tour brisbane cairns

Brisbane to Cairns tours

Queensland  is lush with rainforests, farms, white sand beaches and paradise vibes. From Brisbane you'll explore Noosa National Park with hidden enclaves, rock pools and hiking trails. Take a 4WD and head over to Fraser Island before zipping up to Airlie Beach to catch your first glimpse at the Great Barrier Reef. Then continue to Cairns for another look, and a visit to Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest.

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Brisbane to Cairns Adventure

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15 Day Brisbane to Cairns Tour

• Trip Styles: Budget

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2023 DEPARTURES:  16 Apr, 14 May, 11 Jun, 16 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sep, 15 Oct, 29 Oct

Not certain about dates, or have a question? Ask here

One of our most popular Brisbane to Cairns backpacker tours here at Real Aussie Adventures.

Starting off in the capital of the Sunshine State Brisbane. Your Brisbane to Cairns backpacker tour is perfect if you want to explore the East Coast with like-minded people.

Travel the East Coast on our guided tour from Brisbane to Cairns ticking off the highlights.

On Fraser Island (K’Gari) camp under the stars, visit a shipwreck, and swim in crystal clear waters before enjoying sundowners. A 2-days/2-night sailing trip on the Whitsundays to snorkel over vibrant fringing reefs and visit some of the world’s most pristine beaches.

Brisbane right up to Cairns on this 15-Day adventure. If you’d like to explore the best of the East Coast from rainforests and beaches to picturesque islands and destinations that are off the tourist trail then this tour is definitely for you. With a local guide (who will share their insider knowledge) and a bunch of like-minded travelers (who will become lifelong friends), you’ll explore everything that Aussie has to offer in style!

Join us on our Brisbane to Cairns backpacker tour, we cant wait to show you the East Coast!

$ 4,525

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Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:

1 Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

1 Day Ocean Freedom Cruise

• Total Price: $ 5,010 Add All To Cart Add All To Wishlist Browse Wishlist
• This item: 15 Day Brisbane to Cairns Tour ( $ 4,525 )
• 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise ( $ 230 )
• 1 Day Ocean Freedom Cruise ( $ 255 )

Check into our central Brisbane accommodation and make yourself at home. If you have time, we recommend hopping on one of the free CityHopper ferries to explore the city via the Brisbane River. Meet your guide and group at 5pm in the hostel reception and head down to Southbank to check out some of the many bars and restaurants.

Accommodation: Brisbane YHA or similar Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants Free activities: Catch the Brisbane city ferry

It’s a relaxed departure today as we leave Brisbane mid-morning and make our way north to Noosa. We’ll stop along the way for lunch and a walk to see incredible views of Noosa and Noosa headlands before arriving at our accommodation in the afternoon.

Our Noosa accommodation is less of a hostel and more of a resort, with a pool and a licensed cafe (did someone say poolside margaritas?) as well as designer dorms with privacy screens and USB charging points. This evening, we’ll grab a drink at the bar and make plans to head and explore Noosa.

Accommodation:Bounce Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, dinner at hostel Meals included: Breakfast, drink on arrival. Free activities: Swim, walks, lookouts

Today you have a completely free day to spend doing whatever you like. Explore the Everglades by kayak, or book a skydive and see Noosa and surroundings from above. Grab a sun lounger and get some much needed R&R, go for a walk around the incredible headland, visit the beach or have a long, lazy lunch in the sun. The Noosa Surf Club is one of our faves so if you’d like to go out for dinner, you can’t go wrong with a local hotspot!

Accommodation: Bounce Optional paid activities: Everglades Kayak, Skydive, Surf Lesson Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants Free activities: Chilling by the resort pool, going for a walk in the National Park, visiting the famous beach or checking out the local boutiques and cafes

It’s an early start this morning as you head out for your 3-day, 2-night K’Gari (Fraser Island) adventure. During this amazing experience, you’ll explore the largest sand island in the world on a 4WD expedition, see the magical Lake Boorangoora (Mckenzie), discover towering rainforests, spot a wild dingo, cruise along endless sandy beaches and lose yourself in the magic of stargazing. If you fancy learning how to drive a 4WD, you can do that! This is going to be one of the best experiences of your whole trip and is definitely the best way to explore this world-heritage-listed National Park.

After a bus, ferry and 4WD transfer, you’ll arrive at Beach Camp on K’gari (your accommodation for the next 2 nights). You’ll have a tasty lunch and then you can check out the camp which has a kitchen and a deck with ocean views. We’ll then head out for your first adventure to see some of the Island highlights. This evening, you’ll arrive back at camp to enjoy dinner, share stories, play the didgeridoo around the campfire and engage in some mind-blowing stargazing. Tonight, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves as you settle into your safari tent (which includes a comfy mattress and hotel-quality linens).

Accommodation: Beach Camp K’gari (Fraser Island) Safari Tents* *Between Oct-Nov 22 the groups will be staying in cabins rather than safari tents. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

This morning, wake up to the gorgeous golden sunrise over the ocean, enjoy breakfast and get ready for a fun-filled morning exploring K’gari and her hidden treasures. Enjoy lunch on the beach and then spend the afternoon discovering more lakes (there are over 100!) and epic views before arriving back to camp in time for another dinner under the stars and some fun evening activities.

Accommodation: Beach Camp K’gari (Fraser Island) in 2-3 share Safari Tents* *Between Oct-Nov 22 the groups will be staying in cabins rather than safari tents. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks Included Activities: K’gari adventure tour

After breakfast today you’ll hit the inland tracks to discover towering trees and take one last refreshing dip, enjoy lunch in the forest and then begin your journey back to the mainland, arriving into Rainbow Beach around mid-afternoon ready for your next journey north up to Bundaberg.

Bundaberg is well-known for sugarcane, rum, ginger beer and more recently has been called the ‘Bundaberg Bowl’ for its reputation of growing and producing fresh food that’s served across the country. Your accommodation in Bundaberg is a relaxed eco-resort, this time you’ll be located by a nature reserve and have access to a spa, sauna, tennis courts and more! Tonight we’ll have a group BBQ dinner and a chilled evening.

Accommodation: Kelly’s Eco Resort in villas or similar Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks, BBQ Dinner Included Activities: K’gari adventure tour

It’s a day of exploring Bundaberg today! After breakfast, we’ll head to the Mon Repos turtle centre for a wholesome morning learning all about these amazing animals. The centre supports the largest concentration of nesting mating turtles on the eastern Australian mainland. You can grab a snack or lunch at the onsite indigenous-inspired Gidji cafe.

In the afternoon we’ll head to the Bundaberg Rum Centre for a tour of their distillery and a tasting of their iconic rum. Or, if you’d prefer a full day out on the water and the chance to visit the Southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, your guide can book you onto the incredible Lady Musgrave Full Day Snorkel Tour for a day of snorkelling, a boat cruise, island walk and delicious food.

Accommodation: Kelly’s Eco Resort or similar Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants Optional paid activities: Lady Musgrave Full Day Snorkel Tour Meals included: Breakfast Included Activities: Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Rum Tasting Free activities: Checking out Bargara Beach

Today is a big drive day to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the amazing Whitsunday Islands, so load up on the snacks, make sure your phone is charged and you’ve got some good tunes loaded up. We’ll make some stops to stretch our legs and see some sweet views along the way, arriving in Airlie in the evening.

Accommodation: Base Airlie Beach or similar Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, bakery, restaurants Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, enjoy a sleep in, take a stroll down to the Airlie lagoon for a dip and then check in and receive your briefing for your sailing trip. After lunch, head down to the marina to meet your crew and jump onboard a 76-foot, maxi sailing yacht which will be your home for the next two days. As you leave the marina and Airlie Beach behind you, watch your crew hoist the sails for an exhilarating cruise out to the Whitsunday Islands – part of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Once you arrive out around the Islands, jump in for a swim or snorkel amongst the fringing reef and then enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand on one of the crew’s favourite little beaches. In the evening relax on deck, have a few drinks, get to know the crew, stargaze and let the calm waters gently rock you to sleep – for the adventurous, mats are provided to sleep on deck under the stars or if you prefer a bit more comfort, a bed awaits you below deck.

Accommodation: Shared dorm cabins/sections on a maxi sailing yacht Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes Meals included: Afternoon Snacks, Dinner & Dessert (BYO drinks) Included Activities: Sailing, snorkeling and exploring the Whitsunday Islands

This morning you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in paradise, as you wake up on a yacht surrounded by beautiful islands and enjoy a delicious breakfast on deck as you sail towards Whitsunday Island, home to the best beach in the world – Whitehaven Beach. You’ll disembark and enjoy a bush-walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and then spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. You can also go snorkelling today, enjoy a sunset beach session and another fun evening onboard with your group and the crew.

Accommodation: Shared dorm cabins/sections on a maxi sailing yacht Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner & Dessert Included activities: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, bush-walk,sailing, snorkelling

Enjoy your final morning on board the yacht, jump in for another magical swim or snorkel and then sail on back to Airlie Beach. This afternoon once you’ve checked back into your hostel, go and laze in the sun by the lagoon or explore the town before freshening up and meeting your group and boat crew for the after party! There will be a reserved table, drink discounts, and meal deals – so get ready for a big night.

Accommodation: Base Airlie or similar Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea Included Activities: Sailing, snorkeling

Today we’ll get on the road again and head up to the stunning Atherton Tablelands. We’ll stop at the famous Millaa Millaa Falls along the way for a swim and some amazing photo ops.

Tonight, we’re staying at a cosy eco-lodge in the historic village of Yungaburra. We’ll check in and have a BBQ dinner before heading out for a moonlit paddle for some amazing stargazing through the rainforest at Lake Tinaroo. This night canoeing tour is the best way to spot unique nocturnal rainforest animals in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: On the Wallaby Eco Lodge

Meal options: Self-cater, bakery or cafes Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Free activities: Millaa Millaa Falls Included activities: Night wildlife canoe trip* *Note: depending on conditions, we might do the canoe trip in the morning

Today we have an awesome day planned, visiting lots of cool spots before we reach our final destination of Cairns. In the morning we’ll visit the heritage-listed Curtain Fig Tree and Lake Eacham, a beautiful crater lake for a swim and a walk. Then we’ll head to the quirky Kuranda markets set in the rainforest, for lunch and a browse before heading to Cairns. Tonight we’re staying at an amazing resort with its own person-made beach! We’ll have a group dinner at the resort and then check out the Cairns nightlife.

Accommodation: Gilligans Cairns or similar Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants Meals included: Breakfast Included activities: Swim, walk, markets

Today is a completely free day so if you have a few too many cocktails last night, enjoy a lazy sleep-in and perhaps some hair-of-the-dog by the pool in the afternoon. If you’re ready for another day of adventure, why not book into a tour of Cape Tribulation or go to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef?

Accommodation: Gilligans Cairns or similar Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants Optional Activities: Cape Tribulation day trip, bungy jump, Great Barrier Reef trip, skydive, rafting Meals included: Breakfast Free activities: Hang out at the amazing resort pool, walk the Esplanade, visit the Botanical gardens

Today is the final day of your Brisbane to Cairns adventure. Give a wave and a hug to your new mates and head off for the next leg of your adventure, taking with you the most incredible memories, everything you’ve learned about Australia’s special culture and wildlife, and of course some classic Aussie lingo – G’DAY MATES!

• Live it up in the resort town of Noosa
• Embark on a 3-day 4WD Safari to Fraser Island.
• Visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to discover how incredible turtles really are and taste some of
• Bundaberg’s famous rum
• Explore the breath-taking Whitsunday Islands.
• Discover the magic of the Atherton Tablelands – from amazing waterfalls and lush rainforest to a pristine crater lake!
• Go for a moonlit paddle through the rainforest to stargaze and spot wildlife
• Enjoy the relaxed Cairns lifestyle and the fun nightlife that it’s famous for!
• Sturdy walking shoes/boots,
• Warm clothing,
• Waterproof jacket,
• Hat & Sunscreen,
• Swimsuit/towel,
• Water bottle,
• Toiletries,
• Motion sickness tablets,
• Insect repellent
• Luggage is limited to one piece per person with a maximum weight of 20kg plus a day pack
• A basic level of fitness is required for medium-length walks
• Accommodation is in 4-6 shared dorms in a range of hostels, backpacker resorts, and eco-lodges, apart from 2 nights K’Gari/Fraser Island (safari tents) and 2 nights Whitsunday Sailing (shared dorms/sections onboard yacht).
• 21 meals are included. We make regular supermarket stops so you can self-cater for other meals, or there are usually quite a few cafe/restaurant options in each location.

Travellers who bought this trip often also travelled on these trips:

21 Day East Coast Sydney to Cairns Tour Package

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From Brisbane to Cairns (and back)

7-NIGHT ROUND-TRIP FROM BRISBANE

Dive into the colorful coral of Cairns

This seven-night voyage from sunny Brisbane stops off Port Douglas and Cairns on an epic tour of Australia’s east coast. While Brisbane itself is known for its Botanic Gardens, historic King George Square, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, also look forward to Port Douglas – a popular base for exploring rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.

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We’ve teamed up with locals in each of our ports to reveal sides of places you’ve yet to explore — from the people who know the destinations best.

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Brisbane radiates a mix of urban energy and laid-back charm with a dash of adventure and natural spark.

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A scenic cruising site en route to Australia's most idyllic destinations, Willis Island is famous for rare animal sightings.

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Close to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park, Port Douglas is known for its chill vibes and posh resorts.

Drawn by eucalyptus trees, a lush rainforest, and the Great Dividing Range mountains, Cairns is definitely an Australian hotspot.

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Over $1000 in luxurious value included — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. Everything below is included.

From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries — featuring menus curated by Michelin star chefs — are yours to savor.

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We've taken care of (taking care of) your servers, so we handle the gratuities for your onboard experiences. You just enjoy.

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Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered.

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Developed by the world’s most-talked-about producers and artists, our awe-inspiring shows are all included in your voyage.

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Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays

10 days, brisbane to cairns.

• Jun 28 2022 - Oct 4 2024
• From Oct 5 2024
• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Now's the time to explore Australia on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. If you're big on ambition but short on time, sign yourself up for this zippy ten-day tour up the East Coast of Queensland. Play transport bingo as you hop on a yacht, train, truck, and private vehicle to get around your destinations. Hit K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Whitsundays, go snorkelling, and explore the beauty of Noosa. Your time here may be fleeting, but the photos you snap, post, and caption will have "humblebrag" written all over them forever.

Brisbane to Cairns

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: 18-to-thirtysomethings.

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 20, avg 16

Age requirement: 18-39

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Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 10

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

Places visited

Itinerary notes.

Please note that most 18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in Australia is multi-share. For more info, see our Trip Details.

Day 1 Brisbane

Arrive at any time.

Welcome to the “Land Down Under”! Tonight, gear up and get ready for a night out in Brisbane with the group. Enjoy an evening filled with friendly vibes, epic times, and dope views of the city as you sip some local bevvies with your new travel pals by your side.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 brisbane/noosa.

