Cairns to Sydney road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the Australia. The 2,413 km Cairns to Sydney drive takes around one day, 3 hours, and without stops.
This article includes 26 tips that turn your Cairns to Sydney drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Cairns to Sydney, take your coffee and keep reading!
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9 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Cairns To Sydney
You should stay on the Cairns to Sydney road trip at some points. Here are the top nine hotels on the Cairns – Sydney route!
1. Beach House Motel, Townsville
Beach House Motel, Townsville is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Cairns to Sydney road trip. Driving from Cairns to Beach House Motel, Townsville, might take around 4 hours and 20 mins. The staff was extremely hospitable. They had immaculate, clean, and spacious rooms. There are also many restaurants nearby to eat at! Check the Beach House Motel, Townsville, one of the best hotels in Townsville, Queensland, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Midlander Motor Inn
Midlander Motor Inn is another hotel where you can choose to stay on the road trip to Sydney from Cairns. Located in Emerald, Queensland, the hotel is 956 km away from Cairns, and it would take 10 hours and 40 mins to drive. The hotel rooms are spacious and offer a calm atmosphere. You can relieve the tiredness of the day in the shared pool. Each room has a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, air conditioning unit, and microwave. If you want to learn more about the Midlander Motor Inn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Springsure Overlander Motel
Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Springsure Overlander Motel. Springsure Overlander Motel is located in Springsure, Queensland, and it’s 1,023 km from Cairns. You can arrive there in 11 hours and 26 mins of non-stop driving. The hotel rooms were clean and nicely arranged. The food in the hotel restaurant was excellent – an unforgettable experience all around! Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Springsure Overlander Motel for more information.
4. Injune Motor Inn
If you are taking the road trip from Cairns to Sydney, Injune, Queensland is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Injune Motor Inn is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 1,267 km from Cairns, and it would take 14 hours and 6 mins to drive. A unique experience awaits you at the hotel. If you are fond of comfort and convenience, you can choose this facility for a quiet stay. If you need more info about the price and availability of Injune Motor Inn, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Roma Central Motel
Our next hotel is Roma Central Motel, Roma, Queensland. It will take 15 hours, and 7 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Cairns. Located in the bustling center of Rome, you’ll have easy access to the city’s many popular restaurants and cafes if you stay at this hotel. Hotel staff answers any questions you may have. So get ready for a comfortable stay at the hotel with high-speed internet. Check the Roma Central Motel on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Roma Central Motel for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. Albert Motel
Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Cairns to Sydney is Albert Motel. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Moree, New South Wales, within 19 hours and 45 mins drive from Cairns. This hotel is located in the center of Moree, with impeccably comfortable rooms and bathrooms. We were delighted with the delicious breakfast served each morning. The serving staff was also very polite! Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Mid Town Inn Narrabri
Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Mid Town Inn Narrabri. It’s located in Narrabri, New South Wales, and is 1,888 km from Cairns. You can arrive there within 20 hours and 53 mins of car drive. Hospitality was impressive. We appreciated the tranquility of our accommodation. In addition, the hotel is close to desirable dining venues; It couldn’t be more convenient! If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Mid Town Inn Narrabri.
8. Merewether Motel
Located in Newcastle, New South Wales, Merewether Motel is another hotel where you can stay on the Cairns to Sydney road trip. Merewether Motel is 2,288 km from Cairns and will take one day 2 hours and of non-stop driving. Our stay in Essex was pleasant and comfortable. The staff was very accommodating, and the hotel’s location was ideal. The cleaner did an excellent job; we thank him. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Merewether Motel for more information.
9. Little National Hotel Sydney
As we approach the end of our list, another hotel we would like to introduce to you is the Little National Hotel Sydney hotel. Little National Hotel Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, is 2,412 km from Cairns, and you can arrive there in 1 day and 3 hours of non-stop driving. An unforgettable stay awaits you in this well-located hotel with a good interior design. We were pleased with the arrangement of the room in our room, the beds of which were quite comfortable. The food served at the hotel was also very tasty. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Little National Hotel Sydney for more information about the Little National Hotel Sydney hotel.
In this part, we explained nine hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Cairns to Sydney. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Remember to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Cairns to Sydney route.
Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Cairns to Sydney. We have nine restaurant recommendations worth your attention.
9 Best Restaurants On The Cairns To Sydney Road Trip
If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Cairns to Sydney road trip. This section lists nine restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Cairns to Sydney. Stay hungry and enjoy!
