Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary: The Ultimate Coastal Adventure

A road trip from Brisbane up to Cairns along Queensland’s Pacific Coast Way is an unforgettable adventure of tropical beaches, lush rainforests and laid-back towns.

Stretching about 1,700 km (roughly 19 hours’ driving) along the Bruce Highway, this journey takes you through world-famous attractions – the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island (K’gari), Whitsundays, Daintree, and more.

Below are itinerary ideas, highlights of major stops, and handy tips for making the most of the trip.

Suggested Itineraries

7-Day Itinerary

A brisk week-long trip focuses on highlights.

Day 1: Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast (Noosa) – surf or walk in Noosa National Park.

Day 2: Noosa to Hervey Bay – detour to Fraser Island (K’gari) via a day tour or fast ferry.

Day 3: Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach – long drive (7–8 h) via Rockhampton (beef capital) and Mackay; break up the trip at Childers or Sarina sugar cane fields.

Day 4: Whitsundays (from Airlie Beach) – sail, snorkel or scenic flight at Whitehaven Beach.

Day 5: Airlie to Townsville – stop at Bowen (Big Mango, quiet bays) and Cape Hillsborough (sunrise kangaroos on the beach).

Day 6: Townsville to Mission Beach – morning at Magnetic Island or Wallaman Falls (268 m high), then drive to Mission Beach (cassowary habitat).

Day 7: Mission Beach to Cairns via Atherton Tablelands – swim in rainforest waterfalls or summit Mt Bartle Frere, then descend through the lush tablelands into Cairns.

10-Day Itinerary

Adds more stops and rest days. You could split long drives by staying in Bundaberg (rum distillery, turtle sanctuary), Yeppoon (Great Keppel Island gateway) or Yeppoon Surfside Motel for ocean views, and include a full day on Fraser Island (K’gari) overnight on the sand.

Also linger longer on Magnetic Island, or take an extra day at Cape Tribulation/Daintree north of Cairns (rainforest & reef). This stretches the trip to two full weeks.

14-Day (Leisure) Itinerary

Take it easy and explore everything. Spend extra time in each region: explore the Sunshine Coast hinterland (Noosa Everglades, Glass House Mountains), do both day and overnight tours on Fraser Island, go island-hopping in the Whitsundays, and enjoy Daintree Rainforest tours from Cairns.

With two weeks or more, you can savour hiking trails, multiple reef cruises (Lady Elliot or Lady Musgrave Islands), farmgate wine and cheese tastings in the Atherton Tablelands, or even venture inland to the Outback (Longreach or Karumba detours).

The Pacific Coast Way is flexible – you could knock it out in a week, but two weeks (or more) lets you really soak it up.

Major Stops & Highlights

Noosa & Sunshine Coast

A perfect first stop. Noosa Heads is home to surf beaches and Noosa National Park – great for walks and spotting dolphins.

Hastings Street has cafes and boutiques; nearby hinterland towns (Maleny, Montville) offer mountain views and local brews. Kondalilla and Buderim Falls are lovely waterfall walks inland.

The Sunshine Coast has an abundance of fresh fruit and seafood, so be sure to refuel on local produce or a sunset meal by the water.

Hervey Bay & K’gari (Fraser Island)

Hervey Bay is famously the launching pad to Fraser Island (K’gari). K’gari is UNESCO-listed and the world’s largest sand island (122 km long).

Its shifting sand dunes, rainforest growing on sand, and perched freshwater lakes make it unique.

From Hervey Bay, you can take a 4WD day tour or ferry to K’gari; spending a night camping on the island is highly recommended.

On the way, Bundaberg (a short drive from Hervey Bay) is a rum-lover’s paradise – the Bundaberg Rum Distillery offers tours and tastings – and nearby Mon Repos hosts turtle nesting on summer nights (book ahead for turtle tours Nov–Mar).

Central Queensland (Bundaberg, Yeppoon, Rockhampton)

After Bundaberg, the coast flattens into sugarcane country. A stop at Rockhampton (“Beef Capital”) breaks the drive: wander the historic CBD, or grab a steak!

A short detour takes you east to Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast, which feels made for holidays with its beach lagoon, surf breaks and boat trips to Great Keppel Island. Facilities here range from clean motels to beachfront holiday units.

Cape Hillsborough (Mackay Region)

A little north of Yeppoon is Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park. It’s famous sunrise wildlife feeding sees kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at dawn.

Eungella National Park (near Mackay) is worth a side-trip to spot platypus in the creek. Mackay itself is a pleasant sugarcane town – the Sarina Sugar Shed offers guided tours and tastings on a quick run up from the highway.

Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays

The gateway to 74 tropical islands. Airlie has a holiday vibe with its bars and sailing trips. Day-trippers can take a catamaran or LARC! amphibious tour to Whitehaven Beach (often voted the world’s whitest sand) and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

Scenic flights are also popular. Even if you don’t sail the reef, staying in Airlie lets you relax by the lagoon pools or on local beaches.

