Travel plan idea blog

Australia travel plan: explore Oz in a campervan!

Many backpackers suggest that campervaning your way around Australia works out a lot cheaper than doing something like a bus tour, and you've got the freedom to stop where you want. This suggested itinerary is great for exploring the east coast region of Queensland. The 'sunshine state' has a warm climate all year round. So with the sandy beaches, isolated outback and lush rainforests, there is something for everyone in Queensland.

Day 1: Brisbane to Bundaberg (distance 362 km, travel time 5hrs 30 mins)
Just north of Brisbane is a spectacular region stretching from the seaside town of Caloundra to Noosa's famous Hasting Street. So take your time lunching with the locals in trendy cafes on the beach strip before taking a dip in the sea at Noosa's famous Main Beach. On the way to Noosa, try to visit Landsborough's most famous attraction Australia Zoo.

A 40 minute detour from the Bruce Highway at Maryborough will take you to Hervey Bay, where you can catch a ferry to Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island and listed as a World Heritage National Park. You could take an optional 1 or 2 days extra to explore Fraser Island's lush rainforests and clear blue-water lakes if you can find the time.

An hour along the coastal road is Bundaberg. From here you can access the Southern Great Barrier Reef's Lady Elliot Island by flight. Do some wildlife spotting at Mon Repos Beach which is the largest mainland turtle rookery in Australia and every year humpback whales pass close to the unspoiled beaches, which stretch from Woodgate to Bargara.

Day 2: Bundaberg to Rockhampton (distance 318 km, travel time 3hrs 45 mins)
Whilst in Rockhampton, stop for a photo opportunity at the 'Spire' to record your crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Rockhampton is also known as the 'Beef Capital of Australia', housing over 2 million cattle within a 50km radius of town!

Day 3: Rockhampton to Whitsundays (distance 483 km, travel time 6hrs)
It's a long drive to the Whitsundays but well worth it! Try to break your journey with regular rest stops along the way. The coastal town of Sarina is a good place to stop for lunch and a refreshing swim.

Day 4: The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are a collective of continental islands of various sizes off the coast of Queensland and one of Australia's premier holiday destinations. The main town is Airlie Beach, which is a major departure point for Great Barrier Reef excursions and home to many of the sailing and diving operators. Travel in a south-west direction from Airlie Beach to Eungella National Park. Queensland's largest rainforest park, where visitors can observe platypus in the wild. The drive through the Pioneer Valley to the park offers spectacular views.

Day 5: Whitsundays to Townsville (distance 285 km, travel time 3hrs 45mins)
Townsville is considered to be the leading centre for research into The Great Barrier Reef. A visit to the award winning Great Barrier Reef Aquarium will give you a taste of the reef without setting foot offshore. Townsville also provides easy access to Magnetic Island, only a 20 minute ride across Cleveland Bay by speed boat.

Magnetic Island is predominantly a National Park covered in pine, eucalypt and rainforest trees but it does have several shops, cafes, restaurants and offers a wide range of activities including relaxing on some wonderful beaches, 4WD tours, scuba diving in coral reefs, sailing and kayak tours. So well worth a visit!

Day 6: Townsville to Cairns (distance 348 km, travel time 4hrs 45mins)
The route from Townsville to Cairns is known as the Great Green Way with sandy beaches, world heritage rainforests and plunging waterfalls. Be sure to pay a visit to Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest waterfall. The site oozes natural beauty and captivates visitors from all over the world - definitely worth the 50km detour from the highway. Stop for a picnic on the way at picturesque Josephine Falls Wooroonooran National Park, 75km south of Cairns.

Day 7: Cairns
Cairns is known for its connection to the Great Barrier Reef (see Hamilton Island and tourism of doom) and the rainforests of the national parks but few people realise that Cairns is an excellent gateway to the Australian Outback as well. Just an hour's drive to the west of Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands is Mareeba, offering backpackers a way into the Australian outback. The Atherton Tables was traditionally an agricultural area. The rich red soil was popular for tobacco and corn growing but is now home to a number of excellent coffee plantations that are open to visitors. Numerous mango and macadamia nut farms are also plentiful with their produce available all over the region.

From Mareeba, travellers have the option to travel north to Cooktown, Weipa and the tip of Cape York or south to Malanda and Millaa Millaa.

Remember your backpacker travel insurance!

So that you can really relax and enjoy your time down under, don't forget to take out your travel insurance for backpackers as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your backpacker travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.

This travel plan brought to you by 247travelinsurance.co.uk. When buying your backpacker travel insurance, don't assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure your travel insurance for backpackers provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your backpacker travel insurance documentation and the 24-hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number so you're prepared for every eventuality!

Posted by James Trotta at October 5, 2009 7:50 PM