Campervan Roadtrip Sydney to Cairns, Irish Pub Run

Campervan Roadtrips

Sydney to Cairns, Irish Pub Run

DAY 1

Sydney to Newcastle (160km, 2h 15m)

On day one of your roadtrip, you must pick your van up bright and early from our Wicked Sydney depot (Gate 407 George Street, Waterloo, NSW 2017) and head to your first stop, Newcastle.
Built around a large working harbour, Newcastle boasts a famous university, ten magnificent beaches and picturesque parks offering ample recreational opportunities including surfing, beach fishing and swimming in the fabled Ocean Baths. Newcastle has many attractions even when you can’t visit the major beaches. Check out MJ Finnegan’s Irish Pub at 23 Darby Street and camp overnight in Newcastle.

Harrington is located south-east of Taree on the northern arm of the entrance to Manning River. The town, which grew around a pilot station for vessels entering the river, became a port for cedar, maize and farm produce from further up river. A breakwater which was built in 1894 provides excellent fishing for the enthusiast and safer boating. Safe lagoon swimming is provided on sandy beaches inside the rivermouth, adjoining BBQ and picnic areas. Facilities include the local hotel and bowling club, restaurants, shopping centre. Approximately 4km from Harrington, the town of Crowdy Head sits on the edge of a protected fishing harbour. This area provides beautiful beaches with safe swimming, excellent fishing and surfing. From the headland are spectacular views north over Crowdy Bay National Park and Diamond Head and to the south over the coastline through to Manning Point and Old Bar. Camp overnight in Harrington.

DAY 3

Coffs is known for its golden beaches you won't be able to resist the waves at popular beaches like Gallows, Park Beach, Diggers, Sapphire, Emerald, Sawtell and more. Catch your own dinner, take one of our professional reef and deep sea fishing charters or go whale watching in season, all our water based tours operate from the Coffs Harbour Marina. Arts, crafts and markets, attractions and walking trails. Tempting multi-cultural restaurants and cafes and a wonderful range of sporting facilities. Check out the Shamrock Bar at the Coffs Harbour Hotel on the corner of the Pacific Highway and West High Street. Camp overnight in Coffs Harbour.

DAY 4

Slightly off the beaten track today, you will head to Nimbin, 70km west of Byron Bay. Nimbin is dubbed as the capital of alternative living. Nimbin, heart of the Rainbow Region is the most alternative town in Australia. Situated on its colourful doorstep is World Heritage listed rainforest Nightcap National Park. For some reason Nimbin is (in)famous amongst backpacker but Wicked has no idea why. Check out Mary Gilhooley’s Irish Pub on the corner of Woodlark and Keen Street in nearby Lismore. Camp overnight in Nimbin.

DAY 5

Surfers Paradise located south of Brisbane on Queensland’s Gold Coast is a very popular place with backpackers. It is surrounded by trendy bars and pubs with some great places to eat, not to mention sandy white beaches and two huge theme parks in the near vicinity. Surfers Paradise invites exploration. Whether it's through the winding streets lined with alfresco dining restaurants or the art galleries that showcase local artists' works and Aboriginal exhibitions. There's the unending shopping options from top-end designers to outlet bargains and nighttime beachfront markets. Surfers Paradise is enticing in every way imaginable. Surfers Paradise invites exploration. Whether it's through the winding streets lined with alfresco dining restaurants or the art galleries that showcase local artists' works and Aboriginal exhibitions. There's the unending shopping options from top-end designers to outlet bargains and nighttime beachfront markets. Surfers Paradise is enticing in every way imaginable. Check out D’Arcy Arms Irish Restaurant and Bar at 2923, Gold Coast Highway or Waxy’s Irish Pub, 3206 Surfers Paradise Boulevard. Camp overnight in Surfers.

DAY 6

Brisbane is the home of Wicked. There’s plenty of things to do and see and you will not be disappointed by this city’s awesome, laid back attitude. Check out all the bars, pubs and clubs and there’s plenty of places to eat in the CBD and the surrounding Fortitude Valley area. Why not take an afternoon trip to Southbank where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the man-made lagoon or just soak up the rays on the annexed beach. Check out Irish Murphy’s at 175 George Street (opposite the Casino) or Mick O’Malley’s at 209 Queen Street. Camp overnight in Brisbane.

