Every thing it is best to see, do and expertise on the epic Brisbane to Cairns drive! Our Brisbane to Cairns highway journey itinerary will assist you with all of your planning wants.
Probably the most widespread highway journeys in Australia is driving from Brisbane to Cairns alongside the Queensland Coast.
Many will come from far and extensive to expertise the seashores, distinctive sights, tropical islands and the attractive Nice Barrier Reef.
Well-known places like Airlie Seashore, the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Seashore, Mission Seashore, Hervey Bay, and extra lie alongside this stretch of the Queensland Coast.
The truth is, there may be a lot to see alongside this stretch of highway you’ll discover it onerous to suit all the things in!
That is why our skilled information will showcase the very best concepts on must-see locations and sights that will help you choose and select what you need to do to plan out your journey.
The capital metropolis of Queensland has loads to do as properly, and Brisbane is the right place to start this journey!
Brisbane to Cairns Drive Itinerary – The Final Highway Journey Information
The stretch of highway covers virtually 2500 kilometres (1550 Miles) and is greatest explored over a ten to 14-day interval. Take a look at the route on
We advocate travelling just some hours every time you progress on to interrupt up the journey.
A lot of the stops will solely require one night time, however there are a couple of places that will probably be higher to get pleasure from over a few nights.
You’ll go by pure waterfalls, turquoise waters, white sandy seashores, and distinctive wild animal interactions, ending up in Far North Queensland.
That is why driving from Brisbane to Cairns is simply unimaginable and properly well worth the journey.
The easiest way to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Vehicles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for the very best worth in the marketplace.
What You Will See on a Brisbane to Cairns Highway Journey
The Brisbane to Cairns drive is filled with surprise and it may be straightforward to really feel overwhelmed when planning.
That’s why that will help you determine, I’ve listed a few of the highlights and issues to see and do beneath:
- Seashores and Hikes on the Sunshine Coast
- Swimming in secluded waterfalls across the Atherton Tablelands
- Visiting the white sand stunning seashores of Mission Seashore, Whitehaven Seashore, Airlie Seashore and Noosa Nationwide Park
- Snorkelling the Nice Barrier Reef
- Witnessing the loggerhead turtles laying eggs or their hatchlings scamper down the seashore
- Hike via lush rainforests
- Take a gondola experience via the Daintree
- See wild kangaroos feeding on the seashore at dawn
Simply to call a couple of…..
And that’s only one itinerary on our listing of the very best Queensland highway journeys! Take a look at our information to see what else made the minimize…
Ideas for Driving from Brisbane to Cairns
We now have a couple of ideas for you although that will help you higher plan your Brisbane to Cairns highway journey itinerary.
- Summer season in Australia is December to March, which can also be the moist season in North Queensland. Wet days are nice for the waterfalls however would possibly deter you from different outside actions because of the humidity.
- Winter in Far North Queensland is Might to September, the place there are fewer wet days to get pleasure from outside actions. Days will nonetheless be nice and hotter as you journey north. Nighttime might get a bit cooler, however pack layers or a light-weight jacket to make this extra snug. The cooler nights will have an effect on you extra within the southern cities with a mean low of 10 levels Celsius.
- It’s extra versatile to drive from Brisbane to Cairns in your personal automobile or a rental automobile. A four-wheel drive will open choices for extra experiences, particularly on Fraser Island, in addition to having the ability to go to places by yourself. Rental automobiles can be found from Brisbane and Cairns.
- Travelling as a pair or in a small group will assist scale back prices and make the journey extra inexpensive.
- Take into account hiring a campervan or RV to avoid wasting on lodging prices. There are a whole lot of paid and free tenting choices alongside this journey and a very fashionable method to journey. Cabins, motels, hostels, and luxurious fastened lodging are on provide all over the place and are greatest booked beforehand.
- Your entire journey for those who keep on with the principle roads, are on sealed bitumen, however some areas might be busy or a bit run down. When you head inland or deeper into a few of the nationwide parks on these highway journeys you’ll want a 4×4.
- Upkeep or highway works are at all times occurring on this freeway, so permit further time to get to every cease.
- Service stations, gasoline or petrol might be discovered almost each 100 kilometres, though some will should be accessed off the freeway and within the small cities. Be ready and at all times refill and get provides earlier than you want them.
