Roadtrip Brisbane to Cairns Queensland – an exhilarating itinerary
Begin with a jaunt to the Sunshine Coast and the foodie haven Noosa Heads. Take a mandatory dip into the crystal clear waters of Noosa’s beaches before or after. Then venture to Fraser Island – getting there is a breeze! Take a scenic drive to either Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach and hop on a ferry to K’Gari (formally Fraser Island)—easy peasy! Once you hit the island, either jump on a guided tour for hassle-free exploring or go solo and chart your own adventure. Just make sure to plan ahead and book your ferry.
Following this, it’s worth making a detour to the rum haven of Bundaberg and the laid-back vibes of Yeppoon. Soak in the coastal beauty of Airlie Beach and don’t miss Bowen – a must-see for fans of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Australia’, before reaching the shores of Mission Beach, with its postcard-perfect scenery. Finally, Cairns awaits you only two hours away.
Explore handpicked accommodation by Travellarks on the Fraser Coast Queensland, for a memorable stay along the way.
Day 1 and 2: Brisbane
Kick off your adventure in the buzzing capital of Brisbane with a caffeine fix – no shortage of coffee hot spots here. The proof’s in the cup at Marchetti Cafe and Bear Bones Coffee and Della Mano (think handcrafted luxury brownies), Croix Croissants @croissant.bne also located at 185 Mt Alexander Rd, Flemington, and Nodo Donuts for the serious sweet tooth. Then, check out South Bank or wander through the lush botanical gardens and hop on the CityCat ferry for a scenic ride along the Brisbane River. Don’t miss a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to cuddle some cute koalas and hand-feed kangaroos. And for dinner, head to the fabulous Donna Chang, or Pneuma, or, if you’re looking for cheaper good eats, head to Taro’s Ramen in Queen St and Eat Street Northshore, a vibrant market filled with delicious street food from around the world.
Day 3: Brisbane to Maleny
- Distance: Approx. 100Â km
- Drive Time: Approx. 2 hrs
- You can take the Bruce Highway north from Brisbane and then head inland towards Maleny, or you can take the scenic route through the Sunshine Coast hinterland, which offers stunning views along the way.
Welcome to Maleny – home of artisanal cheeses, breathtaking scenery, and a vibrant arts scene! Get your taste buds tingling at the cheese factory, join a farm or factory tour or feed those gorgeous heifers. Try some local Brouhaha Wines or Maleny Mountain Wines with killer views.If you’re into nature, Maleny offers stunning views of Glasshouse Mountains, and the Botanic Gardens and a walk through the rainforest at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve will get your heart singing. Don’t forget to swing by the dairy farm for some fresh milkshakes and ice cream straight from the farm. And if you’re into artsy vibes, check out the galleries and markets for some local flair. It’s all about soaking in the laid-back vibes here. You can also join in the fun at the Maleny Country Markets (held at the RSL Hall on Bunya Street). These markets sell great locally grown produce, handmade crafts, artisanal goods, clothing, jewellery and more, so go support the community. There should be some live music there to put you in the mood. Also try foodie hotspots like The Terrace Seafood Restaurant or Sarahs Unplugged in Maple St, for fresh juices and classic burgers.
Day 4 and Day 5: Maleny to K’Gari Island
- Distance: Approx. 200 to 250 km depending on your starting point
- Drive Time: Approx. 4 – 6 hrs including ferry wait
- Head east towards the coast and then travel north. You’ll need to reach the ferry terminals at either Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach or River Heads near Hervey Bay.K’Gari is accessible by ferry (remember to book the return ferry trip ahead).
- If you’re at Rainbow Beach – Check out the stunning multi-colored sand cliffs or the blow hole or coastal cafes.
- Welcome to K’Gari – largest sand island, UNESCO listed, in the world. Picture this: crystal-clear lakes like Lake McKenzie, ancient rainforests begging to be explored, and the thrill of discovering the Maheno Shipwreck.That’s just a taste. Join a day tour, boat cruise and Fraser Island Experiences or multi-day excursions to explore the island with it’s unique wildlife.