Pick up your van nice and early from our Wicked Brisbane depot (79 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD) and get ready to enjoy one of Wicked’s finest and most popular roadtrips, the East Coast.
Noosa, located on the northern end of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is renowned for its sundrenched beaches, powder white sand and a water temperature that invites year round swimming. After sunning yourself on the beach and enjoying the great surf that Noosa has to offer, why not walk down Hastings Street? Hastings Street is a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare. Low-rise and leafy, it is a popular place with visitors who flock to the resort accommodation, cosmopolitan cafes, designer shops and alfresco dining along the length of this wide, paved street. Or, you could spend a day at the famous Australia Zoo – home of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, with buses departing from nearby Noosaville regularly. Check out Irish Murphys on Noosa Junction Plaza. Camp overnight in Noosa.

DAY 9

Hervey Bay is renowned as being the gateway to world heritage listed Fraser Island. Apart from this, Hervey Bay still has a lot to offer as its own unique destination. Hervey Bay has often been called the jewel in Queensland’s crown. Hervey Bay offers a colourful concentration of lifestyles and its waters are home to turtles, dolphins and dugongs as well as humpback whales and is often referred to as the whale watching capital of the world. No matter what your interests, you can enjoy its experiences, its natural beauty and a choice of activities and attractions. Check out Hoolihan’s Irish Restaurant and Bar on the main Esplanade in Hervey Bay. Camp overnight in Hervey Bay.

DAY 10

Fraser Island is definitely one of Queensland’s most sought after holiday destinations. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and its breath taking beauty and natural attractions makes it one of the most sought after destinations on the Fraser Coast. Whilst on Fraser Island, you could take a 4WD and trip around the island, visiting some of the lakes as you go, such as Lake McKenzie. Swimming in these lakes on Fraser Island is a memorable experience. Camp overnight on Fraser Island or back in Hervey Bay.

DAY 11

Fraser Island

DAY 12

Back on dry land today for the next segment of your east coast roadtrip. Bundaberg is famous for many things, it’s fields upon fields of sugar canes and Bundaberg Rum are definitely the two biggest ones. Take a trip to the Bundaberg distillery, or maybe even the Bundaberg Barrel, where the soft drinks such as Bundaberg Ginger Beer is produced. Both tours are relatively cheap and include free samples. If you’re looking for something to do in the evening, why not visit the pub, The Queenslander, in Bundaberg town centre? With friendly locals and draught beers and Bundaberg draught from as little as $4, you’re in a for a great night. In Bundaberg, the Great Barrier Reef begins with coral reefs fringing the shoreline and two coral cays, Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands. You can reef walk, snorkel, dive and view one of the great wonders of the world, all from Bundaberg. Camp overnight in Bundaberg.

DAY 13

Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 are located in the Gladstone Region of Queensland. Many previous customers have described it as, ‘staying in paradise,’ and in all honesty, you wont get much closer. With glorious beaches, pristine ocean and a great surf, Agnes Water is the perfect place to relax and spend some real ‘you’ time. If you had to much rum on your distillery tour in Bundaberg and missed out on the Great Barrier Reef, don’t worry, the Town of 1770 is right next to Agnes Water and is the closest jump-off point to the Great Barrier Reef, north of Brisbane. If you head back towards Bundaberg, you go past a little old brown building on your left handside - this is an old museum. As you go another 150-200m down the road, just after an 80km/h road sign on the left, there is a small dirt road turning. If you turn left up there you can camp just off a beautiful beach from as little as $5 per person. Camp overnight in Agnes Water.

DAY 14

Today is a day of choice. From Agnes Water you continue to cruise up the east coast and eventually you will reach Rockhampton. Rockhampton is a larger town in comparison to Emu Park and Yeppoon but all have something to offer. In Rockhampton you will find more mainstream shopping and pubs and bars but in Emu Park, you could stay at the new luxury backpackers resort, Emu’s Beach Resort with the magnificent Paul and Mandy. At Emu’s Beach Resort, you can camp in the carpark for a minimal amount and enjoy the showers, beach, BBQ and bar facilities in the resort itself. Yeppoon is a little more sleep that Emu Park and Rockhampton but it is right on the coastline and great for fishing, diving, snorkeling and surfing. Today, the decision is firmly in your hands…
Camp overnight in Rockhampton, Emu Park or Yeppoon.