Escape the city as you journey north up the coast to Noosa. Noosa is known for the balmy sunshine, slow beach days, bright blue skies, rolling waves around every corner. Arrive at our hostel for the next three nights and enjoy lunch before heading out to explore all the area has to offer.

Day 3 Noosa to K'gari (Fraser Island)

On your mark...get set.... go! Travel by private vehicle and ferry with your group to reach K'gari (Fraser Island); for a true Aussie experience. K'gari (Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world and the only known place where rainforest grows on sand. In the traditional Butchulla language the name of K'Gari means paradise; think striking blue lakes, crystal clear creeks, giant dunes, and dense rainforests in a place truly unlike any other. Once on the island the group will go for a 4x4 tour, driving along over 100km of beach to get a sense of your surroundings. Then take a swim in Lake Mckenzie, or be on the lookout for wild Dingoes (this is one of the few places in Australia where you are able to see them). Return to Noosa later in the afternoon.

Meals included:

Day 4 noosa.

Enjoy a free day in Noosa by taking in the shops along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, having a coffee on the beach, or a surf in the Ocean. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area.

Day 5 Noosa/Airlie Beach

Wake up and get ready to see some of the most beautiful coastline in Australia. This morning the group will hike parts of the Noosa Coastal Track with stunning views across the water and if you look up you may just spot a Koala or two! We will cross secluded beaches before ending up at Hell's Gate. In the afternoon the group will head to the train station to board an overnight train (get ready to post some ‘grams) as the group travels north to Airlie Beach.

Day 6 Airlie Beach/Whitsunday Islands

Awake as the train pulls to a stop in your next destination. Remember those stranded-on-a-deserted island fantasies that we all had growing up? (no just us?) Either way get ready to relive that castaway dream as you hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach (one of the most famous beaches in the world) and enjoy the views of powdery sand and the Coral Sea’s azure waters. You probably won’t ever want to leave. And you haven’t even gone below the surface yet! After some free time on the beach basking in the sun you'll be off to another secluded tropical island spot where the group will anchor for the night.

Day 7 Whitsunday Islands/Airlie Beach

Expected forecast today is; peace, serenity, paradise, and lots of gorgeous views. You may want to pull out your phone or camera every chance you get, but try to refrain and simply enjoy the moment as you and the group continue sailing through the picturesque backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands. Swim, snorkel, or lounge on the boat deck before sailing to the resort town of Airlie Beach for a night on the town with your best adventure buds! Live it up because let’s face it, how often are you really in this kind of paradise?

Day 8 Airlie Beach/Cairns

With an early morning departure, admire the scenery on the bus ride north to Cairns.

Day 9 Cairns

Cairns is quite the place to visit if you love warm weather (it would be headline news for the city’s temperature to drop much below 20°C (68°F)) and want to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Take advantage of a free day to book one of the many optional activities that will get you out in nature’s playground. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, get that adrenaline pumping by whitewater rafting or skydiving and cap it all off on a Big Night Out in Cairns with your fellow travellers. Drinks all around are well deserved after spending the day escaping your comfort zones.

Day 10 Cairns

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
• Your Discover Moment: Cairns
• Your Big Night Out Moment: Cairns
• K'gari (Fraser Island) excursion
• Whitsunday Islands sailing excursion
• Whitehaven Beach visit
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hostels (7 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people), overnight train (1 nt), maxi yacht (1 nts, open cabin multi-share). All nights are multi-share on this trip.

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners Allow USD235-305 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, overnight train, truck, ferry, bus

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

Great barrier reef snorkelling - from $168.00.

You haven't truly visited Australia until you've experienced the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a 25m (82 ft) catamaran and take the journey out to the largest coral reef system in the world, spending time snorkelling in search of colourful fish, majestic coral, and Nemo (of course).

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

15 Day Brisbane To Cairns Tour

See and do it all with our 15-day itinerary along the East Coast of Australia!

• Visit K'gari's famous highlights on the world's largest sand island
• Discover the beautiful Whitsundays and go on the sailing tour of a lifetime!
• Snorkel or scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip
• Visit beautiful waterfalls in Cairns UNESCO-listed rainforests

Discover paradise seamlessly with the 15-day package that will allow you to see all the highlights of Australia's stunning East Coast. 

This is the best way to see all the highlights of the East Coast in a ready-made package, tailored just for you! We will help you choose the right tours and accommodations to ensure you experience your trip exactly as you want! This great package has been designed to work with any K'gari 4WD tour and any Sailing Whitsundays tour to ensure you travel your way and within your budget.

This package is designed to start in Brisbane and end in Cairns. We will pre-book all of your accommodation ahead of time ensuring you are rested for your next day of adventuring; however, if you have a preference of hostel or have already booked some of your accommodation just let us know!

• 15-day trip along the East Coast!
• Visit all the highlights
• Travel your way - we'll help you pick the right tour for you!
• Worry-free travel
• Bus pass Brisbane to Cairns
• K'gari 3 day, 2 night Tour
• Whitsunday sailing 2 day, 2 night tour
• Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tour with optional scuba dive
• Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest tour
• Atherton Tablelands tour

Sample Itinerary

We have built a sample itinerary for the perfect trip along the East Coast. Our perfect trip starts in Brisbane and ends in Cairns, and includes all tours and accommodation along the way. This leaves you with worry-free travel and the time to let loose and have fun! Sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and tranquil waters await, so pack your bag and head 

DAY 1: BUS FROM BRISBANE TO RAINBOW BEACH...

DAY 1: BUS FROM BRISBANE TO RAINBOW BEACH OR NOOSA

Start day 1 of your 15-day tour in Brisbane, setting off to Noosa or Rainbow Beach (2-3 hours by bus). The bus journey is comfortable and short and will allow you to enjoy the scenic drive up the coast. We can book you into your accommodation for the night, depending on which town you’d like to go to. K'gari tours depart from both Noosa and Rainbow Beach.

• Bus pass from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach or Noosa
• 1 night of accommodation in Rainbow Beach or Noosa 
• Additional cost

DAY 2 - 5: K'GARI 4WD TOUR

On day 2, you will depart bright and early for your 3 day, 2 night K'gari tour. Tours leave early to head to the island, where you can look forward to a few days of fun and adventure. You can choose from a tag-along tour (with the option to drive on the island) or a guided tour, which is conducted from a 4WD bus. There are also camping options or resort accommodation available. Itineraries are dependent on your tour of choice and are influenced by the weather and tides, but generally, visit most of the island's highlights. You can look forward to visiting Lake McKenzie (great for swimming!), Eli Creek (great for floating - bring along a tube!), Champagne Pools (one of the most beautiful spots on the island), 75 Mile Beach (it doubles as both a highway and runway for scenic flights) and so much more. On day 4 you will return to Rainbow Beach or Noosa where you will have most of the day to explore and enjoy the coast. This is a great time to spend the day at the beach, enjoying the surf and sand! This part of Australia is known for its beaches and coastline. Maybe even do a surf lesson or visit the Noosa Everglades! In the evening, you will take the overnight bus to Airlie Beach (10-12 hours).

• 3 day, 2 night tour on K'gari with transfers from mainland accommodation. Accommodation and meals included on tour.
• Bus to Airlie Beach
• Accommodation in Rainbow Beach or Noosa
• Included while on K'gari tour
• All other meals are an extra cost

Optional Extras

• Day tour in Noosa or Rainbow Beach

DAY 6: OVERNIGHT BUS TO AIRLIE BEACH

You will take the overnight bus to Airlie Beach and arrive bright and early on day 6. From here you can explore, enjoy some free time and look forward to the next few days ahead of you!

• Overnight bus to Airlie Beach

DAYS 7 - 12: AIRLIE BEACH AND THE WHITSUNDAYS

You will arrive in Airlie Beach early on day 6. This is a great day to enjoy the town and explore what it has to offer. Airlie Beach has many small shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a huge seaside lagoon (a great place for spending the day). We can help you book into your accommodation of choice for your first night in Airlie Beach. You will have a few free days in Airlie Beach, as well as a 2 day, 2 night sailing tour to look forward to!

During your free time, you can keep yourself busy by joining day trips in the area or by hanging out and relaxing. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, you can go skydiving over the stunning Whitsunday Islands, head on a day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, or hop on a scenic flight and see the beautiful Heart Reef!

For 2 days and 2 nights, you will get to join a boat trip to the Whitsunday Islands! Tours include pick up from your accommodation, and all meals and fees are included on your tour. You will have to pack a small bag to bring along with you. Most tours are BYO so you should pick up any alcohol you will need during your trip and bring it with you! You can check each tour’s individual product page to see what you’ll need to bring and the details of your trip. There are many different tour types available including backpacker trips, luxury catamarans, family-friendly trips, tours with private accommodation, shared accommodation and even one where you can sleep on the deck! Ask your travel expert which tour is right for you. All tours include the same highlights including Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkelling in the fringing reefs of the Whitsunday Islands. Each boat tour has a slightly different itinerary, each of which is dependent on tides and weather, but for the most part, you can look forward to seeing the ‘big 3’. Some tours have optional extras such as hot tubs, kayaks, paddleboards, rope swings, waterslides and more just to add a little something extra to your Whitsunday experience.

• 4 nights accommodation in Airlie Beach 
• 2 day, 2 night boat tour in the Whitsundays
• Included during Whitsundays tour
• Meals in Airlie Beach are an extra cost
• Day trip in Airlie Beach
• Meals while staying in Airlie Beach

DAYS 12 - 15: CAIRNS AND FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Head up to Cairns on day 12 on the bus, with an optional 2 days on Magnetic Island. Make your way to your accommodation for a good night’s sleep before setting off to explore Far North Queensland! Through days 13 - 15, you will get to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation, the Daintree Rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands. Venture to the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling tour with the option to scuba dive! We’ll help you select the perfect tour for you that has both snorkelling and optional scuba diving so you can see the reefs the way you want. The day tour will take up most of the day, returning you to your accommodation in the evening. Another day will be spent exploring Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest on a day tour. Look forward to immersing yourself into the wilderness of the world’s largest rainforest and see where the rainforest meets the reef. Day trips also include wildlife spotting, and other great perks and famous natural landmarks. Lastly, you will get to visit the Atherton Tablelands! You will get picked up from your accommodation in Cairns for a day of adventure where you will explore waterfalls, lakes, rainforests and more. This is a great day for swimming and grabbing some stunning photos as you visit iconic waterfalls found in the tablelands.

• Bus from Airlie Beach to Cairns
• 4 nights accommodation in Cairns 
• Great Barrier Reef day trip
• Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest day trip
• Atherton Tablelands day trip
• Meals included during day tours (morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch)
• All other meals in Cairns are an additional cost 

Optional extras

• 2 nights on Magnetic Island off of Townsville
• Scuba diving on Great Barrier Reef trip

More Information

What to bring.

Please refer to individual product pages for a full guide on "What To Bring" for each tour. 

What's Included

• K'gari 3 day, 2 night Tour
• Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest day tour
• Atherton Tablelands day tour
• 1 night of accommodation in Rainbow Beach or Noosa
• 4 nights accommodation in Airlie...
• 4 nights accommodation in Cairns

What's Extra

• Whitsundays 15,000ft skydive
• Noosa Everglades tour
• Whitsundays day trip
• Magnetic Island Extension - additional 2 nights 
• Campervan or car rental/campervan upgrade
• Travel insurance

Terms and Conditions

Important Information

• *Whitsundays boat trips may depart as follows: Depart day 7 and return on day 9, giving you ‘free’ days on day 10 and 11  or  depart day 8 and return on day 10, giving you ‘free’ days on day 7 and 11.
• Guests can choose to book their own accommodation along the way, or we can book it for you
• This is a sample itinerary only. It may change depending on your dates of travel
• Guests can choose to travel by campervan or car hire for an optional upgrade and altered itinerary - ask us how!

Please refer to individual product pages for a full guide on "Terms and Conditions" for each tour.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees. You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Please refer to each individual product for the full "Cancellation Policy" of each tour.

If you have any questions, please get in touch!

OUR FRASER EXPERTS ARE READY TO HELP YOU

• Can answer all your Fraser Island questions
• We will build you exclusive packages to save you money
• Our experts are all experienced locals
• Live chat with a real person

Quick Enquiry

Booking For 15 Day Brisbane To Cairns Tour

Check availability for 15 day brisbane to cairns tour, manual availability check request for 15 day brisbane to cairns tour, gift card - 15 day brisbane to cairns tour, date of travel:.

Please select the date you would like to travel.

Please note: Calendar availability is based on total capacity - selected fare options may be limited.

Gift Card Booking Information

Open dated gift voucher.

15 Day Brisbane To Cairns Tour

See and do it all with our 15-day itinerary along the East Coast of Australia!

• Visit K'gari's famous highlights on the world's largest sand island
• Discover the beautiful Whitsundays and go on the sailing tour of a lifetime!
• Snorkel or scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip
• Visit beautiful waterfalls in Cairns UNESCO-listed rainforests

Discover paradise seamlessly with the 15-day package that will allow you to see all the highlights of Australia's stunning East Coast. 

This is the best way to see all the highlights of the East Coast in a ready-made package, tailored just for you! We will help you choose the right tours and accommodations to ensure you experience your trip exactly as you want! This great package has been designed to work with any K'gari 4WD tour and any Sailing Whitsundays tour to ensure you travel your way and within your budget.

This package is designed to start in Brisbane and end in Cairns. We will pre-book all of your accommodation ahead of time ensuring you are rested for your next day of adventuring; however, if you have a preference of hostel or have already booked some of your accommodation just let us know!

• 15-day trip along the East Coast!
• Visit all the highlights
• Travel your way - we'll help you pick the right tour for you!
• Worry-free travel
• Bus pass Brisbane to Cairns
• K'gari 3 day, 2 night Tour
• Whitsunday sailing 2 day, 2 night tour
• Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tour with optional scuba dive
• Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest tour
• Atherton Tablelands tour

More Information

What to bring.

Please refer to individual product pages for a full guide on "What To Bring" for each tour. 

What's Included

• K'gari 3 day, 2 night Tour
• Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest day tour
• Atherton Tablelands day tour
• 1 night of accommodation in Rainbow Beach or Noosa
• 4 nights accommodation in Airlie...
• 4 nights accommodation in Airlie Beach 
• 4 nights accommodation in Cairns

What's Extra

• Whitsundays 15,000ft skydive
• Noosa Everglades tour
• Whitsundays day trip
• Magnetic Island Extension - additional 2 nights 
• Campervan or car rental/campervan upgrade
• Travel insurance

Terms and Conditions

Important Information

• *Whitsundays boat trips may depart as follows: Depart day 7 and return on day 9, giving you ‘free’ days on day 10 and 11  or  depart day 8 and return on day 10, giving you ‘free’ days on day 7 and 11.
• Guests can choose to book their own accommodation along the way, or we can book it for you
• This is a sample itinerary only. It may change depending on your dates of travel
• Guests can choose to travel by campervan or car hire for an optional upgrade and altered itinerary - ask us how!

Please refer to individual product pages for a full guide on "Terms and Conditions" for each tour.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees. You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Please refer to each individual product for the full "Cancellation Policy" of each tour.