- Anticipate to spend a bit more cash within the excessive vacationer hubs like Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Airlie Seashore, Mission Seashore, the Whitsunday Islands, the Sunshine Coast and Cairns, and for those who journey to any of the distant tropical islands.
The Brisbane to Cairns Highway Journey Itinerary
When you’re touring straight from Brisbane to Cairns, it can take about 19 hours, which as you’ll be able to see is plenty of floor to cowl.
As Cairns can also be a world gateway metropolis, the identical options beneath can be utilized in reverse if beginning your journey as a Cairns to Brisbane to drive.
It’s recommended to discover this route for at least 10 days, however when you have longer then you definately’ll discover loads to maintain you occupied!
There are various completely different exits off the principle A1 freeway, each in direction of the coast and inland. Subsequently, this may improve the kilometres travelled and the time it takes to drive your entire journey.
Not solely that, however with the Reef protecting 1300 kilometres alongside the coast of this highway, you should have day journey choices from lots of the islands and seashore cities as properly.
Please be aware that travelling occasions could differ relying on highway circumstances, upkeep, and different sudden occurrences.
This implies when planning out your journey you might want to depart loads of time in between for delays.
There are hundreds of thousands of vacationers, locals, and abroad guests travelling this freeway yearly, and intermittent highway works are quite common.
Beginning in Brisbane
We’re beginning in the present day from the Queensland capital metropolis of Brisbane, having a inhabitants of over 2 million folks.
It’s a world gateway metropolis and a superb place to get your bearings.
You probably have some further time right here then there may be loads to see and do within the space, which you’ll learn extra about in this weblog submit.
Go for a experience on the Wheel of Brisbane, stroll to King Island at low tide, go to South Financial institution, or hike up Mount Coot-Tha for the very best views of Brisbane.
They’ve man-made seashores overlooking the Brisbane River and town skyline, together with two others at Redcliffe and Ipswich.
Moreover, you’ll be able to day journey to Bribie Island, Moreton Island, or North Stradbroke Island.
Every Island gives magnificent seashores, four-wheel driving, and each tenting and lodging choices.
Or you’ll be able to head south to the Gold Coast for epic seashores and the well-known Surfer’s Paradise nightlife.
Brisbane to Sunshine Coast – 150km
The Sunshine Coast will probably be your first cease for beachside enjoyable and tonnes of tourism choices like Noosa and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
When you’re after some nice spots to swim, you’ll be able to select to take a look at a few of the many seashores alongside the coast like Caloundra or Maroochydore, or some pure rock swimming pools at Noosa.
Go looking for some recent waterholes or waterfalls within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland like Booloumba Falls or Kondalilla Falls.
Feeling a bit extra lively? Why not benefit from the recent air and views of the Glasshouse Mountains?
The Glasshouse Mountains are a stunning space crammed with distinctive mountains like Mount Ngungun or Mount Beerwah. A Glasshouse Mountains hike is an effective way to stretch the legs throughout your highway journey! Or you’ll be able to go for extra leisurely strolls via Noosa Nationwide Park.
That is additionally the place you’ll discover the favored leisure parks such because the Ginger Manufacturing facility, or thrill rides on the Aussie World theme park.
Sunshine Coast to Rainbow Seashore – 100km
Travelling on the Bruce Freeway between Brisbane and Cairns, Rainbow Seashore is the primary gateway port to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island.
However this spot has its personal draw playing cards as properly, as 70,000 guests per 12 months can attest.
It’s often known as a small beachside tenting and fishing city close to the Bruce Freeway, the place you stretch the legs out of your four-wheel drive and go for a spin down the seashore.
Rainbow has websites just like the sand dunes on the Carlo Sand Blow, freshwater swimming at Poona Lake, Colored Sands rock formations, and Inskip Level Seashore. You may be pleasantly shocked if you go to this vibrant city.
Rainbow Seashore to Tin Can Bay – 32km
It’s only a quick drive to the subsequent vacation spot, so select the place you’d like to remain.
Tin Can Bay is a small little city with a inhabitants of simply over 2000 folks. It’s a very fashionable vacation vacation spot with a number of resorts, vacation models, and caravan parks.
Together with having the ability to hire houseboats and yachts to sail across the area, Tin Can Bay has a incredible, uncommon alternative to see wild humpback dolphins within the early morning.
They’re fed beneath shut supervision by the volunteers and guided by animal safety rules.
There’s a minimal cost of $10 per individual which covers the price of the meals and cleansing resolution.
