Anne’s tips for a successful roadtrip in Australia (motorcycle or campervan)

From tropical coastlines to mountain backroads and wild islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia rewards riders who plan smart and stay flexible. In this interview, Anne—Planet Ride’s long-time Australia specialist—shares what makes a roadtrip in Australia truly work: how to combine coast and hinterland, which routes she recommends on the East Coast, why Tasmania is made for campervans, and the safety habits she insists on (especially at dusk). If you’re weighing Cairns to Brisbane versus Brisbane to Sydney, or simply want the essentials before you commit, her answers will help you picture the rhythm, the landscapes, and the small decisions that keep the trip smooth.

Meet Anne

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Anne: I’m Anne. After a round-the-world trip, I landed in Australia with my backpack—fifteen years ago. Back then it felt easier to settle, and I told myself: “One year.” Then two, then three… and I never really left. I spent ten years in Sydney, then moved to the Central Coast, about 1.5 hours north of Sydney. It’s a bit like a weekend escape zone: hotels, beaches, an “always-on-holiday” feeling.

Which routes do you recommend for a roadtrip in Australia?

What motorcycle itineraries do you offer?

Anne: We focus on two motorcycle routes along Australia’s East Coast.

1) Cairns → Brisbane (Queensland focus)
Up north you’re in the tropics—warm air, bright coastline, and a very different vibe than the south. What matters is the mix: we don’t stay only on the coast. We also ride inland where the terrain becomes more mountainous and the roads get twistier. The goal is to feel the country change as the kilometers pass.

2) Brisbane → Sydney (New South Wales)
Here you gradually leave the tropical atmosphere for rolling, greener landscapes. The riding is often flowing, through valleys with long sightlines, and then you return to the coast for big cliff views. It’s still the East Coast, but with a different mood—more temperate, more varied in vegetation.

If you want a starting point, you can explore our roadtrip in Australia page to compare styles and pacing.

Do you only run motorcycle trips?

What about traveling by campervan?

Anne: We also offer a campervan itinerary in Tasmania. Tasmania is a great match for campervans because you keep comfort when the weather turns—think of a climate closer to Brittany or Ireland. Southern Australia can be cooler and wetter, and Tasmania is well set up for road travelers, with plenty of places to park and overnight.

What should riders know about Australian culture?

How would you describe the people?

Anne: Even though the country is huge, the mentality is surprisingly consistent: Australians are warm, open, and generous. If you’re lost, people will help you get back on track. And if you’re visiting their country, there’s a real ease in the exchange—often with a few French words thrown in, just for fun.

Australia essentials: what can’t you miss?

Which “must-sees” do you always recommend?

Anne: Sydney is a must: the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are iconic, and the bay impresses almost everyone—seeing it in real life is something else.

Then there’s Uluru, in central Australia. It’s a powerful Aboriginal symbol and a place that carries meaning beyond the landscape.

And of course, the Great Barrier Reef. From a boat it can feel less spectacular than people expect, but from the air—by helicopter or plane—it suddenly makes sense at scale. Underwater, the diversity is unforgettable if you dive or snorkel.

Your personal favorites

Is there a place you love most?

Anne: I have a few.

Treasure Island (Queensland): inland, you find lakes with incredibly clear water—what strikes you is the purity and the shifting colors.

Heron Island: a small island on the Great Barrier Reef where wildlife encounters feel very immediate. You can see turtles nesting on the beach, and while snorkeling, fish and rays can come surprisingly close.

Food memories: what do you eat on the road?

Any local specialties?

Anne: Fish and chips is everywhere. More anecdotal: kangaroo pizza—you won’t see it on every menu, but it exists. Kangaroo meat is lean and not fatty.

Anecdotes from the road

A moment that stayed with you (or your travelers)?

Anne: Some travelers went to Kangaroo Island and came face-to-face with a koala crossing the road. It’s rare to see them that close, but on a motorcycle trip, wildlife moments like that do happen.

Anne’s safety advice for riders

What should future riders be careful about?

Anne: Pay close attention to wild animals at night. Kangaroos, especially, come out around dusk and can cross unexpectedly.

Planet Ride pro tip (pacing): On long-distance days, aim to arrive before the light drops—this reduces fatigue, improves visibility, and keeps your buffer for fuel stops, detours, or a slower section of road. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep a roadtrip in Australia both enjoyable and safe.

A final word for Planet Riders

Anne: It’s far—but once you’re here, you won’t regret it. Australia wouldn’t be Australia if it weren’t so far from everything.

2026 travel notes

• Plan offline: download maps before you leave coverage areas; some inland stretches can be patchy even on the East Coast.
• eSIMs are now the norm: a local data plan makes navigation, weather checks, and last-minute lodging far easier.
• Wildlife risk is real: keep your riding day aligned with daylight—especially outside cities and on quieter backroads.
• Seasonality matters: northern Queensland can feel very different from New South Wales; match your gear and timing to the region’s climate.

Mini-FAQ: roadtrip in Australia

Is Australia better by motorcycle or campervan?

It depends on your comfort threshold and the region. Anne recommends motorcycles for the East Coast’s variety (coast + inland twisties), and campervans for Tasmania where cooler, wetter days are easier to manage.

What’s the biggest safety issue on a roadtrip in Australia?

Wildlife at dusk and at night—kangaroos in particular. Build your days so you’re off the road before dark whenever possible.

Which East Coast route should I choose: Cairns–Brisbane or Brisbane–Sydney?

Cairns–Brisbane leans more tropical and contrasts nicely when you ride inland. Brisbane–Sydney transitions into greener, temperate valleys and coastal cliffs—still spectacular, with a different feel.