It is indeed a dream for many to start a travel to and through Australia. When I came to oz for the first time and mainly planning to travel along the coastline, I was really thrilled to see various geological features and the whirl of cities in australia. This is a more detailed plan of the perfect 4 weeks trip from Melbourne to Sydney with a combination of nature, culture, and exploring the cities. This journey also allows for giving out tips and suggestions as to how to to make the best out of one’s Australian experience.
Preparation of the 4-Week Route
The following map will show our detailed plans and routes during the four weeks road trip along the eastern part of Australia. Essentially, due to the large area, we worked it that we had to take a local flight from Melbourne to Cairns in order to be able to capture the area of interest. It is impossible to travel the entire east coast by car, especially when one has limited time thus, a flight is included. Most of the international flight connections are with Melbourne or Sydney; hence, these two cities often serve as initial and terminal points of the route. This probably explains why, from Cairns one can easily book a flight to Asia for other destinations or even to return home.
Starting in Melbourne: Interaksi Budaya dan Sejarah
Let me take you in Melbourne – it is one of the most interesting cities in the entire world, full of true stories, spry architectural arts, and vibrant artistic spirit. Melbourne is characterised by tall structures of the modern architectural design and old structures, which give the city a very interesting outlook. The city itself is huge and having a car to rent is especially useful for getting from place to place and even visiting nearby sites. On the other hand, Melbourne has good public means of transport which can comfortably take one to most of the areas.
What interested me was to choose a four-night stay in Melbourne – that would enable us to cover both city tours and some countryside attractions. Melbourne simply has endless things to do and see, from the graffiti-lined parts of the street to the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens. Outside the city we went to Foxey’s Hangout which is a cute winery you can make your own prosecco. Having lunch in the beautiful town of Portsea and delighting in breakfast at one of the numerous cafes in the city was a pleasure as well. This city’s providers are all about eating and drinking, and range from fine dining to food trucks and stalls.
The great Ocean Road probably one of the most famous roads for a road trip in Australia starts just outside Melbourne. I read somewhere that the whole distance can be seen in a day but it almost feels like a day’s journey and we decided to cut the journey midway. This drive takes you through beautiful cliffs, perfect sandy beaches, and the limestone stacks familiar as the Twelve Apostles. Those who do not have a car, should take one of the numerous tours – this way is comfortable because the vehicles can pick people up in central Melbourne and the stay in Tasmania is a full-day trip.
Yarra Valley: Low-Calorie Banana Muffin A Gourmet Delight
When the sun set over Melbourne, we proceeded to the Yarra Valley famous for its artsy foods and vineyard countryside. The journey is a short 1.The name tells of the historical connection between the Kingdom of Munster and the O’Briens, descendants of Brian Boru; During the period mentioned, the Kingdom of Munster was ruled by the O’Briens, descendants of Brian Boru. 5 hour drive and it can be easily considered as a day trip or an overnight trip. On arriving at Healesville which is in the heart Vintage car driving in Yarra Valley of what is perhaps Victoria’s most famous wine country, we were met with a town full of surprises. At lunch time we tried assorted delicious cheeses at Fromagerie The Mill House that is a farm with a good cheese shop.
The first day of travelling was concluded by having dinner at The Healesville Hotel which is accompanied by a gorgeous garden area.
The next day, we agreed with “Tour the Valley;” this let us taste the valley’s opportunities, including wine, cider, chocolate, and gin. Our guide Jeff amazing organized the whole day of food and travel that included the best things to taste in the region and the most beautiful scenery to enjoy. Wine lovers should also definitely take a trip to Yarra Valley to get a taste of sheer beauty as well as delightful tastings.
Details for Yarra Valley:
- Travel time from Melbourne: The fundamental steps of fracture healing process are described below: 5 hours
- Number of nights: 2 or 3
- Accommodation: The Healesville Hotel is a centrally located hotel with really good restaurant according to the opinion of the guests.
