Brisbane to Cairns: The Classic East Coast Road Trip

Queensland’s East Coast is the stuff of travel legends. From sun-kissed beaches and glossy surf towns to reef-fringed islands and ancient rainforests, the drive from Brisbane to Cairns delivers Australia’s greatest hits in one unforgettable journey. If you dream of dipping between beach shacks and boutique bars, cruising past cane fields and coral seas, and checking off the Great Barrier Reef, K’gari and the Daintree Rainforest in one go, this is the road trip that turns wish lists into real memories.

This guide gives you everything you need to plan the ultimate Brisbane to Cairns road trip. You will find suggested itineraries, the best stops, seasonal tips, safety advice and budget guidance. Whether you take a car and stay in stylish stays or hire a campervan and camp under the stars, the East Coast will reward you at every turn.

Why This Road Trip Belongs on Your Bucket List

• Variety without compromise: City culture in Brisbane, surf and chic in Noosa, island-time in the Whitsundays, reef days in Cairns, and rainforest calm in the Daintree.
• Iconic nature in easy reach: The Great Barrier Reef, K’gari’s sand tracks, Magnetic Island’s bays, and waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands.
• Flexible pace: A week if you must, two weeks for the classic circuit, three weeks for the slow-lane version.
• Easy logistics: A sealed highway all the way, strong tourism infrastructure, plenty of fuel and food stops, and accommodation for every style and budget.
• Year-round appeal: Warm winters, tropical summers, wildlife spectacles like humpback whales and turtle hatchlings.

Quick Facts and Route Overview

• Total distance: Approximately 1,680 kilometers via the Bruce Highway (A1).
• Nonstop driving time: Around 19 to 20 hours. Plan 10 to 14 days for a balanced trip.
• Best time to go: May to October for the north’s dry season, clear reef visibility and comfortable temps. Shoulder months April and November can be great value. Summer brings showers and potential cyclones in the far north but also lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
• Road conditions: Fully sealed coastal highway. Occasional roadworks. Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk.
• Tolls: Brisbane region only. No tolls once you are on the Bruce Highway.
• Vehicle choice: Standard 2WD is fine for the highway and most attractions. A 4WD is required for driving on K’gari and certain beach tracks.
• Safety snapshot: Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Observe stinger season safety north of Bundaberg, especially November to May. Be croc-smart north of Rockhampton around rivers and estuaries.

How Many Days Do You Need?

• 7 days: Fast-track highlights. Expect big drives and one-night stays.
• 10 days: The classic East Coast road trip. Balanced driving with time for 2 to 3 marquee tours.
• 14 days: The sweet spot for islands, reef, rainforest, plus lazy mornings.
• 21 days: Go deep with detours to the Atherton Tablelands, Carnarvon Gorge, or Cape Tribulation.

Brisbane to Cairns Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide

Use this as your flexible blueprint. Mix and match based on interests and time.

Day 1: Brisbane to Sunshine Coast (100 km, 1.5 hours)

Start in Queensland’s capital with a coffee along the Brisbane River, then point your bonnet north. The Sunshine Coast blends surf towns, boutique shopping and glossy hinterland views.

Top stops:

• Glass House Mountains Lookout for volcanic plugs rising from the forest.
• Mooloolaba for a beach walk and fresh prawns.
• Noosa Heads for the coastal track through Noosa National Park, Hastings Street dining, and sunset over the river.

Where to stay:

• Noosa Heads or Noosaville for waterside dining and easy national park access.
• Mooloolaba if you prefer a lively esplanade.

Day 2: Sunshine Coast to Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay (180 to 250 km, 2.5 to 3.5 hours)

Today you choose your gateway to K’gari. Rainbow Beach offers epic colored sands and a laid-back vibe. Hervey Bay suits families and those focused on whale watching in season.

Highlights:

• Coolum and Peregian for a last Sunshine Coast swim.
• Carlo Sand Blow at Rainbow Beach for a surreal sunset over the dunes.
• Hervey Bay Esplanade for a late-afternoon cycle or stroll.

Pro tip:

• Booking K’gari day tours in advance is wise during school holidays. If you plan to drive on the island, secure your 4WD permits and barge bookings early.

Day 3: K’gari (Fraser Island) Day Trip or Overnight

K’gari is the world’s largest sand island, and it is spectacular. Imagine driving along a hard sand highway with waves on one side and rainforest on the other. No 4WD, no problem. Comfortable guided tours get you to the highlights in one day.