If you have any questions, please get in touch!

Frequently Asked Questions

OUR CAIRNS EXPERTS ARE READY TO HELP YOU

• Can answer all your Cairns questions
• We will build you exclusive packages to save you money
• Available by email or chat 24/7

Quick Enquiry

Cairns information.

Booking For 15 Day Brisbane To Cairns Tour

Check availability for 15 day brisbane to cairns tour, manual availability check request for 15 day brisbane to cairns tour, gift card - 15 day brisbane to cairns tour, date of travel:.

Please select the date you would like to travel.

Please note: Calendar availability is based on total capacity - selected fare options may be limited.

Gift Card Booking Information

Open dated gift voucher.

15 Day Brisbane To Cairns Tour

See and do it all with our 15-day itinerary along the East Coast of Australia!

• Visit K'gari's famous highlights on the world's largest sand island
• Discover the beautiful Whitsundays and go on the sailing tour of a lifetime!
• Snorkel or scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip
• Visit beautiful waterfalls in Cairns UNESCO-listed rainforests

Discover paradise seamlessly with the 15-day package that will allow you to see all the highlights of Australia's stunning East Coast. 

This is the best way to see all the highlights of the East Coast in a ready-made package, tailored just for you! We will help you choose the right tours and accommodations to ensure you experience your trip exactly as you want! This great package has been designed to work with any K'gari 4WD tour and any Sailing Whitsundays tour to ensure you travel your way and within your budget.

This package is designed to start in Brisbane and end in Cairns. We will pre-book all of your accommodation ahead of time ensuring you are rested for your next day of adventuring; however, if you have a preference of hostel or have already booked some of your accommodation just let us know!

• 15-day trip along the East Coast!
• Visit all the highlights
• Travel your way - we'll help you pick the right tour for you!
• Worry-free travel
• Bus pass Brisbane to Cairns
• K'gari 3 day, 2 night Tour
• Whitsunday sailing 2 day, 2 night tour
• Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tour with optional scuba dive
• Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest tour
• Atherton Tablelands tour

More Information

What to bring.

Please refer to individual product pages for a full guide on "What To Bring" for each tour. 

What's Included

• K'gari 3 day, 2 night Tour
• Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest day tour
• Atherton Tablelands day tour
• 1 night of accommodation in Rainbow Beach or Noosa
• 4 nights accommodation in Airlie...
• 4 nights accommodation in Airlie Beach 
• 4 nights accommodation in Cairns

What's Extra

• Whitsundays 15,000ft skydive
• Noosa Everglades tour
• Whitsundays day trip
• Magnetic Island Extension - additional 2 nights 
• Campervan or car rental/campervan upgrade
• Travel insurance

Terms and Conditions

Important Information

• *Whitsundays boat trips may depart as follows: Depart day 7 and return on day 9, giving you ‘free’ days on day 10 and 11  or  depart day 8 and return on day 10, giving you ‘free’ days on day 7 and 11.
• Guests can choose to book their own accommodation along the way, or we can book it for you
• This is a sample itinerary only. It may change depending on your dates of travel
• Guests can choose to travel by campervan or car hire for an optional upgrade and altered itinerary - ask us how!

Please refer to individual product pages for a full guide on "Terms and Conditions" for each tour.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees. You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Please refer to each individual product for the full "Cancellation Policy" of each tour.

If you have any questions, please get in touch!

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

• Our experts are Based in Airlie Beach
• We can build packages to save you $$$
• Whitsundays biggest boat cooperative

Quick Enquiry

Whitsundays guide.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Booking For 15 Day Brisbane To Cairns Tour

Check availability for 15 day brisbane to cairns tour, manual availability check request for 15 day brisbane to cairns tour, gift card - 15 day brisbane to cairns tour, date of travel:.

Please select the date you would like to travel.

Please note: Calendar availability is based on total capacity - selected fare options may be limited.

Gift Card Booking Information

Open dated gift voucher.

Sailing Whitsundays acknowledges the Ngaro, Gia and Juru people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and seas in which we operate. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

• Sydney to Brisbane – 8 Day Tour
• Sydney to Cairns – 14 Day Tour
• Sydney to Cairns Best Of Australia – 17 Day Tour

Brisbane to Cairns – 7 Day Boutique Tour

• Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest – 10 Day Tour
• Daintree Rainforest & Port Douglas – 4 Day Tour
• Perth to Exmouth (Inc Ningaloo Reef) – 8 Day Tour
• Perth, Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef & Karijini National Park – 13 Day Boutique Tour
• Karijini National Park, Stations & Ningaloo Reef Explorer – 6 Day Tour

Tasmanian Discovery – 6 Day Boutique Tour

Ultimate tasmania – 10 day boutique tour.

• Boutique Comfort Tours

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• Get in touch
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• [email protected]
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Brisbane to Cairns - 7 Day Boutique Tour

Karijini national park, stations & ningaloo reef explorer - 6 day tour, brisbane to cairns – 7 day boutique tour, why this tour is the right match for you.

A small tour group. Aussie blockbuster attractions. Off-the-beaten track gems. Local, family run restaurants and wineries. Intimate group experiences. The best beaches in the world. Cuddly (and not-so-cuddly) wildlife. Fun, bustling cities. What’s not to like on this 7-day adventure across lush, verdant landscapes and glittering turquoise water? Nothing, that’s what.

• Great Barrier Reef day cruise including snorkelling & glass bottom boat
• Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkelling
• Atherton Tablelands Tour – Volcanic crater lakes, stunning waterfalls, and a chance to spot wild platypus
• Brisbane River Orientation Walk
• Small Group Tour (Max 16 Guests)
• All transport (Private buses, domestic flight & boat trips)
• All accommodation ( Boutique locally owned hotels/resorts )
• 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinners
• Friendly & experienced local guide
• No hidden cost on our tours – Look closely at our amazing inclusions & value for money

Day 1:  Brisbane (Tour starts on a Sunday)

It’s Bris-vegas baby! We’re off to Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, soon to be home of the summer Olympics. Laidback, sunny, optimistic, and buzzing – in many ways it’s the quintessential Aussie city. Meet your fellow travellers and friendly guide at 6pm in the hotel reception . After a brief introduction and formalities, we head off on an evening orientation walk, and a chance to enjoy a meal together at a local restaurant.

Included Activities ● Brisbane River orientation walk Included Meals ● Breakfast Accommodation – The Point Hotel Brisbane

Day 2: Brisbane to Airlie Beach

Airport time! It’s up, up, and away, as we take the plane to Airlie beach, the jewel in the magnificent Whitsundays crown. It’s another choose-your-own-adventure day: take a stroll through the town, find a cool little bar, or explore the local swimming lagoon, the choice is yours.

Included Activities ● Free afternoon & evening to explore Airlie Beach Included Meals ● Breakfast Accommodation – Mantra Club Croc

Day 3: Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands

After breakfast, we’re taking a leisurely day cruise through the postcard-perfect islands of the Whitsundays, including a stop at famed Whitehaven beach. Words can’t do justice to the dazzling white sands, azure waters, and densely verdant vegetation of this incredible corner of the world (so we won’t try!). Get a closer look by snorkeling with colorful coral and an array of playful fish and turtles. Afterwards, it’s your chance to relax or seek out the town’s best food and drink options.

Included Activities ● Whitsundays Island day cruise including snorkeling, Whitehaven Beach visit and lunch Included Meals ● Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation – Mantra Club Croc

Day 4: Mission Beach

A change of scenery today as we head through undulating cane fields to picturesque Mission Beach. Time? We have plenty of it this afternoon, so kick back and enjoy. This is your chance to catch up on some reading, or just sit by the pool with a cold drink and enjoy this tropical paradise.

Included Activities ● Scenic drive Included Meals ● Breakfast Accommodation – Mission Beach Resort

Day 5: Cairns via the Atherton Tablelands

Enjoy breakfast before we travel into the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. We’ll discover a magnificent plunge waterfall nestled in dense tropical, rainforest en-route to the Atherton Tablelands. Take a dip in the cool water before we head to Lake Eacham, a crater lake with crystal-clear water, and visit the massive ‘Curtain Fig Tree’. We’ll finish the day in Cairns, one of Australia’s most vibrant, tropical and energetic cities.

Included Activities ● Atherton Tablelands Tour – Volcanic crater lakes, stunning waterfalls, and a chance to spot wild platypus Included Meals ● Breakfast Accommodation – Flynn Hotel Cairns

Day 6: Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef

It’s one of the highlights of any trip to Australia: the Great Barrier Reef. Today, we will take a cruise to the famed reef, where we’ll go snorkelling to see incredible marine life. Learn about this special reef with conservation commentary, onboard a fantastic boat. This is the big one, so get the camera ready! After a great day on the reef, join us for an included dinner.

Included Activities ● Great Barrier Reef day cruise including snorkelling, glass bottom boat, and lunch Included Meals ● Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Accommodation – Flynn Hotel Cairns Optional: Scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef

Day 7: Cairns

Your tour ends after breakfast. Time to say farewell to your travel buddies after a great adventure together

Included Meals ● Breakfast Accommodation – None

Brisbane to Cairns – 7 Day Tour Gallery

Dates and prices.

• Departure Brisbane
• Included Great Barrier Reef day cruise including snorkelling & glass bottom boat Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven beach day trip & snorkelling Small Group Tour (Max 16 Guests) All transport (Private buses, domestic flight & boat trips) All accommodation (Mix of boutique, 4 and 5 star hotels/resorts) 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners Friendly & experienced local guide No hidden cost on our tours - Look closely at our amazing inclusions & value for money! Atherton Tablelands Tour – Volcanic crater lakes, stunning waterfalls, and a chance to spot wild platypus Brisbane River Orientation Walk
• Reservations & Operations : +61 2 7229 1083 
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We are here to assist you! Please contact us if you have any queries about the dates, availability, or anything else.

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Cairns to Brisbane Tours

Cairns to Brisbane

Check out some of the East Coast’s most tropical locations! When travelling from Cairns to Brisbane, you’re embarking on an idyllic journey down Australia’s coast, complete with stunning beaches and adventure activities. Join us on a Cairns to Brisbane bus for a fully guided trip down every traveller’s dream route!

Adventures from Cairns

Whatever your budget and time limits, we’ve got you covered. All of our Cairns to Brisbane bus tours come complete with an awesome itinerary, that varies slightly depending on your chosen package. Most of our packages include:

Choose your Favourite Cairns to Brisbane Tour!

• Snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
• Sailing around The Whitsundays stunning islands
• Camping and 4WD-ing on Fraser Island
• Visits to Magnetic Island, Rainbow Beach, Byron Bay and other must-see spots
• Visits to national parks, waterfalls and other beautiful natural attractions
• Accommodation, meals and transport

Ready to take an East Coast tour?

Travelling from Cairns to Brisbane is (understandably!) on most backpackers’ wish lists. Choose the package that covers the things you want to see and do and book online today with One Stop Adventures!

11 Tours from Cairns to Brisbane

National Whimit Bus Pass | Greyhound | Unlimited Travel

Cairns to Brisbane East Coast Self Guided Tour Package – 8 Days & 7 Nights

Cairns to Brisbane East Coast Essentials – 13 Days

Cairns to Brisbane Express East Coast Tour Package – 14 days

Cairns to Brisbane Time Saver East Coast Tour Package – 16 days

Cairns to Brisbane CHEAP AS CHIPS East Coast Tour Package – 20 days

Cairns to Brisbane Adrenaline East Coast Tour Package 21 Days

Cairns to Brisbane East Coast Nature Lover’s Package – 21 days

Cairns to Brisbane ULTIMATE East Coast Tour Package – 23 days

Stray Australia – Byron Bay to Cairns 15 Day Tour ROO

Greyhound East Coast Whimit Bus Pass – Cairns to Sydney Hop on Hop off

Brisbane to Cairns Drive – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

• Last Updated: July 25, 2024

Everything you should see, do and experience on the epic Brisbane to Cairns drive! Our Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary will help you with all your planning needs.

One of the most popular road trips in Australia is driving from Brisbane to Cairns along the Queensland Coast.

Many will come from far and wide to experience the beaches, unique attractions, tropical islands and the beautiful Great Barrier Reef.

Famous locations like Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Mission Beach, Hervey Bay, and more lie along this stretch of the Queensland Coast.

In fact, there is so much to see along this stretch of road you will find it hard to fit everything in!

This is why our expert guide will showcase the best ideas on must-see places and attractions to help you pick and choose what you want to do to plan out your journey.

The capital city of Queensland has plenty to do as well, and Brisbane is the perfect place to begin this adventure!

• If you’re starting from further south, you can also check out our Sydney to Brisbane road trip itinerary .

Table of Contents

What You Will See on a Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip

Tips for driving from brisbane to cairns  , starting in brisbane, brisbane to sunshine coast – 150km, sunshine coast to rainbow beach – 100km, rainbow beach to tin can bay – 32km, tin can bay to fraser island / k’gari – 218km, hervey bay to utopia rock pools – 105km, utopia rock pools to bundaberg – 95km, bonus trip – lady elliot island, bundaberg to agnes water & 1770 – 122km, bonus trip – lady musgrave island, agnes water to rockhampton & yeppoon – 225km, rockhampton to finch hatton gorge – 400km, finch hatton gorge to cape hillsborough – 86km, cape hillsborough to airlie beach – 128km, airlie beach to townsville & magnetic island – 275km, townsville to cardwell spa pools and mission beach – 175km, mission beach to cairns – 140km, brisbane to cairns drive itinerary – the ultimate road trip guide.

The stretch of road covers almost 2500 kilometres (1550 Miles) and is best explored over a 10 to 14-day period. Check out the route on

We recommend travelling just a few hours each time you move on to break up the journey.

Most of the stops will only require one night, but there are a few locations that will be better to enjoy over a couple of nights.

You will pass by natural waterfalls, turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and unique wild animal interactions, finishing up in Far North Queensland.

This is why driving from Brisbane to Cairns is just incredible and well worth the adventure.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

The Brisbane to Cairns drive is full of wonder and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when planning.

That’s why to help you decide, I have listed some of the highlights and things to see and do below:

• Beaches and Hikes on the Sunshine Coast
• Swimming in secluded waterfalls around the Atherton Tablelands
• Visiting the white sand beautiful beaches of Mission Beach, Whitehaven Beach, Airlie Beach and Noosa National Park
• Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
• Witnessing the loggerhead turtles laying eggs or their hatchlings scamper down the beach
• Hike through lush rainforests
• Take a gondola ride through the Daintree
• See wild kangaroos feeding on the beach at sunrise

Just to name a few…..

And that’s just one itinerary on our list of the best Queensland road trips ! Check out our guide to see what else made the cut…

We have a few tips for you though to help you better plan your Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary.

