posted on September 7, 2024
Craving a tropical escape? The Sydney to Cairns drive offers stunning east coastal views, long sandy beaches, charming towns, and tropical adventures. Book the perfect car on Turo for the East Coast Australia road trip of a lifetime!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Sydney to Cairns drive: Overview
- Your road trip map from Sydney to Cairns
- Top tips for driving from Sydney to Cairns
- Your stop-by-stop Sydney to Cairns drive itinerary
- Top places to stop between Sydney and Cairns
- Frequently asked questions about the Sydney to Cairns drive
An overview of the drive from Sydney (NSW) to Cairns (QLD)
- Drive time: 27 hours (direct route)
- Drive distance: 2,421 km (direct route)
- Suggested road trip length: 14 to 28 days
- Recommended itinerary:
- Stop 1: Sydney to the Central Coast
- Stop 2: Central Coast to Port Stephens
- Stop 3: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie
- Stop 4: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
- Stop 5: Coffs Harbour to Brisbane (via Byron Bay and the Gold Coast)
- Stop 6: Brisbane to Noosa (via the Sunshine Coast)
- Stop 7: Noosa to Airlie Beach (via Rockhampton)
- Stop 8: Airlie Beach to Cairns (via Townsville and Mission Beach)
- Top stops: Sydney Fish Market, Byron Bay, Taronga Zoo, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
- Petrol stations and EV chargers along the drive: Frequent on Pacific (A1) and Bruce (M1) Highways. Plan for longer gaps between petrol stations from Rockhampton to Mackay.
- Driving conditions and recommended vehicle: Generally, the roads are well-maintained throughout your drive. Pick from SUVs, 4WDs and sedans.
- Best time to drive from Sydney to Cairns: April to October
Distance from Sydney to Cairns
The main route from Sydney to Cairns is the Pacific Highway (M1), which connects to the Bruce Highway (A1) and covers a drive distance of approximately 2,421 km.
Sydney to Cairns drive time
Driving from Sydney to Cairns is a fantastic way to explore Australia’s east coast, whether you’re looking for a quick trip or a leisurely adventure. You can expect at least 27 hours of driving depending on your preferences.
Choose from three routes:
- Direct Route from Sydney to Cairns:
- Start: Sydney, heading north on the Pacific Highway (M1).
- Time Required: ~27 hours.
- Days Required: 7-10 days for a quick trip.
- The Scenic Route from Sydney to Cairns:
- Start: Sydney towards Coffs Harbour via Pacific Highway (M1).
- Time Required: ~35-40 hours.
- Days Required: 28 days depending on where you stop along the way.
- Sydney to Cairns via Byron Bay:
- Start: Sydney to Byron Bay via Pacific Highway (A1 and M1).
- Time Required: About 14 days to include major sights.
When to go from Sydney to Cairns
The best time to drive from Sydney to Cairns is during the winter and early spring months, from April through October. The weather is generally mild and dry, making for comfortable driving conditions and pleasant sightseeing. This time of year is also ideal for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, as the water visibility is at its best, and stinger season is over.
The best Sydney to Cairns route
To get the most out of your drive from Sydney to Cairns, follow the Pacific Highway with key stops in Port Stephens, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, and Airlie Beach. This route covers around 2,500 kilometres and typically takes 30 to 35 hours of driving time.
The best stopover between Sydney and Cairns
Don’t miss Byron Bay for incredible beaches, a vibrant arts scene, and the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Our other top stopovers are Port Stephens for dolphin watching, Coffs Harbour for its relaxed vibe, pristine beaches and the Big Banana, and Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays.
Petrol stations and EV chargers from Sydney to Cairns
Petrol stations and EV chargers are readily available along the Pacific Highway (A1) and Bruce Highway (M1) from Sydney to Cairns, with frequent stops in major towns like Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and Brisbane. Plan ahead for longer stretches, particularly between Rockhampton and Mackay, where facilities may be more spaced out.
Your road trip map from Sydney to Cairns
Top tips for the drive from Sydney to Cairns
- Best Great Barrier Reef Spots: Head to Cairns or Port Douglas for the best views. Other excellent spots include Bundaberg, Agnes Water, and Airlie Beach.
- Time Zone Difference: Daylight savings means NSW is ahead of QLD by one hour from October to April.
Driving conditions: What is the road from Sydney to Cairns like?
- Road Conditions: The Pacific Highway (M1) and Bruce Highway (A1) are generally well-maintained, but watch for occasional roadworks and construction zones along the east coast.
- Hazardous Road Sections: Watch out for the following roads along the Sydney to Cairns drive:
- Pacific Highway (NSW) between Taree and Coffs Harbour: Curvy roads and limited overtaking lanes.
- Macquarie Pass (NSW): Steep and narrow roads with hairpin turns, particularly hazardous during rain or fog.
- Bruce Highway (QLD) between Rockhampton and Mackay: Long stretches with limited fuel stops and services.
- Gillies Range Road (QLD) near Cairns: Winding and steep, this road can be tricky for drivers, particularly in heavy rain or fog during the wet season.
