Queensland’s natural beauty is utterly exploited during a go-with-the-flow journey from Brisbane to Cairns.
Two cities stacked with non-stop entertainment – but it’s what’s between Brisbane and Cairns that’s often underestimated. The 1390-kilometre coastal sweep between the southern end and the far north clocks in a drive time of just under 19 hours. But if you’ve got a solid week or so to take your time, road-tripping the journey will facilitate a non-stop stretch of pinch-me pit stops. From flawless beach towns and sublime subtropical trails to mind-blowing culinary experiences and cultural eye-openers, the trip from Brisbane and Cairns is a must-tackle at least once in your lifetime.
Brisbane
Right, the car’s locked and loaded, and you’ve grabbed snacks — but are you ready to kiss Brissie goodbye? Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge your wanderlust in the ever-evolving Queensland capital before hitting the road.
As Brisbane sets its sights on hosting the 2032 Olympic Games, it’s buffing and shining like crazy so there’s world-class entertainment to seize before global crowds catch on.
Soak up the Brisbane River, 17 hectares of lush parkland, retail and dining, and one extraordinary inner-city beach at South Bank. It’s crammed with go-all-day activity. There’s also plenty going on at Howard Smith Wharves beneath the Story Bridge.
Some of the best restaurants in Brisbane are located within this historical precinct as foodies converge for stellar waterfront meals and vibrant bars.
A must-see attraction
Before diving into your Brisbane to Cairns adventure, toast what’s to come with a meal at Felons Brewing Co. down at Howard Smith Wharves. Seafood platters, woodfired pizzas, burgers and excellent fish and chips come with a side of the city’s best views.
Where to stay
Go all out and book a stay at The Calile Hotel on the very chic James Street in Fortitude Valley. You’ll be transported to a stylish subtropical paradise, and you’re mere footsteps from designer shopping heaven.
Noosa
The show must roll on. Head along the Pacific Coast Way for roughly two hours (praying the traffic gods are on your side) to hit Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, a sun-drenched haven for photo-perfect beach towns and epic culinary experiences showcasing peak seasonal produce. Noosa is the region’s glittering star.
Punch Hastings Street into Google Maps for serious action. Home to some of Noosa’s best restaurants, outstanding Noosa accommodation options, stylish boutiques and always-on people-watching, the bustling stretch is busy from day to night.
Once you’re ready to escape the buzz, explore Noosa National Park for beautiful coastal hikes, sensational views and soothing swims.
A must-see attraction
Noosa Main Beach is stunning, but don’t leave without longingly gazing at Noosa River. Jumping on a rental boat and winding your way along its glistening turquoise waters is one of the best Noosa experiences you’ll encounter.
Where to stay
Make the most of a short visit by staying at the centrally located Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort. It’s home to a lagoon-style pool fitted with a swim-up bar plus the acclaimed Noosa Beach House Restaurant.
Hervey Bay
Got your phone charger plugged in? It’s time to hit one of the earth’s longest coastal roads, picture-perfect from every angle, the Great Beach Drive from Noosa to Hervey Bay. Tackling its 380-kilometre stretch will cover two UNESCO biosphere reserves, sleepy Rainbow Beach and K’gari, including all of its 4WD-perfect coastline and the breathtaking Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie.
Once you’re ready to settle into Hervey Bay, an approximate two-hour drive from Noosa without stopping, you’ll quickly realise why it’s everyone’s favourite Fraser Coast pit-stop. If it’s anytime from July to November, looking for whales is a non-negotiable and one of the best things to do in Hervey Bay.
Elsewhere, there’s the spectacular 26-hectare Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens and Orchid House to lose yourself in, thriving Torquay and its jetty for chilled-out fishing and boutique hopping, and water sports galore along the beachfront.
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A must-see attraction
Soak up a salty coastal breeze over cocktails and fresh food at Enzo’s on the Beach, Hervey Bay’s adored beachfront restaurant and bar.
Where to stay
Treat yourself to the best Hervey Bay accommodation by booking a night at Akama Resort. One of its self-contained apartments, located within walking distance to the centre of town, will provide a plush space to help you recharge your batteries.