Must-see stops:

• Lake McKenzie for blinding white silica sand and crystal clear freshwater.
• 75 Mile Beach for a beach drive punctuated by shipwrecks and headlands.
• Eli Creek for a cool float through a tea-tree stream.
• Central Station boardwalk to learn how rainforest thrives on sand.

Important:

• 4WD only for self-drive. Carry recovery gear and know the tides. No beach swimming due to rips and sharks.

Alternative if you skip K’gari:

• Spend more time in Hervey Bay. From July to October it becomes Australia’s whale-watching capital, with calm waters that humpbacks use to nurse calves.

Day 4: Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach to Bundaberg and Agnes Water/1770 (300 to 360 km, 4 to 5 hours)

Head for Bundaberg, the gateway to southern Great Barrier Reef islands and famous for sugar, ginger beer and rum.

Do not miss:

• Bundaberg Rum Distillery Tour to see, smell and sip the region’s signature spirit.
• Mon Repos Turtle Centre for ranger-led nocturnal experiences. Nesting happens roughly November to January. Hatchlings scurry to the sea January to March.

Continue to Agnes Water and Town of 1770 for a golden-hour surf or calm paddle in the estuary. Agnes Water is known as the most northerly surf beach on the east coast.

Day 5: Agnes Water/1770 to Yeppoon or Rockhampton (240 to 300 km, 3 to 3.5 hours)

Break up the drive with a LARC amphibious tour over sandbars and headlands or hike to the 1770 Headland Lookout. Then cruise north toward the Capricorn Coast.

Options:

• Base in Yeppoon for a coastal vibe and easy access to Great Keppel Island.
• Stay in Rockhampton for heritage streetscapes and dining along the river.

Add-ons:

• Day trip to Great Keppel Island for reef snorkeling and easy bushwalks.
• Capricorn Caves guided tour through limestone caverns.

Day 6: Yeppoon or Rockhampton to Mackay via the Capricorn or Bruce Highway (330 to 360 km, 4 to 4.5 hours)

Mackay is your springboard to the Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park, where platypus sightings are genuinely common.

Highlights:

• Stroll Mackay’s Art Deco centre and Bluewater Lagoon.
• Drive to Eungella before dusk. Watch from the Broken River viewing platforms for the shy but surprisingly visible platypus.
• Cool off at Finch Hatton Gorge with rainforest swims and waterfalls.

Day 7 to 8: Mackay to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays (150 km, 2 hours)

Airlie Beach is the beating heart of the Whitsundays. It is the place to swap car keys for boat shoes and live the island dream.

Top experiences:

• Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet for the swirl of sapphire and silica. Day trips run daily.
• Snorkel or dive coral gardens around Hook, Hayman or Border Island.
• Overnight sailing on a catamaran for sunset decks and Milky Way skies.
• Scenic flight over Heart Reef and swirling sands.

Where to stay:

• Airlie Beach township for nightlife and lagoon access.
• Cannonvale or Mandalay for quieter bays.

Day 9: Airlie Beach to Bowen to Townsville (275 km, 3.5 hours)

Bowen is a low-key gem, with pocket beaches and granite headlands that rival far more famous spots.

Stop for:

• Horseshoe Bay for a swim and snorkel straight off the beach.
• A mango sorbet in the town that claims Australia’s mango capital title.

Continue to Townsville for a taste of North Queensland city living.

Townsville highlights:

• Castle Hill Lookout for sunset views over Cleveland Bay.
• The Strand for palm-fringed promenades, safe swimming and playgrounds.
• Reef HQ Aquarium is currently closed for redevelopment, but the city’s museums and street art trail are worth your time.

Day 10: Magnetic Island Day Trip

Just 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville, Magnetic Island mixes slow living with pretty hikes and bays.

Must-do:

• Forts Walk for WWII history and wild koalas in the eucalypts.
• Snorkel trails at Geoffrey Bay or Nelly Bay.
• Hire a topless car or e-bike to beach-hop.

Stay overnight on the island or return to Townsville for dinner on Palmer Street.

Day 11: Townsville to Mission Beach (235 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)

Now the landscape ramps up the tropics. Banana plantations, rainforest ridges and glimpses of the Coral Sea line the road.

