Best of Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to Queensland - Australia's Sunshine State!

Brisbane is Queensland's capital city. With subtropical weather all year round and a wealth of cultural attractions, world class arts and impressive natural wonders it's an exciting destination to begin your Australian Pacific Coast Self Drive Tour.

Explore Queensland's Capital City

After checking in at your centrally located accommodation, a relaxing way to explore is to take to the water. The Brisbane River runs right through town and you can take a guided cruise past Brisbane’s most iconic sights including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Centre and the Story Bridge.

Alternatively, stroll along the footpath by the side of the meandering river till you reach the sparkling man-made lagoon for a refreshing swim or a delicious dinner at trendy South Bank.

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 drive approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to Beerwah to explore Australia Zoo Nestled in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, Beerwah is a quaint town known for its natural beauty and proximity to the iconic Glass House Mountains. This charming town offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, with friendly locals and a variety of outdoor activities. The nearby Glass House Mountains National Park beckons adventurers with its hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and stunning vistas.

Beerwah is also home to the Australia Zoo, where you will have a one day pass to explore the zoo founded by the late Steve Irwin, providing a unique wildlife experience. 

Continue on 30 minutes to Montville - Sunshine Coast 

Accommodation: Montville - 2 Nights

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

Free day to explore Montville at your leisure Montville, on the Sunshine Coast, offers a plethora of activities and excursions for visitors. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, with its breathtaking rainforest walks and panoramic views. Adventurous souls can embark on hikes along the Great Walk trails or go abseiling in the nearby Baroon Pocket Dam. The town itself features charming art galleries, boutique shopping, and delightful cafes. For a taste of history, Montville's historic village offers insight into its past. Additionally, the region's wineries and cheese factories provide culinary delights, while nearby beaches and waterfalls offer relaxation and natural beauty, making Montville a versatile and enriching destination.

Travel to the pristine beaches of Hervey Bay: it's also known as the Whale Watch Capital of the World.

Hervey Bay

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 an ideal watersports location for all the family: swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing are all popular pastimes.

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 206 km | 130 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 

Departing from Hervey Bay, you will swim in Lake McKenzie, the island's most beautiful lake with its clear blue water ringed by white sandy beaches. Explore Pile Valley and Central Station, a former forestry camp with huge satinay, scribbly gum, brush box and kauri trees. Walk along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek which flows gently and silently through lush rainforest. Trek over Hammerstone Sand Blow and swim in emerald-green Lake Wabby. Travel up famous Seventy-Five Mile Beach to see the coloured sands of the Pinnacles and the wreck of the cruise ship Maheno. Stop for a swim in Eli Creek as it flows swiftly through the dunes out to sea and take in the stunning views of the island beaches and sand blows from Indian Head, spot dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles or even whales swimming in the sea 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.

Drive approximately 5 hours to Yeppoon Situated 38 kilometres north east of Rockhampton, Yeppoon is the gateway to Great Keppel Island and the wonders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, as well ast 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.

Accommodation: Yeppoon - 2 Nights 

Approximate Distance: 481 km | 299 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 20 mins

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!

Travel Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to Airlie Beach Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, a colourful, cosmopolitan and inviting holiday town lying on the shores of a palm fringed beach and overlooking the calm waters of Pioneer Bay dotted with yachts. Airlie is part of a picturesque peninsula that reaches out to the Whitsunday Passage and provides the ideal mainland base for holiday fun and adventure in the Whitsundays. It offers a broad array of accommodation and essential services for travellers in the region. Every Saturday the foreshore parkland turns into a bustling market with stalls selling fresh fruit and veggies, local arts and crafts and all manner of goods under the shade of coconut palms.

Accommodation: Airlie Beach - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 499 km | 310 miles   Total Driving Time: 6 hours 30 mins

Today you will be transferred to Hamilton Island - Whitsunday Islands Hamilton Island is situated in the middle of Queensland's Whitsunday Islands and at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here you'll experience everything that is great about Australia - beautiful natural surrounds, calm waters, warm weather, fascinating coral reefs and diverse flora and fauna. With a wide range of accommodation and enough activities to keep you entertained for weeks on end, from snorkelling the reef, to sea kayaking and scenic helicopter flights, Hamilton Island is the ultimate 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

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.

Accommodation: Townsville - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 275 km | 171 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 9 mins

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.

The paradise between the reef and the rainforest, the seaside village of Port Douglas is the essence of barefoot style and sophistication. In Port Douglas, relaxation is taken very seriously indeed. With its vibrant yet casual, tropical charm, Port Douglas has something for everyone. Whether you're adrenalin-hunting adventurers, romantic honeymooners, here on a family getaway or a cheeky weekender, Port Douglas ticks all the boxes. Port Douglas is the gateway to Mother Nature's playground and jumping off point to explore both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Accommodation: Port Douglas- 3 Nights

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

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.