Best of Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary

Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, offers year-round subtropical weather, cultural attractions, and natural wonders—perfect for starting your Pacific Coast Self Drive Tour. Explore by cruising the Brisbane River, passing iconic sights like Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the City Centre, and Story Bridge. Alternatively, stroll along the river’s footpath to South Bank, where you can swim in the sparkling man-made lagoon or enjoy a delicious meal in its trendy dining spots.

Accommodation: Brisbane - 2 Nights

Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit The Koala and River Cruise is a memorable journey on the Brisbane River to the oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary in the world (Lone Pine). The cruise travels through the city's most historic landscapes, iconic attractions, historical home sites and interesting wildlife habitats as you listen to an entertaining and informative commentary.

Collect your rental vehicle and head to Beerwah, a charming town near the iconic Glass House Mountains. Explore the Glass House Mountains National Park with its hiking trails, rock climbing, and stunning views. Visit Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin, for a unique wildlife experience with a one-day pass. Later, continue your journey to Montville on the Sunshine Coast.

Accommodation: Montville - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 109 km | 67 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 

Enjoy a free day exploring Montville on the Sunshine Coast. Discover Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve’s rainforest walks, hike Great Walk trails, or try abseiling at Baroon Pocket Dam. Stroll through art galleries, boutique shops, and charming cafes in the historic village. Savor local wines and cheeses, or unwind at nearby beaches and waterfalls, making Montville a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Travel to the pristine beaches of Hervey Bay, known as the Whale Watching Capital of the World. This charming coastal city has a pleasant subtropical climate and some very special tourists who return annually. Between July and November whales migrate to the safe, sheltered waters of Hervey Bay here to use the area as their calf nursery. The calm waters of Hervey Bay make it the perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing.

Approximate Distance: 205 km | 127 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins 

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 1 Night

Departing from Hervey Bay, explore K'gari's (formerly Fraser Island) stunning attractions. Swim in the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, walk through lush rainforest at Wanggoolba Creek, and visit Pile Valley and Central Station’s towering trees. Trek Hammerstone Sand Blow to swim in Lake Wabby, and drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach to see the Pinnacles’ colored sands and the Maheno shipwreck. Enjoy Eli Creek’s refreshing waters and take in breathtaking views from Indian Head, spotting marine life like dolphins, rays, and whales below.

With a full day to explore K'gari. Activities may include from the following:

• Lake McKenzie - Swim at the iconic and Instagram-famous lake, or relax and unwind on its dazzling white shores.
• Champagne Pools - Fancy a dip in Queensland's most exciting natural bubble bath? It’s all yours to enjoy! Indian Head - With stunning views, this iconic lookout is a sight for sore eyes!
• Eli Creek - Float along in this astonishingly clear creek as it flows enthusiastically through the dunes and out to sea!
• Maheno Shipwreck - Feast your eyes on Fraser Island’s historic shipwreck, cast ashore in a cyclone in 1935.
• Central Station - As a former logging station, Central Station is perfect for exploring the luscious surrounding rainforest. Can you spot the Kauri trees, Brush Box or Scribbly Gums?
• Lake Wabby - Take a dip in this mesmerising lake and stroll along the fringes of the Hammerstone Sandblow.
• The Pinnacles - This mesmerising cosmos of colourful sand has to be seen to be believed! Learn about how they formed and hear the Butchulla Dreamtime story.
• Basin Lake - Discover Fraser Island's most hidden lake!

Your return barge departs at 5pm back to Hervey Bay.

Today you will travel to Yeppoon, situated north east of Rockhampton. Yeppoon is the gateway to Great Keppel Island and the wonders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, as well as the beautiful Byfield National Park. Overlooking the gorgeous Keppel Island cluster and main beach Yeppoon, the Yeppoon Lagoon area hosts a giant infinity pool that is free to the public and swimmable year round.

Byfield/Five Rocks: 30 minutes north of Yeppoon is the lush area of Byfield National Park and State Forest where natural swimming holes are beautifully maintained for public use.