Mission Beach highlights:

• Kilometres of golden sand with views to Dunk Island.
• Cassowary spotting on trails and quiet back roads. Give these endangered birds plenty of space.
• Skydive over the reef and land on the sand if you are game.

Day 12: Mission Beach to Cairns via Babinda Boulders and Palm Cove (140 to 170 km, 2 to 3 hours)

It is a short, scenic hop to Cairns, so detour to some rainforest swimming holes.

En route:

• Babinda Boulders for beautiful pools and a picnic. Swim only in designated areas due to strong currents.
• Josephine Falls for a rainforest walk and photogenic cascades.
• Palm Cove for a long lunch under the paperbark trees, then roll into Cairns by late afternoon.

Day 13 to 14: Cairns, Reef and Rainforest

Cairns is tour central. Choose your adventures and round out the trip on a high.

Reef day ideas:

• Outer Barrier Reef snorkel and dive trips to platforms or small-boat sites with high coral cover.
• Low Isles, Green Island or Fitzroy Island for calm lagoons and short hikes.

Rainforest day ideas:

• Daintree and Cape Tribulation for beaches, boardwalks and croc-spotting river cruises. Self-drive or join a small-group tour.
• Kuranda by Skyrail and Scenic Railway for views over the Barron Gorge and a village market day.
• Atherton Tablelands for waterfall circuits, crater lakes and artisan dairies.

Cairns evenings:

• Cairns Esplanade with night markets and street food.
• Creative cocktails at local small bars, and fresh seafood on the marina.

Driving Distances Between Major Stops

• Brisbane to Noosa: 140 km
• Noosa to Rainbow Beach: 120 km
• Rainbow Beach to Hervey Bay: 125 km
• Hervey Bay to Bundaberg: 110 km
• Bundaberg to Agnes Water: 120 km
• Agnes Water to Yeppoon: 260 km
• Yeppoon to Mackay: 335 km
• Mackay to Airlie Beach: 150 km
• Airlie Beach to Townsville: 275 km
• Townsville to Mission Beach: 235 km
• Mission Beach to Cairns: 140 km

Allow extra time for roadworks, photo stops and snack runs.

Top Experiences You Should Not Miss

• Great Barrier Reef day trip or overnight liveaboard from the Whitsundays or Cairns.
• Beach drive or guided tour on K’gari to Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek.
• Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout for that picture-perfect swirl.
• Magnetic Island’s Forts Walk and bays.
• Daintree Rainforest boardwalks and Cape Tribulation.
• Eungella platypus spotting at Broken River.
• Atherton Tablelands waterfall loop, including Millaa Millaa Falls.
• Hervey Bay whales in season, and Mon Repos turtle nesting or hatching.
• Palmy dining at Palm Cove and sunset drinks in Airlie Beach.

Best Time to Drive from Brisbane to Cairns

• May to October: Dry season in the far north. Expect warm days, low humidity, cooler nights. Best for reef clarity and Daintree walks.
• November to April: Wet season in the north. Lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, afternoon storms. Stinger season requires stinger suits for many ocean swims. Cyclones are possible but not frequent.
• Wildlife seasons:
  • Humpback whales: Hervey Bay July to October, sometimes into November.
  • Turtles: Nesting roughly November to January, hatchlings January to March at Mon Repos.
• School holidays: Peak pricing and busy campgrounds. Book ahead.

Where to Stay: Camping, Hostels and Hotels

• Camping and holiday parks:
  • Noosa, Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Mission Beach and Cairns all have well-equipped parks.
  • National park sites often require pre-booking.
• Hostels:
  • Excellent options in Noosa, Agnes Water, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island and Cairns. Many arrange reef and island tours with discounts.
• Hotels and resorts:
  • Sunshine Coast boutique hotels, Hervey Bay beachfront resorts, Airlie Beach apartments with marina views, Magnetic Island bungalows, Palm Cove and Cairns resorts with lagoon pools.

Booking tips:

• Book weekends and holidays in advance, especially for Airlie Beach and Cairns.
• Check cancellation policies during the north’s wet season.