- Tips for K’Gari – Respect the wildlife, especially dingoes, by keeping your distance and never feeding them. Drive cautiously on sandy tracks – remember to leave no trace – take only pics, leave only footprints.
Day 6: K’Gari Island to Hervey Bay
- Distance: Approx. 81 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 2 hrs and 50 min via Northern Rd
- Welcome to Hervey Bay  – a top spot for whale spotting (July – Nov). There’s beautiful beaches with calm, shallow waters perfect for a dip, a snorkel or a paddle, like Torquay Beach, Scarness Beach, and Main Beach. For land lovers, there’s the Botanic Gardens with exotic plants, walking trails and picnic areas, plus there’s an excellent Art Gallery, Historical Village & Museum, a vibrant dining scene, food and wine festivals, markets, and live music performances. Do visit the turtles at Reefworld Aquarium too and you’ll get a small slice of the Great Barrier Reef to remember forever!
Day 6: Hervey Bay to Bundaberg
- Distance: Approx. 110 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr and 21 min
- Welcome to Bundaberg – home of Bundaberg rum, so visit the distillery and a chance to learn about the history of rum Down Under. Also, there’s the Mon Repos Turtle Centre during turtle nesting and hatching season very cool to witness. For aviation lovers, head to the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. After all that, you can tuck in so some perky pancakes or boastful burgers at Alowishus or swing across to Indulge who showcase what the region has to offer.
Day 6: Bundaberg to Rockhampton
- Distance: Approx. 288 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 3 hrs and 11 min
- Welcome to Rockhampton – Â where the sun’s shinin’ and the steaks are sizzlin’ as it’s the “beef capital of Australia.” Apart from the barbeque, check out the Dreamtime Cultural Centre and dive deep into the Indigenous heritage of this land. It’s a fascinating journey through time and culture. For animal lovers, the Rockhampton Zoo is a must-visit. Get up close and personal with a diverse array of wildlife, from cuddly koalas to majestic lions. And 27 km outside Rocky, there’s the Capricorn Caves – stunning limestone caverns worth the visit.
Day 7 and 8: Rockhampton to Yeppoon
- Distance: Approx. 43 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 30 min
- Welcome to Yeppoon –  a coastal gem and snorkelling oasis. First up, catch a ferry to Great Keppel Island for some unreal beaches and snorkelling. Drift over reefs with Great Keppel Glass Bottom Boat Tours and return to Yeppoon Main Beach for hitting the waves. Capricorn Coast National Park’s has epic views and bush walks, while the Keppel Kraken aquatic centre is a blast for the whole family. Don’t miss the Yeppoon Lagoon for a swim and picnic and if you’re into wildlife, Cooberrie Park is your spot for a koala cuddles. If you want a croc encounter head to Koorana Crocodile Farm thirty minutes away. Feeling hungry after all that activity? Try the Esplanade.
Day 9 and 10: Yeppoon to Mackay
- Distance: Approx. 353 km
- Drive Time: Approx 3 hrs and 49 min
- Welcome to the Mackay – famous for stunning beaches, tropical snorkelling and nesting sea turtles from Nov to Feb. Explore the town’s rich history with guided tours or join a fishing charter for big catches, or skydive or kayak through mangrove forests. For day trips, head to Eungella National Park for rainforest hikes and platypus spotting or the Great Barrier Reef to sail around this tropical paradise. Don’t forget to explore the arts and culture scene at Art Space or Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and indulge in some delicious local cuisine – grab your prawns, crabs, bugs and lobsters from the Fish Market to the big brekky at The Grazing Goat in Wood St, the ultimate cuban sambo at Coco Cubano, coffee at The Dispensary or  ice cream at Twenty50. And make sure you catch the magical sunset and stars at Cape Hillsborough – it’s where kangaroos and wallabies come out to play on the beach.
