Driving from Brisbane to Cairns in 21 days

Driving from Brisbane to Cairns is over 1700 kilometres!  You’ll see stunning coastal cities, lush rainforest havens and loads of seashores alongside the way in which.   I’ve street tripped up the Queensland coast many instances and every time I uncover one thing new alongside the way in which.

So, that will help you plan your journey and luxuriate in my favorite locations, right here’s my excellent 21 day itinerary for driving from Brisbane to Cairns.

Begin your vacation in Brisbane

Brisbane, the capital metropolis of Queensland is your place to begin and, as with most capitals there may be a lot to see and do.

Begin your journey by hanging out at Southbank, trip on the Wheel of Brisbane, swim on the metropolis seaside, take a cruise down the Brisbane river or dine at one of many fabulous eating places.  Into the humanities?  The Queensland Museum, Artwork Gallery and the Brisbane Leisure Centre are close-by too, so try ‘what’s on in Brisbane’ in Brisbane’.

South Brisbane has among the greatest eateries on the town so I recommend you head in direction of Fish Lane for a flavour that fits.  Uncover extra concerning the fabulous Fish Lane precinct right here.

Concerned with a day journey?  Cruise out to stunning Morton or North Stradbroke Islands.  Snorkel across the Tangalooma shipwrecks, swim and surf on the gorgeous seashores, slide down large sand dunes and discover the lighthouse.  Or head into the Scenic Rim or Queen Mary Falls for among the area’s magnificent walks and back-to-nature experiences in south east Queensland.

Queensland’s well-known Gold Coast is a hotspot for guests and simply over an hour from the town.  Wonderful sunshine, golden seashores and surf!  One in every of my favorite seashores is Burleigh so for those who’re going to increase your keep, that is the place to do it!

Rise up shut and private with the wildlife at Currumbin Sanctuary, head into Springbook Nationwide Park to swim in freshwater waterfalls or spend the day absorbing the solar at your favorite Gold Coast seaside.  You’ve selections!

There actually is a lot to do in south east Queensland earlier than you begin driving from Brisbane to Cairns!

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Day 2 & 3: Sunshine Coast

One of many first locations when driving from Brisbane to Cairns is the Sunshine Coast.

The freeway north from Brisbane will take you previous Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo at Beerwah.  I’m an enormous zoo fan Australia Zoo is one in every of my favourites!  They’ve an superior show of Australian birds, koala’s, kangaroos and different Aussie birds and animals.  To not point out meercats, lemurs, Galapagos turtles and different animals from all over the world.  Crikey, there’s even a crocodile or two!

The Sunshine Coast boasts among the greatest seashores in Queensland.  Beginning at Caloundra you can find a string of seashores all the way in which to Noosa.  Get your self some (extra) sunshine and benefit from the surf seashores alongside the way in which.  Study to paddleboard, swim on the seaside, take surf classes, absorb among the sunshine.  If you would like an superior view of the Glasshouse Mountains, Wildhorse Mountain is a superb brief stroll and never too far-off, albeit somewhat steep!

Maleny and Montville are villages within the hinterlands.  A well-liked day journey and solely half-hour from the coast.  This area is well-known for it’s native arts and crafts in addition to their standard cafes, eating places and Mattress ‘n Breakfast venues.

Noosa has loads of issues to see and do, so is a superb place to cease in your manner north.  Walks by the Nationwide Parks, koala’s within the wild, the notorious Eumundi Markets, nice eating places and gorgeous seashores, its no surprise it’s generally known as Australia’s favorite vacation spot!

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Day 4 & 5:  Hervey Bay and Fraser Island

Simply 4 hours north of Brisbane, is the place to go whale watching!   From June to November yearly, humpback whales journey from Antarctica to the hotter waters alongside Queensland’s shoreline round Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.

Fraser Island, and the most important sand island on the planet and has lengthy been considered among the finest locations for whale watching in Australia.

Hervey Bay is an attractive calm bay sheltered by Fraser Island and for those who love fishing, that is the perfect place to catch whiting and flathead.

Named the world’s first whale heritage website, Hervey Bay is the house of whale watching in Queensland.   There are a variety of Whale Watching firms who present excursions customised to fit your wants.  Verify them out for a tour to go well with you!

