Cairns to Brisbane Island Escapes Self Drive Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Cairns! Close to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, all types of fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

Sun-seekers and locals alike flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore. There are picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after your flight.

Accommodation: Cairns - 3 Nights

Cruise aboard the stylish Passions Catamaran to the incredible Great Barrier Reef.

Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise & Snorkel

On board you can relax with morning tea, get to know the crew and learn all about the marine ecosystem beneath you. Arriving at your first amazing outer reef location, you can snorkel, dive, sunbathe, or chill out on the boat to your heart's content.

After a Tropical buffet lunch you'll sail to another beautiful outer reef location, for more swimming, snorkelling, diving or relaxing in the sun. Wind down with a cold beverage on the sail back to Cairns for 5pm whilst enjoying afternoon tea.

Today join a small personalised Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour, where the rainforest meets the reef! On this 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.

As one of the only tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track your experience will be like no other. 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 and enjoy a homemade Daintree ice-cream on your journey home.

Collect your rental vehicle and make your way south 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.

Approximate Distance: 347 km | 215 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 16 mins

Accommodation: Townsville - 2 Nights

Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island offers the natural beauty and serenity of an untouched paradise within a thriving community. Boasting a unique natural environment of palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs, Magnetic Island is an island paradise of endless sunshine, koalas, hiking trails, topless cars, snorkelling adventures, and more!

Visit a Koala Village on your guided tour. See koalas, lizards, colourful birdlife, hold a crocodile and snake. Take advantage of your all-day bus pass after the tour to see the island's bays and beaches at your own leisure. 

Continue south to Airlie Beach, a relaxed Australian resort town on Queensland's Whitsunday Coast.

Airlie Beach

Palm-fringed beaches and waterfront parks are a staple of this seriously laid-back holiday destination. After your long drive, cool off at Airlie Beach Lagoon between the beach and the main street. Here you can swim all year round and there are even Lifeguards on duty in the daylight hours.

Airlie Beach is the perfect launchpad for day trips to the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Only seven of these beautiful islands are developed, and the rest are just begging to be enjoyed by travellers looking for a secluded beach to call their own.

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

Accommodation: Airlie Beach - 1 Night 

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 

If you're in the mood for relaxing, you can lounge by one of the many island pools, enjoy a massage or spa treatment, indulge in some renowned food and wine, browse some of the local boutiques, or simply explore the island in your golf buggy and enjoy the spectacular views at every turn. There's also evening entertainment including Moonlight Movies or live music by the marina. Or for something completely different, watch the sunrise from a mountaintop, have drinks with giant turtles.

This morning cruise 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.

This afternoon hop back on your ferry and return to Airlie Beach.

Drive onwards to Rockhampton, a heritage-filled town where you can step back in time and discover the rich history of the area.

Rockhampton: Beef Capital of Australia

Rockhampton's long history of beef production is celebrated with 10 Bull statues in key locations across town: see if you can spot them all! With over 2.5 million cattle within a 250km radius of the city, the "Beef Capital" title is well deserved

The charming Victorian architecture reflects the glory days of Rockhampton's 19th-century mining and beef-rearing industries. There are many heritage post offices, historic streetscapes, majestic cathedrals and quaint homes to admire.

Approximate Distance: 481 km | 298 miles   Total Driving Time: 6 hours 34 mins

Accommodation: Rockhampton - 2 Nights

Tour Rockhampton at your leisure today — here are our favourite suggestions for activities:

Suggestion for Adventure Lovers: Capricorn Caves

Embark on an adventurous wild caving tour of the ancient limestone Capricorn Caves. 390 million years ago the sedimentary limestone rock of Capricorn Caves originated under the sea as corals growing in shallow waters.

Journey through caverns, tunnels and shafts on a wild and adrenalin pumping experience, including squeezing through Fat Mans Misery, a 30 cm diameter hole. Eventually you'll emerge on the surface ridge for panoramic views over the valley and hills.

Suggested Activity for Culture Lovers: Dreamtime Cultural Centre

The Dreamtime Cultural Centre is situated within 12 hectares of beautiful landscaped gardens on ancient tribal land. Here you can learn the story of the local Darumbal people as well as insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. Learn to throw a boomerang, see a Digeridoo performance or take a self-guided Native Plant tour to discover how the local flora has been used for food and medicine.

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.

Approximate Distance: 381 km | 236 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 36 mins

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 1 Night

Take in the spectacular sights and sounds of the world's largest sand island, with two full days of guided 4WD touring. Led by expert tour guides, you will explore some of Fraser Island’s most iconic spots, retreat to Eurong Beach Resort for a relaxing evening, before venturing out on another day of action-packed adventure.

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 takes 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.

Today the tour departs Fraser Island and returns to Hervey Bay at approximately 5.30pm to drop you off at your accommodation.

Accommodation: Hervey Bay - 1 Night

Take a scenic drive to Noosa, one of Australia's best-loved beachside destinations.

Noosa

Described in the New York Times as the place "that appreciates nature and the good life". Noosa provides pleasure to all. A north-facing surfing beach, pristine river, fine restaurants, sophistication, national parks, plenty of action and you have the perfect holiday retreat. Visitors flock to Noosa from all over the world, many as frequent visitors and some returning to live in this exceptional coastal village. Surrounded by stunning beaches and the lush hinterland of Noosa National Park, the resort town of Noosa is famed for its surf. Home to luxurious day spas, world-class golf courses and stylish shopping, it's a fun destination to explore.

Approximate Distance: 158 km | 98 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 

Accommodation: Noosa - 2 Nights

Australia Zoo, home of the Crocodile Hunter, is world-famous and much more than a wildlife park - it's an adventure of a lifetime!

Every corner turned reveals another amazing animal discovery with world-class enclosures and interactive opportunities galore. Kids will love feeding the kangaroos, camels and farm animals, and the unique wandering wildlife team will personally introduce you to snakes, talking cockatoos, baby alligators, lizards and all kinds of mammals as you navigate your way through 28 hectares and visit more than 1000 animals.

Welcome to Brisbane!

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.

Approximate Distance: 151 km | 93 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 

Accommodation: Brisbane - 1 Night

Say farewell to the tropical north and board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Queensland experience. We know you will enjoy your Cairns to Brisbane Island Escapes Holiday and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.