About Megan Expertise I can answer general questions on Australia (places to go, how to get around) I have lived in Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane so have extensive knowledge on those and surrounding areas. I have also been to Adelaide and Sydney a lot because family live there. I have been to all states EXCEPT Northern Territory and Western Australia. I have driven from Brisbane to Melbourne several times and know good stops etc. I have also travelled further north to Cairns and other coastal regions. I have been to all the Gold Coast theme parks so can advise there too.
Experience I feel I have a excellent knowledge of Australia I have lived here for my whole life (except 4 years) and have travelled extensively.
Education/Credentials I completed year 12 in 2005 and am currently studying a bachelor of international business.
Australia - Month trip to australia help with itinerary?
Expert: Megan - 3/23/2009
Question Hi, my name is Mackenzie, me and my friend Sam are planning on doing a month long trip to Australia.
We will be landing in Sydney probably around the end of March and will be renting a Campervan for 28 days, in this time we want to reach Cairns and go diving at the Great Barrier reef for a couple of , would you be able to reckomend places to visit along the route (we will probably be following the coastline but have no problems going further inland to see things which you think will be worth while seeing). Hopefully the trip up will last about 11 to 12 days and the same on the return journey so 2 different routes, one going to Cairns and one returning to Sydney would be really helpfull as we wish to make the most of this opportunity.
Please get in touch
thanks
Mack
Answer Hi Mackenzie,
Sorry about my delayed response I was away in Fiji last week. The drive from Sydney to Cairns is 2730km and takes approx 32 hours on a good run. I have to say that the beach route for this trip is just beautiful although there are many inland towns which are very interesting as well.
On the way up I would go from
Day 1 Sydney to Newcastle (163km approx 2 and a half hours)
Day 2 Newcastle to Forster (166km approx 2 and a half hours) OR
Newcastle to Port Macquarie (253km approx 3 and half hours)
Personally I'd stop at Forster then continue on to Port Macquarie.
Day 3 Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour (159km approx 2 hours)
Day 4 Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads (318km approx approx 4 hours)
In the Tweed Heads region there are heaps of nice places to stay. If you get time check out the Gold Coast hinterland.
Day 5 Tweed Heads to Brisbane (100km approx 1 and a quarter hours)
Brisbane to Maroochydore/Mooloolaba or Noosa (100-160km approx 1 and half hours to 2 hours)
Day 6 Maroochydore/Mooloolaba or Noosa to Gladstone (340 km approx 4 and a quarter hours)
Day 7 Gladstone to Mackay (442 km approx 5 and half hours) I realise this is a long drive but to see the best parts of this trip there is not much in between Gladstone and Mackay besides Rockhampton and if you stayed the night there you wouldn't get up to Cairns in time.
Day 8 Mackay to Townsville (380km approx 4 and a half hours) I'd stop at Hideaway Bay for lunch it is a beautiful little town and about the half way mark.
Day 9 Townsville to Mission Beach (235km approx 3 and a quarter hours)
Day 10 Mission Beach to Cairns (139 km approx 2 hours)
I have left the remaining 1 or 2 days for you to decide if you like the look of a place to stay an extra night or if you don't feel like driving one day. I think the best parts of the drive are Northern NSW and then Mission Beach to Cairns up north. I will prepare another iteneary for the way down but have to get to work at the moment. Will send it through tonight.
Also the RACQ trip planner is very useful in finding places and activites that would interest you.
Then from where it ends in Hebel I would go to Dubbo which has a great zoo similar to the San Diego Zoo. From Dubbo head on down to either Orange or Bathurst. I personally prefer Orange. From Orange you can either stop in Richmond or just head straight back to Sydney.
I really like Inverell but with the Northern route it probably wouldn't make sense to stay there. It is a little old gold town. Also I would highly suggest NOT staying in Moree. If you do want to go for the hot springs go for the day and then drive and sleep somewhere else. If you do decide to do this make sure you lock your car and keep all valubles out of sight. Moree has a very high crime rate but as long as your carefull it will be fine its just about being smart. But just for piece of mind I wouldn't stay there. :)
I hope this helps please let me know if I can help any further :)