• Summer in Australia is December to March, which is also the wet season in North Queensland. Rainy days are great for the waterfalls but might deter you from other outdoor activities due to the humidity.
• Winter in Far North Queensland is May to September, where there are fewer rainy days to enjoy outdoor activities. Days will still be pleasant and warmer as you travel north. Nighttime could get a little cooler, but pack layers or a light jacket to make this more comfortable. The cooler nights will affect you more in the southern towns with an average low of 10 degrees Celsius.
• It’s more flexible to drive from Brisbane to Cairns in your own car or a rental car. A four-wheel drive will open options for more experiences, especially on Fraser Island, as well as being able to visit locations on your own. Rental cars are available from Brisbane and Cairns.
• Travelling as a couple or in a small group will help reduce costs and make the trip more affordable.
• Consider hiring a campervan or RV to save on accommodation costs. There are hundreds of paid and free camping options along this journey and a very popular way to travel. Cabins, motels, hostels, and luxury fixed accommodations are on offer everywhere and are best booked beforehand.
• The entire journey if you stick to the main roads, are on sealed bitumen , but some areas can be busy or a little run down. If you head inland or deeper into some of the national parks on these road trips you’ll need a 4×4.
• Maintenance or road works are always happening on this highway, so allow extra time to get to each stop.
• Service stations, fuel or petrol can be found nearly every 100 kilometres, although some will need to be accessed off the highway and in the small towns. Be prepared and always fill up and get supplies before you need them.
• Expect to spend a little more money in the high tourist hubs like Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, the Sunshine Coast and Cairns, and if you travel to any of the remote tropical islands.

The Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re traveling directly from Brisbane to Cairns, it will take about 19 hours, which as you can see is a lot of ground to cover.

As Cairns is also an international gateway city, the same suggestions below can be used in reverse if starting your journey as a Cairns to Brisbane to drive.

It’s suggested to explore this route for a minimum of 10 days, but if you have longer then you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied!

There are many different exits off the main A1 highway, both towards the coast and inland. Therefore, this will increase the kilometres travelled and the time it takes to drive the entire journey.

Not only that, but with the Reef covering 1300 kilometres along the coast of this road, you will have day trip options from many of the islands and beach towns as well.

Please note that travelling times may differ depending on road conditions, maintenance, and other unexpected occurrences.

This means when planning out your journey you need to leave plenty of time in between for delays.

There are millions of tourists, locals, and overseas visitors travelling this highway every year, and intermittent road works are very common.

We are starting today from the Queensland capital city of Brisbane, having a population of over 2 million people.

It’s an international gateway city and a brilliant place to get your bearings.

If you have some extra time here then there is plenty to see and do in the area, which you can read more about in this blog post .

Go for a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, walk to King Island at low tide, visit South Bank, or hike up Mount Coot-Tha for the best views of Brisbane.

They have man-made beaches overlooking the Brisbane River and the city skyline, along with two others at Redcliffe and Ipswich .

Additionally, you can day trip to Bribie Island, Moreton Island, or North Stradbroke Island.

Each Island offers magnificent beaches, four-wheel driving, and both camping and accommodation options.

Or you can head south to the Gold Coast for epic beaches and the famous Surfer’s Paradise nightlife.

The Sunshine Coast will be your first stop for beachside fun and tonnes of tourism options like Noosa and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

If you’re after some great spots to swim, you can choose to check out some of the many beaches along the coast like Caloundra or Maroochydore, or some natural  rock pools at Noosa .

Go searching for some fresh waterholes or waterfalls in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland like Booloumba Falls or Kondalilla Falls.

Feeling a bit more active? Why not enjoy the fresh air and views of the Glasshouse Mountains?

The Glasshouse Mountains are a gorgeous area filled with unique mountains like Mount Ngungun or Mount Beerwah. A Glasshouse Mountains hike is a great way to stretch the legs during your road trip! Or you can opt for more leisurely strolls through Noosa National Park.

This is also where you will find the popular entertainment parks such as the Ginger Factory , or thrill rides at the Aussie World theme park.

Travelling on the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns, Rainbow Beach is the first gateway port to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island.

But this spot has its own draw cards as well, as 70,000 visitors per year can attest.

It’s known as a small beachside camping and fishing town near the Bruce Highway, where you stretch the legs from your four-wheel drive and go for a spin down the beach.

Rainbow has sites like the sand dunes at the Carlo Sand Blow, freshwater swimming at Poona Lake, Coloured Sands rock formations, and Inskip Point Beach. You will be pleasantly surprised when you visit this vibrant town.

It’s just a short drive to the next destination, so choose where you’d like to stay.

Tin Can Bay is a small little town with a population of just over 2000 people. It’s a very popular holiday destination with several hotels, holiday units, and caravan parks.

Along with being able to rent houseboats and yachts to sail around the region, Tin Can Bay has a fantastic, rare opportunity to see wild humpback dolphins in the early morning.

They are fed under close supervision by the volunteers and guided by animal protection regulations.

There is a minimal charge of $10 per person which covers the cost of the food and cleaning solution.

Everyone loves island life, and K’gari (Fraser Island) allows many different types of travellers to experience it.

Fraser Island, or the traditional Aboriginal name K’gari as it’s now known, has two different resorts, several camping spots, and a huge amount of sites to see while visiting the island.

If you have a 4×4 you’ll be in heaven, as the beaches and sand dunes offer some of the best four-wheel drive adventures in Australia.

With clear freshwater streams like Eli Creek, beachside rock pools like the Champagne Pools, Lake McKenzie, views for miles at Indian Head rocks, and unusual sand formations like the Pinnacles, there’s a lot to see and do here.

You won’t be disappointed stepping off land to visit Fraser Island/K’gari! 

You can access K’gari from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay.

Pack the car early and keep heading north, because it’s time to hit up one of the most beautiful locations on Australia’s east coast!

Hervey Bay is a quaint little seaside town in southern Queensland and is popular for whale watching day trips to observe humpbacks on their annual migration.

If you happen to be travelling near Hervey Bay from June to November then boat tours to see the whales are a definite “must-do” activity.

The humpback whales pass through Hervey Bay in different-sized pods and put on a big show for the tourists with their breaching acrobatics.

Hervey Bay has a population of over 50,000 people and offers plenty of calm swimming and other water activities like fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking

Additionally Hervey Bay is a popular launching spot to access the beautiful Fraser Island (K’gari) – which is the largest sand island in the world.

Heading a little inland from the actual coastal route, you can visit the town of Biggenden with its gorgeous Utopia Rock Pools.

Located in the Mount Walsh National Park, there’s a hidden  rock pool swimming spot   that the locals have been using for years.

After an easy 30-minute hike through the National Park, you will come to three or four cascading rock pools.

This is best visited in the summertime and especially after some rain. Accommodation options are limited here, but it is easy enough for a day trip from either Hervey Bay or Bundaberg.

With over 90,000 people living in this beachside city, you will be sure to find something to do for everyone.

Best known for producing the world-famous Bundaberg Rum, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and their Ginger Beer, it is also where you’ll find the southernmost point of the Great Barrier Reef.

Additionally there are some amazing beaches like Bargara, Elliott Heads, or Woodgate, or you can take day trips to the offshore islands and enjoy lots of different water-based activities.

Not only that, but they are all conveniently supplied with camping spots, motels, and resort accommodations that are convenient for a road trip!

A favourite with families and retirees, the beaches offer calm waters and nice walking.

This is also a prime location for the  seasonal Turtle nesting   where you can check out the loggerhead turtles laying eggs, or watch the baby turtles make their way down the beach.

Boarding a flight is the only way to get to this isolated island, but the good news is that flights leave from either Brisbane, Hervey Bay, or Bundaberg regularly.

Leave the rental car behind to visit this absolute paradise. The best things to do on the island are based around water activities like snorkelling and diving in the magnificent Southern Great Barrier Reef.

If you prefer to stay on land then you can learn about the bird habitats and history of the island.

If you want a longer stay, there are units, cabins, and glamping tent options at the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort .

Bundaberg is the most popular spot to visit Lady Elliot Island from, with 20-minute flights and daily departures making it perfect for a day trip.

As you head north into central Queensland on this Brisbane to Cairns road trip things start to change pretty dramatically.

You’re now entering the tropics, but before you get there you get to enjoy the gorgeous towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy.

They are both quiet little beachside villages known for their surfing lifestyle on Main Beach, boating, fishing, hiking and swimming.

This is also a prime location to grab some fresh seafood, so pop into the local fish and chip shop to fill up on a delectable meal.

There are many different activities to check out in Agnes Water, like the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk, the LARC Tour (an amphibious boat), and hiking the Red Rock Trails.

Holiday homes and resort accommodations are on offer everywhere in Agnes Water, along with plenty of camping and cabin options.

At 1770 you can look west as the sun begins its dip below the ocean horizon, offering spectacular scenery and natural beauty that isn’t found in many other places in Queensland.

This is also your second (and closer) gateway to swimming with the turtles at Lady Musgrave Island.

Similar to Lady Eliot Island and also located in the Southern Great Barrier Reef is the fantastic Lady Musgrave Island.

It’s only accessible by boat from either Bundaberg or 1770, and while the boat trip from 1770 is shorter, the boat from Bundaberg will have more options for diving activities and sleeping in a glamping bed on top of a pontoon.

Both will have you snorkelling some amazing reef systems and finding lots of turtles.

There is a camping option on the island itself, but it’s extremely off-grid and by permit only.

It’s hard to pick between Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Island, and there’s not a big difference between them.

My recommendation is to weigh up options for either and choose to visit one that suits your road trip budget or timeline.

Driving from Brisbane to Cairns will take you to so many amazing places, and one of the busier yet underrated towns you’ll stop off at along the way is Rockhampton.

Rocky, as it’s known to locals, is the Beef Capital of Australia, so if you love steak you’re in for a treat.

There’s a lot more to do here than just eat though . The underground rock formations at Capricorn Caves are absolutely mesmerising, as is the Mount Archer Skywalk overlooking the city, especially at sunset.

If you drive another 30 minutes towards the Capricorn Coast you will come to the small town of Yeppoon, known as the gateway to the Great Keppel Islands.

A trip out to these islands is fantastic, with lots of marine life, coral reefs and other natural wonders to enjoy.

Back on land you’ll also find the nearby Byfield National Park with lots of wonderful hikes, four-wheel driving beaches, and amazing swimming spots like Stoney Creek. Next, get back on the Bruce Highway and continue your road trip north!

Get off the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns to head inland for a lovely day adventure near Mackay.

Finch Hatton Gorge has some wonderful hiking, waterfalls to explore and crisp swimming holes to enjoy.

Completing the more popular Araluen Falls hike is a short, three kilometres return.

Additionally, you can choose to complete the rest of the trek to the Wheel of Fire Gorge, which is about five kilometres return.

During high rainfall, access to the car park could be limited without a 4 wheel drive.

Now, this is one stop on our Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary that you won’t want to miss!

About 45 minutes driving north of Mackay you’ll find the Cape Hillsborough National Park. This is a really nice area to explore for many reasons, but the most popular is seeing the morning feeding of the eastern grey kangaroos at sunrise.

Park rangers come down every morning and put out food for them, and there’s no more iconic photo than a kangaroo chilling on the beach!

Although these are wild animals, the rangers keep this activity under strict control due to how many visitors come.

While you can drive in really early, it’s more practical to stay at the Cape Hillsborough Caravan Park the night before.

Airlie Beach really needs to be seen to be believed, and it really is a “must do” stop on your Brisbane to Cairns road trip.

Boasting some of the most beautiful blue waters in Australia, Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and where you’ll find the famous Whitehaven Beach. Airlie Beach is also a great place to enjoy a scenic flight over the UNESCO World Heritage Great Barrier Reef.

The town of Airlie Beach itself is small but has plenty to do to keep all travellers happy.

Half or full-day tours leave from Shute Harbour in Airlie Beach and take you snorkelling or diving on the reef , out to Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach, visiting Hamilton Island or casting your eyes over the ethereal Hill Inlet from the lookout.

Besides Hamilton Island, with its own airport, you can also do a trip to Daydream Island.

In Airlie Beach itself you can swim in the man-made lagoon, walk along the beach or chase fresh water holes at Cedar Creek Falls.

Check out our guide to all the best things to do in Airlie Beach to see what else you can get up to during your road trip.

From Airlie Beach, continue your road trip north to Townsville.

Townsville is the largest city in North Queensland, with a population of close to 200,000 people. That makes it a perfect spot to break up the Australian road trips along the east coast and stock up on supplies (if you need).

There’s a lot of awesome things to do in Townsville , including climbing to the lookout of Castle Hill, heading to Wallaman Falls and visiting some of the nearby national parks.

But in my humble opinion, you need to jump on a ferry and go to Magnetic Island , which is easy to visit for a day trip or stay for a longer period.

Do the Forts Hike to see koalas in the wild, find the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay, go snorkelling in the stunning bays with sea turtles and just chill out at the beaches .

The best way to explore Magnetic Island is by car, and luckily there’s a barge where you can take yours across.

Otherwise you can follow this one day Magnetic Island itinerary to make the most of your short visit.

The Cardwell Spa Pools are popular, local swimming spot where the flowing water runs over the rocks, creating a natural spa effect.

What makes this place special is the gorgeous blue colour of the water. This blue colour is created by phytoplankton, bicarbonates binding to clay, and light refraction in the water.

This has to be seen to be believed, but timing is everything, and it’s best to visit after a small amount of rainfall, without washing it out too much. 

Less than one hour north you’ll find Mission Beach. With its iconic palm trees and spectacular stretch of sand, Mission Beach is often declared to be one of the top Cairns day trips .

Mission Beach is one of Queensland’s most famous beaches, so definitely stop here on your Brisbane to Cairns itinerary.

Popular things to do in Mission Beach include skydiving, swimming, and sunbathing.

Honestly though if you have more time, we highly, HIGHLY recommend booking a day trip out to the reef with Great Barrier Reef Safaris .

Owned and operated by Adele (a marine biologist) and Stuart (an experienced boat captain), this company takes very small groups out to snorkel and explore the gorgeous islands and reefs off of Mission Beach.

We spent a day out with them at the Brook Islands, and well, just check out our video to see how epic it was.

If you book a trip with them let them know NOMADasaurus sent you and say hi from us.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alesha & Jarryd – TRAVEL (@nomadasaurus)

This is our last stretch on the Brisbane to Cairns drive, but don’t rush – there are still a few sights along the way which could easily take you just over a week to see if you have the time.

From Mission Beach to Cairns you’ll pass sugar cane farms and find the Babinda Boulders, another fantastic swimming river where you can also go kayaking.

South of town there’s a 20-kilometre loop road called the Waterfall Circuit that cuts up through the Atherton Tablelands.

This contains several very different waterfalls for exploring, hiking, and swimming. One of them, Millaa Millaa Falls, just happens to be the most photographed waterfall in Australia.

If you love cascades, don’t miss all these other awesome waterfalls near Cairns .

Cairns itself has a population of 150,000 people, and is a tourism Mecca. In town the Esplanade is lined with bars, restaurants, tropical gardens and a lovely man-made swimming lagoon.

Get out of town though and check out the Kuranda Rail in the surrounding rainforest, or take a different view on the Skyrail Gondola.

