From Melbourne via Canberra and Sydney to Brisbane – a wonderful route for a road trip along the east coast of Australia. It’s important to think carefully about the places you don’t want to miss. In this post you’ll find our 15 favourite spots with general information, distance and estimated driving time!
Are you interested in our 19-day trip along the east coast from Melbourne to Brisbane with our personal experiences and adventures? Then take a look at this article.
1. Melbourne
Melbourne – the second largest city in Australia and capital of the state of Victoria. The metropolis inspires with its interesting history and the diverse sights. Find out more about Melbourne here!
2. Wilsons Promontory
Distance: 210km
Estimated driving time: 2h 40min
Located around three hours from Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory is a national park in the Gippsland region of Victoria, making it the southernmost point of Australia’s main island (only Tasmania is further south). Many hiking trails criss-cross the 50,000-hectare nature reserve, leading through the rainforest to secluded bays and bizarre rock formations.
3. Canberra
Distance: 680km
Estimated driving time: 7h 40min
Although Canberra is much smaller than Sydney in the north and Melbourne in the south, it is the capital of Australia. The reason for this is the rivalry between the two metropolises, which fought over the capital. The compromise: Canberra, which lies between the two cities, became the capital of the new nation at the beginning of the 20th century. The city also has a lot to offer: Museums, galleries, breweries and modern architecture as well as tranquil nature with mountains and valleys.
4. Jervis Bay
Distance: 220km
Estimated driving time: 2h 55min
Jervis Bay, with its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear, turquoise waters, is one of the most popular travel destinations on Australia’s coast. More precisely, it is located in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales. The beaches are among the safest and most attractive in the country. On top of that, there are great diving opportunities!
5. Sydney Bondi Beach
Distance: 200km
Estimated driving time: 3h
Sydney is the first stop in Australia for many travellers – and indeed not without reason. The giant metropolis has many beautiful places to offer, such as the Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Opera House. However, you’ ll definitely enjoy beautiful sandy beaches that offer great surfing – including the famous Bondi Beach! Slightly beyond the metropolis, you will discover beautiful, endless nature. Feel free to visit our articles about our trip to Sydney’s surroundings or New Year’s Eve at the Harbour Bridge!
6. Port Stephens
Distance: 215km
Estimated driving time: 2h 40min
We pass the second largest city in New South Wales, Newcastle, on our way to Port Stephens. This beautiful natural harbor is home to a beautiful national park and nature reserve as well as breathtaking bays. Our favorites: Nelson Bay, Figal Bay and Anna Bay! Huge sand dunes rise up in front of the sea, where you can try sandboarding or camel riding in the dunes.
7. Port Macquarie, Koala Hospital
Distance: 250km
Estimated driving time: 2h 45min
Port Macquarie is a port city – but our reason for coming here was the koala hospital. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital was established in 1973 and is a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. The work of the Koala Hospital is supervised and carried out by a small number of staff. It consists of display enclosures, a treatment clinic, intensive care units and rehabilitation yards, many of which have trees for the koalas to learn to climb as part of the rehabilitation process. There is also a small museum on site which provides information on the evolution and biology of koalas as well as interactive exhibits. You also have the opportunity to adopt koalas or donate money. Click here to visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital website.
8. Dorrigo National Park
Distance: 180km
Estimated driving time: 2h 5min
Dorrigo National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Site, offers a breathtaking landscape formed over millions of years. The national park encompasses a range of forest types that protect an enormous variety of animals and birds. In addition, Dorrigo National Park is home to many beautiful waterfalls, including the picturesque Dangar Falls.
9. Byron Bay
Distance: 300km
Estimated driving time: 3h 20min
Passing the coastal town of Coffs Harbour, you reach Byron Bay. The town is a very popular vacation destination and is known for its beaches and excellent diving and surfing spots. On a headland is a picturesque, well-known lighthouse and the Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Humpback whales can be spotted here from June to November.
10. Nightcap National Park
Distance: 61km
Estimated driving time: 1h 15min
Nightcap National Park is located in the north-east of New South Wales. It covers 8,145 hectares of the Nightcap Range and borders the Whian Whian State Forest. The park is located on the southern edge of the caldera of the Mount Warning shield volcano. The basalt and rhyolite lava flows of the volcano have strongly influenced the flora and fauna in this area. Among many other beautiful spectacles in Nightcap National Park, one of the highlights is the Minyon Waterfall. The waterfall, which drops over 100 meters, is the result of erosion.
11. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Distance: 120km
Estimated driving time: 1h 50min
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located just 30 minutes south of Surfers Paradise. It is a wildlife sanctuary where you can observe and sometimes feed native Australian animals. On site, you can take part in daily interactive keeper presentations and animal shows, feed kangaroos and lorises or even pet koalas and visit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
12. Gold Coast
Distance: 20km
Estimated driving time: 25min
The Gold Coast attracts masses of tourists every year. This is not only due to the famous theme parks or the lively city center. On the Gold Coast you will find more than 70 kilometers of golden sand – one wave chases the next, the sun shines in abundance and there are many cozy beach bars. Surfers Paradise is one of Australia’s best-known – not to say most famous – vacation destinations.
13. Lamington National Park
Distance: 60km
Estimated driving time: 1h
A two-hour drive from Brisbane, in the Gold Coast hinterland, Lamington National Park offers fascinating caves, mighty waterfalls, forested mountains and more than 160 kilometers of hiking trails. Three climate zones intersect in the national park, which makes the flora and fauna extraordinarily diverse. It is also home to the world’s largest remaining Hoop Pines forests. Of the more than 500 waterfalls, Chalahn Falls and Moran Falls are a major attraction.
14. Springbrook National Park
Distance: 72km
Estimated driving time: 1h 15min
Springbrook National Park covers an area of over 6,500 hectares in Australia and is considered a great natural wonder. Like Lamington National Park, it is located in the Gold Coast hinterland and is one of the most beautiful nature reserves along the east coast. You can expect huge trees, deep jungle, steep cliffs, wild animals and powerful waterfalls. In 1994, Springbrook National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Highlights in the National Park include Purling Brook Falls, Twin Falls, Natural Bridge and the Best Of All Lookout!
15. Brisbane
Distance: 130km
Estimated driving time: 1h 50min
Brisbane is the capital of Australia’s Sunshine State, Queensland. With around 2.1 million inhabitants, it is the third largest city in Australia and yet life in this sunny metropolis is simply relaxed. The city is particularly well known for its diverse cultural attractions and the extensive range of concerts, theater performances and other events.
