The Complete Australia Road Trip Planner: A 6-Week Itinerary

Dreaming of making the trip of a lifetime to Australia, but are unsure how to organise it? This Australia itinerary is ideal.

Australia had been on my bucket list for many years. I knew that when I finally arrived, I would need to spend a significant amount of time exploring the best places in Australia. That's when I decided to stay for six weeks and plan an epic trip around the country.

As you can imagine, planning a trip to Australia can be daunting. I am passionate about researching and organising trips, so this one was fun to arrange; however, planning a trip like this may not be as straightforward for every traveller. You need to know where to start and where to finish. How to navigate such a vast country and where to stay. And the big question - what are the best things to see and do in Australia?

With this in mind, I have compiled a comprehensive travel guide which is probably one of the best Australian itineraries you will find.

The Perfect Australia Itinerary

Our six-week Australian trip itinerary started in Darwin with a rail journey to Adelaide on the Ghan Train. This was followed by five days in Adelaide, including a trip to Kangaroo Island. Next, we embarked on a three-day road trip from Adelaide to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. We stayed in Port Fairy, Apollo Bay, and Lorne.

We then spent two nights in St Kilda, Melbourne. This was followed by hopping on an overnight ferry to the island of Tasmania.

We spent an incredible eight days in Tasmania on a road trip. It included stays at Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Freycinet National Park and Hobart. Then, we flew back to Sydney for a few days, which included a stay in Bondi Beach and a visit to the Blue Mountains.

After that, we took a six-night road trip along the New South Wales coastline. We stopped at the coastal towns of Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, and Byron Bay before our bucket list trip ended in Brisbane.

How my Australian itinerary will help with travel planning

This travel itinerary provides everything you need to help you when planning a trip to Australia.

It includes driving routes with estimated times and distances, as well as my recommendations on where to stay. For me, determining driving times was the most crucial aspect to establish when planning this incredible six-week itinerary in Australia.

You will also find links to in-depth posts I have written on the locations and activities I experienced. This is the perfect Australian itinerary for your adventure down under.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Is 6 Weeks Long Enough in Australia?

Six weeks allows you the perfect amount of time to visit North, South, and East Australia. You will be able to experience its highlights without rushing.

Whether you want to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sydney Opera House, surf in Byron Bay, ride a train across the outback or visit the wildlife on Kangaroo Island, it can all be done in six weeks. This Australia travel itinerary will help you do it all.

Australia Time Differences (GMT)

Understanding the time differences between countries when you arrive in Australia is vital. You don’t want to land late at night and have to find your hire car and accommodation in the dark. Please note that daylight saving time in your country may affect the times listed below.

Australia is:

11 hours ahead of London, England

16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, USA

9 hours ahead of Cape Town, South Africa

5 hours 30 minutes ahead of New Delhi, India

2 hours behind Wellington, New Zealand

Best Time To See Australia

The best time to visit depends on what you're looking for:

• For the beach and outdoor adventures, December to February (summer) is ideal for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those wanting to explore the Great Barrier Reef and coastal areas.
• For moderate weather and fewer crowds, March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) are considered the best months for visiting many regions, as the weather is pleasant and less crowded than in summer.
• June to August (winter) is perfect for visiting the alpine regions for skiing and snow activities.

In summary, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the best times to visit for pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and a variety of outdoor activities. If you love summer weather, beaches, and vibrant festivals, the peak season is the summer months (December to February).

Understanding Australia's Seasons

Australia's weather varies significantly due to its vast size and diverse geography. As it is in the Southern Hemisphere, its four seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere.

When winter arrives in Europe, it is summer in Australia, and when autumn arrives in Europe, it is spring in Australia. Additionally, because Australia is so large, its weather patterns vary significantly during the seasons, depending on the location within the country.

I visited Australia in the autumn, and while staying in Darwin, Northern Territory, I experienced torrential rain. A few days later, I arrived in Adelaide, where the sun shone, and we spent time on Glenelg Beach. It is topsy-turvy!