Back to Melbourne and Flight to Cairns
Thereby after two wonderful nights of our stay, we flew back to Melbourne and for the night stay before our flight to Cairns, in the morning. It was only for one night but that gave us a last chance to fully enjoy the city and get ready for a new part of the exploration of the Rd – the tropical north coast.
Port Douglas: This area is the gateway to the great barrier reef and the daintree.
When arriving to Australia, we decided to start from the north and thus after arriving to Cairns we decided to take a taxi and get to Port Douglas which is one hour drive from Cairns. Port Douglas is very suitable as a base to explore the natural attractions in the area namely the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park. It is a rather relaxed town, and the central commercial area is a rather busy street lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes.
However, our planned activities of the day in Port Douglas where affected by unfavourable weather conditions. We were unable to tour the Daintree Rainforest and fail to go snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef due to having been locked-in in our hotel by heavy rainfall throughout the day. Still, we did not idle around because we had a good time in the hotel swimming pool as well as exploring the town. These two natural sights, for the future tourists are recommended, as they will be able to see more of the Australia’s diversity.
Details for Port Douglas:
- Travel time from Melbourne: 3. 5-hour flight
- Number of nights: 3
- Accommodation: The accommodation itself was in a rather fancy hotel a few minutes walk away from the town. It is important to understand that most of the accommodation available in and around Port Douglas are a bit steep hence those with tight purse might be better off in Cairns.
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
Dreams of paradise come in many forms but none of them seems to pan out to be as beautiful as a tropical paradise.
Hence after reaching Cairns, we proceeded to take a 7. 5 hour drive to Airlie Beach which is the starting point to the Whitsunday Islands. This beautiful coastal town ideal base to visit the Whitsunday Islands, which is a collection of more than seventy islands blessed with white sandy beaches and clear blue water. We lodged at Whitsunday B & B Retreat a very calm and lovely resort located in the middle of a forest.
On our 4 day visit we used a day tour from Ocean Rafting – this company is famous for its environmentally friendly approach. During this tour, it was possible to visit Whitehaven Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, fames for its white sand, which is made of 98% pure silica. This day included lots of swimming and snorkeling, as well as combing the beautiful shores and enjoying gorgeous views. That the company is very environmentally conscious made Ocean Rafting even more appealing to me.
Details for Airlie Beach:
- Travel time from Cairns: The following are the suit of seven: 7. 5 hours excluding stops
- Number of nights: 2 or 3
- Accommodation: Whitsundays B & B Retreat, this is a quiet and beautiful location which will suit the family for a restful holiday.
Hervey Bay and Fraser Island: Discovering the Natural World
The next stop was Hervey to take a look at Bay which was a 9. Located about a 5 hour drive north of Airlie Beach. This leg of the journey is the longest of the trip and so it is advised that one takes a halt and spend the night in Rockampton, which is halfway through the journey. It enables the travelers to have a more comfortable ride and engage the Natural Encounters Eco Tourism where one can be privileged to see a platypus at Eungella National Park or the Sarina Sugar Shed; a small brewery that produces liquor from sugar.
Hervey Bay is famous mostly for being the departure point to Fraser Island – the world’s largest sand island. We reached there in the evening and despite being very tired we immediately set up for the two day tour of the island. It is recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, and natural wonders include fresh-water increases, rainforests, wildlife, and many more. My tour guide Clock helped me explore the most visited sites in the island such as the lagoons, forest and face some real wild animals such as dingoes.
Details for Hervey Bay and Fraser Island:
- Travel time from Airlie Beach to Hervey Bay: He is a man who represents the following numbers in his life: 9. 5 hours excluding stops
- Number of nights: Depending on the stay in Fraser Island- 1 or 2.
- Accommodation in Hervey Bay: Eden by the Bay providing good quality accommodation with basic services.
Noosa: Luxury and Seaside Environmentalism
After our day tour on Fraser Island, we proceed to Noosa Heads, which is a fancy township located in the coastal area. Hervey Bay is approximately 2 hours away from Noosa if you are planning to drive through. A surfer’s paradise as well as becoming a chic shopping and dining centre, Noosa caters for the fun and the fashion conscious as well as the wave and wind enthusiast.