Day 11: Mackay to Bowen
- Distance: Approx. 197 km
- Drive Time: Approx 2 hrs and 39 min
- Welcome to Bowen – home to the iconic Big Mango, pristine beaches and warm hospitality. Hop in the drink at stunning Horseshoe Bay and Queens Beach. Take a selfie with Bowen’s Yeah, Bowen’s giant mango and how about diving into the Great Barrier Reef from here? Plus, there are these awesome hiking trails with killer coastal views. Bowen is also known for its fresh catches, so make sure to indulge in some seriously good eats while you’re here. You can’t go passed Birds Fish Bar in Henry Darwen Dr, The Grand View Hotel and The Cove.
Day 11 and Day 12: Bowen to Airlie Beach
- Distance: Approx. 78 km
- Drive Time: Approx 1 hr and 5 min
- Welcome to Airlie Beach –Â gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Set sailing trips, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and lounge on pristine white sand beaches such as Whitehaven Beach, often hailed as one of the world’s best beaches. Family friendly Airlie Beach Lagoon is a top swimming spot with picturesque ocean views. Take a walk along Abel Point Marina and check out the luxury yachts and waterfront dining. Try Fat Frog and Get lively with plenty of bars and clubs lining the main strip and explore boutique shops, and enjoy adventure activities like jet boating and parasailing. And if you want some see “Lenny” the croc and others in their natural habitat, head to Whitsunday Crocodile Safari.
Day 13: Airlie Beach to Tully
- Distance: Approx. 78 km
- Drive Time: Approx 1 hr and 5 min
- Welcome Tully – home to the golden gumboot, Australia’s largest sugar mill and gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area! Visit Tully Gorge National Park, Alligators Nest or go white-water rafting on the Tully River or discover ancient rainforests and unique wildlife. Tours galore here including horse riding, cultural tour and a sugar mill tour.
Day 13: Tully to Mission Beach
- Distance: Approx. 28 km
- Drive Time: Approx 25 min
- Welcome Mission Beach – golden sandy beaches and green rainforest. Head to both and spot cassowaries, birds, and marine critters putting on a show. You can explore nearby islands too such as Dunk Island with hiking trails and secluded beaches, go coral sea kayaking or swing over to the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel, dive and swim. How about skydiving over these breathtaking views or tackling the rapids with some white-water rafting? Feeling peckish? Try Bingil Bay Cafe and Buko.
Day 13: Mission Beach to Innisfail
- Distance: Approx. 52 km
- Drive Time: Approx 40 min
- Welcome to Innisfail Рa combo of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history. Walk along the Riverfront Esplanade, admiring the Johnstone River and art deco architecture. Walk the Mamu Tropical Skywalk or visit to the Innisvail Temple or historic Sugar Heritage Centre and Cane Cutters Memorial. Feel like a dip? Cool off at Josephine Falls. Hungry? Grab a bite at Mena Creek Hotel or the Seabreeze Caf̩ with river views.
Day 13: Innisfail to Cairns
- Distance: Approx. 89 km
- Drive Time: Approx 1 hr and 50 min
- Welcome to Cairns – gateway to the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef. Stroll the Botanic Gardens or the lively Esplanade lagoon. Check out Cairns markets and what’s on for dins at the waterfront eateries. Cairns Aquarium is fabulous its underwater tunnels of sharks, rays, and colourful fish or if you like the Arts, check out the Japanese Samurai Gallery or dive into the Tanks Arts Centre. Don’t miss the bustling Night Markets for shopping and eating local, and be sure to learn about Indigenous culture at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. For adventure, take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Feeling hungry? Try Bang and Grind for an avo chorizo wrap or porchetta Benedict and ricotta pancakes. Muddys fish tacos and halloumi burgers and a sweet treat at Blackbird Lanery or Waffle on Cairns will make your heart sing.
- With more time, head north to Green Island, hop on board the scenic railway journey to the picturesque village of Kuranda and see the crocs at Wangetti or the Daintree. Mossman Gorge or the Atherton Tablelands is a must for a swim, hike and tasting plump fruit like mangoes in organic farms and orchards.
Trust you relished this Roadtrip Brisbane to Cairns Queensland, so why not plan your next adventure and get inspired again with an itinerary with Travellarks?