Here's a breakdown of what to expect in each season:

Summer in Australia (December to February)

Summer weather is typically hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C in inland regions. Coastal areas, including major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, tend to be more moderate but can still be quite hot, with temperatures averaging 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).

Summer is the perfect time for beach activities, especially along Australia's eastern and northern coastlines (e.g., the Great Barrier Reef, Gold Coast, and Sydney's beaches). Tropical regions like Queensland are warm year-round, making it great for diving and outdoor activities.

Be prepared for heatwaves, and remember that it's also the peak of the tourist season, which means some popular areas might be crowded and more expensive.

Autumn in Australia (March to May)

In autumn, temperatures in southern cities such as Melbourne and Adelaide begin to cool, ranging between 15°C and 25°C. In the tropical north (e.g., Cairns), temperatures remain warm, with lower humidity, ranging from around 20°C to 30°C.

Autumn is an ideal time to visit cities like Sydney and Melbourne, as well as explore regions such as the Blue Mountains, the Great Ocean Road, and Tasmania's wilderness. It's also harvest time in wine regions like the Barossa Valley, making it an excellent season for wine tours.

Autumn is one of the best times to visit in terms of weather. The crowds from summer have gone, and the weather is pleasant, particularly in southern regions.

Winter in Australia (June to August)

Winter in Australia is generally mild, although it can become cold in southern areas and the mountains. Temperatures in southern cities such as Melbourne and Sydney range from 5°C to 15°C, while inland areas can experience significantly colder conditions, especially at night. In the tropical north (e.g., Darwin), winter temperatures are typically warm, around 15°C to 25°C.

Winter is the best time to visit New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania if you're interested in skiing or snowboarding. For a mild winter experience, head to the tropical north, including cities like Cairns and Darwin, where it's warm and dry.

In southern Australia the winter is generally quite cool, with shorter days. However, this season offers lower prices and fewer tourists in some regions, which is excellent if you want to avoid the crowds and travel on a budget.

Spring in Australia (September to November)

Spring sees a gradual warming, with temperatures in southern cities rising to between 15°C and 25°C, and in the northern regions, between 20°C and 30°C. There are mild days and cooler nights, especially in southern and inland areas.

Spring is an ideal time to visit Australia for outdoor activities, such as hiking, as the weather is generally comfortable. Flowering blooms make it a beautiful time to explore national parks and gardens. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane also enjoy mild weather, making them perfect for city sightseeing.

Like autumn, spring offers mild weather and fewer tourists than summer, making it an excellent time for travel.

Driving in Australia

You will spend a significant amount of time on the road in Australia, so it's essential to know what to expect.

From my experience, if you have a driver’s license, I recommend renting a car in Australia. The roads are wide and long, making them a breeze to drive along compared to those in the UK.

Like the British, the Australians drive on the left-hand side, so I felt at ease on the roads.

Driving yourself and being on the open road allows you the freedom to see the country on your terms. It makes any Australian road trip an unforgettable experience.

While driving in Australia, you’ll find local drivers travelling faster than you are comfortable with on some narrow and winding coastal roads. Don’t worry about it; there are plenty of pull-ins along the side of the road (which I used frequently) to allow other drivers a chance to pass you safely.

Don’t drive faster than the speed limit; be aware that speeds can change quickly. In Australia, speeding can result in substantial fines, so it's essential to follow the road rules.

Book A Rental Car

I recommend booking a hire car before arriving at your destination to ensure you get the best choice of vehicle. We booked three cars from Discover Cars.

1. Picked up the car in Adelaide and dropped it off in Melbourne.
2. Picked up the car in Devonport, Tasmania, and dropped off in Hobart, Tasmania.
3. Rented a car in Sydney CBD (Central Business District). We then dropped off our hired vehicle in central Brisbane.

