with fantastic lookouts.
Take the time to at least climb one of them. Here you can find an overview of the different possible walks and climbs.
We didn't get the chance to do a climb, as this was the one time it poured down rain on our trip, so there was no vision at all.
My sister, however, climbed Mt. Beerburrum. The track up there is short, but very steep, so make sure you take water with you and wear hiking shoes. Usually, the summit provides a great lookout; instead of rain, bushfires' smoke diminished their view.
If you don't want to go on a walk, the Glasshouse Mountains Lookout, accessible by car or campervan, also offers a great view over the volcanic landscape. Here you can find a map of the surrounding area.
After you have hopefully discovered the Glasshouse Mountains, keep heading north to Noosa. The views from Mount Tinbeerwah Lookout invite you for a small detour on your way to Noosa. It is an easy walk up the hill with a 360° panoramic view, where you can spot the coast and lagoon area of Noosa and the hinterland. This lookout is highly recommended to visit at sunrise or sunset, but also during the day, it is a nice stop on your drive. Plan about one hour for the detour, including climbing up the hill and enjoying a snack at the top.
Your final destination for the day and also the most northern stop on this itinerary is Noosa.
Noosa Heads is the heart of the Noosa area and world-famous for its lagoon and its relaxed and elegant vibe.
End your day with a cool drink relaxing in your camping chairs on the campground's beach. If you are lucky, like we were, the cherry on the cake will be an amazing sunset accompanied by a smooth busker. Happy Camper Times!
Where to Stay in Noosa: For that amazing atmosphere described above, you have to stay at the Noosa River Holiday Park.
Day 17 - Noosa
On the Road: 1.5 hours (95 km / 60 miles)
This is the last full day of your time in captivating Australia. Be sure to make it a good one!
Take the morning to discover the Noosa National Park with a couple of gorgeous hikes, either along the coast or through the inland bush, or opt for another surf lesson. We chose to surf, my sister chose the Noosa National Park, and today I am jealous, and I would trade the surf for the coastal walk.
Drive up to the Laguna Lookout to grasp the Noosa area from atop and be sure to stroll along Hastings Street, discover its cute shops and boutiques, and have a delicious meal.
Also, remember to plan some time to clean out your campervan and repack your bags, so you don't have to do that on your last morning.
For more details on Noosa, take a look at my comparison guide with Byron Bay.
Day 18 - Noosa to Brisbane
On the Road: 2.5 hours (151 km / 94 miles)
Today marks the last day of your time Down Under. Your plans for the day obviously depend
on your flight time. Noosa is 1.5 hours away from Brisbane Airport and, with some more time at hand, take the slower route along the Sunshine Coast and stop at some of the lookouts and say goodbye to this magnificent ocean, where the waves never seem to stop.
Remember to check with your rental company or your manual, whether you need to return your campervan cleaned or not, and then look at the definition of clean.
For our Spaceships campervan, we were asked to hose it down.
And that's it! An 18-day adventurous road trip itinerary along the southern East Coast of Australia. Full of discovery, hiking, empty roads and beaches, and friendly Aussies.
With Less Time
Our road trip itinerary is divided into three parts: the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne to Sydney, and Sydney to Brisbane. So if you only have one week, choose one of the stretches and discover the area even deeper. If you have two weeks, either combine the Great Ocean Road and Melbourne to Sydney or drop the Great Ocean Road and Noosa and go from Melbourne to Brisbane without any extra loops.
I specifically want to point that out, as so many Europeans always say, it is not worth visiting Australia just for two weeks. I strongly disagree. We were happy and satisfied after one week, and it felt like we had been on the road for two weeks already. So don't let arguably too little time stop you from discovering potential dream destinations of yours. It is always worth it if you make it worth it!
With More Time
Should you be part of the lucky ones, who have more than 2.5 weeks vacation or you are on a longer trip in general, you have various options to prolong this itinerary.
Should you only have a couple more days extra, I wouldn't recommend you to stretch the total mileage much. Instead, use the time for a day at the beach, an extra hike in the hinterlands, or book a 4x4 adventure tour to Fraser Island, north of Noosa.
Should you have an entire month, I am jealous! 😆 Just kidding! Consider heading further north all the way to Cairns and complete the entire East Coast. On this route, you will get to explore the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, which we could not do because of lack of time. Oh well, I guess we must go back to Australia again 😉
I hope you enjoyed this virtual trip and that you will get to experience it live very soon!
Are you planning your Australian road trip? Please comment below if you have any questions!