DAY 15

Mackay is a vibrant exciting tropical city, booming from the richness of sugar and mining. Mackay's City Heart has recently undergone a magical transformation by way of a unique community arts project. Comprising of over 580 pieces of art, the overall theme depicts the environmental beauty of the Natural North. Mackay has three main shopping centres with more than 400 specialty stores - Caneland Shoppingtown, Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre and The City Heart. The Mackay Region has thirty one beaches for you to visit and explore where you can enjoy leisurely walks, swimming, and fishing or just sit and watch the kiteboarders and windsurfers ride up and down the water. Some of the region’s best beaches include Eimeo Beach, Blacks Beach, Shoal Point, Harbour Beach and the spectacular beach at Cape Hillsborough National Park, where the rainforest literally meets the sea. Check out Kate O’Reilly’s Irish Bar at 38 Sydney Street. Camp overnight in Mackay.

Make sure you pop into Fun Rentals, 344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach and say hi to Iyo and the gang at our brand new Airlie Beach depot. Beaches Backpackers and Magnum’s Backpackers are great places to chill out, eat and drink with great deals on jugs of beer and buy one get one free pizzas. Mama Africa is a great R n B bar in which to get your freak on! Don’t stay out too late though, as the next day is your day dedicated to the Whitsunday Islands. Also in Airlie Beach, you could have a walk down to the Marina, surf or have a swim and sun and refresh yourselves. We would recommend that you book your Whitsunday Island tour/s today to avoid disappointment. Check out the hostels and travel agents for the best deals. Check out Paddy’s Shenanigans Irish Bar at 352 Shute Harbour Road. Camp overnight in Airlie Beach.

DAY 17

Today you will be experiencing some of the most beautiful islands in the world. There are many day tours that you can take or you can simply pay for ferry transfers to and from the islands and make your own fun. Daydream Island is the closest island to the mainland and a ferry return will cost you around $30. It’s only a small island and with very cheap watersports, a beach and a hotel resort with bar and swimming pool, you can’t go too far wrong. You can either stay on one of the islands or camp overnight back in Airlie Beach.

DAY 18

Townsville is described as the heart and, as some people refer to it, the capital of North Queensland. Townsville city is a charming blend of old and new, with a rich history and surprising cultural depth. Although Townsville itself is a nice place to visit, why not head over to Magnetic Island? Magnetic Island is located just off the coast from Townsville and is home to Australia's largest colony of koalas. The National park on Magnetic Island is home to a huge range of wildlife. The Island features many snug bays and harbors with a plethora of quiet beaches making it a favourite with cruising yachtsmen and tourists alike. The hills and landscape are adorned with granite boulders and rocky outcrops presented in stunning formations. Magnetic Island accommodation ranges from beachfront and backpacker accommodation through to holiday homes and luxury resorts. Check out Molly Malone’s Irish Pub at Flinders Street. Camp overnight in Townsville.

DAY 20

The drive today will be a scenic one through rich cane fields, banana plantations and small historic towns. You could also stop off in Tully along th way and see th giant Wellington boot. Mission Beach is very much a unique and unspoiled haven in North Queensland. The area has many different restaurants ranging from Italian to French. Some of the restaurants are fully licensed and some are BYO. Mission Beach is secluded, yet it is also the perfect base to explore the other wonders of the region; the Great Barrier Reef, Hinchinbrook Island, Dunk Island and Paronella Park at Mena Creek. Other activities include: snorkeling, surfing, diving, fishing, eco tours, wildlife photo safaris, white water rafting, watersports and tandem skydiving. This will be the last night of your roadtrip so make the most of it! Camp overnight in Mission Beach.

Take your time today and enjoy the short but scenic drive from Mission Beach to Cairns, the final point of your roadtrip. Please take your time on the drive but ensure that your van is returned to the Wicked Cairns depot (42 O’Keefe Street, North Cairns, QLD) by 2.30pm. Have a safe and above all, Wicked, onward journey!