Tin Can Bay to Fraser Island / Ok’gari – 218km
Everybody loves island life, and Ok’gari (Fraser Island) permits many several types of travellers to expertise it.
Fraser Island, or the normal Aboriginal identify Ok’gari because it’s now recognized, has two completely different resorts, a number of tenting spots, and an enormous quantity of web sites to see whereas visiting the island.
You probably have a 4×4 you’ll be in heaven, because the seashores and sand dunes provide a few of the greatest four-wheel drive adventures in Australia.
With clear freshwater streams like Eli Creek, beachside rock swimming pools just like the Champagne Swimming pools, Lake McKenzie, views for miles at Indian Head rocks, and weird sand formations just like the Pinnacles, there’s quite a bit to see and do right here.
You gained’t be upset stepping off land to go to Fraser Island/Ok’gari!
You’ll be able to entry Ok’gari from Rainbow Seashore or Hervey Bay.
Hervey Bay
Pack the automobile early and maintain heading north, as a result of it’s time to hit up one of the crucial stunning places on Australia’s east coast!
Hervey Bay is a quaint little seaside city in southern Queensland and is widespread for whale watching day journeys to look at humpbacks on their annual migration.
When you occur to be travelling close to Hervey Bay from June to November then boat excursions to see the whales are a particular “must-do” exercise.
The humpback whales go via Hervey Bay in different-sized pods and placed on a giant present for the vacationers with their breaching acrobatics.
Hervey Bay has a inhabitants of over 50,000 folks and gives loads of calm swimming and different water actions like fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking
Moreover Hervey Bay is a well-liked launching spot to entry the attractive Fraser Island (Ok’gari) – which is the biggest sand island on this planet.
Hervey Bay to Utopia Rock Swimming pools – 105km
Heading a bit inland from the precise coastal route, you’ll be able to go to the city of Biggenden with its attractive Utopia Rock Swimming pools.
Positioned within the Mount Walsh Nationwide Park, there’s a hidden rock pool swimming spot that the locals have been utilizing for years.
After a simple 30-minute hike via the Nationwide Park, you’ll come to 3 or 4 cascading rock swimming pools.
That is greatest visited within the summertime and particularly after some rain. Lodging choices are restricted right here, however it’s straightforward sufficient for a day journey from both Hervey Bay or Bundaberg.
Utopia Rock Swimming pools to Bundaberg – 95km
With over 90,000 folks dwelling on this beachside metropolis, you may be certain to seek out one thing to do for everybody.
Greatest recognized for producing the world-famous Bundaberg Rum, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and their Ginger Beer, it is usually the place you’ll discover the southernmost level of the Nice Barrier Reef.
Moreover there are some wonderful seashores like Bargara, Elliott Heads, or Woodgate, or you’ll be able to take day journeys to the offshore islands and revel in a number of completely different water-based actions.
Not solely that, however they’re all conveniently provided with tenting spots, motels, and resort lodging which are handy for a highway journey!
A favorite with households and retirees, the seashores provide calm waters and good strolling.
That is additionally a primary location for the seasonal Turtle nesting the place you’ll be able to try the loggerhead turtles laying eggs, or watch the newborn turtles make their manner down the seashore.
Bonus Journey – Girl Elliot Island
Boarding a flight is the one method to get to this remoted island, however the excellent news is that flights depart from both Brisbane, Hervey Bay, or Bundaberg usually.
Go away the rental automobile behind to go to this absolute paradise. The very best issues to do on the island are primarily based round water actions like snorkelling and diving within the magnificent Southern Nice Barrier Reef.
When you favor to remain on land then you’ll be able to study in regards to the chicken habitats and historical past of the island.
If you would like an extended keep, there are models, cabins, and glamping tent choices on the Girl Elliot Island Eco Resort.
Bundaberg is the preferred spot to go to Girl Elliot Island from, with 20-minute flights and every day departures making it good for a day journey.
Bundaberg to Agnes Water & 1770 – 122km
As you head north into central Queensland on this Brisbane to Cairns highway journey issues begin to change fairly dramatically.
You’re now coming into the tropics, however earlier than you get there you get to benefit from the attractive cities of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy.
They’re each quiet little beachside villages recognized for his or her browsing life-style on Most important Seashore, boating, fishing, climbing and swimming.
That is additionally a primary location to seize some recent seafood, so pop into the native fish and chip store to refill on a tasty meal.