Most people will come to Cairns for the water, and it is the best place in Queensland to go and scuba dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

Continuing into Far North Queensland you’ll come across the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest, a national park spanning mountainous rainforests, gorges, and secluded beaches, home to some of the most pristine natural environment regions in the southern hemisphere.

READ MORE: Check out on the Best Atherton Tableland Waterfalls you must see!

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This is fantastic, exactly what I’d been hoping to find, a real road trip itinerary from Brisbaine to Cairns with the highlights that match our to do wish list. Thank you so much. Now to do the bookings for car rental, accommodations, pre book the excursions and places to visit. Any suggestions? Do you think it’s worth doing this trip Brisbaine to Cairns and return the car rental in the North or go Brisbaine Cairns Brisbaine in 14 days?

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Brisbane to Cairns Adventure

• Fully Guided
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

• Explore Noosa Heads and its boutique shops
• Embark on a 4WD adventure on K'gari
• Spot humpback whales in Hervey Bay
• Snorkel around the Whitsunday Islands
• Learn from Nywaigi people at Mungalla
• Introduction
• Day 1 Brisbane / Noosa / Hervey Bay
• Day 2 K'gari (Fraser Island) / Hervey Bay
• Day 3 Hervey Bay / Overnight Train
• Day 4 Airlie Beach
• Day 5 Whitsunday Islands / Whitehaven Beach / Airlie Beach
• Day 6 Townsville / Paluma Range National Park / Lucinda
• Day 7 Mungalla Station / Mission Beach
• Day 8 Atherton Tablelands / Cairns

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Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and...

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• MB MaryAnn · 23rd April 2023 This was my 1st Intrepid trip and will not be my last. Eowin was an amazing "camp counselor". He was funny, knowledgeable, kept us safe and happy, and made sure we had sufficient potty breaks and snacks. Loved the Intrepid itinerary, and Eowin added... Show more Trip date: April 2023

• A Lisa E · 18th September 2019 Because of the tourguide and the group i went with. Trip date: May 2019
• A Maria M · 18th September 2019 Was one of my best trips ever. Especially travelling in a small group almost same age and the professional and flexible tour guide ! She was the key driver of this excellent experience with Intrepid. Trip date: April 2019
• A Patricia Y · 18th September 2019 Well organised, good itinerary, great locations. Tour leader Jason Wass was fantastic - fun, passionate, knowledgeable and organised. Trip date: April 2019
• A Jacqueline D · 18th September 2019 Loved the trip, Itinery, our guide Jason who was so kind and made sure we were happy, and made friends for life that I can travel with. I thot the iteinery was very thoughtfully curated and the Jason took extra effort to make it special he showed us the... Show more Trip date: April 2019

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Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip – Best 14 Day Itinerary

The road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is one of the most famous drives in Australia.

It takes you on a journey to explore the very best of Queensland’s highlights.

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We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

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From gorgeous white-sand beaches, stunning national parks, tropical rainforests, pristine islands and sleepy surfer towns – this road trip from Brisbane to Cairns ticks all the boxes.

To all the beachgoers, sun worshippers, adventure seekers and nature lovers, this is your playground. Get ready for an epic road trip across one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia.

The Best 14-day Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary

Table of Contents

Rent a vehicle

If you don’t yet have a vehicle, hire one in Brisbane. This seems to be a popular option for discovering the highlights of the coast.

You can pick up most rentals straight from the airport upon arrival. Book it in advance to select your ideal vehicle as rentals are gone quickly, particularly during the high season.

If you are renting a car for this Brisbane to Cairns road trip, we recommend using  Discover Cars . Choose a comfortable vehicle as the Brisbane to Cairns drive will have you driving quite a few kilometres.

Which vehicle to choose?

A road trip from Brisbane to Cairns (or vice versa) can be done with any vehicle. It’s up to you to decide what kind of vehicle suits your interests and style of travel:

• A  motorhome  with all the utilities (shower, toilet etc) for travellers looking for comfort and requiring extra space.
• A  van , smaller but well organised.
• A  campervan  for a little more space and equipment. There are different options to choose from here. Our Toyota Hiace Hi-top campervan drove our road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. We purchased our van (we named her Frida) and spent time re-fitting the inside. We LOVE the extra room with the high roof. It means we can both stand up inside and we can cook our meals indoors. This is especially good when the weather is terrible outside.
• A  4 × 4  with a roof tent for the adventure seekers! Those who wish to visit Fraser Island with their own wheels will need this vehicle. A 4WD vehicle is particularly good for people who love bush camping and exploring the off-the-beaten-tracks roads.

The vehicle you choose depends on the above factors combined with your budget, how many people are travelling and how comfortable you’d like to be. 

When is the best time for Brisbane to Cairns road trip?

The best time for a road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is during the dry season (May to Oct). However, southern parts of Queensland, such as the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, can be visited year-round.

Far North Queensland is tropical and receives massive rainfall and even dangerous cyclones during the wet season (Nov to April).

What to Pack?

You will spend a lot of time in the sun on this road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. No need to overpack, just take the essentials.

Our  Ultimate Packing List for Every Traveller  should give you a good idea of your needs. 

The Best Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary

Our 14-day itinerary will take you to the most popular places to visit, between Brisbane to Cairns. We’ve also included some local gems along the way. These places are worth stopping at on your Brisbane to Cairns drive; you’ll see why.

Visit the best surf towns and cities on the coast, gorgeous Fraser Island, the mesmerising Whitsunday Islands, and the world’s largest coral reef.

Day 1: Brisbane to Sunshine Coast

With warm temperatures all year round, take in the vibrant atmosphere along the South Bank. There are many cool cafes where you can find great coffee or brunch and world-class restaurants.

Stop by for a swim in the outdoor lagoon or catch the free ferry along the river for some great city views. In the afternoon, head towards Maroochydore for fish and chips on the beach.

Drive time:  1hr 30min (110km)

Overnight : Maroochydore 

Day 2: Maroochydore to Noosa

Head to the beach early and take a swim at one of the spectacular beaches along the Sunshine Coast. Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands or Mooloolaba beaches are close together and equally beautiful.

Next, put on your walking shoes and do the Sunshine Coast Scenic Walk.

This coastal pathway stretches 4.4km from Cotton Tree park in Maroochydore to the Esplanade in Mooloolaba, and the views are beautiful.

Afterwards, choose from one of the cute beachside cafes and treat yourself to breakfast with a coffee while taking in those warm sea breezes.

Make your way to Noosa after breakfast. Noosa is a very popular upmarket resort town with lots to do. There are many beaches to choose from, a river which is perfect for kayaking or SUP paddle-boarding, in addition to a National Park that has some amazing walks.

Don’t miss out on a stroll along iconic Hastings St before driving further on your epic Brisbane to Cairns road trip!

Drive time:  45 min (40km)

Overnight : Noosa

Day 3 & 4: Noosa to Fraser Island (via Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach)

Did you know that Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world? It’s the only place on earth where the rainforest grows right out of the sand dunes. This fascinating island is a must-see experience on your Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary.

Hervey Bay is the most popular departure point for trips to Fraser Island. However, you can leave your car (if it’s not 4WD) at Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach and take the ferry to Fraser Island early in the morning. 

Reserve your place on an organised  2-day all-inclusive tour of Fraser island  or explore the highlights with your own 4WD or rented 4WD for the trip.

We hear great reviews about rentals from  Rainbow Beach 4×4 Hire .

Noosa to Hervey Bay Drive Time:  2 hours (158 km) Noosa to Rainbow Beach Drive Time:  1 hour 20 mins (102 km) 

Overnight (2 nights):  Fraser Island

Day 5: Hervey Bay to Agnes Water & Seventeen Seventy

Two-and-a-half-hour drive along the coast on your road trip between Brisbane and Cairns, you will arrive at the small, coastal towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy.

These picturesque communities are built where Captain Cook, in his voyage along the east coast of Australia, moored the Endeavour in 1770 (hence the name of the town).

Drive time:   2 hours 30 min (227 km)

Overnight : Agnes Water or Seventeen Seventy

Day 6: Agnes Water to Yeppoon

This coastal town on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef is the ideal spot to discover the surrounding area. Many visitors wishing to explore the Capricorn Coast region of Queensland will base themselves here. Yeppoon may be relatively small, but it certainly has tonnes of character and charm.

Known for its tropical climate, beaches, and snorkelling, this is a town you shouldn’t miss between Brisbane to Cairns.

To ensure you have the best time possible, check out our post, the 15 best things to do in Yeppoon .

If you’re a food lover, read our  Food Guide for Yeppoon and Capricorn Coast  region.

Drive time:  3 hours 10 min (270 km)

Overnight : Yeppoon

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Day 7: Yeppoon to Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is the next town on your Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary. Start early, as you’ve got some ground to cover today. When you do roll into town, check out the views of turquoise blue waters everywhere.

Airlie Beach is the gateway to go and explore the stunning Whitsunday Islands and that’s exactly what we recommend you do here.

Airlie Beach is a busy tourist town in the high season, so we recommend booking accommodation  ahead of time.

There is a  range of day trips on Viator  and overnight stays to the many islands, however, the most famous location is Whitehaven Beach. This is the gorgeous beach that you’ve seen on postcards. You do not want to miss Whitehaven Beach.

Make a reservation for  the best day tour of Whitehaven Beach  for  Day 10  of your Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary.

Drive time:   5 hours 30 mins (500 km)

Overnight : Airlie Beach

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Day 8 & 9: Whitsundays Reeflsleep Experience

A chance to explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on a day trip is a dream, but being able to sleep out there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Trust me, Reeflsleep Whitsundays is a unique experience that you don’t want to miss when visiting the beautiful Whitsundays in Queensland.

This might be the highlight of your Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip.

Read our post on  why you need to Reefsleep on the Great Barrier Reef  and get in quick!

These spots don’t last long, especially during the summer season.

Day 10: Whitehaven Beach

Enjoy your day in paradise! Join this full-day  OceanRafting Tour of Whitehaven Beach.  Hands down, this is the best tour available.

No Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip is complete without visit to Whitehaven Beach.

Overnight:  Airlie Beach

Day 11: Airlie Beach to Mission Beach

Mission Beach has become a haven for adrenaline-seeking travellers; however, the beaches here are gorgeous.

Once again, prepare for a long drive day (there are a few big days on the Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip) today to reach this paradise.

It’s totally worth it, I promise.  

Drive time:   5 hours 45 mins (505 km)

Overnight : Mission Beach

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

Day 12: Mission Beach to Atherton Tablelands

Leave the chilled vibes and swaying palm trees of Mission Beach and head inland towards the Atherton Tablelands.

The high altitude and volcanic soil are ideal for growing some of Queensland’s best produce here.

It’s all about tea plantations, lush green pastures with dairy cows, sugarcane fields and stunning landscapes. 

Although the Tablelands are an ideal culinary destination, they’re also one for exploring. Follow the well-signposted waterfall circuit around the region’s most captivating falls.

This feels like a detour on your Brisbane to Cairns road trip – but it is so worth it.

Drive time:   1 hour 40 min (139 km)

Overnight : Yungaburra

Day 13 & 14: Yungaburra to Cairns

There is much to see and do in Cairns and the surrounding area and it’s a perfect way to finish your Brisbane to Cairns road trip. 

The stunning Mossman Gorge is 1.5 hours away, just past Port Douglas (a place you should try to visit). The gorge is excellent for swimming and bushwalking.

Check out fresh local fruit, vegetables and seafood at Rusty’s Markets from Friday to Sunday.

This is where to find fantastic coffee (Barista Sista is the best) and some delicious street food from one of the many International food vendors.

Cairns has so many amazing places to eat. We even posted about our  12 of the Best Cheap Eats in Cairns .

Don’t miss the Cairns lagoon. It’s located on the esplanade. You’ll be craving a few hours of rest and relaxation in the sun after all that fun from the past 14 days road trip from Brisbane to Cairns.

The World Heritage  Daintree Rainforest  is a two-hour drive north. It is highly recommended that you visit after you’ve completed your Brisbane to Cairns road trip.

Drive time:   1 hour 20 min (67 km)

Overnight : Cairns

CLICK HERE  for the best day trips and things to do in Cairns.

If you’ve got the flexibility to extend the duration of your road trip from Brisbane to Cairns, there are many more highlights along the way. Check below for inspiration.

Travel Tips for Australia

We have many travel guides and tips for Australia—what a diverse country!

Australia is ideal for exploring with two wheels! If you plan to explore Oz, check out our best tips for doing the Big Lap of Australia 

Our complete guide to Great Keppel Island is all you need for the perfect island stay.

If you head back to the coast, we recommend that you visit Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast. Check out the 15 Best Things To Do in Yeppoon, and don’t forget about the food. We’ve got you covered with the best places to eat in Yeppoon.

Our comprehensive itineraries for travelling in Australia include this  Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip – the Best 14-day itinerary, our detailed Guide to Camping in Karijini National Park and the Ultimate Guide to Carnarvon Gorge .

We’re all about the food, too! Don’t miss these 12 best cheap eats in Cairns.

We highly recommend you visit the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands in Queensland; this is a special place!

If you’re after a unique experience, these  five reasons why you need to Reefsleep on the Great Barrier Reef  will do it.

If you’re visiting Australia on vacation, try these 12 classic Australian foods while you’re here and see if you can visit these iconic  30 Best BIG Things in Australia.

Do you plan to visit the Pacific islands? You’ll need our ULTIMATE guide to visit every country in the Pacific.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel longer after visiting Australia, these 21 cheapest countries to visit will make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Australia. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View options for eSIM in Australia .

If your travels in Australia are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries , offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM . The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

Want to travel around Australia with like-minded travellers? View the best deals on group adventures in Australia .

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours : We now offer Group Trips; check them out here . Alternatively, we recommend G Adventures OR Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Australasia , Australia , Bucket list travel · August 14, 2022

The ultimate Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary

A Brisbane to Cairns road trip is hands down the ultimate way to experience Queensland, and this super detailed Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary tells you all you need to know in order to plan the perfect trip.

Is roadtripping the Queensland coast at the top of your Australia bucket list ? If it’s not already then it should be, and by the end of this blog post I can guarantee that it will be.

From an endless selection of beaches to visit, world-renowned diving opportunities, incredibly unique landscapes and some wildlife experiences you won’t find anywhere else on the planet, Queensland is something special.

And no matter whether you prefer poolside cocktails, active adventures or epic bucket list experiences (or a mix of all three), the Sunshine State is sure to blow the mind of any type of traveller.

I did the Brisbane to Cairns drive in June 2022 as part of my 2.5 month Australia solo road trip with Klook , my first (proper) international travel destination after being “stuck” in New Zealand for two years while our borders were closed, and I reckon this part of Australia is one of the most incredible road trips in the world.

Read more: The ultimate Australia travel guide

I spent almost four weeks travelling the 1700kms+ between Brisbane and Cairns, with overnight stops at 11 different places, and I’m going to give you all the details of what I got up to so you can easily replicate my trip without needing to scour the internet for hours.

