Must-see highlights of a Brisbane to Cairns road trip

Kristie Lau-AdamsBy Kristie Lau-Adams
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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

Brisbane city aerial shot
Explore Brisbane’s riverside enclaves and lively neighbourhoods.

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.

the Howard Smith Wharves beneath the Story Bridge
You’ll find the heritage-listed Howard Smith Wharves beneath the iconic Story Bridge. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

people dining al fresco at Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves
Dine on excellent fish and chips with stellar waterfront views at Felons Brewing Co. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

the room interior at The Calile Hotel
Stay in a stylish subtropical paradise at The Calile Hotel. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

an aerial view of the Noosa National Park
Head to Noosa National Park to see stunning natural landscapes. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

a drone shot of the turquoise waters at Noosa River
Admire the turquoise hues of the Noosa River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

A couple sit in the water at Lake McKenzie(Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie is recognisable by its gradient of blues. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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.

a look inside the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens and Orchid House
The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens is a haven for orchid enthusiasts.

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.

A must-see attraction

cocktail drinks on the table at Enzo's on the Beach, Hervey Bay Esplanade
Sip cocktails at sundown. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

an aerial view of a ship sailing across the Great Barrier Reef
Bundaberg is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

visitors sampling spirits at Bundaberg Rum Distillery
Stay for a tasting at Bundaberg Rum Distillery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

the Rockhampton Museum of Art
The Rockhampton Museum of Art is situated on the banks of the Fitzroy River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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.

an aerial view of the Mount Archer National Park
Take in the lush scenery at Mount Archer National Park.

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

an immersive display inside the Rockhampton Museum of Art
Rockhampton is home to Queensland’s largest regional art gallery.

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.

an drone shot of a secluded beach in Cape Hillsborough
Soak up the secluded beauty of Cape Hillsborough National Park. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

a woman swimming at Finch Hatton Gorge
A detour to swim at Finch Hatton Gorge is more than worth it. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

the Airlie Beach Lagoon lined with palm trees
Chill on the palm-fringed Airlie Beach Lagoon. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

a person sitting on a bent palm tree at Mission Beach
Mission Beach stretches over 14 kilometres of golden coastline. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

lush landscapes at Djiru National Park
Djiru National Park winds through a magical rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

friends walking through the Original Rainforest Markets in Kuranda
Find everything from local arts to delicious eats at Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland/James Vodicka)

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

an aerial view of visitors walking across the hanging bridge at Daintree Discovery Centre
The awe-inspiring Daintree Rainforest is a must-visit. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Reef is always beckoning, but don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the Daintree Rainforest.

Where to stay

The pool at Crystalbrook Riley in Cairns
Settle into this luxe oasis at Crystalbrook Riley. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Crystalbrook Riley stays true to the hotel chain’s design-led ethos, delivering character-filled rooms and five-star amenities.

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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The ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
    Continue
    Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

    This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

    Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

    Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

    aerial view of bribie island
    Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

    In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

    Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

    table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast
    Refuel at Park & Cove.

    Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

    Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

    After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

    baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary
    Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

    Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

    Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

    Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

    Rockhampton Museum of Art
    Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

    Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

    Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

    woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland
    Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

    Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

    Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

    aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland
    Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

    After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

    Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

    Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

    two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool
    Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

    Day 8: To Port Douglas

    No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

    Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

    aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
    Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

     Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.