Hi,
How long would be take to travel from Melbourne to Cairns taking in the hot spots along the way? And how much would this cost, on a low budget?
Thanks!
Reply to this How long is a piece of string.I travelled Australia pretty much nonstop for 25years and still kept finding something new.You will have a ball on the East Coast but you may as well be in Europe with great weather.The real "outback" is in Western Australia and Northern Territory.Whatever you decide just remember Summer-south Winter-North.This way you will be able to spend every day of your trip on the beach.(and the Northern winter sun doesn't seem to burn)
Feel free to message me if you have any questions
Reply to this Hello Sinead
This is a hard question to answer - near Cairns you have Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and Atherton Tablelands - well worth a bit of time. I would focus most of your energies on the Great Barrier Reef - but don't be there in summer - it is rainy season and cyclones and tropical lows can really dampen your experience. Once you are away from the Reef region, most of the coastal areas are much the same - all beautiful, but you would just be repeating your earlier experiences - and the weather is not as warm. Sydney is worth a stop if only to say you have seen the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and that magnficent Harbour.
To concur with Paul, do try to get to the outback. Many of the Australian beaches look the same as elsewhere in the world, and the same goes for the cities - but the outback - particularly the Northern Territory and north-west of Western Australia - is unique. Just remember that this is a winter activity (May-September) as outside of these times it can be very hot and/or flooded.
If you do want to travel inland, but not as far as the Northern Territory, try to visit Carnarvon Gorge in central Queensland - a beautiful place with some super walking trails.
Reply to this Hi Sinead,
I am doing a whistlestop tour in Dec/Jan for 6 wks from Cairns to Melbourne with my boyfriend. I am at an advantage for having been before so i can cut out anything i don't necessarily think was worth it but i think 8-10 wks would be a better amount of time to really enjoy it.
We're spending 2-3 nights everywhere down the coast including cairns, magnetic island, airlie beach, hervey bay, fraser island, brisbane, surfers paradise, byron, sydney, then adelaide with friends before finishing in melbourne.
Cost wise - although we are flying peak time i've budgeted a total of £3000 (each) this includes accommodation, food, activities, flight, insurance everything. You may be able to work it out cheaper but i am quite realistic in costs and that many things will crop up that will change the budget!!
hope this helps. xx
Reply to this Thanks so much bex1812! your info was great. I will probably do your intinerary in an 7/8 week period whistlestop!
Have a great time!! :-)
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