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. From Brisbane in the South of Queensland right up to Cairns in the tropical North, this mega road trip is a treat for beach lovers, sun worshippers, adrenaline seekers and adventurists. This route offers a blend of urban exploration, serene beach towns, lush rainforests, and an array of unique Australian wildlife. A road trip from Brisbane to Cairns over 15 days offers the perfect way to experience this diverse beauty. Here’s how you can make the most of this unforgettable journey.
Table of Contents
Prepare your trip
Duration
It takes about 2 weeks to do a road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. 15 days is the perfect length of time to really enjoy the trip.
Distances
You will cover a total of around 1700km in increments of 50 to 200km. A road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is not too intimidating because you will find cities and amenities all along the road. It’s the ideal itinerary for a first road trip.
Our FREE 52-page guide brings together all the info you need for your East Coast Road Trip in Australia:
- Preparations (seasons, budget)
- All the best spots to visit on the coast
- The best tours & activities
- Spots to park and sleep in a campervan
Budget your trip
To take full advantage of your trip, you will need to plan for your expenses. Make sure you have the necessary budget and carry enough cash with you to avoid awkward situations. For your information, here is our estimate for 2 weeks van road trip (rental) for 2 people already in Australia:
- Rental of a 2-seater van with insurance: $1800 (depending on season)
- Fuel: $500 to $600
- By bus: with the Greyhound company, a trip will cost you around $350
- By train: approximately $400
- Food: $300
- Campsites: approximately $200
- Excursions and activities: $2000
- Restaurants and outings: $200
Total: approximately $5500 for two people or $2750 per person.
How to travel the East Coast?
Between islands and stunning beaches, surf spots and wildlife, this road trip will tick all your boxes. There are different ways to get around the East Coast of Australia. Once arrived in Brisbane, this is the starting point of your road trip, you can rent a vehicle or join a tour to discover the coast. Here are a few options, the choice is up to you based on your budget and expectations.
By plane
International flights from Europe connect the main European cities to the cities on the East Coast. You can fly directly to Brisbane. If you are already in Australia, you can also take a domestic flight from Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra or Darwin. There are several flights everyday between the main cities of the country.
The best option to book your ticket is to use a price comparing site. This will allow you to have an overall view of the prices of airline tickets on your dates of choice. It’s also a way to see what companies seem to offer flights within your budget.
Driving your own vehicle
One of the first steps is to get to the east of the country. If you are nearby and have a vehicle, you can drive there. The roads on this part of the country are good and you don’t need a 4WD to get around. But keep in mind that some places can only be accessed with a 4WD, such as Fraser Island.
Renting a vehicle
If you don’t have a vehicle, hire one in Brisbane. This seems to be a great option for discovering the beauties of the coast. Book it in advance to choose and find your ideal vehicle because rentals are gone quickly, especially in high season.
The main suppliers are Britz, Apollo and Travellers Autobarn (you can get a discount here: promo code Travellers Autobarn). Otherwise, you can compare the rental offers for vans and motorhomes on Motorhome Republic.
💡 Good to know
Some companies charge additional fees for drivers under the age of 25. If you do not drop the vehicle off in the same rental city, you will pay an additional charge (one-way fee).
Choose your vehicle
A road trip on the East Coast of Australia can be done with any vehicle. But consider the type of vehicle based on your route and activities:
- A motorhome with all the utilities for those looking for comfort
- A van, smaller but well organized
- A campervan for a little more space and equipment
- A 4WD with a roof tent for the more adventurous. A 4WD is recommended if you plan to visit off-road areas like Fraser Island.
Also determine your vehicle according to the number of people, your budget, your desired comfort, etc.
By bus / train / carpooling
An option to visit the East Coast is by bus but you will have much less freedom in your itinerary and see less than with your own vehicle. There are several bus companies present on the East Coast, such as Greyhound, Premier or Stray. They also provide ‘hop on hop off’ passes, which can be economical for extensive travel.
