Kangaroos, koalas, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Sydney Opera House, Brisbane and Cairns. Discover the beauty of the east coast between Brisbane and Cairns in your motorhome. Watch wild kangaroos in the colours of dawn and dive into the mysterious underwater world of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Explore the mysterious Australian Everglades, and don’t miss Fraser Island and Whitsunday Island with its white sandy beach! Enjoy complete freedom and decide where your journey takes you each day until your flight returns from Cairns to Sydney. At the end of your trip, embark on an urban adventure between the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. What’s in store for you?
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East Coast
It’s time to pick up your companion for the next few days: a fully equipped motorhome. Now, nothing will stand in the way of your road trip! Where to now? It’s up to you – you’re behind the wheel now! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of the East Coast with all its attractions between Brisbane and Cairns and live the day in the best style of campervan living. Enjoy absolute freedom and decide where to get cosy at night in your bed on wheels until your plane finally takes you from Cairns to Sydney.
Glancing out the window tells you your plane will land in Brisbane. Your heart leaps out of your chest, and you’re standing on Australian soil before you know it. The warm sunshine promises a perfect adventure, but in the meantime, you pick up your rental car and head to your hotel.
Get behind the wheel and start your journey to Noosa Heads. The sound of the waves and the sunset atmosphere – what better way to end the day than on the beach?
Dream beaches and coastal walks
Hello, East Coast! The warm sunshine streaming through the window wakes you up this morning, yet you have to pinch yourself to realise you’re not sleeping anymore! You’re on the other side of the world, and adventure is calling!
It’s time to go on the best hike of your life! The Noosa National Park Coastal Walk follows the coastline north to Sunshine Beach. White sandy beaches, black cliffs and extraordinary forests that seem to have come from another world await you! The main attraction is the Dolphin Point Lookout. You might see dolphins or whales in the water if you’re lucky. And even if not, the view from the observation deck itself is a real highlight. Alexandria Bay is no less impressive, with golden white sand as far as the eye can see and azure water – the perfect place to take a break and cool off! Sunshine Beach is also just a short walk away!
Outdoor recreation in a mysterious labyrinth
A must-see today: The Everglades! Yes, you read that right! The Everglades are located in Florida and Australia, in Noosa, to be exact! The best way to explore this mysterious labyrinth of rivers, canals and mangroves is by boat (paid locally). The silence is almost eerie. It is broken only by the sounds of animals and the movement of plants gently swaying in the wind. The eyes, for their part, do not know where to look! The play of colours in every conceivable shade of green is incredible, and you will see colourful birds, Australian pelicans and if you’re lucky, water turtles, snakes and crocodiles everywhere.
In the late afternoon, relax at your campsite and enjoy the magnificent sunset.
Near Barnacle dolphins
The early bird catches the worm – or watch for wild dolphins! At the Barnacles Dolphinarium in Tin Can Bay (entrance fee payable locally)! So get behind the wheel, step on the accelerator and head north along the coast, accompanied by the day’s first rays. Make yourself comfortable in the Barnacles Cafe and wait for the majestic animals with a fresh cup of coffee. Nine wild Australian humpback dolphins – Patch, Ella, Squirt, Harmony, Australian, Valentine, Chompy, White Fin and the alpha male Mystic – come to the small bay almost every morning to eat. Will you stay on the pier or dare to jump into the knee-deep water to get as close as possible? But be careful: don’t touch the wild animals! No matter what, this unique moment will be etched in your memory.
Next stop: Rainbow Beach! A natural, colourful spectacle awaits you here. Metre-high dunes pile up along the beach and light up in different colours depending on the sunlight – an actual work of nature’s art.
Between the blue of Lake Mackenzie and the green of the rainforest
Is the famous K’gari Island on your bucket list? The largest sandy island in the world is just a stone’s throw from Rainbow Beach, with a ferry crossing of just 15 minutes (optional, payable locally).