6 Weeks in Australia - The Best Places to See in Australia

In this 6-week Australia road trip itinerary, you’ll travel from the northern territory to the southern and eastern coasts. You will see a changing landscape, from barren lands to lush rainforests, islands, coastal towns, and busy cities.

Darwin - Adelaide - Kangaroo Island - Port Fairy - Apollo Bay - Lorne - Melbourne - Tasmania - Sydney - Blue Mountains - Port Stephens - Port Macquarie - Byron Bay - Brisbane

Australia Trip Planner Map

6 Weeks in Australia Day-to-Day Itinerary Of Places in Australia To Visit

Days 1 to 3 - Darwin (Northern Australia)

I did this road trip around Australia with my 18-year-old son as part of our extended world trip. We arrived in Darwin, Northern Territory, after spending three nights in Penang, Malaysia.

We chose to start our Australian holiday in Darwin, where we would board The Ghan. This luxury 3D/2N train journey would take us across the outback to Adelaide, where we had booked to stay for 5 nights.

We were in Australia in March/early April, and the weather in Darwin, in the Northern Territory, was wet, so we spent much of our time watching films in our room. When the sun appeared on the second day, we swam in the hotel pool and took a taxi into town to pick up groceries.

Stay for two nights in Darwin at the Novotel Darwin Airport.

If you have more time to spend in Darwin and travel out of the rainy season, you might like to book an outdoor tour to Litchfield National Park.

Days 3 to 5 - Darwin to Adelaide on the Ghan

Saying goodbye to Darwin, we hopped aboard the Ghan Train to Adelaide. This luxury train would take us through the outback, stopping at the town of Katherine, where we joined a river cruise in the Nitmiluk National Park. We also visited the Telegraph Station, the School Of The Air, and Anzac Hill in Alice Springs. Finally, we crossed the Flinders Ranges before arriving in Adelaide.

Please read my Ghan Train Review for a detailed itinerary of our experience during this iconic train journey across the heart of Australia.

Days 5 to 10 - Adelaide and Kangaroo Island (Southern Australia)

We spent five days in Adelaide and discovered many things to do, from visiting cultural museums and shopping in Rundle Mall, to relaxing on Glenelg Beach and exploring Kangaroo Island, which is an absolute must. You can also switch up your sightseeing by visiting Barossa Wine Valley, a popular day trip from the Adelaide CBD or exploring the 19th-century German village of Hahndorf.

Book the Best Adelaide Tours with Get Your Guide.
Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour With Lunch.
Barossa Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride.
Adelaide 3.5-Hour Swimming With Dolphins Experience.
A Tour Of The Oval Cricket Stadium
Kangaroo Island Full-Day Experience With Lunch.

Days 5 / 7 Adelaide CBD

We immersed ourselves in all the city had to offer for the first two days of our stay in Adelaide. This included a trip to Rundle Mall for a visit to the famous Haigh's Chocolate Shop, sorting out SIM cards, some shopping, and a visit to several of Adelaide's museums. In particular, I wanted to learn about Aboriginal culture, and the South Australian Museum allowed me to do just that with fabulous artefacts and displays on Dreamtime, a term used to cover Aboriginal spiritual existence.

Days 7 / 8 Kangaroo Island

You can visit Kangaroo Island on a day trip from Adelaide, but I think you need to spend one night there to see it in all its glory, which is what we did.

It's the third-largest island in Australia, and it is a beautiful place to visit and see wildlife, including kangaroos (of course), koalas, sea lions, and echidnas.

You can take a ferry to and from the island, but the quickest way to get back is to take the 15-minute flight to Adelaide from Kangaroo Island: it's also fun. From Adelaide Airport, you can arrange a transfer to your hotel.

