When the Weather Changes the Plan: From New Zealand Storms to an Australian East Coast Road Trip (Part 1)

Sometimes the best travel plans are the ones that change at the very last minute.

Last year we had travelled out to New Zealand with a clear purpose. There were a few things we needed to sort while we were there, and originally I had planned to use the trip as the perfect opportunity—outside of the busy Kiwi summer—to finally show Craig more of the

South Island. It’s a part of the world that never gets old for me.

However, the weather had other ideas.

The forecast for the coming days was wet, stormy and unpredictable. On top of that, ferry availability between the islands was limited, and logistically it just wasn’t lining up the way we had hoped. Rather than spend our usual amount of time there battling the elements and constantly adjusting plans, we decided to pivot.

And just like that, the idea for another Loren and Craig road trip was born.

A Change of Direction

We decided to shorten our stay in New Zealand and instead head across the Tasman to Australia. The plan was simple: two weeks, a hire car, and a stretch of the Australian East Coast we hadn’t properly explored together before.

About five or six weeks earlier the coast had taken a serious battering from a cyclone, so we knew conditions might still feel a little raw in places. But for us that’s part of the adventure.

The goal for this trip wasn’t rushing from point to point. Instead we wanted to take our time—fishing, surfing where possible, snorkelling if the conditions allowed, and simply enjoying the drive.

Our first section would take us from Cairns down to the Whitsundays, specifically Airlie Beach, before looping back north.

Flying Across the Tasman

We flew from Auckland to Cairns with Air New Zealand. As the plane crossed the Tasman Sea and began its descent, it was clear the recent weather had churned things up. Even from the air the ocean looked restless and wild.

Australia is a regular stopover for us on trips to and from New Zealand, so we’re fairly familiar with airports in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Cairns, however, was completely new territory for both of us.

Stepping out of the terminal was a moment that instantly reminds you where you are.

Despite the overcast skies, the humidity hit like a warm blanket. Tropical North Queensland wastes no time announcing itself.

Picking Up the Road Trip Car

The car was booked the day before through Sixt, which is often how we roll on these trips—flexible and last minute. Waiting for us was a massive Isuzu SUV, perfect for covering long distances comfortably.

Once we got our bearings, we pointed the car south and hit the road. Our first stop for the night would be Townsville.

When I messaged a friend back in New Zealand to let her know where we were, her reply came straight back:

“Croc Capital.”

That definitely set the tone.

Overnight in Townsville

We booked a last-minute apartment through Hotels.com on Palmer Street in the heart of the city, and The Belmoral Corporate Suites turned out to be a great find. We stayed in a Deluxe Studio for one night, which was well-suited for a short stay—clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully laid out with everything we needed after a long day of travel.

One of the standout features was the rooftop pool, which looked like a fantastic spot to relax and unwind, especially in warmer weather. Another big plus was how easy the parking was—something that can often be a headache in central locations—so that immediately made our arrival much smoother and stress-free.

Since we arrived fairly late, having somewhere so central made it easy to head straight out for food and a drink without any hassle.

After a long day of travelling, we weren’t looking for anything too fancy. We strolled over to Lone Star Rib House, where I kicked off the trip exactly as I intended to continue it—by ordering an Aussie favourite: barramundi. You can’t go wrong with fresh fish, and it didn’t disappoint.

Once we’d finished dinner, we took a relaxed walk along the riverfront, soaking in the evening atmosphere before heading back to the apartment to call it a night.

Crocs, Fishing Spots and a Wildlife Surprise

The next morning Craig—true to form—had already done his research. Fishing spots and possible crocodile areas had been mapped out before we’d even finished our morning coffee.

So we did what any road-tripping couple would do.

We went exploring.

Rods out, a bit of shoreline wandering, and soaking up the early morning atmosphere before getting back in the car and heading south again.

Not far out of Townsville we made a spontaneous stop at the Billabong Sanctuary.

Now I’m an absolute sucker for a wildlife day out. Sea life, land animals, reptiles—it doesn’t matter. If there’s wildlife involved, I’m in. No kids required.

And I have to say, this place was epic.

I’ve been to plenty of zoos and wildlife parks over the years with my boys, but this one really stood out. Part of it was the weather—it had turned hot and sunny by this point—but mostly it was how close you felt to the animals.

The sanctuary is home to everything from turtles and koalas (unbelievably cute) to wombats, kangaroos and wallabies. We also saw cassowaries—massive birds that honestly look prehistoric—and even animals I’d never seen before, like tree kangaroos.

And of course, plenty of crocodiles.

Freshwater and the famous saltwater “salties”.

The crocodile show was brilliant and surprisingly educational. It definitely increased our awareness about water safety in that region—something worth paying attention to when you spend a lot of time around beaches and river mouths.

We ended up spending several hours there without even noticing the time.

Even the café deserves a mention. Beautiful setting, relaxed atmosphere, and gluten-free options available, which is always a bonus.

Heading to the Whitsundays

After getting our wildlife fix, we jumped back in the car. Our next destination was somewhere that had sat on my personal travel list for years.

The Whitsundays.

The images you see online and in documentaries make it look almost unreal, and I’d always wanted to experience it properly.

We planned to spend about four nights there, basing ourselves in Airlie Beach. Once again we booked last minute through Hotels.com, choosing the Whitsunday Vista Apartments.

Our studio apartment came with a spa bath and a balcony looking straight out across the bay.

The view definitely didn’t disappoint.

First Evening in Airlie Beach

Like many stops on this trip, we arrived just as darkness was settling in. After a quick freshen-up we wandered back towards the main strip of restaurants and shops we had passed on the way in.

Airlie Beach had a great atmosphere—busy, lively and full of energy.

We eventually settled on La Tabella Italian, a lovely pizzeria overlooking the green and the beach. Sitting outside with a glass of local red wine and a gluten-free pizza felt like the perfect way to end the day.

As we sat there eating, a couple of curlews wandered slowly across the grass nearby, completely unfazed by the evening crowds.

One of those simple travel moments you remember.

A Perfect End to the Day

Back at the apartment we finished the evening quietly on the balcony.

Craig with a drink, me with a peppermint tea.

Below us the marina lights flickered across the water while the sounds of nocturnal birds and wildlife carried through the warm tropical air.

Moments like that are exactly why we love road trips.

No rush. No schedule. Just the journey.

And the Whitsundays adventure had only just begun.

Keep reading for the next instalment of our first Australian East Coast Road Trip.