A real natural paradise awaits you with its flora and magical sensations. It is best to leave your faithful companion at the port and take part in an excursion (optional, paid locally). A trip to the most famous place on the island – freshwater Lake Mackenzie – is a real adventure on sandy paths only! Even from a distance, it looks like it has been painted in every possible shade of blue. Dive into the cool water, and you will realise this is not a dream. There’s also the equally impressive Lake Basin, gorgeous Champagne pools and rainforests to admire. Maybe you’ll even spot a dingo or a giant echidna.
Between coral islands and tiny seashells
It’s time for some unforgettable moments! Get in your speedboat, press the accelerator and go!
Today’s leg will take you first to Bundaberg, south of the Great Barrier Reef, where you can watch sea turtles snorkelling all year round! And that’s not all: from November to March, hundreds of turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach every year. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the hatchlings hatch and make their way through the sand to the sea. Are you a thrill seeker?
Then don’t miss the snorkelling tour (payable locally) around the tiny coral island of Lady Elliot, home to countless manta rays! Grab your goggles, mask and snorkel and dive into the ocean. Despite the water temperature, the first manta ray will give you goosebumps! You won’t believe your eyes as the graceful rays swim around you repeatedly.
From Bundaberg, the journey continues to Agnes Water, where it is best to end the evening on Agnes Water Beach.
Adventure trips and mysterious caves
The fresh morning air rushes into your lungs as you step out into the fresh air this morning. The sun’s rays in the sky awaken your thirst for adventure. Luckily, right after breakfast, it’s time to hit the road again! Get behind the wheel, turn on the music and enjoy the incomparable feeling of travelling on Australian roads.
Do you like mysterious places? Then, be sure to stop by Rockhampton and explore the unique Capricorn Caves with a guide who will take you into the unique underground world of Australia (tours can be booked at local rates)! The limestone caves are an impressive testament to the power of nature. As soon as your eyes get used to the daylight, you set off again. Hours pass, and you finally reach your destination for the day: Mackay!
Make yourself comfortable at your chosen campsite and go to bed early. Your alarm will wake you up for a new adventure in a few hours!
Kangaroos of Cape Hillsborough
Today, you will leave your bed in the dark because a special place awaits you! The sun is slowly rising over Casuarina Beach, and you listen to the sound of the waves and let your eyes wander. The moment has come: the first wallaby comes out of the bushes, then another and suddenly, several kangaroos jump out onto the golden beach! Just magical!
Now, it’s time to head to Eungella National Park. Put on your hiking boots and head through the wild greenery to the start of the Finch Hatton Gorge until you reach a fork in the road. Then the question arises: Brave or even braver? You can choose between the hiking trail leading to Araluen Falls and the one leading to Wheel of Fire Falls. The path leading to the latter is more complicated. But they both have one thing in common: at the end, you’ll come across sparkling pools that stand out against the green rainforest and offer the perfect way to cool off after your adventure! The highlight of your day? A picnic with the snacks you brought along on the banks of the Broken River. Keep your voice down because at night, see some adorable platypuses emerging from the bush!
Airlie as night falls each or a white paradise on Whitsunday
A white beach follows the bright greenery. And not just any white beach, but the whitest of all! But before you visit the unsurpassed beaches of the Whitsunday Islands, it’s best to stop at Earley Beach.
What’s so special about Airlie Beach? This coastal oasis is considered the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. The dream of the beach, sunglasses, and the sound of the sea is coming true! Stroll through the bustling markets to the palm-fringed beaches and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. If this is your only daily stop, you can let off steam with sailing lessons, segway tours or scenic flights (payable locally).
Don’t want to miss the Whitsunday Islands? Take a ferry (payable locally) and head to paradise! The uninhabited islands consist exclusively of dazzling tropical nature and beautiful beaches. The highlight? Whitehaven Beach! Miles of white sand, turquoise water and you, shining with joy, satisfied, happy. You dip your toes in the sand and listen to the sound of the waves. It’s time to be happy!
Excursion to Magnetic Island
The coffee maker whistles, sugar cubes clink, and you’re sitting in front of your motorhome, your favourite drink in hand, in the middle of nature – let the day begin!