I’ll tell you which overnight stops are worth it, where to stay, how long to stay for*, activities to do and other travel tips to ensure you have the best time possible. When I say this is the ‘ultimate road trip itinerary’, I mean ultimate.

* When I say how long to stay for, I mean the *minimum* amount of time you need to be there to enjoy your visit. If you have three months to complete this Brisbane to Cairns road trip then you can spend a week or more in different places!

If you think this itinerary won’t help you because you have less time than I did (or more, you lucky thing!) then don’t stress, at the bottom of the blog post you’ll find suggestions on what you could cut if you needed to shorten the trip, or where you could extend if you’ve got time to spare. You can navigate straight to those sections in the table of contents just below.

So here goes, this is my ultimate Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary, along with a bunch of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your money and time while travelling through Queensland.

If you’re planning a bigger Australia road trip than just driving from Brisbane to Cairns, check out my other road trip itineraries:

• Three day Great Ocean Road itinerary
• Sydney to Byron Bay road trip itinerary

Brisbane to Cairns road trip map

Brisbane to Cairns road trip summary

If you just want to know where to go between Brisbane and Cairns, here’s a quick bullet point summary of my recommended stops.

• Fraser Island

Lady Elliot Island

Agnes water & 1770.

• Yeppoon & the Capricorn Coast
• Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays
• Townsville & Magnetic Island

Mission Beach

Read more: 50+ things to add to your Australia bucket list

How long will it take to drive from Brisbane to Cairns?

The drive from Brisbane to Cairns is just under 1700kms if you drove straight there along the highway close to the coast, which would take 19h 30m of straight driving. Australia’s not small!

The trip I did included lots of coastal stops slightly off the motorway so in total it was about 1870kms, and just over 22 hours of driving.

In terms of how long you should set aside from your Brisbane to Cairns road trip, you’d need at least a week to be able to actually enjoy your trip. A week-long trip would probably include a few long drive days and just the classic stops at Noosa, Hervey Bay/Fraser Island and Airlie Beach before having a day or two to explore Cairns.

If you can set aside two weeks you’ll be able to take it easy and won’t need to spend any longer than 3-4 hours in the car each day. Three or more weeks and you’ll have much more freedom to explore smaller beach towns and tick off loads of the must-do activities on offer in Queensland.

Travel tip: I used Klook for all my rental car needs in Australia, you can search your travel dates and they pull up all the options from rental companies like Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Budget and more so you know you’re getting the best deal. They also offer free cancellation so you can lock in a good price early on and then cancel or amend it if your plans change.

When is the best time for a Brisbane to Cairns road trip?

The best time to drive from Brisbane to Cairns is between May and October, for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it’s the dry season, so humidity is significantly lower and there’s less likelihood of tropical weather systems bringing torrential rain and accompanying flooding. Secondly, it’s outside of the marine stinger season, which is when jellyfish are most prevalent in tropical Queensland.

If you visit between November and May you need to be prepared for very hot, humid, wet weather, but if this doesn’t phase you then you can take advantage of lower prices and less tourists. If you do choose to go during wet season then I’d recommend setting aside more time, as bad weather can cause road closures and sometimes totally cut off some coastal towns.

In dry season, I personally prefer travelling at the start or the end, as it’s a bit cheaper and less busy. Places like Cairns and Airlie Beach in particular will be super busy with Australian tourists during their school holidays (usually two weeks around Easter, start to mid-July and end of Sept to early Oct) so travelling in May/June and October provide the best chance of good weather, mild temperatures, stinger-free swimming and cheaper hotels.

Things to know before your Brisbane to Cairns road trip

Before planning your Queensland road trip though, there are a few things you need to know in order to stay safe and have an incredible trip.

Stinger season

As I just mentioned, stinger season is when dangerous jellyfish like the box jellyfish and the Irukandji inhabit the coastal waters of Queensland and pose a serious risk to surfers, snorkellers and divers. Which sounds super scary, but that’s where stinger suits come in!

If you choose to do any water activities in Queensland, every single company will have full-length stinger suits to wear, these will probably be compulsory during stinger season and outside of stinger season you can choose to wear one if you wish. I always wore one just to be extra safe, plus they give the added bonus of sun protection while snorkelling.

Stingers can actually be found in tropical Queensland year-round but they are much less likely in the cooler months of May to November.

The cost of activities (in terms of both money and time)

This part of Australia has a lot of tourist activities to choose from, so you’ll want to set aside some additional budget for things like day trips, boat tours and other experiences.

Your average Queensland road trip will likely include at least one island visit (so you need ferry tickets), a snorkel or dive day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and a scenic flight, which could come to upwards of $500-600 total just for those three. You could definitely cut these out if you wanted to stick to a budget, but just be aware that the water-based or air-based experiences can get pretty pricey.

In terms of timing, you usually need to book these day trips and experiences in advance and they can take up a decent chunk of your itinerary, so the more time you have to spend in Queensland the better.

Travel tip: You can book all your East Coast Aussie tours via RTW Backpackers , they’re experts in Australia travel and can help you find the perfect tours to suit your travel style and budget.

Speed limits & driving safety

Unlike my experiences on the Great Ocean Road and my Sydney to Byron Bay road trip , Queenslanders seem to treat the speed limit as a guideline rather than a rule.

I’d never condone speeding, especially when you don’t know the roads, but I will say that people drive so fast that they made me worry that my speedometer was incorrect when I had cruise control set to the limit, every single person was passing me!

In saying that though, many of the roads in Queensland are in pretty horrendous condition due to extreme weather and so many trucks, pot holes galore. If you travel after 9pm be prepared for long waits for road works and/or detours that add 30-60 minutes onto each trip.

Another thing to be aware of while driving, like the rest of Australia, is animals jumping out in front of your car. Dusk and dawn are the worst times for this as it’s when kangaroos and other animals roam around for food before and after the daytime heat, and you don’t want to know what happens to a car when it meets a kangaroo at full speed. Avoid driving at these times if at all possible, or make sure you are super alert and have your peripheral vision switched onto full.

Long drives

There are some long drives up the Queensland coast, particularly if you’re having to do the trip quickly and don’t have time to make all the suggested stops, so always make sure you’ve got food, water and an energy drink in the car in case you start getting tired in the middle of nowhere.

There are a few parts of the highway where there’s no gas for maybe 60-80 kms so always keep an eye on your fuel level to avoid getting stuck and needing to call for assistance. If your rental car has an option to add this on when you book it, I’d definitely recommend it for peace of mind.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any international travel, especially to Australia where there can be pretty extreme weather that can cause travel delays, as well as lots of active adventures that may cause injury.

I travel with an annual policy from Covermore NZ (who have been brilliant in terms of customer service so far) but if you’re not from NZ then I’ve heard great things about SafetyWing and World Nomads .

How to use this Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary

This itinerary is biiiiig, in fact it’s 9000+ words big! Which can be pretty overwhelming if you’re just in the early stages of planning your Brisbane to Cairns road trip.

I’ve tried to answer all the classic questions I get asked about each destination (“how long should I go for?”, “where should I stay?”, “what are the must-dos?”) so there’s a lot of info in here, but if you’re in the early planning stages you might just want to skim read the summary of each destination and take note of the destinations that sound like places you want to go to.

Once you’ve got a shortlist of destinations you can map them out to see how many days you might need (or how to fit them into the timeframe you already have), then come back and check out my suggestions for activities and accommodation to see what you might want to book.

I’d recommend setting up a bookmark tab on your browser where you can bookmark this blog post and also bookmark any hotels, tours or experiences you like. There’s nothing worse than hearing about something epic for an upcoming trip but then losing the link and never being able to find it again!

Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary

How long to stay in Brisbane: 1-2 days

Queensland’s capital city is a hub of culture and culinary delights, with plenty to see and do to kick off your Brisbane to Cairns itinerary. You could easily spend a week or more here but in the interest of seeing more of Queensland, I’d recommend staying a day or two.

Things to do in Brisbane

• Get amongst the food scene, in my opinion Brisbane is the best foodie city in Queensland! Some of my personal faves are Libertine for French-Vietnamese fusion (and cocktails), Olive & Angelo for hearty Italian, and Newstead Social for an epic bottomless brunch.
• Visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha, then head up to the summit for panoramic views
• Meet the locals (koalas, that is!) at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary , the biggest koala sanctuary in the world
• Get active by climbing the Story Bridge , abseiling at Kangaroo Point Cliffs or kayaking along the river . You can even do an evening kayak tour for incredible nightscape views.
• Explore beyond the city with day trips to Moreton Island , Stradbroke Island or Mount Tamborine

Where to stay in Brisbane

Budget | Selina Brisbane and Brisbane Quarters are two highly-rated hostels, and Amelia Boutique Hotel is a top-rated budget hotel in a great location

Best value | My go-to for Brisbane is Il Mondo Boutique Hotel , it’s in Kangaroo Point and has super comfortable, spacious rooms and apartments, as well as brilliant service and a swimming pool.

Luxury | Check out Ovolo the Valley , the Calile and W Brisbane for a luxurious stay in Brisbane.

Noosa & the Sunshine Coast

Drive time: Just under two hours, 148km

Where to stop on the way:

• Bribie Island to see turtles, dugongs and dolphins (it’s connected to the mainland by bridge so an easy add on to your road trip)
• The Glass House Mountains, a collection of 11 peaks in the Queensland hinterland with waterfalls and walks to explore. Head up Mt Ngungun for the most famous view, it’s only 20-40 minutes to the top.
• Australia Zoo , made famous by Steve Irwin and still owned and run by his family
• Point Cartwright Lighthouse on the other side of the Mooloolaba River from Mooloolaba, it has spectacular views and some beautiful memorial plaques to read as you wander around the reserve
• First Bay Coolum, a quintessential Queensland bay that looks like it’s straight off a postcard

How long to stay in Noosa: 2-3 days

The term ‘Sunshine Coast’ refers to the area of Queensland from Caloundra (just past the Glass House Mountains) up to Great Sandy National Park, and Noosa is the most popular resort town in the region.

If you enjoy getting out and about you’ll love Noosa, with loads of activities both on water and on land, or if you prefer lazy days on the beach or by the pool it ticks those boxes too.

Things to do in Noosa

• Noosa National Park has a bunch of walks to choose from depending on how long you want to explore for. The 10.8km return coastal walk is a classic, and if you’re short on time you can turn around whenever you feel like it to make your way back to the carpark. Important: The famous Fairy Pools are probably the most Insta-famous part of the coastal walk and as of 11 August 2022, this part of the track is closed for construction and you won’t be able to access them. I wish someone told me this before I walked there on a 32° day!
• Learn to surf at Noosa Heads Main Beach or go on a paddleboard tour
• If you’re in Noosa on a Sunday morning then don’t miss the Noosa Farmers Market, or on Wednesdays or Saturdays you can head a bit out of town to the Eumundi Market, Australia’s best artisan market
• Skydive from 15,000 feet, getting the best view of the whole Sunshine Coast
• Spot dolphins on an Ocean Rider safari boat tour or go whale watching during whale season
• See a different side of Noosa with a boat tour through the Noosa Everglades

Where to stay in Noosa

Budget | I am OBSESSED with Bounce Noosa , it’s the coolest hostel I’ve ever stayed in in Australia and one of the best in the world for sure. The hostel has budget-friendly dorm rooms plus ultra-stylish private rooms, but the real selling point is the stunning glass-sided pool with deck chairs and a bar serving up fancy cocktails. Take me back!

Mid-range | Noosa Valley Manor B&B , Noosa Hinterland B&B , Anchor Motel Noosa and Drifters Apartment are great options for a mid-range travel budget.

Luxury | L’Auberge Noosa , RACV Noosa , the Sofitel and Hotel Laguna are all fantastic luxury hotels, or else there’s a bunch of fancy apartments to choose from if you want somewhere self-contained.

Unique | Habitat Noosa is about half an hour’s drive from Noosa Heads, and it’s an eco-friendly campground that also offers luxury safari tents for travellers who love glamping, like me! The tents are really well-equipped with hot showers, flushing toilets and a mini fridge, and you can watch wild kangaroos hop right past you as you sit on your deck with a glass of wine or huddle around the fire on those chillier winter nights. So dreamy.

Drive time: Two hours, 159km

• On your way out of Noosa make sure you stop at Mount Tinbeerwah for 360° views across the Noosa hinterland
• Rainbow Beach is on the coast so a bit out of the way from the main highway, but the rugged cliffs and gigantic sand dunes make it worth it. It’s best explored by 4WD so if you don’t have your own, I’d recommend booking onto a 4WD tour.

How long to stay in Hervey Bay: 2-3 days including K’gari (Fraser Island)

Hervey Bay is best-known for two things: being the gateway to K’gari, and being the whale watching capital of Australia.

Set aside a day or two to enjoy Hervey Bay itself before heading over to the island. A day trip will suffice but to experience the best of Fraser you’ll want to spend at least one night there.

Things to do in Hervey Bay

• Spot whales, dolphins and other marine life on an eco-friendly catamaran with Blue Dolphin Tours . These guys are local legends with more than 35 years’ experience with marine mammals, and you’ll not only be able to spot wildlife but you’ll also learn loads from Skipper Peter. From July to October to October they run whale watching encounters that offer an immersive experience by getting you up close and personal on the in-water platform, or in the other months you can book a dolphin watching cruise around K’gari Fraser Island, with the opportunity to swim off the shores of Fraser Island and even be dragged behind the boat in the boom net.
• For a bit of ocean luxury, book a spot on Blue Dolphin’s Champagne Sunset Sail and watch the sky turn to fire as you’re sipping a bubbles and snacking on cheese and crackers. Life doesn’t get any better than this!
• Learn about the local Butchulla tribe and their way of life, their food and their traditions with a Djinang Cultural Walking Tour
• Hire a bike an ride along the Esplanade, a 17km beachside footpath and cycle path from Urangan to Point Vernon. Stop at Enzo’s for brunch with a view, or if you need some refreshment then Planet 72 Icecreamery which is home to flavours like Coconut Raspberry Swirl, Orange Crème Brûlée, Cake Batter, Jaffa and Burn Fig & Marscapone. Yummmm.

Where to stay in Hervey Bay

Budget | Hervey Bay Flashpackers has okay ratings if you’re on a really tight budget (7.8/10 on booking.com) or the Beach Motel and Hervey Bay Motel are slightly more expensive but with much better reviews.

I don’t normally suggest where *not* to stay but I wouldn’t want anyone to make the same mistake as me. I booked a cheap room at Colonial Village Resort YHA and it was horrendous, I would’ve preferred to sleep in my car at a campground. The budget double room smelt like dog and cigarette smoke, there were dead bugs in every corner and the bed was the least comfortable bed I’ve probably ever slept in. Avoid at all costs.

Mid-range | Sunseeker Motel , Shelly Bay Resort and Torquay Terrace B&B are all great value options.

Luxury | Akama Resort , Oaks Hervey Bay and the Ramada are all classic beachfront luxury resorts.

A must-do add-on: K’gari (Fraser Island)

World Heritage-listed K’gari (which means ‘paradise’ in the Butchulla language) is the world’s largest sand island, coming in at a whopping 120km by 15km. The island is unlike anywhere else in the world; it has rainforest growing through sand, crystal clear freshwater dune lakes that make perfect swimming spots, and ever-moving sand dunes.