1. A Touch of Salt
We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Cairns to Sydney road trip with A Touch of Salt. A Touch of Salt is located in Townsville, Queensland, and is 348 km from Cairns. It would take 4 hours and 19 mins of driving. You can have a nice dinner with your loved one in this restaurant, which has a remarkable interior design. The restaurant offers a rich menu. The chicken dishes were incredibly wonderful. For more information about A Touch of Salt, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of A Touch of Salt.
2. Theo’s Cafe, Emerald
Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Sydney from Cairns is Theo’s Cafe, Emerald. Located in Emerald, Queensland, Theo’s Cafe, Emerald is 956 km from Cairns and would take 10 hours and 41 mins of driving. So we were satisfied with the service provided in this restaurant that we stopped by for breakfast. We recommend you visit this family-run restaurant located in the city’s center. If you want to learn more about Theo’s Cafe, Emerald, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Springsure Convenience & Takeaway
Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Springsure Convenience & Takeaway. It will take 11 hours and 27 mins of car drive to take 1,024 km from Cairns to Springsure Convenience & Takeaway, Springsure, Queensland. This roadside flavor stop has a remarkable interior design. We ate pizza here during our trip and were quite satisfied. You can check Springsure Convenience & Takeaway on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.
4. Cafe on Second
Cafe on Second deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Injune, Queensland. You can also consider stopping by this restaurant if you want a sweet break from your road trip. We recommend you try the hamburgers offered at economical prices. Cafe on Second is 1,267 km from Cairns, and it would take 14 hours and 7 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Cafe on Second, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Bakearoma
If you enjoy dining, Bakearoma would be an excellent choice in Roma, Queensland. It’s 1,358 km from Cairns and would take 15 hours and 6 mins of car driving. We recommend trying Bacon and Cheese Croissant at this centrally located restaurant. We are also delighted with the attention of the servers in the restaurant. If you want to learn more about Bakearoma, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Cafe Omega
Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Cairns to Sydney is Cafe Omega, Moree, New South Wales. It will take 19 hours and 45 mins of driving to reach Cafe Omega from Cairns. This restaurant offers you unique tastes. We recommend you try the flavors in the rich menu. The coffee also had a distinct flavor. We were satisfied with the quality of service offered in the restaurant. For more information about Cafe Omega, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
7. On Lee
Ranked seventh on our list, On Lee appeals to those who want to turn their Sydney vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Narrabri, New South Wales, 1,888 km from Cairns, it’ll take 20 hours and 53 mins of driving. The food in the restaurant is good. We visited this restaurant in the afternoon. You can choose any flavor from a comprehensive menu. Especially the Chinese dishes were quite good. If you want to learn more about On Lee, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
8. Wil & Sons
Bakearoma is an excellent restaurant that is 2,289 km away from Cairns. Bakearoma is located in Roma, Queensland, and you can reach there after one day and 2 hours of car driving. Enjoy the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere of this restaurant. We especially recommend the ceviche and wagyu steak dish! If you want to discover the menu and more information about Wil & Sons, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
9. Harvest Buffet Sydney
Eating is serious business. Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who take this job seriously is the Harvest Buffet Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales. It is 2,415 km from Cairns and would take around 3 hours of car driving one day. We were delighted to find this establishment and had an enjoyable experience there. The ambiance was pleasant, and all the staff was friendly and welcoming. Our chicken and duck curries are delicious and reasonably priced – we recommend anyone looking for a quality meal try them! You can visit the official TripAdvisor and Google Maps pages of Harvest Buffet Sydney for detailed information.
This section lists our nine restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Cairns to Sydney. These suggestions will help you turn your 2,413 km journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Sydney road trip need your opinion. Therefore, please share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.
In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Cairns to Sydney. Keep reading.
8 Places To Visit On The Cairns To Sydney Drive
A unique experience awaits you in Sydney. However, on your road trip, there are also some fantastic destinations, like Townsville, Queensland. We want to explain the top eight destinations we recommend on the Sydney route.