- Fuel Stations: Plan ahead for longer stretches between Taree and Coffs Harbour, Rockhampton and Mackay, and north of Townsville toward Cairns, there are less fuel stops —so fill up when possible.
- Scenic Options: Take care of the more frequent curves and lower speed limits along the scenic route.
- Wildlife on the roads: Be alert for kangaroos, cattle and other wildlife, particularly in rural and bushland areas. Wildlife crossings are common in the east coast, especially around dawn and dusk.
- Rest Stops: Plan for regular breaks. There are various rest areas and small towns along the way where you can stop to stretch and refresh.
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with a Sydney to Cairns road trip, and let Turo help you find the perfect ride. From fuel-efficient hybrids to luxury SUVs, choose a car that suits your journey. With vehicles available from trusted local hosts, your East Coast adventure starts with ease. Explore car rental in Sydney on Turo.
Recommended type of car for the drive
For a Sydney to Cairns road trip, an SUV or 4WD is best for comfort and handling multiple road conditions. Sedans are comfy and offer a smooth ride and better fuel efficiency, while a camper van will give you flexibility for camping and saving on accommodation. Find the most suitable vehicle on Turo for your drive.
How to stay safe on this road trip
- Share the Wheel: Rotate drivers and use cruise control.
- Take Breaks: Stop for at least 15 minutes every 2-3 hours.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep water and snacks handy.
- Get Plenty of Rest: Avoid driving when tired.
- Check Road Conditions: Look up weather and road conditions.
- Emergency Kit: Pack a first-aid kit, flashlight, and spare tyre.
- Plan your stops: Follow our itinerary to map out interesting spots to make the drive enjoyable!
The perfect Sydney to Cairns drive itinerary
Set off with the ultimate Sydney to Cairns road trip itinerary, where you’ll discover beautiful beaches, charming towns, and must-see spots along the way.
Stop 1: Sydney to the Central Coast
- Drive time: 1.5-2 hours
- Drive distance: ~90 kms
- What to do: Hunter Valley wine tastings, Terrigal Beach, Australian Reptile Park.
- Where to stay:
- $ – Gosford Palms Motor Inn
- $$ – Terrigal Beach House
- $$$ – Crowne Plaza The Entrance.
- Where to eat: Swells Terrigal, Bellyfish Café.
- Tip: Start early to avoid Sydney traffic, and take the scenic route through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for stunning east coast views and a peaceful drive.
Stop 2: Central Coast to Port Stephens
- Drive time: 1.5-2 hours
- Drive distance: ~120 kms
- What to do: Dolphin Watching, Tomaree Head Summit, Sandboarding, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.
- Where to stay:
- $ – Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers
- $$ – Seaside Holiday Resort Fingal Bay
- $$$ – Anchorage Port Stephens
- Where to eat: Little Beach Boathouse, The Point Restaurant.
- Tip: Make sure to fill up your tank before leaving the Central Coast, as there are long stretches with fewer petrol stations on the way to Port Stephens.
Stop 3: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie
- Drive time: 2.5-3 hours
- Drive distance: ~190 kms
- What to do: Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie Coastal Walk.
- Where to stay:
- $ – Port Macquarie Backpackers
- $$ – Flynns Beach Resort
- $$$ – Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges
- Where to eat: Bills Fishhouse + Bar, The Stunned Mullet.
- Tip: Consider timing your drive to avoid peak traffic around Taree, a busy town along the route, for a smoother and more enjoyable journey to Port Macquarie.
Stop 4: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
- Drive time: 1.5-2 hours
- Drive distance: ~60 kms
- What to do: Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour Jetty.
- Where to stay:
- $ – YHA Coffs Harbour
- $$ – BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort
- $$$ – Opal Cove Resort
- Where to eat: Rita’s Bistro, Sassafras Café.
- Tip: Check for local events or festivals happening in Coffs Harbour ahead of time! Popular ones include the Coffs Harbour Show and the International Buskers and Comedy Festival.
Stop 5: Coffs Harbour to Brisbane (via Byron Bay and the Gold Coast)
- Drive time: 5.5- 6.5 hours
- Drive distance: ~400kms
- What to do: Cape Byron Lighthouse, Surfers Paradise Beachfront.
- Where to stay:
- $ – The Surf House
- $$ – Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments, Mantra on View Hotel
- $$$ – Elements of Byron, Q1 Resort & Spa
- Where to eat: Byron Bay’s The Farm, Bayleaf Café; Gold Coast’s Social Eating House + Bar, Hurricane’s Grill.
- Tip: Grab a unique souvenir at a local market, with heaps of cool crafts and fresh produce.
Stop 6: Brisbane to Noosa (via the Sunshine Coast)
- Drive time: 1.5-2 hours
- Drive distance: ~130 kms
- What to do: Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
- Where to stay:
- $ – Ingenia Holidays Noosa
- $$ – The Sebel Noosa
- $$$ – Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort
- Where to eat: Bistro C, Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant.
- Tip: If your timing is right, visit the Eumundi Markets for a vibrant selection of local arts, crafts, and gourmet food.