To learn more, please check out my Kangaroo Island blog post below:

The Perfect Two Day Kangaroo Island Itinerary for Animal Lovers

Days 8 / 10 Adelaide

We had booked our apartment for 5 nights despite staying over on Kangaroo Island for one of the nights. We did this to enable us to take an overnight backpack to the island and leave the rest of our stuff in the apartment.

On our last day in Adelaide, we took a tram to Glenelg Beach and enjoyed the glorious sunshine, a walk along the shoreline, a few beers at the beach bar, and watching the sunset from the end of Glenelg Pier. It was a fabulous ending to our time in Adelaide, before we continued our Australian road trip to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road.

To learn more, please check out my Glenelg Beach blog post below:

Days 10 to 13 - Adelaide to Melbourne via The Great Ocean Road

Adelaide - Port Fairy - Apollo Bay - Lorne - Melbourne

Reaching the Great Ocean Road from Adelaide takes a long time compared to approaching it from Melbourne, which is the usual traveller's choice, so I decided to find accommodation along the route. I am so glad I did because it allowed me to experience the towns of Port Fairy, Apollo Bay and Lorne.

You can read about my trip from Adelaide to Melbourne in the blog post below, which includes information on driving times, what to see during the journey, and where to stay.

I picked up a hire car in Adelaide and returned it to Melbourne.

The Best Great Ocean Road Attractions To Visit

• Twelve Apostles, including Loch Ard Gorge, Shipwreck Coast and London Bridge
• Great Otway National Park, including Triplet Falls, Otway Fly and Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
• Cape Otway Lightstation
• Kennet River
• Teddy’s Lookout
• Erskine Falls
• The Great Ocean Road Sign

Great Ocean Road Accommodation

Accommodation in Port Fairy

Port Fairy properties on Booking.com range from cute cottages to harbour-view houses.

Apollo Bay Accommodation

Apollo Bay properties on Booking.com include sea-view houses perched directly on the Great Ocean Road.

Where to Stay in Lorne

Lorne properties on Booking.com range from historic hotels to local Bed and Breakfasts.

Days 13 to 15 - Melbourne and St Kilda

Day 13 - Melbourne CBD

After a short drive from Lorne, we arrived in Melbourne and dropped off our rental car. We wouldn't need a car in Melbourne as we planned to use the free tram system to get around the city.

Melbourne is one of those places where you either love or hate it, but I would say I fall somewhere in the middle of that scale. It was probably my least favourite city, having also visited Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide on this trip. I'm not quite sure why it didn't excite me as much as the others, but I found it a little underwhelming.

That said, landmarks such as the Yarra River, Queen Victoria Market, Shrine of Remembrance, and the Laneways are all must-see places for travellers visiting Melbourne for the first time.

While in Australia's second-most populated city, I explored some of its highlights, which you can read about in this blog post:

Day 15 - Melbourne to Tasmania (overnight sailing)

Tasmania is often overlooked on Australian itineraries, and having been there, I can tell you that not visiting the island is a travesty. Tasmania has a different feel from mainland Australia and is a nature lover's paradise.

If you're from the UK, like me, it will remind you of England as it was 40 years ago. Tasmania is an island that I fell in love with. Out of my six weeks in Australia, it was my favourite place, so please add it to your Australia trip itinerary.

On day 15, in the late afternoon, we boarded our overnight ferry from Melbourne to Devonport. The sailing time is between 9 and 11 hours, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. The crossing was particularly choppy, so our sailing took around ten hours.

We booked a twin cabin with an ensuite and slept during our Tasman Sea crossing. We woke up at dawn to a tannoy announcement stating that we had arrived in Devonport, Tasmania. Let the adventure begin!

Days 16 to 24 - Road Tripping Around Tasmania

You may enjoy my detailed blog on Discovering Tasmania on an 8-day road trip, which can be found below. It covers all the places I visited in Tasmania and is broken down into a day-by-day itinerary. You will find driving times between destinations, where to stay in each place and the fantastic attractions you won't want to miss.

