Must Do Melbourne to Gold Coast Drive

Begin your adventure by picking up your camper from maui Melbourne. Melbourne is often referred to as Australia's cultural hub, offering excellent food, coffee and drinks. It also has a reputation for being the liveliest city in Australia. Begin your adventure by spending an hour or two exploring the CBD and soaking up the best things to do in Melbourne, such as grabbing a famous Melbourne coffee, walking along St Kilda Beach and strolling through Fitzroy Gardens.

Then, once you have had your fill of the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, it’s time to hit the road towards remote Victoria. When you arrive in Wagga Wagga, there are plenty of things to see and do. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the exhibitions at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery or admiring the diverse plant life at the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens.

Where to stay when you arrive: Park your motorhome at one of the powered camping sites at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga

Waking up in rural Victoria, enjoy a slow breakfast and morning coffee in your campervan before beginning your day. Once you’re ready, it’s time to get behind the steering wheel and drive north towards Australia’s political capital: Canberra. The first stop while in Canberra is to visit the National Zoo and Aquarium. Here you will have the chance to meet some of Australia’s native wildlife as well as international and exotic animals up close. If you find yourself here on a rainy day, you’re in luck as they offer another free entry - win-win! Then, wander into the heart of Australia’s capital to get a taste of the behind-the-scenes of where Australia’s policy makers mold Australia’s future with a Parliament House Tour.

Where to stay when you arrive: Capital Country Holiday Park.

Leaving the manicured streets of Canberra behind, it’s time to hit the open road towards Sydney. This iconic city needs no introduction – its wide-spanning harbour and stunning beaches speak for themselves. When you arrive in Sydney, there is plenty to do. First up, head to the famous Bondi Beach to go for a swim at Bondi Icebergs Pool. Then make your way back into the city to walk around, or perhaps treat yourself to a birds-eye view of the harbour with the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. In the evening, make your way to see a show at the Sydney Opera House. While you wait, you can grab a drink and a bite to eat at one of Sydney’s most picturesque locations: the Opera Bar.

Where to stay when you arrive: Grab a campsite spot at NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park and make use of the campsite facilities.

Day four marks the halfway point in the trip, and it’s time to trade the city lights of Sydney for the coastal paradises that lay north of the city. Once you reach Port Macquarie, there's plenty to do and see in this seaside town. Start by checking out Nobby’s Beach, where you'll find some great swimming and surfing spots. There are also plenty of shops and cafes if you feel like grabbing lunch after a morning at the beach. Next up, visit the local Koala Hospital. Here you will have the chance to learn about these unique Australian animals with enclosures, rehabilitation yards, and even an interactive museum! Last but not least, end your day by putting on your best walking shoes and taking a stroll along the renowned Coastal Walk – soaking up the views with the fading light of sunset.

Where to stay when you arrive: Park your motorhome at one of the powered camping sites at NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park.

Enjoy a shorter drive today as you make your way to another classic east coast seaside town: Coffs Harbour. Once you arrive in Coffs Harbour, the first stop is to meet the local kangaroos at the 'Look at Me Now’ Headland. All year round, you can watch the gorgeous grey kangaroos nibbling on the grasslands. Then, visit the Solitary Islands Aquarium to explore its interactive displays and aquariums, or join one of their guided tours to see Australia’s sea life.

Where to stay when you arrive: Relax at the campgrounds at Coffs Harbour Holiday Park.

After a short 2-hour drive, you will arrive in the relaxed seaside town of Byron Bay. This once hippy town is now best known for its great shopping, surfing and laid-back (and fantastic) eateries. Some must-dos when visiting Byron Bay include taking a stroll along the Cape Byron Walking Track and relaxing at Belongil Beach. End the day by making your way to the lighthouse to watch the sunset. As Australia’s most easterly point, this is also a great spot to watch the whale migration (June- October) - so keep your eyes peeled!

Where to stay when you arrive: Grab a campsite at BIG4 Coffs Harbour Holiday Park

Today marks the final day of this epic Australia road trip itinerary. Begin the day with a drive up to the final destination: the Gold Coast. This beautiful coastal city is best known for its miles of beaches and stunning hinterland. It is also home to four of Australia's best theme parks! If you’re just here for the day, some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast include doing the SkyPoint Climb, visiting Burleigh Heads National Park and going for a swim at one of these stunning beaches – soaking up the iconic views of the skyrise foreshore.

If you are looking to stay a little longer, or are looking for a thrill, there are four incredible theme parks that you could spend a whole week exploring. Whether it’s thrill-seeking rides at Dreamworld, slipping-sliding fun at Wet’n’Wild or Sea World or getting behind the movies at Warner Bros Movie World – there is something for every kind of thrill-seeker. After a magical seven days of exploring the very best of the east coast of Australia, it's time to return your camper to maui Brisbane and begin the journey home.

Ready for an incredible Melbourne to Gold Coast road trip?

If you are dreaming of a road trip in Australia filled with city delights, remote escapes and endless crystal blue beaches to explore, then this Melbourne to Gold Coast road trip may be the one for you! Best of all, in a campervan, you can experience all these beautiful places with the comforts of home. With a full-sized kitchen, bed and closet storage, you get the very best of escape and convenience.

Ready for an incredible Melbourne to Gold Coast road trip? Book your maui campervan online and then pick it up from your nearest maui branch. For more travel tips on camping spots and where to stay during your campervan trip, reasons for travelling in a motorhome as well as essential tips for motorhome holidays, the best time to visit Australia and more, check out the maui blog.