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