Journey to north Queensland on an unforgettable Brisbane to Cairns Drive. Explore lush tropical rainforests and cool off in natural rockpools along the way. Dive into the serene waters of the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel amidst the vibrant fish and coral. Relax on the pristine shores of a tropical beach, perhaps Mission Beach or Magnetic Island. Don’t forget your hat for this ultimate Queensland adventure!
Prepare for this Brisbane to Cairns drive with our comprehensive guides. Discover the best navigation apps for seamless travel and explore our meal-planning guide for easy meal options while travelling. Ensure a comfortable set-up with our essential camping gear guide, and make the most of your journey!
Venture To The Tropical North Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns Drive
Road Trip Itinerary: Brisbane to Cairns Drive in 11-Days
| Distance: | 1911 km One Way |
| Length: | 11 Days |
| When to Visit: | March to October |
| Where to Stay: | Holiday Park Accommodation, RV Camping, Tent Camping. |
Travel Tip: The best time to travel to north Queensland is between May and October in the dry season. Also, please keep in mind Estuarine Crocodiles and marine stingers (jellyfish) in northern waterways and beaches.
Day 1 – Hit the road north for the first destination: Seventeen Seventy (Agnes Waters), 495 km from Brisbane. Enjoy a long beach walk along Agnes Waters Beach and watch the waves crash at Queensland’s most northern surf beach. Stay at Captain Cook Holiday Village for two nights.
Things to do at Agnes Waters and Seventeen Seventy:
- 1770 Headland: Countless Russell Anchor Historical site.
- Headland walking trail to Wave Lookout and Bustard Bay Lookout.
- Captain Cook Memorial – Cook’s Landing Place.
- 1770 LARC Tours Lunch or afternoon cruise.
- Most northern surf beach in Queensland: Agnes Water Beach.
- Enjoy a foodie treat from Barraca by the sea.
Day 3 – Continue the journey to Mackay 568 km. Pull into Discovery Parks Mackay, which is centrally located between the city and the harbour – stay for two nights. Now get ready to explore! Pack lunch, walking shoes and swimwear for these must-see locations from Mackay.
Enter into the tranquil tropical rainforest and cool waters of Finch Hatton Creek, at Finch Hatton Gorge, 70 km from Mackay. Take the walking trail along clear cascading waters, reaching Wheel of Fire Falls. Alternatively, 48 km north of Mackay, you can experience the stunningly scenic rugged coastal headland of Cape Hillsborough National Park . To explore the unique vine forest and sweeping coastal views, walk the Andrews Point Track 5.2 km.
Day 5 – Proceed to Conway Beach Tourist Park, 151 km. Conway Beach is a quiet seaside locality featuring a sweeping tropical beach – ideal for a relaxing beachside escape. Should the lively vibe, of Airlie Beach be the desired location, stay at Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort. Stay for two nights.
Things to do near Airlie Beach:
- Day trip tour through the Whitsunday Islands from multiple guides.
- Whitehaven Beach with on a Whitsundays Tour.
- Airlie Beach Lagoon on the seafront.
- Walk the headland Boardwalk from Broadwater Ave.
- Walk through Airlie Beach town.
- Cedar Creek Falls.
Tips for being Crock safe in Northen Australia:
- Stay 2 – 5 meters from the water’s edge.
- Camp 50 meters from the water’s edge.
- Do not leave food scraps, bait or pets near the water’s edge.
- If in a boat, keep limbs inside the vessel.
- Swim in clear water only with someone on watch where there are no Corocdile warning signs.
Day 7 – The next destination on this journey is Townsville, 274 km. Townsville, the capital of North Queensland, offers a variety of things to see and do with access to the stunning Magnetic Island. Magnetic Island is accessed via passenger or car ferry, and a continuous bus service can get you quickly around the island. Discover gorgeous boulder-lined bays, bustling bars, cafes, and scenic coastal walking trails. Spot a Koala on the Forts Walk and amazing views from granite boulder hills. Perhaps lash out and stay at Peppers Blue on Blue resort or the mainland stay at Tasman Holiday Parks, Rowes Bay, for two nights.
Things to do in Townsville:
- Walk ‘The Strand’ Strand Park features a waterfront walking path, a rock pool and a waterpark.
- Walk or drive up Castle Hill for amazing 360-degree views.
- Visit Townsville city centre: Historic Victoria Bridge, the Big Townsville Sign.
- Historic Kissing Point Fortification: Viewing platform, and seaside parklands.
Day 9 – Enter deeper into tropical North Queensland at Tully Gorge National Park located just outside of Tully 245 km. Pull into the self-sufficient camp surrounded by rainforest and perched by the stunning Tully River. To stay by the beach, consider Dunk Island View Caravan Park.at Mission Beach. For adventure lovers, white water raft the Tully River for a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Stay for two nights.
Things to see and do near Innisfail:
- Historic Paronella Park.
- Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
- Scenic stop at Babinda Boulders.
Day 11 – Finish this road trip in Cairns 180 km. Stay at NRMA Palm Cove or Shangri-La, the Marina, for a more luxurious accommodation option. Stay for three nights.
While in Cairns, don’t go by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway. Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade walkway and parklands then cool off or rest by the Esplanade Lagoon. Venture the beachside town of Palm Cove for a cocktail or dining experience overlooking the palm tree-lined bay to Double Island.
Things to do near Cairns:
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and parkland.
- Cairns night markets.
- Cairns Art Gallery.
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
- Reef Tour.
- Crystal Cascades Waterfall.
- Palm Cove.
As this Brisbane to Cairns drive comes to an end, the incredible experiences and memories created along the way will be long lasting. From the bustling streets of Brisbane to the tropical paradise of Cairns, each stop has offered its own unique charm and beauty. We’ve explored lush rainforests, swam in crystal-clear rock pools, and offered the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. As we conclude this unforgettable journey, we carry with us a newfound appreciation for the diversity and beauty of Queensland. Until the next adventure, let Road Trips Australia guide your inspiration to discovery.
Respect the natural environment and leave no trace.