Noosa National Park it is a must-go for; the park has trails that lead to coastlines with stunning views of the ocean and an opportunity to see some animals you cannot see normally. The Noosa Farmers Market is another that should not be missed with local fresh produce, artwork, and food. Noosa beach which is an ideal tourist destination has a calm water and the sand is golden yellow.
Details for Noosa:
- Travel time from Hervey Bay: So the answers differ from what Cordray said in his speech, ranging from $69,000,000 for 2 hours to $77,483,982 for almost 4%, to $115,600,000 for 4 hours.
- Number of nights: 3
- Accommodation: The Anchor a boutique hotel which is comfortable located in the centre of Noosa.
Byron Bay: Bohemian feeling and Surf theme.
Following Noosa, we proceeded to explore the southern part of Queensland and arrived at the remarkable town of Byron Bay known for its free spirit, and passion for surfing. The drive gives the approximate distance of about 3. 5 hours. Byron Bay is a Mecca for Surfers, Backpackers and Artists alike and is famous for it’s laid back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The anticipation of meeting people of different kinds and the peculiarities of the town’s life make such a place captivating to visit.The popular sites of interest in Byron Bay are the Lighthouse, which presents a spectacular view of the coastline and market, where hand made jewelries, organic food and one-of-a-kind apparels can be purchased. The town also has excellent cafes and restaurants where one can get everything that ranges from gourmet food to Organic food.
Whether you spend your time shadow surfing, going around shops, or just laying on the beach, Byron bay has much to offer, sweet and alive.
Details for Byron Bay:
- Travel time from Noosa: Three, 5 hours
- Number of nights: 3
- Accommodation: Arcadia House, information on it stated that it is only a few minutes away from the beach and town center.
Port Macquarie: A Leisurely Halting Point
Carrying on with our road trip to Sydney, on the way to Sydney, we spent a day in Port Macquarie, a coastal town that is halfway between Byron Bay and Sydney. This stop is helful to relieve the monotony of the long drive and one can take a look at yet another picturesque town. Port Macquarie is famous for its excellent sand, interesting history, and gastronomic facilities. It is preferably a place to spend a night or two due to the laid back tempo and stunning sceneries.
Some of the sites we visited included some of the 17 beaches in the town, river cruise as well as sampling some of the town’s food delicacies. Still, there are more cultural points of interest that could be of interest to the tourists, such as galleries, museums or simply history places in Port Macquarie. One can relax and taste the sea-side live before proceeding to the concrete jungle that is Sydney.
Details for Port Macquarie:
- Travel time from Byron Bay: This should take approximately four hours, or longer depending on the approach you and your candidate take while conversing.
- Number of nights: 1 or 2
- Accommodation: Waters Edge Port Macquarie central; pool.
Newcastle: The Last Point Before Sydney
Since we had limited time, as much as we wanted to spend the night in port Macquarie city we proceeded to Newcastle after a long drive from Byron bay. Newcastle which lies only 2 hours away from Sydney was out last pit stop before we got to the heart of the city. Newcastle is famous for its history and beautiful art and beaches making it rich in cultures and natural endowments.
On the arrival we went for a short stroll by the sea side and had quality meal at the hotel which had good pizzeria. Newcastle, which has a laid back, lively, sundeck feel to it was apt in sealing our coastal exploration. Architecturally, the city is very compact and could be easily covered on foot, and there are numerous places to visit, ranging from ancient monuments to up to date galleries and coffee shops.
Details for Newcastle:
- Travel time from Byron Bay: It consists of seven hours.
- Number of nights: 1
- Accommodation: The Oriental Hotel, very central and a very good eating place.
Sydney: The Grand Finale
Thus, our unforgettable 4-week trail came to a crescendo in Sydney, the hub of Australia’s largest state-New South Wales. To be exact, the opportunity to arrive in Sydney has always been like a dream coming true since the city is well-known for the beautiful harbor, mouthwatering food, and rich culture. We then dropped our hired car at the center of Sydney and decided to move around the city in hired buses, trains and ferries since these are common means of transport in Sydney.