Best Attractions In Tasmania

• Sheffield, the mural art town.
• Cradle Mountain, including Dove Lake, Tasmania, Devils' Wildlife Sanctuary and Pencil Pine Cascades.
• Lake St Clair.
• Strahan River.
• Freycinet National Park, including Wineglass Bay, Mount Amos Hike, and Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk.
• East Coast Beaches.
• Bicheno Penguins.
• Port Arthur Historic Site.
• Hobart, including the Botanic Gardens and Salamanca Market.
• Maria Island National Park.

Day 16: Arrive at Devonport Ferry Terminal

Devonport to Sheffield driving time - 25 minutes.

The sun was already up as we docked in Devonport at 6:00 a.m., gathered our belongings, and went to the car rental hub at the ferry terminal to pick up our hire car for the eight days we would spend road-tripping around Tasmania.

Slightly bleary-eyed and needing a coffee, I collected the keys and found my ride in the parking lot. Our first stop was the mural town of Sheffield, a 25-minute drive from Devonport. The journey was straightforward; however, the amount of roadkill we saw lying at the side of the road as we drove was heartbreaking.

The rental car lady had advised keeping a good eye out for critters at dawn and dusk, as they have a habit of running out onto the roads. She was right, by the volume of wildlife that lay lifeless by the roadside. For the entirety of my 8 days in Tasmania, my eyes were glued to the road to avoid being a driver, which added to the wildlife death toll. I'm pleased to say nothing bad happened.

Find out more about Sheffield in this detailed post:

If you want to drive directly to Cradle Mountain from Devonport, the 90km journey will take 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Days 16 / 18: Cradle Mountain

Sheffield to Cradle Mountain driving time - 55 minutes / 53km.

Cradle Mountain is the ideal location to experience the natural beauty of Australia's wilderness. From spectacular views, scenic walks, and abundant wildlife, the ocean crossing to Australia's largest island is undoubtedly worth it.

For more information, please read my blog posts on Cradle Mountain:

Days 18 / 20 Strahan

Cradle Mountain to Strahan Driving Time and Distance: 1h 50mins / 138km

Stay in Strahan for two nights.

For more information, please read my blog post on Strahan:

Days 20 / 22: Coles Bay

Strahan to Coles Bay: Driving Time and Distance: 5h 15mins / 417km

I recommend staying two nights at the Edge of the Bay Resort in Coles Bay. It features a superb restaurant and bar, as well as direct beach access. We booked a fabulous cabin with unending views across the sea to the Hazard Mountain Range.

We chose to stay in Coles Bay because it was close to Freycinet National Park, which is full of incredible sights, including Wineglass Bay.

For more information, please read my blog post on Freycinet National Park:

Days 22 / 24: Hobart

Coles Bay to Hobart Driving Time and Distance: 2h 25mins / 185km.

Stay in Hobart for two nights.

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, so you can expect a lot more hustle and bustle than previously encountered in Tasmania's more remote towns. Visit Port Arthur, the famous MONA museum, wander through Hobart's botanical gardens, shop in Battery Point and Salamanca Place and even take a boat trip to Bruny Island to see the wildlife. Hobart Airport is where you will fly from to return to the mainland.

For more information, please read my blog posts on Hobart:

Days 24 To 33 - Exploring Sydney And The Blue Mountains

Although this is a road trip itinerary for Australia, you will still need to make one domestic flight during your trip from Tasmania to Sydney. It will take 1 hour and 45 minutes. Being one of the major cities, Sydney has plenty of things to do during your stay. It was also the start of my East Coast Australia road trip itinerary.

Best Attractions In Sydney

• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Harbour Bridge and walk
• Sydney Skytower
• Darling Harbour
• Botanical Gardens
• Mrs Macquarie's Chair Walk
• Luna Park
• Bondi Beach
• Coogee to Bondi Walk
• Bondi Icebergs
• Manly Beach

Days 24 / 28: Sydney

Stay in Sydney for four nights at the Ovolo Wooloomooloo. It's a funky hotel on the waterfront and within walking distance of Sydney CBD.