Top stop: For a fun-filled family day out, make your way to Amaze World in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Explore the sprawling hedge maze, test your skills in the timber maze, or enjoy a round of 18-hole mini golf. Kids will love the playground with water-play, while interactive games, augmented reality experiences, and puzzles keep adults just as entertained. With all activities included in one entry price, it’s the ideal destination for a wholesome family adventure.
Stop 7: Noosa to Airlie Beach (via Rockhampton)
- Drive time: 9-11 hours
- Drive distance: ~850 kms
- What to do: Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, Rockhampton Heritage Village, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Great Barrier Reef boat tour, Whitsunday Islands.
- Where to stay:
- $ – Heritage Hotel Rockhampton, Airlie Beach Hotel
- $$ – The Edge Apartment Hotel, Whitsunday Apartments
- $$$ – Quest Rockhampton, Pinnacles Resort
- Where to eat: Rockhampton’s The Capricornian Restaurant, Headricks Lane; Airlie Beach’s Fish D’Vine, The Deck.
- Tip: Book boat tours and reef excursions in advance for the best rates and to secure your spot.
Stop 8: Airlie Beach to Cairns (via Townsville and Mission Beach)
- Drive time: 6.5-8 hours
- Drive distance: ~500kms
- What to do: The Strand, Reef HQ Aquarium, Mission Beach, Magnetic Island, Dunk Island.
- Where to stay:
- $ – Townsville YHA, Mission Beach Retreat
- $$ – The Ville Resort-Casino, Castaways Resort & Spa
- $$$ – Peppers Blue, The Elandra Resort Mission Beach
- Where to eat: Townsville’s The Palm House, Jam Corner; Mission Beach’s Castaways Beach Bar & Grill, The Garage Bar & Brewhouse.
- Tip: If you have extra time, visit the hidden gem Wallaman Falls near Ingham—the tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia—for a stunning, lesser-known photo op.
Tops places to stop between Sydney and Cairns
Explore this East Coast Australia itinerary and explore the top places to stop between Sydney and Cairns, where every stop is packed with adventure, stunning beaches, and a perfect break from your epic journey!
Top stops for nature lovers
From national parks to tranquil islands and even iconic coastal stops, don’t miss these top natural wonders on the east coast road trip from Sydney to Cairns.
- Blue Mountains
- Noosa National Parks
- Daintree Rainforest
- Whitehaven Beach
- Hervey Bay
- Rainbow Beach
- Glass House Mountains
- Great Barrier Reef
- Fraser Island
- Dorrigo National Park
- Magnetic Island
Top stops for foodies
Feeling hungry? Grab a feed at these top restaurants, cafes and markets along the drive from Sydney to Cairns.
- Sydney’s Fish Market
- Eumundi Markets (near Noosa)
- Byron Bay’s The Farm
- Mooloolaba’s Seafood Market (Sunshine Coast)
- Cairns Night Markets
Top stops for families
Keep the kids happy with these top family-friendly places to stop on the Sydney to Cairns drive.
- Taronga Zoo (Sydney)
- Australia Zoo (Beerwah)
- The Big Banana Fun Park (Coffs Harbour)
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (Brisbane)
Campsites and accommodation along the Sydney to Cairns road trip
Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? Check out these top camping spots and caravan parks on the Sydney to Cairns drive.
- Boonooroo Caravan Park (Boonooroo)
- Yamba Beach Holiday Park (Yamba)
- Burleigh Heads Holiday Park (Gold Coast)
- Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park (Sunshine Coast)
- Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park (Tinaroo)
Frequently asked questions about the Sydney to Cairns road trip
Is it worth driving between Cairns and Sydney?
Yes! Travelling between Cairns and Sydney is definitely worth it, especially if you’ve always wanted to explore Sydney’s breathtaking beaches, iconic sights and vibrant city life.
How many days does it take to travel from Sydney to Cairns?
Travelling from Sydney to Cairns usually takes about 27 hours of driving, so we recommend at least seven days to 10 weeks depending on the route you take and how many tourist attractions you wish to see.
How long is the Sydney to Cairns road trip?
The main route from Sydney to Cairns is the central east coast Pacific Highway (M1), connecting to the Bruce Highway (A1), covering approximately 2,421 km for a scenic coastal drive.
Can you tackle this road trip in reverse?
You can absolutely do a Cairns to Sydney road trip if you wish to. Simply reverse the itinerary above to drive from Cairns to Sydney.
Can I get from Sydney to Cairns by train?
Getting from Sydney to Cairns by rail is a lengthy journey that takes roughly 40+ hours. There are no direct trains, but you can take different services between each city. The service from Sydney to Brisbane runs overnight, and the second leg of your trip to Cairns is scenic and comfortable, designed for tourists.
Can I fly from Sydney to Cairns?
Absolutely. Direct flights from Sydney to Cairns typically take around 3 hours and 5 minutes.
Final word: Planning the Sydney to Cairns road trip of a lifetime
Ready to dive into the road trip of a lifetime? There’s the perfect car waiting for you on Turo that’s ready to take you the distance. Start browsing cars from hundreds of vehicles from our friendly local hosts today.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
