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- Blue Mountains \u2014 Three Sisters Viewpoint, Valley of the Waters Walk (2h)<\/li>\n
- Port Stephens \u2014 Sand dunes, dolphin watching (boat 35 AUD)<\/li>\n
- Byron Bay \u2014 Lighthouse hike, surf lesson (AUD 60), Farmers Market on Sundays<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Section 2: Byron Bay \u2192 Cairns (2 weeks)<\/h3>\n
The classic "East Coast" route: Byron Bay \u2192 Gold Coast \u2192 Brisbane \u2192 Fraser Island \u2192 Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) \u2192 Townsville \u2192 Cairns. 2,400 km, but there's so much to see that you need at least two weeks.<\/p>\n
Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Fraser Island \u2014 the world's largest sand island. Four-wheel drive required! (Day trip from AUD 195)<\/li>\n
- Whitsundays \u2014 Whitehaven Beach (the whitest beach I've ever seen), Hill Inlet Viewpoint. Boat tour: 180-250 AUD<\/li>\n
- Great Barrier Reef from Cairns \u2014 snorkeling or diving. Day trip 220-280 AUD. Definitely get your diving certification beforehand; snorkeling alone is not enough.<\/li>\n
- Daintree Rainforest \u2014 the oldest rainforest in the world (135 million years old), crocodiles in the Daintree River, cassowaries on the road<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Section 3: Red Centre (1 week)<\/h3>\n
Flight from Cairns to Alice Springs (from 120 AUD), then rental car. Alice Springs \u2192 Kings Canyon \u2192 Uluru \u2192 Kata Tjuta \u2192 back. 1,200 km, completely outback, completely different from the coast.<\/p>\n
Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Uluru at sunrise and sunset \u2014 the colors change from orange to red to purple. Drone flights prohibited! (Sacred site)<\/li>\n
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk \u2014 6 km, 3-4 hours, spectacular canyon<\/li>\n
- Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) \u2014 less touristy than Uluru, but at least as impressive photographically.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Section 4: Great Ocean Road (Optional, 3-4 days)<\/h3>\n
If you're starting or ending your trip in Melbourne: The Great Ocean Road is a must-see. This 240 km coastal road features the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. The limestone formations in the ocean, seen from above by drone, are among Australia's most spectacular sights.<\/p>\n
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\n option<\/th>\n Advantages<\/th>\n Disadvantages<\/th>\n Cost per day<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n rental car<\/td>\n Affordable, flexible, easy to drive<\/td>\n Hotel\/hostel required, no cooking required<\/td>\n 40-70 AUD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Campervan (2P)<\/td>\n Sleeping and cooking included, freedom<\/td>\n More expensive, more fuel-intensive<\/td>\n 100-180 AUD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 4WD Camper<\/td>\n Off-road capable (Fraser, Outback)<\/td>\n Most expensive, harder to drive<\/td>\n 150-250 AUD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Backpacker van (buy)<\/td>\n The most favorable option in the long term is the cheapest<\/td>\n Risk (breakdowns), registration required<\/td>\n 3,000-7,000 AUD total<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n My recommendation:<\/strong> Rent a campervan (Jucy, Britz, or Mighty) for 4-6 weeks. You'll save a lot on accommodation and have the freedom to spontaneously camp on any beach. However, you'll need four-wheel drive for Fraser Island and Cape Tribulation\u2014there are local daily rentals available.<\/p>\n
Costs \u2014 How much does an Australian road trip cost?<\/h2>\n
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\n Position<\/th>\n Costs (5 weeks)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Flight DE \u2192 Sydney (Return)<\/td>\n 800-1.200 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Campervan rental (35 days \u00d7 130 AUD)<\/td>\n ~2.800 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Petrol (~6,000 km)<\/td>\n ~700 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Camping\/Pitches<\/td>\n ~500 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Food (self-cooking + restaurants)<\/td>\n ~1.200 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Activities (Reef, Fraser, etc.)<\/td>\n ~800 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Domestic flight (Cairns\u2192Alice Springs)<\/td>\n ~100 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n SIM card + insurance<\/td>\n ~150 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Total (5 weeks)<\/td>\n ~6.250-7.450 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n That's \u20ac180-215 per day \u2014 Australia isn't cheap, but it's absolutely fair for the experience. Those living in a backpacker van and cooking for themselves can get by on \u20ac120-140 per day.<\/p>\n
Camping in Australia \u2014 My best tips<\/h2>\n
Free campsites<\/h3>\n
Australia has hundreds of "free camps"\u2014free campsites with a fire pit, sometimes even toilets. The apps "WikiCamps" (5 AUD) and "CamperMate" (free) show all the free camps on a map. Some are right on the beach. My best free camp: A spot right by the ocean near Agnes Water\u2014sunset over the Pacific, kangaroos 20 meters away, zero euros.<\/p>\n
Holiday Parks<\/h3>\n
For showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi, there are Holiday Parks (BIG4 or G'Day Parks). These cost 25-45 AUD per night for a "powered site" (with electricity hook-up). It's worth visiting a Holiday Park every 2-3 days to charge batteries, shower, and do laundry.<\/p>\n
National Parks<\/h3>\n
Many national parks have campsites (10-15 AUD\/night). These are the best locations, but often without electricity. Book online in advance \u2014 popular sites (e.g., in the Daintree) are booked up weeks ahead.<\/p>\n
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