Wish to keep longer?   Take the ferry throughout from Urangan Harbour in Hervey Bay, to the eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort to discover this superb island.  There’s a ton of issues to do on Fraser Island beginning with floating in crystal clear rock swimming pools, swim in Lake McKenzie and recognizing dingoes within the wild in addition to photographing the Maheno Shipwreck.  It’s merely magical.

Day 6:  Heron Island

As a shocking coral cay in Queensland’s Nice Barrier Reef, Heron Island is world well-known for its coral reef and a sanctuary for a unprecedented number of marine life.

Heron Island is a pure coral cay throughout the Nice Barrier Reef and is among the few locations you could swim with turtles year-round.

From late October to early March, endangered Loggerhead sea turtles return to nest within the dunes. Then from December to April, the hatchlings start to emerge from their nests to begin their circle of life.  It’s an exquisite sight to see.

The traditional Pisonia Forest on the island is a sanctuary for marine birds and close by, the crystal-clear waters teem with vibrant fish, turtles, rays, reef sharks and extra.  Take a guided nature stroll, a star-gazing tour, or just benefit from the views of the coral reef.  A superb alternative for marine fanatics to go diving inside minutes of the jetty.

Catch a 2.5 hour boat trip or take the seaplane from Gladstone to Heron Island.

Select your lodging in Gladstone.

Day 7:  Eungella Nationwide Park

Driving north from Brisbane to Cairns presents loads of selections.  Go to the Eungella Nationwide Park, one in every of Queensland’s most ecologically various parks.

Inland from Mackay, excessive above the sugar can fields, this mist-shrouded mountain is dwelling to many sorts of wildlife… and fairly a couple of completely satisfied campers!

Observe the strolling tracks and luxuriate in spectacular views down the Pioneer Valley, together with rainforest gullies and river swimming pools.  Take pleasure in a picnic at Damaged River after which wander alongside the banks watching the platypus within the gently-flowing water.

The spotlight of your journey will probably be discovering a platypus!  Eungella is among the few locations the place you’ll be able to see these elusive, cute creatures with their duck payments, webbed ft and glossy fur coats.

Camp in a single day in a tranquil riverside tenting space or verify into one of many low value cabins at Damaged River Mountain Resort.  It’s a spot to benefit from the peace and quiet of the rainforest, benefit from the birds and absorb the solitude.

Day 8:  Cape Hillsborough

Cape Hillsborough Nationwide Park is an absolute ‘must-do’ when driving from Brisbane to Cairns.

Simply 50km north of Mackay, this nationwide park is most well-known for it’s kangaroos that come to the seaside at daybreak.  Each morning because the solar rises over the horizon, kangaroos and wallabies come all the way down to the seaside to feast on the mangrove seed pods washed up by the tide.  It’s a spectacular sight to see and for those who’re fortunate, makes for fabulous images.

Cape Hillsborough Nature Vacationer Park is the place to remain so in case you have a caravan, camper or tent you’ll slot in properly – or give them a name to see if they’ve any cabins obtainable.

Days 9 – 13: Airlie Seashore and the Whitsundays

Airlie Seashore is gateway to the Whitsunday Islands.  There are many enjoyable issues to do in Airlie Seashore.

Calm down on the Lagoon and benefit from the idyllic views of a few of Australia’s most well-known islands earlier than you head out to the Whitsundays!

Driving from Brisbane to Cairns wouldn’t be full with no few days absorbing the sunshine in one of the superb locations world-wide.  Ebook your self on a final minute deal for a Whitsunday crusing journey and put together to have the time of your life!

From snorkelling and diving these tropical waters, to visiting among the world’s greatest seashores, taking a 2 day crusing journey within the Whitsundays is certain to be an expertise you received’t overlook!

Day 14 – 15: Townsville & Magnetic Island

The biggest metropolis in tropical north Queensland, Townville is certainly price a look-in for those who’re driving from Brisbane to Cairns.