Day 24 - Arriving at our hotel in Sydney from Tasmania in the late afternoon meant we only had time for a swim, a quick mooch around the waterfront of Woolloomooloo (yep, there really is a place with a name like that!), dinner and then settle down for the night in our new surroundings.

Day 25 - We woke up nice and early, as we had a full day ahead of us. We started with a walk to Mrs Macquarie's Chair lookout, which offers one of the best views of the Sydney Opera House and waterfront. After reaching the Opera House (a pinch me moment), we strolled through the botanical gardens, stopping for lunch in the park and then spent the rest of the day simply sightseeing.

View the city from the Skytower

Day 26 - After a morning swim, we went into Sydney CBD and up the Skytower to view the city from above. It's not as high as some observation towers I've been in, such as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, but it's still a great place to experience. We continued our day wandering around the city and, in the evening, headed for dinner in Darling Harbour, where we hopped on an evening river boat to take us back to our hotel.

Day 27 - Today, we stayed close to the hotel to catch up on sleep, do some laundry (it accumulates when travelling for so long), relax by the pool, and take a breather before continuing our journey. It's always good to factor some downtime into any trip. Just because you're away doesn't mean you have to tire yourself out seeing everything!

Days 28 / 31: Bondi Beach

Stay in Bondi Beach for three nights at QT Bondi Hotel. It's another hip hotel, right on the waterfront and within walking distance of one of the world's most famous beaches.

Day 28 - Saying a fond farewell to the Ovolo, which had been a superb base for our short Sydney interlude, we took a taxi to our next destination, Bondi Beach. It didn't take us long to check into our room and head across the road to see if Bondi Beach was worth all the fuss.

Honestly, the beach was much smaller than I had expected, and the shops along the front reminded me of Margate in Kent (if you come from the South of England, you'll understand). Nevertheless, I was standing on Bondi looking at an iconic lifeguard tower, so this was another bucket list destination I could tick off!

Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

Day 29 - The Bondi to Bronte coastal walk was in our sights today, despite it raining. Undeterred, we set off to walk one of the most famous walks in Australia, and we loved it. Not only did we see the famous Bondi Icebergs Pool, but we also saw a pod of dolphins jumping out of the water.

Day 30 - Today was all about the beach. Little did we know we would hear the shark siren set off and calls to get out of the water. This was the Bondi Beach we had heard so much about! Not too enthralled to get in the water, we walked around the headland and into town to check out the famous Bondi markets held every Sunday at the Bondi Beach Public School. It is home to talented craftspeople and a great place to visit for unique artisan gifts.

Day 31 (morning) - Grab a taxi (or bus) back to Sydney CBD from Bondi and pick up a hire car to take you to the Blue Mountains for two nights and then to your chosen stops along Australia's East Coast.

Days 31 / 33: The Blue Mountains

Sydney CBD to The Blue Mountains (Katoomba): Driving Time and Distance: 90 minutes / 112km

Stay in the Blue Mountains for two nights at The Three Explorers Hotel. It's a budget hotel, but the chef's kiss is that it is a short walk to the Three Sisters Viewpoint, a must-see on a visit to the Blue Mountains National Park.

For more information, please read my blog post on The Blue Mountains:

Please check out the next leg of my trip, which took me from the Blue Mountains (Sydney) to Brisbane in six days. It's the perfect New South Wales Self-Drive Itinerary, which includes driving times, what to see during the journey, and where to stay.

Days 33 To 40 - Port Stephens to Brisbane via the Pacific Coast Highway

Days 33 / 35: Port Stephens

The Blue Mountains (Katoomba) to Nelson Bay in Port Stephens: Driving Time and Distance: 3h 25mins / 286km

Stay in Nelson Bay for 2 nights at Marty's at Little Beach. This apartment features a pool and is conveniently located a short walk from Little Beach Reserve, which boasts a golden sandy beach and a waterside picnic area. It also has a beautiful waterfront bistro.