Food and Drink Highlights Along the Way

• Brisbane and Sunshine Coast: Cafes, breweries and farm-to-fork restaurants. Noosa Farmers Market on Sundays is a treat.
• Bundaberg: Rum distillery tour, ginger beer brewery, and local seafood.
• Agnes Water: Laid-back cafes with smoothie bowls and fish tacos.
• Yeppoon and Emu Park: Pubs with ocean views and prawns straight from the trawlers.
• Bowen: Mangoes in season and small seaside fish and chip shops.
• Townsville: The Strand eateries and Palmer Street dining.
• Cairns and Palm Cove: Waterfront seafood, Asian-fusion kitchens, and night market bites. Try a local reef fish and tropical fruit gelato.

Practical Planning Guide

Car or campervan:

• Car hire works well if you prefer hotel stays. Choose unlimited kilometers and one-way rentals. Watch for one-way drop fees.
• Campervans offer freedom and can reduce nightly costs. Book early in winter and spring. Compare inclusive insurance.

Permits and passes:

• K’gari requires a vehicle permit for 4WD and camping permits for overnight stays.
• Some national parks require advance campsite booking.

Budgeting:

• Fuel: 1,700 km at 7 to 10 L per 100 km means roughly 120 to 170 liters. Fuel prices vary by region. Budget 250 to 400 AUD for fuel depending on vehicle and detours.
• Accommodation:
  • Camping 20 to 60 AUD per site per night.
  • Hostels 30 to 60 AUD per person per night.
  • Midrange hotels 150 to 250 AUD per night.
  • Resorts can be higher in peak season.
• Tours:
  • Reef day trips 180 to 300 AUD per person.
  • Whitsundays day tours 200 to 300 AUD per person.
  • K’gari guided tours around 220 to 260 AUD per person.

Packing list for the tropics:

• Sun protection: broad-spectrum reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve rashie.
• Stinger suit hire or purchase if swimming north of Bundaberg in summer.
• Light rain jacket for summer downpours.
• Reef-safe insect repellent, basic first-aid kit, motion-sickness tablets for boating.
• Compact dry bag for island trips.
• Reusable water bottle and coffee cup.

Connectivity and navigation:

• Coverage is strong along the coast and in towns. Expect patchy reception in national parks.
• Download offline maps and music. Carry a USB charger and power bank.

Driving and safety:

• Avoid driving at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
• Be croc-smart north of Rockhampton. Do not swim in rivers, estuaries or mangrove-lined creeks. Heed local signage.
• Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Use stinger nets where provided in summer. Wear stinger suits when snorkeling or swimming from November to May in the tropics.
• Obey speed limits and take rest breaks every 2 hours. Queensland police enforce mobile phone and seatbelt rules strictly.
• In cane harvest season, be alert for slow cane trains and trucks.

Responsible and Respectful Travel

• Country and culture: Brisbane sits on the land of the Turrbal and Yugara Peoples. The Sunshine Coast includes Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country. K’gari is the home of the Butchulla People. Further north, you travel through the lands of the Wulgurukaba, Girringun, Yirrganydji and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Peoples. Engage respectfully, support Indigenous-owned tours and art centres, and learn local stories.
• Reef care: Choose operators with eco certifications, never touch coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Never feed wildlife, including seabirds and cassowaries.
• Beach and 4WD etiquette: Let down tyres appropriately on sand, carry recovery gear, respect speed limits on beaches and keep left.
• Leave no trace: Pack out what you pack in. Use designated facilities for waste and grey water.

Alternative Routes and Detours

• Carnarvon Gorge detour: From the Sunshine Coast or Bundaberg, head inland for 2 to 3 days of epic sandstone cliffs, gorges, and guided night walks. Rejoin the coast near Rockhampton.
• Atherton Tablelands loop: From Cairns, climb the Gillies or Kuranda Range for waterfalls, crater lakes and farm gates. Overnight in Yungaburra or Atherton.
• Cape Tribulation to Cooktown: Extend the adventure north from the Daintree. The Bloomfield Track involves creek crossings and is suited to 4WD in good conditions. Alternatively, take the inland highway to Cooktown.

Sample Budgets

Backpacker couple per day:

• Fuel split with others: 25 to 35 AUD
• Campsite or hostel: 60 to 120 AUD
• Food self-catered with some treats: 40 to 60 AUD
• Tours every few days averaged out: 60 to 100 AUD
• Total: 185 to 315 AUD

Midrange couple per day:

• Fuel: 25 to 40 AUD
• Accommodation: 180 to 260 AUD
• Meals and drinks: 80 to 140 AUD
• Tours averaged: 80 to 150 AUD
• Total: 365 to 590 AUD

Family of four per day:

• Fuel: 30 to 50 AUD
• Apartment or family room: 220 to 320 AUD
• Groceries and some dining out: 100 to 180 AUD
• Tours averaged: 160 to 300 AUD
• Total: 510 to 850 AUD

Costs vary by season and how often you tour or dine out. Booking ahead and traveling in shoulder seasons can trim expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I do the Brisbane to Cairns road trip in a 2WD car? A: Yes. The highway and most attractions are 2WD accessible. You only need 4WD for beach driving and K’gari self-drive.