We located ourselves in the Marrickville district; an emerging and vibrant area with diverse cultures and great eateries. Recently, in 2020, Marrickville was dubbed as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world which is quite understandable. This place is characterized by numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants, as well as numbers of ethnic restaurants for local and foreign cuisines.
When in Sydney, it is necessary to go sightseeing and visit places like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach among others. We also went to places not typically covered by guidebooks and tourist traps such as the Royal Botanic Garden and the cultural hotspots of Newtown and Surry Hills. Sydney is definitely the city that blends the nature and the modern civilization which is ideal for the end of our Australian journey.
Details for Sydney:
Travel time from Port Macquarie: 4 hours.
Travel time from Newcastle: The time range for this activity is 2 hours.
Number of nights: It would take 3 or 4.
Accommodation: There is the General Gordon in Marrickville with great accessibility in relation to the airport and the center.
Traveling Australia by Car
Driving a car is among the most effective means of transportation if one is interested in sightseeing in the large territories of Australia with various kinds of climate and landscapes. Having a rental car means the ability to set own schedule and explore places which are not touched by the mass tourism. We hired our car from Sunny Cars, an kinds insurance Dutch car rental company renowned for their insurance policies and excellent services. When driving Sunny Cars, you travel with a full insurance that does not require any coinsurance for the clients.
Renting a Car in Australia:Renting a Car in Australia:
The process of booking a car through Sunny Cars is quite easy with a variety of cars to choose from. The firm stipulates that they are available for customers at any one time, which allows the clients to get assistance at any one time they require it. It is suggested to get car rental since the moveable option is convenient in this case.
Renting a Camper in Australia:Renting a Camper in Australia:
If the above suggested accommodations are not enough, the next best thing would be to rent a campervan. Australia has great roads and more significantly, many well-developed camp sites, thus making it perfect for a campervan trip. And it is with a campervan that you can spend the nights in areas of great natural beauty; camping is allowed in many locations, banned however in areas such as national parks and large cities. The Campdays website provides campervans for rent and thus the customers can afford the preferred one.
Organized Tours in Australia
For those particular tourists who do not like to arrange tours on their own, there are certain organized tours combining the best options for tourists to discover Australia. Most travel companies offer flight bookings, and hotel and sightseeing tours as well, for singles, as well as for groups.
Tenzing Travel:
It arranges fly-and-drive packages for Australia in which everything ranging from flights, rental cars, accommodation and schedule can be provided by Tenzing Travel. This option will be perfect for quirky, free spirited travelers who enjoy the liberation of the traveling culture but at the same time are willing to pay little extra so as to have their itinerary planned out for them.
Rickshaw Travel:
The main types of offered trips distinguished by Rickshaw Travel include set tours and the opportunity to build the trip from the “blocks”. They also have family holidays where the activities and the lodgings to be taken are friendly to children.
ANWB:
ANWB provides different tours; single traveler and group tours that can travel to various natural places in Australia. This affords a tourist a semi-organised way of touring the country because the itinerary is already set, the guide is knowledgeable and there is less time is spent in decision making compared to a Self drive tour.
Conclusion
The four week east coast tour of Australia is one of the best trips a person can ever do to get the best view of the features and locations as well as get a memorable experience. That concerns the cultural discovery of Melbourne where guests can travel by Tram anywhere within the city, the upper-class service of the Great Barrier Reef and lazing on the sandy shores of Byron Bay. The people; we met friendly people and the places we slept in and the places we visited made the trip incredible.
Whether it is adhering to this route or even developing your own route, Australia is a gold mine of sight seeing and tours. It is our sincere desire that this guide has prompted you and given you ideas on how to plan your own Australian vacation. One thing is certain: Australia is one of those places that leave a message in one’s heart and soul and the feeling of anticipation of the next meeting is indescribable.