Day 33 - Leaving the Blue Mountains was hard as they're stunning. If you appreciate untouched landscapes, this place will leave you with fond memories. Nevertheless, New South Wales was calling, and I was eager to explore the beautiful beaches and stunning scenery for which the region is famous.

Arriving at Port Stephens in the afternoon, we wasted no time changing into our beachwear and heading down to the water. It was a lovely sheltered bay with resident pelicans - what a treat!

Day 34 - Up bright and early, we drove into town to have a mooch, bought some provisions, and returned to the beach. This was the perfect place to unwind after a long day of driving and hiking. We booked a table at the Little Beach Bistro in the evening and enjoyed our dinner with wine from the Hunter Valley while watching the sunset.

Days 35 / 37: Port Macquarie

Port Stephens to Port Macquarie: Driving Time and Distance: 2h 40mins / 248km

Stay in Port Macquarie for two nights at Sails Port Macquarie By Rydges.

Port Macquarie is well worth visiting on a New South Wales road trip. Not only does it have a great beach and tranquil river, but it also has a vibrant restaurant scene and offers pleasant hiking trails. Hop aboard a boat and take to the water, visit the koala hospital, or spot the artwork on the boardwalk's boulders. Has Port Macquarie piqued your interest?

For more information, please read my blog post on Port Macquarie:

Days 37 / 40: Byron Bay

Port Macquarie to Byron Bay coastal drive: Driving Time and Distance: 4 hours / 385km.

Stay in Byron Bay for three nights at Elements of Byron. It's one of the most impressive resorts I have stayed at, with a vast swimming pool, sunken seating areas, a fine dining restaurant, an adults-only pool and cabins nestled into the rainforest. As for the beach, well, see for yourself in my photograph!

Activities in Byron Bay

Byron has some of the best beaches in Australia, so most activities are based around the water. There are also rainforest trails where nature lovers can discover indigenous wildlife, such as koalas and platypuses.

Book a surf lesson because who doesn't want to say they've surfed in Byron Bay, or take out a kayak or snorkel? Hire a bike and explore the town and bike trails because if you love the great outdoors, this is where you need to be.

Day 37 -  The drive from Port Macquarie is pretty long, so by the time you reach Byron Bay, all you will want to do when you see the resort is order a cocktail and dinner and then chill out around one of the firepits before retiring to your designer cabin deep in the rainforest.

On Day 38 - Take the Byron Bay Train from outside the resort and check out the town. Enjoy the Bohemian vibe of this surfing mecca. Grab lunch before returning to the resort to spend time around the pool and at Belongil Beach. Later on, head to the sunset lookout spot at Byron Bay lighthouse; you won't be disappointed!

On Day 39 - Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride with breakfast, then finish your time in Byron by enjoying the amenities at Elements Byron Resort.

Days 40 to 43 - Exploring Brisbane

Byron Bay to Brisbane: Driving Time and Distance: 1h 50mins / 166km.

Byron Bay is an hour's drive from the Gold Coast, so you could stop off at Australia's version of Las Vegas on the way to Brisbane if the mood takes you. It didn't appeal to me, so I kept driving to Brisbane.

Stay in Brisbane for three nights at The Point Brisbane. It's a great base with a superb rooftop bar.

Best Attractions In Brisbane

• Southbank Parklands
• Kangaroo Rocks
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• River Cruises
• Brisbane Botanic Garden
• Opal Museum
• Mount Coot-Tha
• Streets Beach

Is Brisbane worth visiting?

After hearing numerous negative things about Brisbane during my six-week road trip, mainly from Australians, I wondered why I had booked a stay there; surely all my research hadn't been so off the mark. Well, I can now tell you that I love Brisbane, and of the four cities I have visited, it's my favourite city in Australia.

