"Road Trippin' from Cairns to Melbourne: Time and Routes"

If you're itching for a road adventure, why not head down from Cairns, Queensland to Melbourne, Victoria? The good news is there's not just one route, but several options to choose from depending on your preferences. Here are some suggested routes and the estimated driving times to help you plan your trip.

Route 1: Coastal Expedition

If you're a fan of scenic ocean views, take the coastal route via the Pacific Highway. From Cairns, this route will go through the Queensland towns of Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and the big city of Brisbane. After that, you will enter New South Wales (NSW) and drive through Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Newcastle before crossing over to Victoria and reaching Melbourne.

The total distance for this coastal expedition will be around 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) and will take about 33 hours of driving time. If you have time to spare, make sure to check out the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, the famous Byron Bay beaches in NSW, and the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

Route 2: Inland Excursion

If you prefer the tranquillity of Australia's natural inland beauty, take the inland route via the New England and Newell Highways. This route will take you past lush green forests and the Great Dividing Range. You'll drive through New South Wales' Armidale, Dubbo, and Orange before crossing the border into Victoria. From there, you'll go through towns such as Echuca and Bendigo before arriving in Melbourne.

The total distance of the inland route will be around 2,800 kilometers (1,739 miles) and take roughly 29 hours of driving time. Along the way, take time to visit the great art galleries found in Armidale, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, the Orange Wine Region, and Bendigo's gold mines.

Route 3: The Well-Travelled Path

If the thought of navigating through unfamiliar territories gives you anxiety, then take the Bruce Highway and Stuart Highway. It is the most travelled and shortest route from Cairns to Melbourne, taking you through the heartland of Australia.

From Cairns, the first stop is Townsville. After that, you head south to Mt Isa, the rich mining town in Queensland, before entering the famous Northern Territory. Here, you'll discover plenty of tourist spots and iconic landmarks such as Daly Waters, Alice Springs, and Uluru. Finally, you'll cross over the South Australian border, visit the Flinders Ranges, and drive south to Adelaide. From there, it's just a quick 8-hour drive to Melbourne.

The total distance for this well-travelled path is around 3,500 kilometers (2174 miles) and will take approximately 35 hours of driving time. Make the most of this journey and visit the world-renowned Uluru, get a scenic view from the top of Mt Isa, and try out cage diving with sharks in Port Lincoln, South Australia.

Regardless of which route you take, remember to take sufficient breaks during the journey. Have a dip in the natural springs, relax in the thermal baths and rest in one of the cute towns along the way. Make sure to pack weather-appropriate clothes as Australia has a wide range of climates. A road trip from Cairns to Melbourne is an excellent way to discover the beauty of Australia's vast and diverse country.