The train can be a good option for your road trip. It is a different way to travel but also a memorable experience. It will allow you to enjoy the diversity of the landscapes of the coast. However, here again, you will have less freedom in your itinerary than with your own vehicle. Plus, this will take you more time.
Websites like Gumtree, Catchalift, and ShareYourRide are popular for finding carpooling options. This not only splits the cost but also offers a chance to meet new people.
Best time to travel between Brisbane and Cairns
The summers are hot (+30C°) and winters are mild. The mid-seasons are the most pleasant to enjoy this part of the country.
The climate in Brisbane is subtropical, the summers are long, hot and humid and the winters are short but cool. You can visit Brisbane all year! If you suffer from heat or cold, visit Brisbane in spring (September, October, November) and autumn (March, April, May). The temperatures are mild and perfect for Outdoor activities.
Cairns is located in the tropical northern part of Australia. The dry season from May to October is a pleasant and warm period. This period also coincides with the best conditions for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The wet season from December to March experiences hot days with daily thunderstorms.
Brisbane to Cairns 15 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Brisbane
Your first stop on your Brisbane to Cairns drive. Start your adventure in Brisbane, Queensland’s vibrant capital. Spend your days exploring the South Bank parklands, the City Botanic Gardens, and the Brisbane River. Don’t miss the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and the Brisbane Lookout at Mt. Coot-tha for panoramic city views.
Days 2 & 3: Sunshine Coast & Noosa
Start your big journey north gently today and just travel a few hours north from Brisbane up to the gorgeous town of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and excellent surf spots. Stand-up paddle boarding on the river is a great way to enjoy the morning here, followed by a relaxing afternoon sunbathing on Noosa’s popular main beach. In the evening, enjoying a few drinks in the historic beer garden of Halse Lodge is a must.
Enjoying another lovely day in Noosa will give you a chance to explore some other parts of this superb town. After a morning coffee, why not check out the Noosa National Park. Walk the coastal trail round to the enclave of Sunshine Beach and keep your eyes peeled for a koala or echidna. Then enjoy a drink or meal on the terrace at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, with a view to die for.
Days 4 & 5: Fraser Island
It’s an early start today as you want to get the most out of your time on Fraser Island. From Noosa, head up Teewah Beach, stopping to enjoy the coloured sands and Carlos sandblow at Rainbow Beach.
Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. It is only accessible with a 4WD. Explore its ancient rainforests, colored sand cliffs, and unique freshwater lakes.
Enjoy another jam-packed day on Fraser making sure you check out all the highlights, including Indian Head, Lake Wabbi, Lake Benaroon, Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck. Spot dingoes on the beach, dolphins in the ocean and, if you’re lucky, perhaps even a whale or two. At the end of the day, get the ferry from the Kingfisher Resort on Fraser across to Hervey Bay and spend the night there.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, join a 4WD tour to cover the island’s major spots, including Lake McKenzie and the Maheno Shipwreck. Departures are usually from Noosa and/or Rainbow Beach.
Days 6 & 7: Agnes Water & Town of 1770
From Hervey Bay, continue your road trip north until you reach the gorgeous haven of Agnes Water. This tiny town at the end of the track, is a low-key, relaxed beach paradise. Its neighbour, the town of 1770, is the first place Captain Cook set foot on Queensland soil. Enjoy the walk at the Joseph Banks Regional Park here and take in the gorgeous coastal views.
Why not spend another day in Agnes taking your last opportunity to enjoy the famous Queensland waves. North from here, the Great Barrier Reef stops the awesome sets from rolling in, so take advantage by trying your hand at surfing. Agnes Water is actually the cheapest place for you to learn to surf in Queensland.
Day 8: Cape Hillsborough
Stopping at Cape Hillsborough National Park for one night is a must, especially if you have a campervan. Just 50 km north of the city of Mackay. This national park boasts some amazing beaches, but is most famous for its beach-loving kangaroos. 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. Grabbing a snap of them silhouetted against the red dawn sky really is a wonderful treat.