Bundaberg
Venture north, steering slightly inland for about an hour and a half, and you’ll hit a seriously underrated, ECO-certified destination. Bundaberg is so much more than its famed alcoholic prowess, providing a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and staggeringly beautiful coastal charms.
Let an expert guide lead your exploration, whether on land or sea. Several standout Bundaberg tours take in the city’s distilleries and just-offshore sea turtles at magnificent Lade Musgrave Island and beyond.
A must-see attraction
You can’t return from a visit to Bundaberg without bragging about your visit to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery.
Where to stay
For one of the best places to stay in Bundaberg, choose the Grand Mercure, located on Bargara Beach, as ocean views abound.
Rockhampton
Hug the coastline for another three hours or so, passing the ultra-chilled beach towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy, to find Rockhampton in Central Queensland. A historical coastal gem, spoilt even further with gorgeous Victorian buildings and lush hinterland, it’s a nature lover’s dream.
Brush up on its history at the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Archer Park Rail Museum, two of the best things to do in Rockhampton that won’t eat up too much of your day.
After all, you’ll need ample time to gawk at the raw, untouched beauty of Mount Archer National Park.
A must-see attraction
The Rockhampton Museum of Art is a culture vulture’s wonderland, standing proudly as Queensland’s largest regional art gallery.
Where to stay
There’s Rockhampton accommodation for every budget, but we love the Denison Boutique Hotel for its spectacular 1885 building and step-into-a-bygone-era decadence.
Mackay
Notch up good mileage with the three-hour and 45-minute drive to Mackay, a town making serious waves among the country’s savviest foodies.
Flushed with some of the region’s most diverse produce, Mackay is crammed with culinary imagination and the freshest of ingredients, plus Australia’s most abundant supply of sugar.
Fear not – you can burn off heavy indulgence by hitting any one of the exceptional nature hikes within the region.
A must-see attraction
Cape Hillsborough National Park is rich with those said hikes, plus secluded beaches and natural volcanic rock showstoppers.
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Where to stay
The Lanai Riverside Apartments are close to the centre of town, plus there’s a pool, sauna and steam room to take advantage of.
Airlie Beach
The white sand of Airlie Beach is finally calling, but if you’ve got time, journey an hour inland from Mackay for Finch Hatton Gorge beforehand. It’s an unforgettable subtropical hub of waterfalls, dramatic boulders and rock pools, reconnecting you to Mother Nature in spectacular style.
But onwards – it’s Whitsundays time. Airlie Beach is the ultimate place to launch into the Great Barrier Reef. And if it’s on-land attractions you’re after, you’re similarly spoilt. There are a bunch of great restaurants and bars begging to be savoured.
A must-see attraction
Airlie Beach Lagoon is a saltwater swimming spot that attracts sun-loving crowds. There’s a playground and barbecue facilities to help you make a day of it.
Where to stay
The Sebel is a reliably luxurious pick and undoubtedly one of the best Airlie Beach accommodation options.
Mission Beach
The final stop on every Brisbane to Cairns road trip must be Mission Beach, just under two hours’ drive from your final destination.
The tiny beachside town is located on the Cassowary Coast, where the fantastical flightless birds are known to frequent. Follow our tips to spot one of the elusive creatures during your visit.
A must-see attraction
Get your walking shoes out of the car and onto your hoofs for the serene 1.5-kilometre Lacey Creek Walk in Djiru National Park.
Where to stay
For extreme indulgence, don’t look past The Elandra. It’s every shade of sophistication.
Cairns
You made it. Celebrate reaching the end of your journey and the gateway to Far North Queensland by ticking off the best things to do in Cairns.
Explore a diverse collection of eateries and the art galleries and markets of Kuranda, its popular mountain village, before snapping up instant access to the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef.
A must-see attraction
The Reef is always beckoning, but don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the Daintree Rainforest.
Where to stay
Crystalbrook Riley stays true to the hotel chain’s design-led ethos, delivering character-filled rooms and five-star amenities.
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