From Brisbane in the South of Queensland right up to Cairns in the tropical North, this mega road trip is a feast for beach lovers, sun worshippers, adrenaline seekers and adventurists. Try to avoid driving at night in rural areas. While this is a long drive, it is one of the best trips you will ever embark upon. Aquarius On The Beach • The Ville Resort – Casino • Mercure Townsville. If you pick up this route plan, it should make you all chill out holiday, read below paragraphs. The Beach Motel Hervey Bay • Mantra Hervey Bay • Oaks Resort & Spa Hervey Bay. The drive from Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Waters to Airlie Beach will take the whole day, as you cover around 400 miles. Meriton Suites Herschel Street • Hotel Jen Brisbane • Stamford Plaza Brisbane. You can hike to the top of many of these unusual mountain peaks for incredible vistas over the rest of the surrounding Glasshouse Mountains. Along this stretch of coast, you'll come across dazzling beaches, fairy-tale waterfalls, and secret swimming spots that will refresh your body and soul. Here are few things to keep in mind when driving from Cairns to Brisbane or vise versa. Some companies charge additional fees for drivers under the age of 25. The wet season from December to March experiences hot days with daily thunderstorms. You can do this road trip in either direction, or do a complete loop from Brisbane to Cairns and back, or vice versa. We flew into Cairns from Brisbane on a Saturday morning, greeted with cloudy skies. Now with that out of the way, let’s get this Brisbane to Cairns itinerary on the road already (pun intended)! This national park boasts some amazing beaches, but is most famous for its beach-loving kangaroos. These communities are built where Captain Cook, in his voyage along the east coast of Australia, moored the Endeavour in 1770. Then hop onto the ferry to Fraser and, once there, drive to Lake McKenzie and enjoy a cooling dip, before setting up your camp for the night. If you are planning a caravan trip in New South Wales, then read on, as we have some great itinerary, For many travelers and local Australians alike, Queensland’s national parks conjure vivid images. To put this drive in context, it is further to drive from Brisbane to Cairns than it is from Melbourne to Brisbane. If not, then the only option is to join a tour, for example this amazing tour comes highly recommended. Cairns City Palms • Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside • Southern Cross Atrium Apartments. Few road trips include cityscapes, mountains, everglades and reefs all in the same stretch. All the must see places and must do things along the East Coast of Australia between Brisbane and Cairns. Its neighbour, the town of 1770, is the first place Captain Cook set foot on Queensland soil. International flights from Europe connect the main European cities to the cities on the East Coast. Create your ultimate Australia Road Trip Experience! The mid-seasons are the most pleasant to enjoy this part of the country. 2, 177 km | 26 hrs drive | 3 - 4 weeks. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Our itinerary will take you through the most iconic towns and cities, the laid-back surfing community of Noosa, sandy Fraser Island, the colorful Whitsundays, the oldest rainforest in the world, and onto the largest barrier reef in the ocean. Then enjoy a drink or meal on the terrace at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, with a view to die for, it’s a hard spot to beat. Why not spend another day in Agnes taking your last opportunity to enjoy the famous Queensland waves. The Whitsundays are one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Australia and a popular stop on a Brisbane to Cairns road trip. Take a cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which is found along the river, and enjoy the tropical climates of the botanical gardens before taking off on the first section of your road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. Best Places to Stay in Townsville Following a quick pit-stop for groceries, our first stop on our road trip was Behana Gorge Road. Perhaps the most iconic road trip in all of Australia, the Cairns to Brisbane drive odyssey spans over 1700 kilometres, through countless national parks, beside hundreds of postcard-perfect beaches and a huge reef and takes you from the tropics to subtropics. Your email address will not be published. #1 Good Camera – Chances are you will be snapping pictures pretty much non-stop in Australia, so you really need a good camera to do its beauty justice. We pretty wear them all the time. However, for those looking for spectacular scenery without crowds of tourists, it makes for the perfect first destination. So settle in for the ride of your life as you cast your eyes over this perfect 15 day Brisbane to Cairns drive. Arrive here after a short 20-minute ferry ride and instantly relax under coconut palms on the quiet beaches. You can also take a national flight if you are already in Australia (from Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra or even Darwin). Along the way, you’ll explore lush farming regions and stunning coastlines. Driving Brisbane To Cairns or Cairns To Brisbane. North from here, the Great Barrier Reef stops the awesome sets from rolling in, so take advantage by trying your hand at surfing. Despite its proximity to the state capital, few visitors stop at the Glasshouse Mountains National Park. 348 km | 7 hrs drive | 1 - 2 weeks. Hi All, We are going to do a road trip in November to Cairns. Although southern areas in Queensland, such as Brisbane and Noosa, can be visited year round, Far North Queensland is