Day 9: Airlie Beach
From Cape Hillsborough you want to head to the backpacker mecca of Airlie Beach, a vibrant town that serves as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the outer Great Barrier Reef. Spend your day relaxing by the lagoon or take a scenic flight over Heart Reef to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above.
Days 9-10: Whitsunday Sailing Trip
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. From snorkelling and diving in the tropical waters, to visiting breathtaking white sand beaches, taking a 2-day sailing trip here is bound to be an experience you’ll never forget.
Don’t miss Whitehaven Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet offer some of the world’s most photographed views, with swirling white sands and turquoise waters.
If you want to get a panoramic aerial view of the islands, there is also the option to explore the Whitsundays from above on a scenic flight. It’s a little pricey, but if you have room in your budget, the views are unforgettable!
Days 11 & 12: Magnetic Island
From one set of islands to another, the next hot spot north from the Whitsundays is the lovely Magnetic (or “Maggie”) Island just off the coast of Townsville. Arrive here after a short 20-minute ferry ride and instantly relax under coconut palms on the quiet beaches.
For your second day on Magnetic Island, it’s all about hiring a 4WD to explore the most remote parts of this fab location. Checking out the walk to the Forts and spotting some koalas and wallabies on the way is a must. After this, take the off-road track down to the gorgeous bays of Florence and Radical. Snorkel with tropical fish and turtles before heading to Horseshoe Bay for some lunch. Later in the afternoon, head over to West Point for one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll see on the whole East coast.
If you do not want to visit Magnetic Island, head to Townsville where you can visit the Reef HQ Aquarium to learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life without getting wet. Take a ferry to Magnetic Island for koala spotting at the Forts Walk.
Day 13: Mission Beach
On your way, take a detour to Wallaman Falls. Located in the Girrigun National Park, this waterfall is the highest in Australia at an amazing 268m tall. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth the trip!
Afterwards, continue your journey to Mission Beach, a quiet beach town where two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, meet. It’s the perfect spot for skydiving, white water rafting, or simply enjoying the serene beaches. However, be careful if you’re going for a dip, as crocodiles roam the area and jellyfish are rampant during stinger season! Swimming is usually fine between the protective nets in certain areas, but it pays to be vigilant.
If you missed your chance to go skydiving at Airlie Beach, you can take the plunge here! Mission Beach is also a great place for a hike. If you’re lucky, you might spot a cassowary in the jungle!
Day 14: Cairns
After 2 weeks of travelling, you’ve finally reached the last stop on your itinerary! The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the city of Cairns is famous for its chilled out atmosphere and tropical climate.
This city of 150,000 inhabitants has a lot to offer visitors. Boasting an artificial lagoon with stunning views of the coastline, heavenly beaches and islands, lush Botanic Gardens and buzzing nightlife.
Cairns is also the perfect base for exploring the many natural attractions and activities to be found in the surrounding area. Some of the highlights include whitewater rafting in Tully, getting close to crocs at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, and the famous Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
Accessible by ferry from Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest forests in the world. You will be able to see a variety of unique plant and animal species and feel connected to nature like nowhere else. There is also the option to go on a guided rainforest walk with a local Aboriginal tour guide, learning about the history, culture and traditions of their people and sampling some bush tucker.
Located north of the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation is one of Australia’s most famous beach resorts. You can admire breathtaking landscapes and explore the colourful seabed. Cape Tribulation is also where navigator James Cook ran aground when he discovered Australia in 1770. The region is therefore full of historical references.
Day 15: Great Barrier Reef
You always want to make sure your last day is a good one, so why not create some amazing memories by visiting the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. If you don’t have to get on a plane in the next few days, then scuba diving here is highly recommended! Otherwise, a boat trip and a snorkel will suffice. Either way, it will be a great way to round off your time on the East Coast.