Q: Is the Bruce Highway safe? A: It is a major sealed highway. Drive to conditions, avoid fatigue, watch for wildlife and plan rest stops. Never rush to make up time.

Q: Are there tolls on the route? A: Tolls are around Brisbane only. Set up an e-tag or pay online after passing through.

Q: Where can I swim safely given stingers and crocs? A: On patrolled beaches within stinger nets in summer and between the flags year-round. In the far north, avoid rivers and estuaries due to crocodiles. Island lagoons and reef sites are managed by operators who provide stinger suits in season.

Q: When should I book reef and Whitsundays tours? A: In peak months June to October and during school holidays, book a week or more in advance. For shoulder periods, 48 to 72 hours is often fine.

Q: Do I need a stinger suit? A: Recommended north of Bundaberg from November to May when jellyfish are present. Tour operators usually provide them.

Q: Is this road trip good for kids? A: Absolutely. Mix short drives with time on the beach and plan a couple of hero experiences like a reef pontoon, Magnetic Island or K’gari guided tour.

Travel Style Suggestions

• Adventure focused:
  • Add white water rafting on the Tully River.
  • Book a 2-night Whitsundays sailing trip.
  • Hike sections of the Noosa or Conway National Park trails.
• Relaxation focused:
  • Choose Palm Cove or Port Douglas for resort downtime.
  • Spend two nights on Magnetic Island.
  • Book a slow lunch cruise or spa day in Airlie Beach.
• Wildlife focused:
  • Time your trip for whales and turtles in the south.
  • Add Daintree crocodile cruise, platypus viewing, and early morning birding in the Tablelands.

A 10-Day Classic Brisbane to Cairns Itinerary At a Glance

• Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa
• Day 2: Noosa to Hervey Bay
• Day 3: K’gari day tour
• Day 4: Hervey Bay to Agnes Water
• Day 5: Agnes Water to Yeppoon
• Day 6: Yeppoon to Mackay and Eungella
• Day 7: Mackay to Airlie Beach
• Day 8: Whitsundays
• Day 9: Airlie Beach to Townsville or Magnetic Island
• Day 10: Townsville to Cairns via Mission Beach

Stretch to 14 days by adding an extra day each at the Whitsundays and Cairns, plus a day on Magnetic Island.

Booking Tips That Save Time and Money

• Lock in must-do tours early: Whitsundays sailing, Great Barrier Reef day trip, K’gari tour, Daintree day tour.
• Bundle and save: Many operators offer combo deals. Ask when you book.
• Plan around markets: Noosa, Eumundi, Airlie and Kuranda have great market days for food and gifts.
• Use free swims: Council-managed lagoons in Airlie Beach and Cairns are perfect for a dip without stingers.
• Drive early, relax late: Be on the road in the morning, then hit the beach or pool by mid-afternoon.

The Sales Pitch You Can Believe In

If you want more than a holiday, if you want a string of stories you will still be telling in ten years, go Brisbane to Cairns. You will cruise open highways lined with cane and mangoes, float in water so blue you will run out of adjectives, and watch sunsets that buy silence from even the chattiest of friends. It is comfort and adventure in the same day. It is easy to plan, hard to forget and absolutely addictive.

We can arrange the lot, from a campervan with all the extras to reef tours with trusted eco operators. Tell us your timeframe and travel style, and we will build a route that fits like a glove. The East Coast is ready when you are.

Conclusion: Start the Engine

The Brisbane to Cairns road trip is a classic for a reason. It gives you reef, rainforest and rolling beaches without complicated logistics or uncomfortable miles. You can shape it around your time and interests, spend big on bucket-list tours or keep it simple with swims and sunset walks, and you will still come home feeling like you have done something special. Plan smart, book a few key experiences, pack your sense of wonder, and let Queensland do the rest.

Your seat is the front row to Australia’s best coast. Ready to go north.