Accommodations range from backpacker hostels and mid-range hotels to luxury reef-view resorts (e.g. Sea Temple).

Townsville & Magnetic Island

Townsville is an easygoing city; a highlight is Queensland Zoo and Reef HQ Aquarium (recreated coral reef tanks).

Nearby Port of Townsville is a jumping-off point for Magnetic Island – a 20-minute ferry away – where koalas and rock wallabies wander the bush tracks.

North of Townsville, stop at Bowen for fish’n’chips by quiet beaches and the Big Mango photo-op.

Not far up the road in the rainforest of Paluma Range is Crystal Creek – perfect for a jungle picnic and swimming in limestone pools.

Mission Beach

A 14 km stretch of golden sand fringed by a coral reef. Mission Beach is laid-back – great for family beach days and water sports (kayaking, diving).

It’s also one of the best spots for spotting endangered southern cassowaries in the wild. The town has cafés and pubs, plus some nice beachfront camping resorts.

Nearby Dunk and Brampton Islands offer secluded isles for diving or day trips. The Atherton Tablelands inland are just a short drive away, too.

Atherton Tablelands

A lush upland region west of Cairns. This volcanic plateau produces coffee, tea, berries and dairy – you’ll see farms along the road.

A “Waterfall Circuit” loops several famous falls (Millaa Millaa, Zillie, Ellinjaa), perfect for swims.

Adventure seekers can hike up Mt Bartle Frere (Australia’s highest peak) or Mt Hypipamee. For a unique stay, treehouse resorts and farm stays are plentiful.

Cairns & Tropical North

Arrive in tropical Cairns – a small city with a lively esplanade, night markets and a base for reef tours.

From Cairns, the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef is a must: ferries depart daily to snorkelling and diving sites; book in advance during peak season.

Far north of Cairns, Mossman Gorge offers Indigenous-guided walks in ancient rainforest.

Daintree River cruises to see crocodiles, Cape Tribulation beaches and the Daintree Rainforest are easily added.

Note that crocs can live in any northern river, so obey signage and safety rules at all times.

Experiences Along the Way

Stunning Beaches

From surf breaks at Noosa Main Beach to the white sands of the Whitsundays, the coastline is beach-blanketed. Pack swimmers: popular stops are Noosa, Airlie (Cannonvale & Catseye), Mission Beach, and the many bays around Airlie and Cairns.

Rainforest & Wildlife

Queensland’s drive is as much rainforest as it is beach. Take walks in Noosa National Park or Daintree.

Spot wildlife on the road: kangaroos and wallabies are common north of Mackay, and freshwater crocodiles can sun themselves by creeks in the Wet Tropics (never swim unsafely!).

For cassowaries and tree-kangaroos, mission tours at Cape Tribulation or wildlife sanctuaries near Townsville can be arranged.

Always follow wildlife safety tips – avoid driving at dawn/dusk when animals are most active, and slow down if you see kangaroos or livestock on the road.

Food, Drink & Culture

Sample local flavours everywhere. Try Sunshine Coast fruit (sugar cane juice, mango), Bundaberg ginger beer and rum, tropical fruit (dragonfruit, lychees) stands, and farmgate cheeses/veggies in the Tablelands.

Ingham is famous for its Italian heritage (delis and gelato). The region’s pubs, breweries and wineries – even in unexpected places like Childers and Atherton – offer tastings of regional produce.

Seafood is fresh everywhere, especially in coastal towns (don’t miss Mud Crab in Cairns or Hervey Bay prawns).

Adventure Activities

You’ll find kayaking, sailing, and snorkelling on almost every stop. Book a Whitsundays sailing trip or scenic flight early (seasons get booked).

Fraser Island 4WD tours and camping (or expeditions) are popular. Dive or snorkel on Great Barrier Reef sites from Airlie or Cairns.

Waterfall canyoning, whitewater rafting (around Cairns), and even skydiving in Mission Beach add thrills. Guided cultural walks (e.g. Dreamtime walks in Mossman Gorge) provide deeper insight.

Family-Friendly Fun

Families will love the interactive aquariums (Reef HQ in Townsville, Cairns Aquarium), wildlife parks (Australia Zoo en route near the Sunshine Coast is a worthy detour), and zoo-type attractions.

Most towns have picnic parks and easy walking tracks. Many holiday parks (BIG4, NRMA, etc.) have playgrounds and pools, and caravan parks have cabins if you prefer – ideal for those with kids.

Accommodation Options

Queensland offers accommodation for every budget and style. In cities and larger towns, you’ll find chain and boutique hotels or motels (e.g. Ibis, Rydges, Mantra), while smaller towns often have cosy motels, farmstays or family-run inns.

For budget travellers, many towns have hostels or capsule hotels.

If you love the outdoors, there are caravan parks and campgrounds everywhere. Beachside holiday parks with cabins or powered sites are common in Noosa, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach, and Cairns.