1. Billabong Sanctuary
Billabong Sanctuary will be the first destination we recommend you stop on your Cairns to Sydney road trip. Located in Townsville, Queensland, Billabong Sanctuary is 365 km away from Cairns, and it would take 4 hours and 26 mins to drive. Australia offers visitors a seductive glimpse into the enchanting magic of natural life. If you want to explore its unique beauty, visit the Billabong Conservation Area in Townsville – an experience that will leave you spellbound! This extraordinary facility boasts hundreds of animal species worldwide and offers customers a unique encounter. If you want to learn more about the Billabong Sanctuary, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
2. Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Information Centre
Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Information Centre, Emerald, Queensland, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop on the Cairns to Sydney route. It’s 956 km from Cairns, and it’ll take about 10 hours and 40 mins of driving. We highly recommend visiting this center if you want to explore Queensland’s highlights and get to know the state. If you want to learn more about Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Information Centre, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
3. Injune Information Centre
One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Cairns to Sydney is Injune, Queensland. And if you visit Injune, Queensland, we suggest you visit Injune Information Centre. You can arrive at Injune Information Centre after 14 hours and 6 mins of driving. With knowledgeable staff, you can learn about Injune’s history and discover fascinating clues about the city’s heritage at this establishment. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of the Injune Information Centre for more information.
4. The Big Rig, Roma
Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit The Big Rig, Roma, Roma, Queensland, on the Cairns to Sydney road trip. The Big Rig, Roma, is 1,360 km from Cairns, and you can arrive there after the 15 hours and 8 mins of drive. This is an exciting destination that will allow you to observe the ongoing development of Australia’s oil and gas sector. If you’d like to delve deeper into these industries that have historically impacted the country’s development, we highly recommend visiting The Big Rig. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and The Big Rig, Roma’s official website, before going there.
5. Moree Visitor Information Centre
Located in Moree, New South Wales, Moree Visitor Information Centre ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Cairns to Sydney. You must take 19 hours and 45 mins of driving to arrive at the Moree Visitor Information Centre. Set amidst the lush splendor of this forested sanctuary, visitors can enjoy a refreshing experience amid the picturesque natural panorama. If you want to learn more about Moree Visitor Information Centre, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
6. Sawn Rocks
Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Cairns to Sydney is Sawn Rocks, Narrabri, New South Wales. Sawn Rocks are 1,916 km from Cairns, and it would take 21 hours and 10 mins to drive. In this famous park, you can spend an unforgettable day admiring the magnificent formations of gigantic rocks resembling organ pipes. We propose to notice and explore the area for a well-structured path that takes visitors straight to these wonders of nature! You can check their TripAdvisor page or official website for more information about Sawn Rocks.
7. Newcastle Memorial Walk
You can visit many destinations on your Cairns to Sydney journey. One of these destinations is Newcastle Memorial Walk, located in Newcastle, New South Wales. You can arrive at Newcastle Memorial Walk after one day and 2 hours of driving. Walk along this tranquil promenade and enjoy the panoramic sea views. Visit small businesses while relaxing in a quiet environment. Enjoy a refreshing break from this space with those closest to you! If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Newcastle Memorial Walk, you can visit Newcastle Memorial Walk’s TripAdvisor page or their website.
8. Sydney Opera House
As we near the end of our list of the top 8 best places to visit on the road trip from Cairns to Sydney, it would be unfair not to mention the Sydney Opera House. Sydney Opera House locates in Sydney, New South Wales, 2,415 km from Cairns, and it takes one day, 3 hours, and a drive from Cairns to get there. Sydney Opera House is a famous landmark and undeniable landmark in Australia. It can attract attention when bathed in various vivid projections during twilight hours. It is possible to make a reservation to visit this magnificent structure. Regulars will also be able to enjoy exciting dining options as well as attractive boutiques and shops in the immediate vicinity. Furthermore, visitors have convenient access via the ferry terminal for their journey home! If you want to learn more about the Sydney Opera House, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
FAQ of the Road Trip From Cairns to Sydney
Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Cairns to Sydney drive.
How Long Is The Road Trip From Cairns To Sydney?
- With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Cairns to Sydney road trip takes approximately one day and 3 hours to drive. The driving distance between Cairns to Sydney is 2,413 km.
- If you want to make the Cairns to Sydney road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be four days and 22 hours.
- If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Cairns-Sydney route, you will have to walk for 19 days and 10 hours.
Where Do You Stop On Driving From Cairns To Sydney?
There are many beautiful pits stops along the way to Sydney. You can visit Townsville, Queensland; Emerald, Queensland; Springsure, Queensland; Injune, Queensland; Roma, Queensland; Moree, New South Wales; Narrabri, New South Wales; Newcastle, New South Wales; Sydney, New South Wales; on the road. Here we list eight places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Cairns to Sydney journey, you can check the 8 Best Places To Visit On The Cairns To Sydney Road Trip.
