12-day Australian east coast adventure

While it's possible to follow a similar itinerary using domestic flights, hiring a car or campervan is one of the most popular ways to experience this journey through Australia, and the route is a relatively easy drive.

• Well-maintained roads: The route between Sydney and Cairns follows well-maintained highways. 
• Accessible car hire: Car hire is straightforward in major cities like Sydney and Cairns, with rental companies typically requiring a driver’s licence, passport and a credit card in the driver’s name. Some providers may also request an International Driving Permit as part of their conditions.
• Reasonable driving distances: Sections of this itinerary are broken up into reasonable distances, often just a few hours between stops.

This east coast itinerary can be enjoyed year-round, but the most comfortable time to travel is generally during the dry season from May to October. Here's what makes this an ideal time:

• Lower humidity: During the dry season, northern Queensland including Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef enjoys less humidity than the rest of the year, making outdoor experiences more enjoyable.
• Less rainfall: Fewer rainshowers mean more sunny days to enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving and white-sand beaches.
• Reliable conditions: Better weather creates better driving conditions for cruising up the east coast.
• Migrating whales: May to November brings migrating whales along the east coast of Australia, so hop on a whale watching tour to see them breach and flap their fins.

If you plan to drive during the wet season (November to April), it's helpful to keep seasonal conditions in mind. The wet season can bring heavier rain, flooding and occasional cyclones in northern Queensland, which may affect road conditions or cause delays in regional areas. Checking local updates and allowing extra flexibility in your plans will help keep your journey smooth and stress-free.