You point your finger at the map and select your next destination. One thing’s for sure: you’ll find adventure everywhere and, shhh, beaches too! Have you packed everything? Your journey to Townsville can begin! The sunny town is filled with picture-postcard-perfect beaches and, like Airlie Beach, a host of activities. You can climb Castle Hill in the city centre to get an overview of the city. Once at the top, you’ll have a breathtaking view of Magnetic Island. Take the ferry (payable locally) and hike through the national park, where kangaroos, wombats and koalas await you! Get up close and personal with them in the wild, and get your camera ready for a selfie you’ll remember forever! A little tip: rent a typical magnetic island car.
The Great Barrier Reef or the spectacular Wurunuran Waterfalls
A world-famous natural wonder or a waterfall in a national park – where will you go today? But first, step on the accelerator and head to Cairns, Queensland’s must-see mecca! Are you drawn to the world’s most extensive collection of coral reefs? Drive a little further and stop at the beach. Our tip: get on a boat with a local service provider (book locally) and go snorkelling in the unique Great Barrier Reef! Bright corals, fish that couldn’t be more different, and you in the middle of it all – an unforgettable sight! Are you more of a countryside person? Then, head to Wooroonooran National Park and walk through the rainforest. Your companion on the trail to Windin Falls will be your beating heart. Step by step, you’ll go to Windin Falls – right to the top! Unique feature: a natural infinity pool right in front of you!
On the way back, don’t miss Josephine Falls with its natural slide and the Babinda Boulders.
City vibes and rainforest dwellers
Take a dip in the crystal clear water at Babinda Boulders, and your last leg of the journey will begin. Enjoy life in the van once again and race along the Bruce Highway, passing through the tropical greenery of the rainforest. With a heavy heart, you say goodbye to your motorhome at the end of the coastal road. But the adventure is not over yet!
It’s time to arrive in Kuranda! The village lies in the middle of the oldest rainforest in the world. The journey is as unique as its location: the Kuranda Scenic Railway (payable locally, book in advance) will take you through the tropical greenery in historic wooden carriages pulled by an old locomotive. You’ll pass spectacular plunging waterfalls and the Barron Gorge, which will make your heart skip a beat!
Are you ready to dive into a world of foreign traditions and colours and get up close and personal with jungle animals? The people of Kuranda will take you to their reality, the reality of Tarzan and Jane. And on the way home, a surprise awaits you: On the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (paid on site, book in advance), you will rise in a small cabin above the rainforest canopy – can you feel yourself smiling?
Between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge
Have a great day, my friend! See the Great Barrier Reef from above and then land in Sydney! Take the train (paid locally) and go to your hotel.
Your curiosity about the city is too great to spend the day by the pool. Head to Circular Quay! The famous Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge await your Insta photos. Visit the renowned concert hall and order a refreshing drink at the Opera Bar. Head to Milson’s Point for the perfect view of the Opera House. The second Sydney landmark is also on your itinerary: the Harbour Bridge! For your first unforgettable moment in Sydney, cross the bridge on foot. Watch as the setting sun fills the Opera House and the skyline with the most beautiful colours, turning the city into a sea of colourful lights!
The Rock and Darling Harbour
Have you already admired the Opera House and the bridge over the river? Then it’s time to go to other must-see sights! If you believe in the motto “the journey is the reward”, walking along the harbour (optional, payable locally) is a must. Start at the Circular Quay and choose the line that makes your heart beat faster! Why not take the most famous route that will take you from North Beach to Manly? Back to the city – to the roots. After your beach adventure, The Rocks Harbour District will take you back in time: visit the oldest house, Cadman’s Cottage, and the oldest pub in the city, the Australian Heritage Hotel! A stroll along Darling Harbour is a must at the end of a perfect day! Whether it’s a break in the Chinese Friendship Garden or a cocktail overlooking the harbour, Darling Harbour has it all!
Souvenir hunting before departure
I’m packing my suitcase and taking a souvenir! Are you still missing something? Then, head to the Queen Victoria Building. With colourful windows, exquisite tiles, and a gorgeous Victorian-style façade, the building, which dates back to 1898, is a shopping mall! Apart from souvenirs for your family, treat yourself to an authentic Australian breakfast one last time. Full and satisfied, you board your flight home. Goodbye, adventure. From now on, Australia will just be a song to you
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