- Billabong Sanctuary: 365 km / 4 hours and 26 mins to drive from Cairns | 2,067 km / 22 hours and 45 mins of going to Sydney.
- Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Information Centre: 956 km / 10 hours and 40 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,457 km / 16 hours and 15 mins of going to Sydney.
- Injune Information Centre: 1,267 km / 14 hours and 6 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,145 km / 12 hours and 49 mins of going to Sydney.
- The Big Rig, Roma: 1,360 km / 15 hours and 8 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,053 km / 11 hours and 48 mins of going to Sydney.
- Moree Visitor Information Centre: 1,788 km / 19 hours and 45 mins to drive from Cairns | 625 km / 7 hours and 11 mins of going to Sydney.
- Sawn Rocks: 1,916 km / 21 hours and 10 mins to drive from Cairns | 563 km / 6 hours and 29 mins of going to Sydney.
- Newcastle Memorial Walk: 2,290 km / 1 day 2 hours and to drive from Cairns | 162 km / 2 hours and 6 mins of going to Sydney.
- Sydney Opera House: 2,415 km / 1 day 3 hours and to drive from Cairns | 1.7 km / 9 mins of going to Sydney.
Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Cairns To Sydney?
There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Cairns to Sydney. We have selected nine hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 9 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Sydney From Cairns section.
- Beach House Motel, Townsville: 348 km / 4 hours and 20 mins to drive from Cairns | 2,070 km / 22 hours and 52 mins of going to Sydney.
- Midlander Motor Inn: 956 km / 10 hours and 40 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,457 km / 16 hours and 16 mins of going to Sydney.
- Springsure Overlander Motel: 1,023 km / 11 hours and 26 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,389 km / 15 hours and 29 mins of going to Sydney.
- Injune Motor Inn: 1,267 km / 14 hours and 6 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,146 km / 12 hours and 49 mins of going to Sydney.
- Roma Central Motel: 1,359 km / 15 hours and 7 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,054 km / 11 hours and 49 mins of going to Sydney.
- Albert Motel: 1,788 km / 19 hours and 45 mins to drive from Cairns | 626 km / 7 hours and 11 mins of going to Sydney.
- Mid Town Inn Narrabri: 1,888 km / 20 hours and 53 mins to drive from Cairns | 526 km / 6 hours of driving to Sydney.
- Merewether Motel: 2,288 km / 1 day 2 hours to move from Cairns | 160 km / 2 hours of driving to Sydney.
- Little National Hotel Sydney: 2,412 km / 1 day 3 hours and to operate from Cairns | 0.7 km / 4 mins of going to Sydney.
Where To Eat Between Cairns to Sydney?
Considering taking a break and having a nice meal on your Cairns to Sydney drive, consider the nine restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 9 Best Restaurants On The Cairns To Sydney Road Trip.
- A Touch of Salt: 348 km / 4 hours and 19 mins to drive from Cairns | 2,069 km / 22 hours and 49 mins of going to Sydney.
- Theo’s Cafe, Emerald: 956 km / 10 hours and 41 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,457 km / 16 hours and 15 mins of going to Sydney.
- Springsure Convenience & Takeaway: 1,024 km / 11 hours and 27 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,389 km / 15 hours and 28 mins of going to Sydney.
- Cafe on Second: 1,267 km / 14 hours and 7 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,145 km / 12 hours and 50 mins of going to Sydney.
- Bakearoma: 1,358 km / 15 hours and 6 mins to drive from Cairns | 1,055 km / 11 hours and 50 mins of going to Sydney.
- Cafe Omega: 1,787 km / 19 hours and 45 mins to drive from Cairns | 626 km / 7 hours and 12 mins of going to Sydney.
- On Lee: 1,888 km / 20 hours and 53 mins to drive from Cairns | 526 km / 6 hours of driving to Sydney.
- Wil & Sons: 2,289 km / 1 day, 2 hours to drive from Cairns | 160 km / 2 hours of driving to Sydney.
- Harvest Buffet Sydney: 2,415 km / 1 day, 3 hours to move from Cairns | 2.1 km / 6 mins of going to Sydney.
Conclusion
So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Cairns to Sydney. We have listed nine hotels, nine restaurants, and eight places to visit on the Cairns to Sydney drive. We have also given you detailed information about each site so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. This guide has helped make your road trip from Cairns to Sydney as enjoyable as possible.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you ever taken the Cairns to Sydney road trip? It would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Cairns to Sydney and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.