There are various completely different actions to take a look at in Agnes Water, just like the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk, the LARC Tour (an amphibious boat), and climbing the Purple Rock Trails.
Vacation properties and resort lodging are on provide all over the place in Agnes Water, together with loads of tenting and cabin choices.
At 1770 you’ll be able to look west because the solar begins its dip beneath the ocean horizon, providing spectacular surroundings and pure magnificence that isn’t discovered in lots of different locations in Queensland.
That is additionally your second (and nearer) gateway to swimming with the turtles at Girl Musgrave Island.
Bonus Journey – Girl Musgrave Island
Just like Girl Eliot Island and likewise situated within the Southern Nice Barrier Reef is the incredible Girl Musgrave Island.
It’s solely accessible by boat from both Bundaberg or 1770, and whereas the boat journey from 1770 is shorter, the boat from Bundaberg could have extra choices for diving actions and sleeping in a glamping mattress on high of a pontoon.
Each could have you snorkelling some wonderful reef methods and discovering a number of turtles.
There’s a tenting possibility on the island itself, however it’s extraordinarily off-grid and by allow solely.
It’s onerous to select between Girl Musgrave and Girl Elliot Island, and there’s not a giant distinction between them.
My suggestion is to weigh up choices for both and select to go to one which fits your highway journey funds or timeline.
Agnes Water to Rockhampton & Yeppoon – 225km
Driving from Brisbane to Cairns will take you to so many wonderful locations, and one of many busier but underrated cities you’ll cease off at alongside the way in which is Rockhampton.
Rocky, because it’s recognized to locals, is the Beef Capital of Australia, so for those who love steak you’re in for a deal with.
There’s much more to do right here than simply eat although. The underground rock formations at Capricorn Caves are completely mesmerising, as is the Mount Archer Skywalk overlooking town, particularly at sundown.
When you drive one other half-hour in direction of the Capricorn Coast you’ll come to the small city of Yeppoon, often known as the gateway to the Nice Keppel Islands.
A visit out to those islands is incredible, with a number of marine life, coral reefs and different pure wonders to get pleasure from.
Again on land you’ll additionally discover the close by Byfield Nationwide Park with a number of fantastic hikes, four-wheel driving seashores, and wonderful swimming spots like Stoney Creek. Subsequent, get again on the Bruce Freeway and proceed your highway journey north!
Rockhampton to Finch Hatton Gorge – 400km
Get off the Bruce Freeway between Brisbane and Cairns to go inland for a beautiful day journey close to Mackay.
Finch Hatton Gorge has some fantastic climbing, waterfalls to discover and crisp swimming holes to get pleasure from.
Finishing the extra widespread Araluen Falls hike is a brief, three kilometres return.
Moreover, you’ll be able to select to finish the remainder of the trek to the Wheel of Fireplace Gorge, which is about 5 kilometres return.
Throughout excessive rainfall, entry to the automobile park might be restricted with out a 4 wheel drive.
Finch Hatton Gorge to Cape Hillsborough – 86km
Now, that is one cease on our Brisbane to Cairns highway journey itinerary that you just gained’t need to miss!
About 45 minutes driving north of Mackay you’ll discover the Cape Hillsborough Nationwide Park. This can be a very nice space to discover for a lot of causes, however the preferred is seeing the morning feeding of the jap gray kangaroos at dawn.
Park rangers come down each morning and put out meals for them, and there’s no extra iconic picture than a kangaroo chilling on the seashore!
Though these are wild animals, the rangers maintain this exercise beneath strict management as a result of what number of guests come.
Whilst you can drive in actually early, it’s extra sensible to remain on the Cape Hillsborough Caravan Park the night time earlier than.
Cape Hillsborough to Airlie Seashore – 128km
Airlie Seashore actually must be seen to be believed, and it truly is a “should do” cease in your Brisbane to Cairns highway journey.
Boasting a few of the most stunning blue waters in Australia, Airlie Seashore is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the place you’ll discover the well-known Whitehaven Seashore. Airlie Seashore can also be an excellent place to get pleasure from a scenic flight over the UNESCO World Heritage Nice Barrier Reef.
The city of Airlie Seashore itself is small however has loads to do to maintain all travellers glad.
Half or full-day excursions depart from Shute Harbour in Airlie Seashore and take you snorkelling or diving on the reef, out to Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Seashore, visiting Hamilton Island or casting your eyes over the ethereal Hill Inlet from the lookout.
