Cairns to Melbourne Roadtrip Itinerary

Ready to experience the ultimate Aussie road trip? With Imoova’s campervan relocation deals for as little as $1/day, you can drive from Cairns to Melbourne in 9 days, ticking off vibrant cities, rainforest hikes, coastal gems, and inland adventures — all while saving big on transport and accommodation.

Carl W

Relocation Specialist

11 Jun

3 min read

road-trips

🛻 Route: Cairns → Townsville → Airlie Beach → Yeppoon → Bundaberg → Sunshine Coast → Byron Bay → Hunter Valley → Albury → Melbourne
📅 Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
💸 Cost: From $1/day with Imoova relocations

📍 Day 1: Cairns to Townsville (~350 km / 4.5 hrs)

Start your journey in the tropics and follow the coast to sunny Townsville.

Must-sees:
• The Strand promenade
• Castle Hill Lookout
• Optional: Stop at Hinchinbrook Lookout near Cardwell

Food stop: City Lane — street eats & craft beer
Stay: Secura Lifestyle The Lakes, Townsville

📍 Day 2: Townsville → Airlie Beach (~275 km / 3.5 hrs)

Cruise south through cane fields to the vibrant gateway to the Whitsundays.

Must-sees:
• Airlie Beach Lagoon
• Coral Sea Marina sunset
• Optional: Quick cruise to Whitehaven Beach

Food stop: La Tabella Trattoria (beachfront Italian)
Stay: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

📍 Day 3: Airlie Beach → Yeppoon (~470 km / 5 hrs)

Drive through central Queensland to beachy Yeppoon — relaxed, scenic, and full of charm.

Must-sees:
• Yeppoon Lagoon
• Bluff Point Walking Track to stretch the legs

Food stop: Rosslyn Bay for fish & chips
Stay: Beachside Caravan Park

📍 Day 4: Yeppoon → Bundaberg (~310 km / 3.5 hrs)

Continue to Bundaberg, home of rum, reef, and (seasonal) turtles.

Must-sees:
• Bundaberg Rum Distillery
• Mon Repos Turtle Centre (Nov–Mar)
• Burnett River sunset walk

Food stop: Indulge Café
Stay: BIG4 Cane Village Holiday Park

📍 Day 5: Bundaberg → Sunshine Coast (~290 km / 3.5 hrs)

Pass through Gympie or stop at Eumundi Markets en route to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.

Must-sees:
• Noosa Heads National Park
• Swim at Mooloolaba Beach
• Optional: Australia Zoo detour

Food stop: Betty’s Burgers, Noosa
Stay: Rivershore Resort, Maroochydore

📍 Day 6: Sunshine Coast → Byron Bay (~300 km / 4 hrs)

Cross into NSW and enjoy the chilled vibes and natural beauty of Byron Bay.

Must-sees:
• Cape Byron Lighthouse (great whale watching spot)
• Wategos Beach
• Clarke’s Beach sunset

Food stop: The Farm Byron Bay
Stay: Reflections Holiday Park, Byron Bay

📍 Day 7: Byron Bay → Hunter Valley (~480 km / 5.5 hrs)

Take in Northern Rivers views before heading inland to wine country - Australia's oldest wine region.

Must-sees:
• Cellar doors & vineyard tastings
• Hunter Valley Gardens
• Optional: Hot air balloon ride

Food stop: Muse Kitchen
Stay: BIG4 Hunter Valley

📍 Day 8: Hunter Valley → Albury (~470 km / 5 hrs)

Break up the drive to Melbourne with a scenic stop in this charming border town.

Must-sees:
• Albury Botanic Gardens
• Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk
• Murray Art Museum Albury

Food stop: Canvas Eatery
Stay: BIG4 Albury Tourist Park

📍 Day 9: Albury → Melbourne (~330 km / 3.5 hrs)

Head into one of the world’s most liveable cities and celebrate your journey!

Must-sees:
• Hosier Lane street art
• Queen Victoria Market
• St Kilda sunset & penguins

Food stop: Hardware Société (brunch gem)
Drop-off: Return campervan to Melbourne depot

💸 Budget Tips for Your Cairns to Melbourne Campervan Trip

• 🛻 Relocate a campervan for just $1/day via imoova.com
• 🧼 Use free/low-cost showers and facilities at caravan parks
• 🥘 Cook your own meals in the van to save on dining
• ⛽ Split fuel with friends — and plan ahead for cheap stops
• 📱 Use WikiCamps or CamperMate to find affordable overnight spots

With dramatic coastlines, iconic wildlife, and vibrant towns, this 9-day journey from Cairns to Melbourne is the adventure of a lifetime — and it doesn’t need to break the bank. Imoova's campervan relocations make it fun, flexible, and incredibly affordable.