Whats the best way to travel the east coast of Australia?

Question

I'm traveling from Cairns to Sydney for the month of July with 2 friends and need to make some plans. We've been looking at Oz Experience which looks really good but I'm still not sure. Any suggestions. I was also wondering if a suitcase would work ok or would i be better with a backpack?

Answer 1

I think that a back pack would be your best option. I live about half way between Cairns and Sydney and even in July jeans and a good jumper (probably a jacket) is all you are going to require to keep warm. Especially north of Brisbane you will probably be too warm even in jeans and a jumper. Have a great trip. Wicked Campers seem to be popular at the moment over here.

Answer 2

The only think I can suggest is Cairns will have nice warm weather and Sydney will be in the middle of winter and freezing cold so you will need clothes for all seasons or be prepared to buy them along the way.  I suggest you have a look at the R.A.C.Q. website they have some great travel tips and travel planners.

Answer 3

hmm....cairns to sydney....

you said a month, right?

it sort of depends on how much time you want in each place?

do you want as much time as you can in the cities or do you just want to go at a grandmother pace and graduly wind up in Sydney?

If you want as much time in the cities like Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney ect, then I would look at flying most of the way.

You could go to Cairns, then the Reef for a few days to a week then fly to Brisbane...or catch a bus to Townsville to check things out there and then fly to Brisbane (Cairns to Brisbane is a full day and a half to 2 days of full driving on a bus!)

Then from Brisbane, explore the many great things to do in Brisbane, take a relaxing day trip up to the Sunshine Coast (where I live) as there is Australia Zoo (steve irwins zoo) and relaxing beaches here...maybe even 2 days here, then maybe  a couple of days on the gold coast. Go to one of the theme parks (I reccomend dreamworld or wet and wild for thrill seeking!) and then hit Surfers Paradise beach and maybe a bit of night clubbing

Then from the Gold Coast, you can catch a flight to Sydney like ever 45 minutes (but still book ahead) and then knock yourselves out in Sydney on Bondi and the Bridge, Opear House, Sydney Tower ect.......

That is $$$ because of flights and accom. But you dont have to worry about car hire as public transport will get you around Sydney and getting to the Gold and SUnshine Coast is easy from Brisbane with a charter.

or you can go on one of those 30 day tours which do include some meals ect....but you will be on the road half of the time and another half of that would be at night.....cheaper, but less fun and shopping in the cities!

sorry for such a lng answer as your probs looking for a short quick answer, but they are your two options. I would definitley bring a suitcase if your looking at taking soveniers home.....dont buy one here (a suitcase....too expensive here!!)

good luck and enjoy your travels

Answer 4

Suitcase its cold down here then and you will need Winter Clothes.Make some enquires about car hire if one way travel and flying home there are some hire services that will charge you if vehicle not dropped off at point of pick up.Have you thought of Bussing it if you plan to stop a major points on the way down , it is an econimical way to travel.Have a great holiday.

Answer 5

Yes - Wicked camper van rental is the best way to go, cheap and gives you plenty of freedom (can't take them off road tough), rucksack is easier than a suitcase, and for 1 month you shoudn't need much. Every tourist info and YHA can give you loads of info of what do see on your route, and ther is loads.

Enjoy

Answer 6

I would suggest hiring a van/car, train is very expensive and the bus is just boring and also quite expensive. Plus you get the added bonus of stopping off at places that might not be listed in your lonely planet / rough guide. If you decide to drive be sure to share the driving and rest every few hours as the roads can be boring as h**l for long periods. Also watch your speed, our coppers are pretty strict on the roads.A backpack should be fine. Hope this helps...

Answer 7

if you want to travel cheap and have a vehicle to sleep 3 i would suggest you hire a van from Wicked car rentals in Cairns. have a great holiday

Answer 8

Greyhound bus is a good way, but it takes a long time.

There is a cheap airline, jetstar, that can take you for about 2 or 3 times the bus price. Look at webjet.com.au

Best not to drive because it is such a long way.