Moreover Hamilton Island, with its personal airport, you can too do a visit to Daydream Island.
In Airlie Seashore itself you’ll be able to swim within the man-made lagoon, stroll alongside the seashore or chase recent water holes at Cedar Creek Falls.
Take a look at our information to all of the greatest issues to do in Airlie Seashore to see what else you’ll be able to stand up to throughout your highway journey.
Airlie Seashore to Townsville & Magnetic Island – 275km
From Airlie Seashore, proceed your highway journey north to Townsville.
Townsville is the biggest metropolis in North Queensland, with a inhabitants of near 200,000 folks. That makes it an ideal spot to interrupt up the Australian highway journeys alongside the east coast and refill on provides (for those who want).
There’s plenty of superior issues to do in Townsville, together with climbing to the lookout of Citadel Hill, heading to Wallaman Falls and visiting a few of the close by nationwide parks.
However in my humble opinion, you might want to bounce on a ferry and go to Magnetic Island, which is simple to go to for a day journey or keep for an extended interval.
Do the Forts Hike to see koalas within the wild, discover the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay, go snorkelling within the beautiful bays with sea turtles and simply sit back on the seashores.
The easiest way to discover Magnetic Island is by automobile, and fortuitously there’s a barge the place you’ll be able to take yours throughout.
In any other case you’ll be able to comply with this someday Magnetic Island itinerary to take advantage of your quick go to.
Townsville to Cardwell Spa Swimming pools and Mission Seashore – 175km
The Cardwell Spa Swimming pools are widespread, native swimming spot the place the flowing water runs over the rocks, making a pure spa impact.
What makes this place particular is the attractive blue color of the water. This blue color is created by phytoplankton, bicarbonates binding to clay, and light-weight refraction within the water.
This must be seen to be believed, however timing is all the things, and it’s greatest to go to after a small quantity of rainfall, with out washing it out an excessive amount of.
Lower than one hour north you’ll discover Mission Seashore. With its iconic palm bushes and spectacular stretch of sand, Mission Seashore is usually declared to be one of many high Cairns day journeys.
Mission Seashore is one among Queensland’s most well-known seashores, so positively cease right here in your Brisbane to Cairns itinerary.
Standard issues to do in Mission Seashore embrace skydiving, swimming, and sunbathing.
Actually although when you have extra time, we extremely, HIGHLY advocate reserving a day journey out to the reef with Nice Barrier Reef Safaris.
Owned and operated by Adele (a marine biologist) and Stuart (an skilled boat captain), this firm takes very small teams out to snorkel and discover the attractive islands and reefs off of Mission Seashore.
We spent a day trip with them on the Brook Islands, and properly, simply try our video to see how epic it was.
When you guide a visit with them allow them to know NOMADasaurus despatched you and say hello from us.
Mission Seashore to Cairns – 140km
That is our final stretch on the Brisbane to Cairns drive, however don’t rush – there are nonetheless a couple of sights alongside the way in which which might simply take you simply over every week to see when you have the time.
From Mission Seashore to Cairns you’ll go sugar cane farms and discover the Babinda Boulders, one other incredible swimming river the place you can too go kayaking.
South of city there’s a 20-kilometre loop highway referred to as the Waterfall Circuit that cuts up via the Atherton Tablelands.
This comprises a number of very completely different waterfalls for exploring, climbing, and swimming. Considered one of them, Millaa Millaa Falls, simply occurs to be essentially the most photographed waterfall in Australia.
When you love cascades, don’t miss all these different superior waterfalls close to Cairns.
Cairns itself has a inhabitants of 150,000 folks, and is a tourism Mecca. On the town the Esplanade is lined with bars, eating places, tropical gardens and a beautiful man-made swimming lagoon.
Get out of city although and take a look at the Kuranda Rail within the surrounding rainforest, or take a distinct view on the Skyrail Gondola.
Most individuals will come to Cairns for the water, and it’s the greatest place in Queensland to go and scuba dive or snorkel the Nice Barrier Reef.
Persevering with into Far North Queensland you’ll come throughout the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest, a nationwide park spanning mountainous rainforests, gorges, and secluded seashores, residence to a few of the most pristine pure setting areas within the southern hemisphere.
READ MORE: Take a look at on the Greatest Atherton Tableland Waterfalls you will need to see!
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