One of the crucial unbelievable hostels I’ve ever stayed in is in Townsville.  Ebook your self in for an evening at the least at Rambutan Resort or really feel like poshing it up somewhat?  Maybe a few nights on the Lodge Grand Chancellor will do the trick.

Townsville is loaded with free issues to take action take observe that the Friday evening markets on the Strand had been a favourite.  For some nice Mexican meals – attempt Cactus Jacks!  A protracted-time favorite of mine!

For one thing completely different, day journey to Magnetic Island.  Take the passenger ferry over to the island and spend the day exploring.

One of the simplest ways to discover Maggie Island is to lease a automobile on the island and head off across the seashores.  Again within the day Mini Moke’s had been the fashion however they’re changing into tougher to search out these days.

Try the Forts Stroll, spot koalas within the wild, snorkel Florence and Radical Bays earlier than heading over to West Level for one of the gorgeous sunsets on the east coast!

Day 16:  Mission Seashore

Yea! You’ve hit the tropics.   Mission Seashore is near my coronary heart as my relations settled there when it was nothing however a retailer on the beachfront.   A few of them are nonetheless there so I cease in every time I go by.

Doubtless, Mission has one of many greatest seashores in Queensland … and loads of nice cafes to go to too.  There’s nothing fairly so tranquil as sitting on the grass, wanting throughout the water to Dunk Island.

If you happen to’re feeling extra lively, then why not hop on a kayak tour to Dunk Island, or attempt a spot of snorkelling across the heads as a substitute.  Does that persuade you to cease in at Mission Seashore for those who’re driving from Brisbane to Cairns?

Day 17 – 21:  Cairns in Far North Queensland

You’ve arrived!   After 21 days of driving from Brisbane to Cairns, your journey hasn’t completed but!   Cairns is a bustling tropical metropolis with a lot to see and achieve this leap in and have the time of your life.  These are among the day journeys which are obtainable.

The Esplanade is a superb place to hang around for those who really feel like lazing round within the balmy evenings.  There are some fabulous eating places on the waterfront like The Uncooked Prawn and Tha Fish which are price stepping out for for those who love seafood.

• Fitzroy Island – At the present time journey to Fitzroy Island is a enjoyable day.  Go snorkelling on the encompassing coral reef and absorb the sunshine.
• Tully White Water Rafting – White Water Rafting on the Tully River is the proper day journey for an excessive adrenalin rush.
• Kuranda Railway and Sky-Rail – Take the previous railway as much as Kuranda and again.  Discover the Kuranda Butterfly Home, the Kuranda Markets and do some sight-seeing.
• Daintree Rainforest – Marvel on the heritage-listed Daintree rainforest, study concerning the uncommon wildlife and species of crops which have been right here from historic instances.
• Port Douglas – There are a lot of factors once you’re driving from Brisbane to Cairns the place you’ll be able to take a day journey to the islands and snorkel on the Nice Barrier Reef, however Port Douglas is one with a ton of choices.
• Low Isles – Do the cruise to Low Isles.  The Nice Barrier Reef stretches alongside the coast, operating parallel to the Queensland shoreline. It’s among the finest locations to snorkel and swim round this coral cay in idyllic circumstances.

No matter you select to do, will probably be the proper ending to your street journey of a lifetime!

5 Important Gadgets for travelling all through Queensland

 

1. Good Digital camera – For travelling all through Australia I like to recommend the Sony a6000 Mirrorless Digital camera Package deal – Gentle & compact and takes nice photographs!  Many of the photographs on AussieMob.com are taken with my Sony!
2. Comfortable Strolling Sneakers – There will probably be a variety of strolling to be carried out all through Queensland!  Be sure your ft are snug – attempt these New Stability Ladies’s Coach.  I like mine!
3. Loney Planet Guidebook – Whilst an Aussie, I’m a fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and depend on the Australian version.  Take one with you!
4. Good Water Bottle – Hold hydrated!  Travelling within the tropics might be thirsty work, so ensure you have a Yeti Drink Bottle and refill as you go.  Faucet water is drinkable in every single place!
5. Good Solar Hat –  You’ll want a superb solar hat when travelling in Australia.  This Oz Good Huge Brim Solar Hat seems trendy and is right for protecting you cool.