Approximate Distance: 425 km | 264 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Yeppoon - 2 Nights 

Indulge in the ultimate island getaway with Funtastic Cruises around Keppel Island. Discover the untouched beauty of this tropical paradise, where pristine beaches meet lush rainforests. Our cruises offer a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure, with luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining options, and thrilling island activities. Snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, hike through scenic trails, or simply bask in the sun on white sandy shores. Keppel Island's charm and natural wonders await your exploration. With our expert crew and all-inclusive packages, your dream island escape becomes a reality. Book your Funtastic Cruise today and set sail for an unforgettable Keppel Island adventure!

Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, is a vibrant coastal town on a palm-fringed beach overlooking yacht-filled Pioneer Bay. Situated on a scenic peninsula, it’s the perfect mainland base for Whitsundays adventures. The town offers diverse accommodation, essential traveler services, and a lively Saturday market in the foreshore parkland, featuring fresh produce, local crafts, and more beneath swaying coconut palms.

Approximate Distance: 500 km | 312 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Airlie Beach - 1 Night

Today, you’ll take a ferry to Hamilton Island, located in Queensland's Whitsunday Islands near the Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, calm waters, and warm weather, the island offers vibrant coral reefs and diverse flora and fauna. With a variety of accommodations and endless activities, including snorkeling, sea kayaking, and scenic helicopter flights, Hamilton Island is the perfect destination for experiencing everything that makes Australia extraordinary and an ideal Great Barrier Reef getaway.

Accommodation: Hamilton Island - 2 Nights

Journey across the broad Whitsunday Passage and into this amazing tropical paradise - a scenic sequence of remote waterways and hidden bays. On the southern shores of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 Whitsunday isles, famous Whitehaven Beach is a regular on lists of 'World's Best Beaches'. Wander along the sand, hike the short Solway Circuit for some show-stopping views, or cool off in the gently lapping water before your return cruise.

Transfer back to Airlie Beach and then make your way north to Townsville, Australia's largest tropical city. Townsville's many attractions include the world's largest living coral reef aquarium - Reef HQ, a wildlife sanctuary, casino, beaches, museums, theatres, galleries and restaurants. Beautiful Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from the city centre by Fast Cat ferry. Today is free for you to spend it how you wish.

Approximate Distance: 275 km | 171 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Townsville - 2 Nights

Magnetic Island offers the natural beauty and serenity of an untouched paradise within a thriving community. This is a fully guided bus tour that starts from Nelly Bay ferry terminal and finishes at Horseshoe Bay, visiting the main sites along the way. At the end of the tour you can choose to return on the bus back to the Ferry Terminal or remain at Horseshoe Bay where you can have lunch while looking over the water or go for a swim as it is a lifeguard patrolled area. Protective nets are in place during 
'Stinger' (jellyfish) season which is November to April.

Port Douglas, nestled between the reef and rainforest, exudes a unique blend of barefoot charm and sophistication. Known for its relaxed tropical vibe, this seaside village caters to everyone, from thrill-seeking adventurers and romantic honeymooners to families and weekenders. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas is the perfect base for exploring natural wonders, offering a vibrant yet casual atmosphere that promises both relaxation and adventure in a stunning tropical setting.

Approximate Distance: 410km | 255 miles   Total Driving Time: 6 hours

Accommodation: Port Douglas - 3 Nights

Full Day Sailing Low Isles Cruise and Snorkelling on the Great Barrier

Reef Enjoy a day to remember with this reef and island cruise to Low Isles. Explore the protected Coral Cay, with white sandy beaches and coconut palms, surrounded by magnificent coral gardens and the Coral Sea. Sailaway ensures your enjoyment with small numbers of guests, excellent service and personal attention from our helpful friendly crew. Sailaway moors in the sheltered blue lagoon, you can just relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour, take a trip on the glass bottom boat or laze on deck before an exhilarating sail back to Port.

On this small group full day tour, you will explore all the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation region has to offer. Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about flora, fauna and the history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, savour a traditional Aussie barbecue, sample traditional 'Aussie' billy tea, damper and tropical fruits in the company of wallabies.

Say farewell to Queensland today as you head to Cairns for your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 18 Day Pacific Coast Self Drive vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.