There are four main ways to explore K’gari:

• If you have your own 4WD (and you’re comfortable driving it on sand), you can take it over on a ferry and make your own way around the island for a couple of days. If you’re going to do this make sure you understand the tides, watch for signs that warn you of things like dangerous creek crossings, and of course always watch for people on the beach.
• You can also join a multi-day 4WD tag-along tour with your own car, this way you can have the comfort of your own vehicle while making the most of expert guides who know what they’re doing.
• If you don’t have your own 4WD of if you’d prefer not to drive on the island, there are some brilliant 4WD coach day tours or overnight tours that go over to K’gari
• And for a more unique way to see Fraser Island away from other tourists, check out this epic Remote K’gari day trip that includes a scenic cruise to and around the island, wildlife spotting opportunities, kayaking, beach fun and a bushwalk.

Unfortunately my K’gari plans were hampered by bad weather, and I had my Fraser Island trip cancelled altogether! I had booked the Remote K’gari day trip as well as an overnight tour but both were called off.

Luckily I was able to step foot on the island while on the dolphin watching cruise with Blue Dolphin, we pulled up close to the shore and jumped into the water for a short swim/wade onto the beach, but I know a ten minute beach stop doesn’t really count 😉 it just gives me another reason to go back!

How to get there: Lady Elliot Island is only accessible by flight, and flights leave from Hervey Bay (40 mins), Bundaberg (30 mins), Brisbane (just under 1.5 hours) and the Gold Coast (just under 2 hours).

How long to stay: 1-2 days, longer if you want to dive

Lady Elliot Island is somewhere that you probably won’t see on your average Brisbane to Cairns itinerary blog post, but in my experience it’s one of the most unique and epic things to do in Queensland. If you love marine life and are keen to learn more about sustainable tourism then this is something you just can’t miss!

This tiny coral cay is located right at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, and it’s only 42 hectares in size which means you can walk around the entire coastline in about 45 minutes. You can either visit Lady Elliot Island on a day tour from the mainland or you can stay overnight (or longer). It’s famous for being the home of the manta ray, but you also might spot turtles, octopus and beautifully vibrant coral reefs.

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort runs all the island’s accommodation, the restaurant and the land and water activities. There are units, cabins and glamping tents to choose from, and your overnight stays also include breakfast, dinner and some water activities (lunch at your own cost, choose from a la carte of buffet).

The island is almost totally off the grid, with no phones, TVs and very limited WiFi, and the resort is focused on minimising its impact on the Great Barrier Reef and preserving it for future generations.

I did the day trip from Hervey Bay which was absolutely incredible, although next time I will absolutely go for an overnight trip! The day trip gives you about six hours on the island and includes a welcome drink, island orientation, glass bottom boat tour, a guided snorkel safari, snorkelling gear for your own snorkelling adventures, a buffet lunch, a towel and reef shoes, and an afternoon activity of your choice like reef walking or kayaking.

Things to do on Lady Elliot Island

• Enjoy being off the grid! Switch on that out-of-office and tell your friends you’ll be out of civilisation for a while.
• Spot manta rays on a snorkel safari, the chances of seeing them here are probably the highest of anywhere in Australia. Unfortunately due very rare weather when I was there we couldn’t snorkel in the usual spot which meant no mantas for us! We did see a few turtles and lots of other cool stuff though.
• Learn about the reef from a marine biologist with a reef walk at low tide, where you can walk on the sand between the coral (very carefully!) and spot things like anemonefish, sea cucumbers and starfish
• Go on a walking tour around the island and learn about the sustainable practices that run the resort behind the scenes
• If you’re staying for a night or more then you can also partake in a sunset cruise, stargazing, turtle treks between November and April, and an evening tour to see nocturnal creatures
• You can also dive here if you’re staying long enough to have a long enough surface interval (18 hours after multiple dives)

Where to stay in Lady Elliot Island

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is the only accommodation on the island.

Drive time from Hervey Bay: 2h 45m, 227km

Where to stop along the way:

• Bundaberg for turtle-spotting (November to March), plus a visit to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and the Bundaberg Barrel (the ginger beer company)
• Lady Musgrave Experience , you can do a day trip to a Great Barrier Reef pontoon from Bundaberg for incredible snorkelling and diving. If you’re keen for this it might be worth spending a night or two in Bundaberg itself.

How long to stay in Agnes Water: 1-2 days

Awarded the title of Queensland’s top small tourism town in 2021, Agnes Water and its neighbour 1770 are the perfect place for a chilled out beach holiday on your way up the coast.

They’re less touristed than other hot spots on this Brisbane to Cairns road trip (although they have definitely grown in popularity in recent years), which means fewer organised (and expensive) activities and more freedom to explore the beaches and tracks at your own pace.

Things to do in Agnes Water & 1770

• Go swimming! Main Beach is just that, the main beach, patrolled by lifeguards on summer weekends and public holidays. Chinaman’s Bay and Workman’s Bay are less exposed so safer to swim at, and more beautiful too.
• Take a kayak tour with 1770 Liquid Adventures and watch sunset from the water
• Walk along the coast and then swim in rock pools on the 2hr Red Rock Trail
• If you’re driving a 4WD you could head to Eurimbula National Park or Deepwater National Park for some epic off-roading and camping opportunities
• For the quintessential 1770 experience you have to jump on a LARC tour , a bright pink amphibious vehicle that takes you over sandy beaches, through crystal clear creeks and up to the headland for next level views

Where to stay in Agnes Water & 1770

Budget | Backpackers at 1770 and Cool Bananas Backpackers both have fantastic reviews for cheap and cheerful accommodation

Mid-range | Mango Tree Motel , Agnes Water Beach Club and Loka Santi are good options for decent value places to stay

Luxury | 1770 Getaway and Sunrise at 1770 Holidays are the best luxury accommodation on offer

The Capricorn Coast

Drive time from Agnes Water to Yeppoon: 3 hours, 265km

How long to stay: 2-4 days

Another Queensland region that is overlooked far too often, the Capricorn Coast is a super diverse area serving up adventures in all forms, from 4WD beach drives to island visits to arty beach towns, all within 30 minutes of each other.

The main tourist centre of the Capricorn Coast is Yeppoon, so you could choose to use it as a base while you day trip to nearby spots like Byfield or Great Keppel Island, or opt to stay overnight in those destinations instead.

Yeppoon itself has loads going on, and it punches well above its weight in terms of both culture and cuisine. Great Keppel Island offers one of the most affordable ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef, with white sand beaches, thick rainforest ready to be explored and world-class snorkelling just off the shore. And beautiful Byfield, one of my all-time favourite places in Australia, boasts some of Queensland’s best swimming spots and off-roading opportunities.

Things to do on the Capricorn Coast

• Meet the koalas, kangaroos, wombats, cassowaries and more at Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary , an incredible place that homes injured, orphaned and confiscated animals. They aim to rehabilitate those that have a chance of going back into the wild, and those that don’t get to live out the rest of their days at Cooberrie with fellow animal friends and the fantastic sanctuary staff. Like a beautiful little animal retirement village!
• Swim in a massive beachfront infinity pool, for free. Yeppoon Lagoon is a 2500sqm pool in the heart of town with a kids’ play area, lap swimming section and picnic areas with BBQs so you can make a day of it.
• Choose from a seemingly endless selection of beaches to relax and rejuvenate at
• Do a DIY art walk around Yeppoon and see how many murals and sculptures you can spot
• Head out to Great Keppel Island, you could do a sailing day trip from Yeppoon or spend a night or two (or more if you had time) at Great Keppel Island Hideaway , an affordable tropical paradise perfect for those on a tight budget
• Explore the 390 million year old Capricorn Caves, which offer a few different tours depending on your travel style, from family-friendly and wheelchair accessible educational tours through to intense caving adventures relying on your head torch to show you the way
• Get amongst the local food and drink scene. Yeppoon Community Market sells the best seasonal produce every Saturday (6am-10am), Baked on 44 is a brilliant French bakery + delicatessen with lots of European cheese, meats and other treats, and Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant serves up colourful cocktails and fine dining cuisine with an epic mural and an impressive view of Yeppoon’s Main Beach.

Where to stay on the Capricorn Coast

Budget | Budget travellers can’t go past Yeppoon Beachouse , a back-to-basics but very affordable backpacker hostel rated 9.2/10 on booking.com

Mid-range | Yeppoon Surfside Motel looks like it’s come straight off a Pinterest board, with boho décor, light and bright bedrooms and a lush pool area. Other mid-range options are Beaches on Lammermoor if you want something self-contained and Sail Inn Motel if you’re looking for something a little cheaper.

Luxury | There’s no five star hotels along the Capricorn Coast but there are some fancy apartment buildings, Oshen Yeppoon is at the top of my wishlist for my next visit and there’s also Salt Yeppoon , Echelon Apartments and Villa Mar Colina .

Unique | I stayed at the gorgeous Getaways at Byfield , they have a few cottages overlooking a lagoon with minimal light pollution or any sounds other than birdsong. My cottage had a super comfortable bed, TV, full kitchen, spa bath, indoor fireplace, heat pump/air con, and an outdoor BBQ for cooking up a storm.

More about Byfield, my favourite part of the Capricorn Coast

I’m giving Byfield its own little section because, and I can’t emphasise this enough, it’s one of the most underrated destinations I’ve ever been to.

30 minutes’ drive will get you to Byfield village which consists of a school, a general store and a cafe, but the main drawcards are the natural swimming holes, untouched eco-systems, epic 4WD tracks and off-grid camping spots in Byfield State Forest and Byfield National Park.

The absolute must-do of Byfield is swimming at Upper Stony Creek, a beyond stunning croc-free freshwater creek and swim spot with picnic tables and BBQ for a cooked lunch. You could just stop in at Upper Stony Creek for a refreshing dip on your way up the coast, or stick around for a night or a few if you’d like to take advantage of some of Queensland’s more remote 4WD trails.

Airlie Beach

Drive time from Yeppoon: 5h 30m, 506km

• Stop off at Mount Archer National Park on your way out of Yeppoon, head up to the Nurim circuit elevated boardwalk for panoramic views over Rockhampton and beyond
• The Capricorn Caves are also on the way out of Yeppoon if you want to tick that off while heading north
• You could stop at Clairview, Carmila or Mackay for a bite to eat if you need a break during the long drive
• Finch Hatton Gorge is a slight detour (4.5 hours from Yeppoon, then 2 hours to Airlie Beach) but is one of the best rainforest areas to explore in the Queensland hinterlands, with waterfalls, swimming holes, rainforest walks and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities

How long to stay in Airlie Beach: 3-5 days

With easy access to some of the best beaches in the entire world, the iconic Heart Reef and so many water activities that could fill even a month-long itinerary, it’s no surprise that Airlie Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations along the Brisbane to Cairns road trip route.

You’ll want to spend at least three days here, ideally more, but not because Airlie Beach itself is a nice place to be (more on that in a moment…). There’s just too many things to tick off in this part of the coast to try and squeeze it into a day or two, and you’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment if you plan on making a whirlwind visit.

You need at least a full day to visit Whitehaven Beach and experience the Whitsundays, and at least another full day if you’d like to head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or diving, so that’s two full days taken up already. If you’re keen for any other activities, like jet skiing, a scenic flight, rainforest walks, skydiving etc. then you can see how three days in Airlie Beach gets packed pretty quickly!

But now for the real talk: Airlie Beach itself is a tacky hellhole. Yup, I said it. The main drag is packed with overpriced cafes and gross backpacker bars, you’ll pay a 25% premium on anything you buy just because it’s a tourist town, and you can’t walk down the street as a solo female after 8pm without getting harassed by drunk losers on lads’ weekends or stag dos (bachelor parties). If this isn’t your scene then I’d recommend booking accommodation up on the hill or around by the marina to avoid spending too much time in the not-so-nice parts of town.

Unfortunately for budget travellers, Airlie Beach is one of the most expensive destinations in Queensland.

All the good beaches are on the Whitsundays, at Airlie itself the best place to swim is in the lagoon which is often paaaacked with kids. Things like boat trips and scenic flights don’t come cheap so expect to spend up large if you want to tick these off, and if you need to save on money then book somewhere where you can cook your own food, because the restaurants in town are pricey and not great.

Things to do in Airlie Beach

• My absolute top recommendation for things to do in Airlie Beach is a day out with the legends at Ocean Rafting , it’s hands down the most epic way to see the Whitsundays! They have full day boat tours that take you to Hill Inlet for the best Whitehaven Beach views, give you a packed lunch to eat on the boat or on the world-famous beach, and tick off some incredible snorkelling spots. You can save 10% on any of their tours with the promocode FINDINGALEXX if you book direct on their website.
• They also have a Fly & Raft tour which includes a scenic flight over Heart Reef before the day on the boat, which is basically the dream Airlie Beach package. You can save 10% on this one too!
• If you’d prefer to just do a scenic flight, there are loads to choose from. This one hour scenic flight is the best value at $259 per person, or there’s this cruise package which includes a short Hill Inlet heli flight for $249 (this doesn’t go over the reef through), or this epic seaplane tour that includes a lunch and snorkel stop at a private bay. What a dream!
• For the ultimate view while getting a bit of an adrenaline rush, get out of your comfort zone and book a skydive over the Whitsundays
• Spend a night in the Whitsundays with an overnight sailing trip
• Explore hidden bays and private islands on a jet ski tour
• Do a full day trip out to the Outer Great Barrier Reef where you can dive and snorkel to your heart’s content
• Experience the other side of Airlie Beach with a segway tour through the rainforest
• If you want to see the underwater life without getting wet then try a glass-bottom boat tour
• Enjoy sunset from a catamaran with a bubbles in hand with this sunset cruise
• There are two swimmable beaches in Airlie Beach, one actually called Airlie Beach and one called Boathaven Beach, but I wasn’t a huge fan. There are much nicer beaches on other parts of the coast, I’d recommend just swimming in the Airlie Beach lagoon if you need to cool down. Or better yet, book accommodation with a pool!

Where to stay in Airlie Beach

Budget | I stayed in two hostels in Airlie Beach that I can provide personal reviews for. Backpackers by the Bay was a classic back-to-basics backpacker hostel for those on a shoestring budget. No air con in winter (despite 30° heat!), messy living areas and pretty run-down in general, but for a super cheap night near the Port of Airlie before an early morning boat trip it’s not the worst option. I had a basic private room (literally just a bed) but there are dorms too.

I also spent a night in a private room at Magnums , the room was probably the biggest hostel room I’ve ever stayed in with a comfy bed and a desk which was great for work, but it was pretty expensive ($180 for one night!) and had no sound proofing so I could hear drunk people chatting while smoking outside my room until 3am. Magnums is one of the famous party hostels, keep that in mind before booking.