extremely tropical and experiences massive rainfall and even dangerous cyclones during the wet season. Our go to shoes are Nike Free 5.0. Possibly the most famous stretch of Australia, the north eastern coast between Brisbane and Cairns is a must-see corner of the Land Down Under. This ancient place is beautiful but humid, and you can walk through mangrove boardwalks near the coast and search for crocodiles along the wide Daintree River. The Perfect 15 Day Itinerary: Brisbane to Cairns drive. It’s certainly worth the expense to spend the day on Fraser Island. This area is best visited in what is known as the ‘dry season’ which is roughly May to September, and through the winter months. No trip to Australia’s East coast is complete without a Whitsundays Sailing Trip, so jump aboard from Airlie Beach and prepare to have the time of your life. It’s just 77 kilometres (48 miles) from the centre of Brisbane to the Gold Coast’s most famous neighbourhood, Surfers Paradise, so you’ll be there before you know it. At the end of the day, get the ferry from the Kingfisher Resort on Fraser across to Hervey Bay and spend the night there. They continuously offer the best rates and their customer service is great as well. 19 hrs 7 mins show on Google Map at least need 5 days plan which include hiking & doing things. The biggest thing to remember is to always stock up on water and to be mindful of your gas tank. Officially the Capt Cook Highway between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, this drive’s main claim to fame is its two famous World Heritage-titled neighbours either side of the asphalt. The Cairns to Brisbane road trip distance is 1,702 km and approximately 20 hours. You can visit Brisbane all year! If you are nearby and have a vehicle, you can drive there. We recommend World Nomads. During your Cairns to Brisbane road trip, make sure you check out the suburbs of Port Douglas and Palm Cove for stunning beaches. The temperatures are mild and perfect for Outdoor activities. It is always beautiful in Queensland! Ensure that you also have adequate roadside assistance. Between islands and stunning beaches, surf spots and wildlife, this road trip will tick all your boxes. With several departures per week between Brisbane and Cairns, this is a great rail experience and a fantastic option to access some of Queensland`s most popular destinations including the Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns and a number of regional centres filled with character. It’s a journey filled with striking beaches, outstanding mountain scenery, wildlife that wow s, and even a secret picnic spot for you.. Our mission is to reveal the best route, the coolest sites, and hidden gems on this 13-day adventure. https://www.roadaffair.com/brisbane-to-cairns-road-trip-itinerary Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cairns to Brisbane. The city itself has a few interesting museums, however, the real attraction lies offshore. Our FREE 52-page guide brings together all the info you need for your East Coast Road Trip in Australia: Last updated 09/07/2020. Get all the tips and advice from other backpackers. From Noosa, head up Teewah Beach, stopping to enjoy the coloured sands and Carlos sandblow at Rainbow Beach. The island is home to a unique ecosystem where rainforest is found growing from the sandy foundations alongside crystal clear, freshwater lakes that are perfect for swimming. If you are doing a return trip between the two cites, you can easily plan your road trip stops to see some of these places on the way there and others on the way back. Later in the afternoon, head over to West Point for one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll see on the whole East coast. Although you could cover the long distance in just over a week, we would recommend taking at least two weeks to fully enjoy the road trip. There’s so much to do in this beautiful coastal resort that you’ll have to pick a few favorites. And there you have it – the ultimate road trip itinerary. Generally you can get away with traveling in the shoulder months such as March or November, as long as you stay informed about weather conditions and cyclones. Start your Brisbane to Cairns road trip by spending some time in Queensland’s capital. Here are a few options, the choice is up to you based on your budget and expectations. Required fields are marked *. Agnes Water is actually the cheapest place for you to learn to surf in Queensland. First, ask yourself what type of vehicle suits your expectations best: Also determine your vehicle according to the number of people, your budget, your desired comfort, etc. You can also fly to Brisbane. They are comfortable, lightweight and sturdy. For more information check out our detailed Brisbane itinerary. A road trip from its exquisite capital Brisbane to a beautiful city Cairns is believed to be one of the most fun-filled and exhilarating road trips across Australia. Find the best tours to the Great Barrier Reef. The high speed ferry gets you there everyday and scheduled adapted trips to allow you maximum time on that magnificent island. One of the first steps is to get to the east of the country. Brisbane to Cairns Return route planning tips As you’ll be travelling in the northern third of Australia, it’s important to understand the seasons and best time to experience. Martinique Whitsunday Resort • Whitsunday Reflections • Airlie Beach Magnums. Brisbane to Cairns Drive. The first travel guide written by Backpackers for Backpackers in Australia !! Just down the road from Brisbane, the Gold Coast is one big holiday playground: 57 kilometres (35 miles) of pristine beaches, mostly just a few minutes’ walk from hotels, food, parks and all sorts of fun. Brisbane to Cairns Itinerary Length: 21 days, 20 nights Distance: 1950 kms. Next up on the Brisbane to Cairns itinerary is the popular town of Airlie Beach, which is the jumping off point for the mesmerizing Whitsunday Islands. In the evening, venture out into Fortitude Valley to listen to some live music and sample some delicious, local craft beers. Next, carry on north to the laid-back surfing community of Noosa. If you intend to road trip more of Australia’s east coast, make sure to also check out our other itineraries: Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, and Cairns to Darwin. This pristine little island is only 29km off shore and you can get there by ferry in just 45 minutes. Cairns is in and of itself a popular destination in Australia and deserves at least 3 or 4 days of your time. The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen works just as well as a regular sunscreen but without all the harmful chemicals. And massive, it certainly is! Another three-hour drive along the coast and you will arrive at the small, coastal towns of Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water. 13-Day Road Trip from Brisbane to Cairns. After 2 weeks, you’ve finally reached your destination on your . A delicious BBQ lunch, beer and wine are all included. Revel in the glory, relax at the Esplanade pool and enjoy some of the nightlife Cairns has to offer. Best Places to Stay in Agnes Waters That being said, that wouldn’t include any key stops, detours and attractions, and needs to be broken up with stays in different towns along the way! These charming places to visit have beautiful beaches that are long and almost always devoid of visitors. There are some wonderful mangroves to explore along the coast, while just over an hour away by boat is Lady Musgrave Island. At the far end of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a lovely, relaxing town to visit. After a morning coffee at Bean Drop, why not check out the Noosa National Park. From Townsville, catch the ferry across to Magnetic Island, a wildlife haven that’s surrounded by excellent scenery. Townsville is the largest city in Far North Queensland, and being located roughly halfway between Airlie Beach and Cairns makes it a great stopover. There are some great things to do in Cairns, and while the city itself has some intriguing art galleries, museums, and some bustling night markets to enjoy, travelers make the long journey here to visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Cairns is Far North Queensland’s tourist hub, so settle in and be prepared to stay for at least a few days to explore everything there is to see. Learn how your comment data is processed. Snorkel with tropical fish and turtles before heading to Horseshoe Bay for some lunch. If you suffer from heat or cold, visit Brisbane in spring (September, October, November) and autumn (March, April, May). If you do not drop the vehicle off in the same rental city, you will pay an additional charge (one-way fee). If you have your own vehicle, then it’s easy to arrange coverage through Australia’s RAC. This is the world’s largest sand island, and it’s an utterly unmissable destination when driving from Brisbane to Cairns by car. For surfers, there are fantastic waves. Includes highlights, accommodation and activities. Road trip: Brisbane to Cairns in a week 1888km Beach Adventure Benefit The ultimate Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary, straight up the Bruce Highway along Queensland’s tropical Pacific coast and taking in the best places to stop including Fraser Island, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Townsville. Some 1700km in distance, driving from Brisbane to Cairns is a fair old road trip to make even when you aren’t stopping to see a ton of awesome stuff along the way! One of the must-do’s here, is a stroll along South Bank, or you can ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, check out the Gallery of Modern Art and relax on the street beach, as you gaze at the city skyscrapers glistening above you. Just an hour north of Brisbane is one of Queensland’s most untouched national parks. Whether a quick escape or a longer, If you are a travel junkie that is eyeing a trip to Australia, then read on. Each morning at dawn, grey kangaroos and wallabies descend on to the sand here to feast on the mangrove seed pods washed up by the tide. Once the sun begins to set, Australia’s wildlife, most of which is nocturnal, begins to appear. Otherwise, you can compare the rental offers for vans and motorhomes on the Motorhome Republic website. Road trip itinerary from Brisbane to Cairns. First published 20/06/2016. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. If you have even longer, then simply take your time and spend more days in each of Queensland’s fantastic destinations. Note: This itinerary is part of a much longer Melbourne to Darwin road trip. Your email address will not be published. Enjoy the walk at the Joseph Banks Regional Park here and take in the gorgeous coastal views. Quick Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip itinerary Distance – 1,678.5 km (1,042.9 miles) Time – 8 days Day 1 – Brisbane to Noosa: 137 km (85.1 miles) Day 2 – Noosa to Hervey Bay: 190 km (118 miles) Day 3 – Hervey Bay to Bundaberg: 120 km (74.5 miles) Day 4 – Bundaberg to Agnes Water: 122.2 km (75.9 miles) As a wise man once said, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” So don’t leave home without it. The dry season from May to October is a pleasant and warm period. Read this article to find out more! 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