Tours to the Great Barrier Reef
Find the best tours to the Great Barrier Reef. Read this article to find out more!
Accommodation options along the Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip
The Brisbane to Cairns route offers a diverse range of accommodation options catering to all preferences and budgets. Book accommodations in advance, especially in smaller towns, to ensure availability.
Camping and Caravan Parks
- Beachside Camping: Many coastal towns along the route, like Noosa and Airlie Beach, offer beachside camping spots. These are perfect for those who love waking up to the sound of waves.
- National Park Camping: For nature enthusiasts, camping in national parks like Eungella or Daintree offers a unique experience. Facilities vary from basic to well-equipped.
- Caravan Parks: Found in almost every town, caravan parks provide amenities like showers, kitchens, and sometimes even pools. They’re great for families and those traveling in campervans.
Hostels
- Backpacker Hostels: In popular spots like Hervey Bay and Airlie Beach, you’ll find a range of backpacker hostels. These are social, budget-friendly options, often with shared dorms and communal areas. In Brisbane, we recommend YHA which is central and offer good rates. If you stop at Airlie Beach, we recommend Nomads, opposite the lagoon with luxurious Melanesian style accommodation at affordable prices.
Hotels and Resorts
- City Hotels: In larger cities like Brisbane and Townsville, there’s a wide selection of hotels from budget to luxury.
- Beach Resorts: The Whitsundays and Mission Beach are known for their luxurious beach resorts, offering a more upscale experience with amenities like spas, fine dining, and private beaches.
Unique Stays
- Eco-Lodges: In places like the Daintree Rainforest, eco-lodges offer environmentally-friendly accommodations, often with guided tours and immersive nature experiences.
- Farm Stays: In rural areas, particularly in the Atherton Tablelands, farm stays are a unique way to experience Australian rural life.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
- Offering everything from apartments in the city to beach houses and rural cottages, Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms provide a home-away-from-home experience.
Tips for Accommodation
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons and in popular destinations, it’s wise to book your accommodation well in advance.
- Consider Location: Depending on your itinerary, choose accommodations that are conveniently located for your activities.
- Budget Accordingly: Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses. Balance your budget by mixing different types of stays.
By offering such a wide array of accommodation options, the Brisbane to Cairns road trip caters to every type of traveler, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey through one of Australia’s most scenic routes.
Free East Coast Guide to download
Download the complete Guide for a Road Trip on the East Coast
Our FREE 52-page guide brings together all the info you need for your East Coast Road Trip in Australia:
- Preparations (seasons, budget)
- All the best spots to visit on the coast
- The best tours & activities
- Spots to park and sleep in a campervan
Travel Tips and Practical Information
Embarking on a road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is an exciting adventure, but it requires some planning and awareness of local conditions.
Driving in Australia
- Rent a reliable vehicle that can handle both highways and the occasional off-road adventure.
- Driving on the Left: Remember, in Australia, you drive on the left side of the road.
- Be mindful of distances and driving times, as some days will require several hours of driving. Always rest if you’re tired.
- Speed Limits and Rules: Adhere to speed limits and road rules. Speed limits vary, typically 50-60 km/h in cities and 100-110 km/h on highways.
- Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are more active.
- Service Stations: Besides fuel, service stations often offer restrooms, food, and sometimes showers.
- Check local travel advisories and weather conditions, especially during Australia’s summer months, which can see tropical cyclones in the north.
Environmental consciousness
- Leave No Trace: Always clean up after yourself and avoid disturbing natural habitats.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Use eco-friendly products and reduce plastic use.
- Respect local wildlife and natural environments, keeping a safe distance and not feeding wild animals.
Health and Insurance
- Travel Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers road trips.
- Health Precautions: Carry any necessary medications and be aware of any health services along your route.
This Brisbane to Cairns itinerary offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty, providing a comprehensive experience of Australia’s stunning east coast.