Brisbane has many similarities to London; I felt a strong connection to it. Number one is that London has a South Bank by the river, and so does Brisbane. We both have huge Ferris wheels, and some of the brutalist buildings in Brisbane reminded me of the Royal Festival Hall in London! One thing we don't have in London is a man-made beach and swimming area - and you'll need to see it to believe it!

So, if anyone tries to discourage you from visiting Brisbane, don't listen to them. It's a fantastic city, and I'm glad I experienced it as my last stop on this epic Australian road trip. I am sure you will too!

Three days in Brisbane

Day 40 - After driving to Brisbane from Byron Bay, we dropped our hire car off for the last time. Our road trip was almost at an end. In the afternoon/evening, we checked out the local neighbourhood where we were staying and finished the night with cocktails at the rooftop bar.

Day 41 - Exploring Kangaroo Rocks and Brisbane South Bank was great fun. There is so much to see, from sculpture walks to a man-made beach and botanical gardens. In the evening, we took one of the free river boats back to our starting point, a great way to see the Brisbane waterfront buildings and the bridge illuminated at night.

See Australia's Indigenous wildlife at Lone Pine

Day 42 - The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must for animal lovers. We cruised from the Brisbane CBD to Lone Pine, accompanied by commentary during our time aboard, which allowed us to learn more about the city's history. It was a full day out, which left us with great memories. We saw koalas, kangaroos, kookaburras, and dingos, to name a few.

On our last morning (Day 43), we had a final breakfast in Brisbane and then headed to the airport to catch our flight to New Zealand.

Final thoughts on a six-week road trip around Australia

I hope this Australia travel itinerary has highlighted that embarking on a six-week adventure is an enriching experience. From the unique wildlife encounters available only in Australia to the stunning coastal and mountain landscapes that take your breath away, this is a journey of a lifetime, one that will leave you with endless memories.

I found every moment spent exploring this diverse country genuinely unforgettable. Driving myself around meant I had the flexibility to pull over whenever I fancied and admire my surroundings - what could be more perfect?

So, for anyone who, before reading this post, wondered whether a six-week road trip around Australia would be something they could plan to do for themselves, I hope my travel itinerary has shown you that it is achievable. By following this Australia itinerary, you can also see all the top places in Australia.

Where to Next?

Visiting Australia was part of a three-month world trip I independently arranged for myself and my son, so I can recommend this route if you are searching for suitable family road trips in Australia.

Before arriving in Australia, we had already visited Singapore and Malaysia.

Our flight from Brisbane took us to Auckland. We then flew to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Cambodia. On our way back to the UK, we visited Dubai. You can read about our travels after Australia in the posts below.

New Zealand Blog Posts.

Hong Kong Blog Posts.

Vietnam Blog Posts.

Cambodia Blog Posts.

Dubai Blog Posts.

Please PIN for future travel to Australia.

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The Ghan Train Australia Review: Darwin To Adelaide 3-Day Rail Journey

8 Great Things to Do in Port Macquarie, New South Wales

Adelaide

The Perfect Adelaide 5-Day Itinerary (including Kangaroo Island)

The Best 2-Day Kangaroo Island Ferry Tour with Sealink

Fun Things To Do At Glenelg Beach, Adelaide

Adelaide to Melbourne 3-Night Self-Drive Itinerary for the Great Ocean Road

Sydney

Sydney To Brisbane 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Visiting The Three Sisters In The Blue Mountains

Melbourne

Best Ideas For Spending One Day in Melbourne

11 Great Things to Do in St Kilda, Melbourne

Tasmania

Ultimate 8-Day Self-Drive Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary Planner

Sheffield, Tasmania: A Visit To The Amazing Town of Murals

How to Spend 2 Nights in Cradle Mountain: Tasmania’s Wilderness

9 Best Places To Stay In Cradle Mountain