National and state park campgrounds (beach or rainforest) are plentiful too – in fact, Queensland boasts over 165 campgrounds! Parks like BIG4 Airlie Beach or Discovery Parks Fraser are family-friendly.

“Glamping” eco-resorts and farm stays are also options on the Tablelands and Fraser Island.

For a special splurge, consider a luxury resort: the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort (beachfront) or one of the Whitsunday island resorts for a night on the reef.

Otherwise, at the budget end, you can easily rent a cabin site at an NRMA or Holiday Park, or even camp for as little as $20–30 a night (especially if you hire a campervan or tent).

Car vs. Campervan: Pros & Cons

Deciding between a rented car (with hotel stays) or a campervan/RV depends on your travel style and budget.

A campervan or motorhome combines transport and lodging – it offers ultimate freedom. You can cook your own meals (saving $$) and avoid strict schedules.

Many travellers love that they can pull into free or cheap campgrounds almost anywhere and wake up by the beach or in the bush.

This means flexibility: stay an extra day if you like a spot, take spontaneous detours, and carry your bed and kitchen with you.

However, campervans consume more fuel, and you’ll still have to pay camp fees if not “free camping.”

By contrast, hiring a regular car (or SUV) and booking hotels or motels provides more comfort (especially after long drives) and faster travel (cars typically use ~7–8 L/100 km on fuel, cheaper than a big campervan).

However, booking accommodation in advance on popular dates is required, which can limit flexibility. You also have to unpack and repack each night, and rely on restaurants for meals (adding cost).

Hotels do offer services (pools, room service) that campervans lack, though. Many families opt for a “combo” – e.g., renting a 4WD wagon and spending some nights in motels, and others camping on campsites with kitchen facilities.

Practical Tips for the Road

Road Conditions

The Bruce Highway is fully sealed and generally in good shape. Still, check the Queensland traffic website or local news for roadworks or closures before you go.

The further north you drive, especially in the wet season (Nov–Apr), the more you may encounter closures from heavy rain or cyclones. Always drive to conditions – in rain, slow down as roads can flood.

Fuel and Facilities

Fuel stations are found in every major town (Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, etc.).

As [21] notes, “major towns along the route will serve as places to refuel or stock up”. Fill up in big towns – isolated stretches (especially beyond Mackay) can be extended.

If you have an EV, plan carefully: chargers are common around cities, but sparse in rural stretches.

What to Pack

Bring plenty of water and snacks before each drive – some stretches between roadhouses can be 200 km+.

Ensure you have a simple first-aid kit. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and insect repellent are a must in the tropics.

A cooler or esky is handy for drinks and road snacks. And of course, pack your swimmers and a towel for impromptu swims!

Safety

Queensland driving can be very safe, but be aware of wildlife. Avoid driving late at night or at dawn/dusk, where possible, as animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and cassowaries are most active during these times.

If you do drive after dark, use your high beams on empty roads and slow down if you see the eyes of an animal.

Don’t swerve suddenly – brake firmly if safe to do so. Keep an eye on the weather and bushfire alerts (in the dry season) and follow official advice. Let someone know your itinerary, especially if venturing off the main highway.

Best Time to Go

The ideal travel window is the dry season, which typically spans from May to October. Rainfall is significantly lower than usual, and most reef and wildlife tours are running on schedule.

The wet season (Nov–Apr) is hotter and very humid, with frequent tropical downpours and even cyclones in Far North Queensland.

During the wet season, roads can flood, and tours (reef, Daintree) may be cancelled. If you travel, then keep an eye on weather forecasts and be flexible.

Whale-watching is best in winter (Jun–Aug) around Hervey Bay, if you’d like to include that.

Bookings & Tours

Popular tours should be booked in advance, especially during school holidays. Fraser Island tours sell out quickly in peak times (consider a 4WD coach tour or hire a 4WD if you’re confident driving on sand).

Whitsunday cruises and Whitehaven Beach tours often book out – or arrive very early. Cairns reef trips (snorkel, SCUBA) and Daintree tours can also be crowded in peak.

If you have fixed dates, reserve the big-ticket experiences (Fraser, reef) early to avoid disappointment.

Driving Culture

Australians generally use kilometres and drive on the left-hand side of the road. Observe speed limits (typically 100–110 km/h on highways), and be prepared for road trains (long trucks) to overtake you slowly.

Keep left unless passing. Petrol is called “petrol” (not gas). Mobile phone use must be hands-free – consider using a cradle or Bluetooth device.

Rest areas are frequent on the Bruce Hwy; use them to stretch your legs every 2 hours.

Cash is not needed much – cards are accepted everywhere. Finally, have a playlist of Aussie tunes ready – it’s part of the fun!

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the journey. This coastal route is as much about the stops as the drive. Take time to savour sunsets over the Coral Sea, taste local flavours, and chat to friendly locals.

With beaches to swim, rainforests to explore and wildlife to spot, your Brisbane–Cairns road trip will be packed with memories and laidback Aussie adventure.

Safe travels, and have a ripper road trip!