Best value | There is no doubt that Sea Star Apartments offers the best value accommodation in all of Airlie Beach. They’ve got 1, 2 and 3 bedroom fully self-contained apartments (I had a one beddie and it was super spacious) with the most amazing views right over the town and out to the islands, but best of all they have an infinity pool (!!!) and rooms start from only $174-$320 per night depending on the time of year, which is definitely at the lower end for Airlie Beach accommodation. I spent three nights here and honestly didn’t want to leave!

Luxury | Coral Sea Marina Resort is the most iconic Airlie Beach luxury hotel, then there’s Mirage Whitsundays , Harbour Cove and ultra-fancy holiday homes like Mandalay Luxury Retreat

Unique | If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience then I highly, highly recommend booking a Reefsleep or Reefsuites night with Cruise Whitsundays. This is an overnight Great Barrier Reef experience allowing you to either sleep in a luxury swag tent on the top deck of the Reefworld pontoon or an underwater hotel room where you can see fish from the comfort of your own bed. You can read my full Reefsleep review or if you’re already convinced you can book your stay here .

Potential add-ons: Daydream Island, Hamilton Island and Hayman Island

On top of your Airlie Beach stay, or even instead of, you could opt to spend a night or two out on one of the Whitsunday Islands.

Hamilton Island is the busiest resort island, with a range of accommodation, lots of shops and some great restaurants. Long Island has an affordable self-catering resort ( Palm Bay Resort ) as well as a higher-end boutique retreat ( Elysian Retreat ). Daydream Island is great for families, and then there’s Hayman Island which is an ultra-luxurious private island and resort.

Drive time from Airlie Beach: 3h 30m, 272km

• Bowen is a relaxed seaside town about an hour north of Airlie Beach, worth a visit to do the quick walk up to the Rotary Lookout for magical views over Horseshoe Bay, or to swim at beaches that are far nicer than the ones in Airlie

How long to stay: 1-2 days

Townsville was a really interesting destination for me. I hadn’t heard great things before I went (I was told there’s nothing to do and that crime rates are high), however I was actually pleasantly surprised at the vibe and I really enjoyed my two days there.

I used it as a bit of a recovery period from the previous hectic two weeks of road tripping, and prices for both accommodation and food are cheaper than other parts of Queensland so I didn’t feel the same pressure to make the most of every second.

Stay for at least a night on your way to Magnetic Island, or if you need a few slow travel days to recuperate then consider making Townsville the spot for it.

Things to do in Townsville

• Walk through the botanic gardens, there are three to choose from! I personally loved the Queens Gardens, they have a perfectly-located tree-lined walkway that looks like it leads right up to Castle Hill. The others are Anderson Gardens and the Palmetum.
• See the city from the top of Castle Hill, a 286m-high pink granite monolith which stands alone in the middle of Townsville. You can walk up, bike up or drive up to the top.
• Go diving! Townsville offers easy access to some of the best diving spots along the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland coast like the Yongala Wreck , and there’s plenty of day trips to choose from whether you’re a brand new beginner or an experienced scuba diver.
• For a unique underwater experience, go snorkelling or diving at the Museum of Underwater Art , where you’ll see underwater sculptures that have been built to allow coral planting to support regeneration of the reef
• Townsville has a fantastic café scene which I wasn’t really expecting, I loved Hoi Polloi and Betty Blue & the Lemon Tart
• Sip some creative cocktails at Hooch & Fellow , or grab a refreshing beer while overlooking the pool at Quarterdeck in the Ville Resort-Casino
• If your trip coincides with the first Friday of the month, spend your evening at the Strand Night Markets checking out local arts and crafts and deciding what to eat from the food trucks and street food stalls
• Wander around the city and enjoy the 19th-century architecture coupled with vibrant street art murals
• You can’t miss Magnetic Island, one of Queensland’s most incredible island experiences. You could head over for a day trip from Townsville but I really recommend at least 2-3 nights on the island if you can, I’ll explain why in the next section of this blog post.

Where to stay in Townsville

Budget | Civic Guesthouse is a well-rated hostel with dorms from $22, or Coral Lodge B&B has super cheap private rooms from $85.

Best value | I spent a couple of nights at Island View Motel in Townsville and it was exactly what I needed, and so cheap compared to the rest of the Queensland coast starting from only $141 per night. The rooms are basic but really spacious and comfortable, some rooms have full kitchens but the motel also serves breakfast each morning and there’s a BBQ outside for guests to use. I particularly loved the incredible view over the city and out to Magnetic Island, the pool (Townsville gets HOT!) and the two motel doggos who would come to say hello as I was wandering around the property.

Luxury | For something a bit fancy check out The Ville Resort-Casino , Allure Apartments or Mariners North

• Magnetic Island

How to get there: 20-40 minute ferry from Townsville

There are two ferry companies servicing Magnetic Island. Magnetic Island Ferries are the ones I went with, they’re the only option for taking your own vehicle over (which I highly recommend as there’s minimal public transport). Their walk-on passenger tickets are $32 return when booked online, and it costs $222 to take your car over most of the time (or $246 over Christmas holidays and Easter weekend).

SeaLink runs a passenger-only ferry which is 20 minutes (compared to the Magnetic Island Ferries barge which is 40 minutes) and their tickets are slightly more expensive at $34 when booked online.

How long to stay: At least two days

Lovingly known as ‘Maggie’, this charming little island made such an impact on me! I only had two days here but I would love to go back for much longer next time, so much to see and do.

Maggie’s landscapes are just mind-blowing, there are gum-tree lined historic walks with koalas sitting in trees watching tourists go by, magnificent sunrise and sunset spots with rock wallabies watching along with you, and unspoiled hidden beaches only accessible from the water that look like they’re straight out of a movie.

Honestly pure magic, this is one of my absolute must-dos in Queensland.

Things to do on Magnetic Island

• The Forts Walk on Magnetic Island is one of the rare opportunities to get up close and personal with wild koalas only a few metres from where you’re standing. I spotted three koalas, one was super easy literally about a metre above me and right next to the path, and the other two were a bit further into the bush and only given away by other tourists taking photos. It should go without saying but always respect wild animals, don’t disturb them or get too close.
• The view from the end bunkers of the Forts Walk is spectacular too, so be sure to keep going even after spotting the koalas
• Explore Maggie from the water with a boat tour, this is the only way to reach many of the untouched beaches around the island. I went on this tour with Aquascene Charters and it was fantastic, so many unreal views and some world-class snorkelling too, but there’s also some amazing sailing tours or kayak tours if that’s more your thing.
• Rent a classic Maggie beach buggy, a ‘topless’ car! These cute little convertibles can be spotted all over the island but they do book out in advance, so book early once you know when you’re going.
• Beach hop, there are plenty to choose from. Alma Bay, Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay and Geoffrey Bay are all accessible by normal car.
• If you’ve got a 4WD then you can explore a few more hard-to-reach spots, like West Point Beach for sunset (don’t swim though, there can be crocs here) or Arthur Bay, Florence Bay or Radical Bay along Radical Bay Road. Note: Radical Bay Road is a very rough 4WD track and some online reviews say that it’s currently closed and some say it’s open, so I’m not sure what the deal is here! I didn’t have a 4WD on the island so couldn’t go anyway. If you know for sure whether it’s open I’d really appreciate it if you left a comment on this blog so I can update the info.
• And if you’re keen to get your steps up you can access these beaches by foot too, with a well-deserved dip at the end!
• Hang out with rock wallabies as the sun goes down. These little cuties come out in droves at dusk and dawn (but we all know I’m not an early riser), the most popular place to spot them is Geoffrey Bay but our boat guide told me to go out to the Nelly Bay Breakwall (which you can get to from the Esplanade) and I was the only human there!

Where to stay on Magnetic Island

Budget | Once again I can tell you where not to stay. I had a less than ideal situation at CStay Guesthouse, when the manager showed me to my private room, there was a man in there already! He was sitting on the chair next to my bed and had just switched the TV off, and as he left the manager said “oh sorry, he just watches TV in there sometimes.” 😂 not exactly the type of place you want to stay as a solo female traveller, where random men use your room for watching the news.

Some budget options with decent reviews are Arcadia Beach Guest House and Dandaloo Gardens .

Mid-range | True North B&B , Island Cottages and Tropical Palms Resort offer good value rooms and units.

Luxury | There are lots of high end apartments and rental homes on Magnetic Island, I recommend checking out all Magnetic Island accomm on booking.com for the best range and flexible booking conditions.

Unique | Wildlife lovers, you’re going to love this! Bungalow Bay Koala Village offers campsites, shared dorms, private rooms and bungalows at their eco-lodge which has its own wildlife park, complete with resident turtles, pythons, wombats, lizards and of course koalas.

Drive time from Townsville: 3 hours, 234km

• Jourama Falls, a stunning rainforest walk (3km return) to a waterfall via some swimmable rock pools
• Cardwell Spa Pool, a bright turquoise natural swimming hole that needs to be seen to be believed

How long to stay in Mission Beach: One day for Mission Beach itself, more if you want to see the Atherton Tablelands

Mission Beach is a really relaxed beach town that’s nowhere near as commercialised as the rest of the coast, which means lower prices and less tourists.

If you’re keen to get amongst the waterfalls, lakes and rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands then consider making Mission Bay your base rather than Cairns, it’s about the same distance but accommodation is much cheaper.

Things to do in Mission Beach

• Try to spot a cassowary, known as the world’s most dangerous bird. These endangered dinosaur-esque birds roam around the rainforests in Tropical North Queensland but Mission Beach and Etty Bay are two of the few locations where you might see them on the beach, crossing the road or even wandering through people’s gardens. They sound scary but they’re unlikely to ever attack a human unless you get too close, so just watch from afar and keep your distance.
• Walk the Kennedy Walking Track from South Mission to Kennedy Bay, 8km return
• Get your heart racing with a thrilling white water rafting trip down the Tully River
• Explore the Atherton Tablelands and all it has to offer, like Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, the Babinda Boulders and more (half way between Mission Beach and Cairns)
• Enjoy some of the best palm tree-lined beaches in Queensland, with 14kms of sand to find the perfect spot to catch some sun
• Do a chocolate plantation + factory tour with Charley’s , tours are available on Thursdays and Sundays at 10.30am
• Take a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or diving

Where to stay in Mission Beach

Budget | Jackaroo Treehouse is the best-rated hostel in Mission Beach, they have both dorms and private rooms to choose from

Mid-range | I stayed at Mission Beach Resort which was perfect and offers fantastic value. Their accommodations options range from budget-friendly rooms with kitchenettes through to super spacious apartments with full kitchens, still for a really reasonable price. They also have a few pools and a bistro on site, and it’s only a five minute walk to the beach.

Luxury | The Bungalows has three stylishly decorated beachfront villas along with a pool, full kitchen for guests to use and the option to book all three villas for a group trip.

Drive time: 1h 45m, 138km

How long to stay: 3-5 days

You’ve made it to the end of your Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary! Cairns is jam-packed with enough activities and experiences to keep you entertained for days on end, but you’ll need to book ahead as this is one of the busiest tourist hot spots in the whole of Australia.

With countless boats heading out to the Great Barrier Reef each morning, even more day trips driving inland for rainforest adventures, and a bustling city centre with shops, restaurants and bars heaving with tourists, Cairns has definitely secured its place as the tourism hub of Far North Queensland.

There’s a range of accommodation, attractions and eateries for every budget too, so no matter whether you’re scraping together the last of your Australia budget at the end of your road trip or you’ve got Aussie dollars left to splurge, you’ll find a way to enjoy Cairns.

Things to do in Cairns

• I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but go snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef! In my experience the diving near Cairns had better visibility and more vibrant coral than where I dived further down the coast, but I’m sure it depends where exactly you’re diving. I did this epic day trip on Evolution which included two swim sites, lunch and a glass of wine on the way home.
• Watch sunset while cooling down in the Cairns Lagoon
• Take this legendary day tour into the Atherton Tablelands rainforest to chase waterfalls, swim in lakes and maybe even spot a platypus
• Hop in a plane for the best views over tropical islands, huge reefs and spectacular sand cays in the middle of the ocean with this Reef Hopper scenic flight
• Or for a seriously splurge-worthy experience if you’re celebrating something special, this heli tour lands at your very own private sand island!
• Head even further north and explore the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation with this two day tour with Uncle Brian’s Tours
• Learn about local Aboriginal culture with this Traditional Aboriginal Fishing tour
• Experience some of the best rainforest views in Australia with the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cableway
• Foodies rejoice, this incredible Atherton Tablelands food and wine tour includes breakfast, lunch and a bunch of local produce samples
• Dive headfirst into Australia backpacker culture with a night out at Gilligan’s Hostel

Where to stay in Cairns

Budget | I stayed at Global Backpackers which was the perfect balance of comfort, location and good hostel vibes. It’s right on the main street so easy access to all food, bars, shops and activities, my private room was basic but really comfy, and the shared facilities included a TV lounge, huge walk-in fridge (the biggest I’ve ever seen in a hostel!), massive kitchen, and plenty of seating both inside and out on the 4th floor balcony for eating, socialising or working.

Mid-range | Cairns Beach Resort , Koala Court Holiday Apartments and 201 Lake Street are some good value options

Luxury | Crystalbrook Riley and Crystalbrook Flynn are beautifully-designed boutique hotels, Cairns Aquarius has gorgeous apartments, or Pullman Reef and the Shangri-La are iconic five star hotels

If you have less time

If you have less than two weeks for your Brisbane to Cairns road trip then you might need to condense this itinerary and skip 4-5 of the overnight stops I’ve suggested above. If this is the case for you, these are the must-do stops I’d recommend, in order of must-do-ness (I’ve just coined that as a word by the way):

• Hervey Bay & Fraser Island
• Cairns & surrounds
• You’ll also want an overnight stop to break up the 10 hour drive between Hervey Bay and Airlie Beach, Yeppoon or Byfield are the perfect place, with some great free swimming holes and lagoons to cool down in!

If you have more time

If you’re lucky enough to have more time than the 3.5 weeks I had, you’ll be able to add on some of the places I had to skip and can extend in some of the places I loved!

I think you could fill up to a week in Airlie Beach with different activities/day trips, Magnetic Island absolutely requires at least two full days if not more, Fraser Island has some incredible overnight island tours and sailing trips, and if you’re a keen diver then you could honestly spend countless days out on the Great Barrier Reef.

There’s plenty to do further north too, you could add on another few weeks to travel through Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation before coming back to Cairns to return your rental car and fly out.

I’d also love to spend more time in Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast area too, so underrated and therefore much less busy than other parts of Queensland, and Great Keppel Island off Yeppoon’s coast looks absolutely incredible.

If you’ve made it to the end of this blog post, I’m impressed! Hopefully I’ve given you enough information to be able to plan out the perfect Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary.

Here’s a bunch of other Australia blog posts to help you with your travel planning:

• The Ultimate Australia Travel Guide
• The best accommodation I’ve stayed at in Australia
• A three day Great Ocean Road itinerary
• The perfect Sydney to Byron Bay road trip itinerary
• Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel: A detailed review
• How to get tax back when you leave Australia
• How to spend three days in Adelaide
• Why Byfield should be on your Queensland bucket list

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