Due north: Your guide to an epic Brisbane to Cairns road trip

Nothing beats the freedom that comes from hitting the wide, open road. Stepping away from the daily grind to enjoy life in the slow lane is what road trips are all about. Whether you’ve got a week or a month up your sleeve, an epic drive from Brisbane to Cairns will reset your mind, body and spirit. Sure, this massive stretch of the east coast may seem like a lot to take on but keep reading to discover all the glorious highlights that await. 

Brisbane

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Thanks to mild winters and an annual calendar jam-packed with sports and arts events, Queensland’s capital is the type of city you can enjoy all year round. Get your bearings riding the free CityHopper ferry service that traverses the Brisbane River from North Quay to New Farm. During the warmer months, beat the heat at the South Bank Parklands where you can take a dip at a human-made, landscaped urban beach. Want to get in touch with the local arts scene? Brisbane Powerhouse is your go-to venue for edgy comedy sets, experimental theatre performances and live music.

Where to stay: YHA Brisbane City has all you need an amazing stay, including an awesome rooftop pool and bar.

Bonus stay: Drive your car onto the ferry for a fun, mini getaway at YHA Stradbroke Island.

Noosa

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Leave behind the busy streets of Brisbane to embrace a more chilled vibe in Noosa. After an easy, two-hour drive along the M1, just beyond the Glasshouse Mountains you’ll find the Sunshine Coast – a classic summer holiday hot spot. Home to beautiful beaches, a serene river system, award-winning seafood restaurants and a huge national park packed with native wildlife, give yourself a few days to experience it all.

After you arrive, refresh yourself with a swim at Little Cove Beach or stretch your legs on an invigorating 1.2km uphill walk to the Laguna Lookout where you’ll be blown away by sweeping views of the bright blue sea and emerald-green forest below.

Spend your days embracing the fresh air, saltwater and sunshine. Try stand-up paddleboarding, cruise the Noosa River or learn to surf the swell at Noosa Heads Main Beach. If you’re lucky, you might spot koalas while hiking the national park. By night, wander buzzy Hastings Street where you’ll find no-fuss burger joints, waterfront bistros and gourmet pizza bars.

Where to stay: Stay a stone's throw from Noosa Main Beach at YHA Noosa Heads. 

Hervey Bay

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After a two-hour drive through state forest, you’ll reach slow-paced Hervey Bay. A slice of paradise popular with people who want to escape the rat race, Hervey Bay is a place to take it easy.  

After a morning spent behind the wheel, a meander along the Esplanade is just what the doctor ordered. Be sure to wander the 800-plus metre stretch of Urangan Pier, which juts out from the shore into the sea.

From June to November, this is one of the best places on the coast to spot migrating humpback whales, so time your road trip right if you’re keen to catch a glimpse of these magnificent marine mammals. Sea turtles are also plentiful in these parts so book or spot on a glass-bottomed boat to search for turtles while cruising the Great Sandy Marine Park.

Where to stay: Surrounded by tropical gardens, you’ll enjoy kicking back at YHA Hervey Bay.

1770

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This town with an unusual name is a must-visit, even just for a night. Home to a population of 120-or-so locals, this tiny community is surrounded by uncrowded beaches, secluded fishing spots and bushwalking trails you’ll share with iridescent butterflies, long-beaked honeyeaters and majestic black cockatoos.

Breathe in the wood-scented air while walking through coastal melaleuca forest along the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk, visit the Bustard Bay Lookout to take in sublime ocean views or cruise aboard a catamaran to spend an unforgettable day snorkelling with manta rays at Lady Musgrave Island. Whether you stay for a night or three, a healthy dose of nature is guaranteed here.

Where to stay: Sleep just 200 metres from Agnes Water Beach at YHA 1770.

Rockhampton

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Drive 2.5-hours along the Bruce Highway to get to Rockhampton, one of Queensland’s oldest cities. A total change of pace from the peace and quiet of 1770, Rockhampton is a great place to stock up on road trip essentials (a steady supply of snacks and sunscreen is vital). It’s also a top place for history, art and architecture buffs. Take a stroll down Quay Street in the CBD to admire the grand, heritage-listed buildings, then visit the Rockhampton Museum of Art to view its impressive collection of Australian Modernist paintings.

Feeling a little daring? Hop in your car and drive 23km north to be wowed by the ancient Capricorn Caves. Pop on a headlamp and follow your guide into some of the most remote sections of the cave on a thrilling adventure tour. Claustrophobic? Try the daily, all-ages tour instead.

Where to stay: A short stroll from the town centre and Fitzroy River, YHA Rockhampton is a convenient place to bed down for a night or two.

Airlie Beach

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Break up the five-plus hour drive north to Airlie Beach by stopping at Sarina Sugar Shed just south of Mackay. With a café, distillery and shop stocking sweet treats like ginger beer and ice-cream, you’ll leave with a sugar high. When in sugarcane country!

At Airlie Beach, the wonders of the Whitsundays are right on your doorstep, so stay at least a few days to experience it all. Book a day cruise to feel the soft sand of Whitehaven Beach between your toes, nab a spot on a fun jet ski tour to zip around the surrounding islands, or take to the skies on an exhilarating skydive – adrenaline sports fans have plenty of adventures to pick from here.

Mission Beach

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Trade in one beach town for another by making the almost six-hour drive north to the Cassowary Coast Along the way, stop at Townsville to stretch your legs and enjoy a beachfront lunch at The Strand, a promenade with walking paths, grassy picnic areas, restaurants, a pier and protected swimming spots to cool off. 

As the gateway to Tropical North Queensland, relaxation is the name of the game in cruisy Mission Beach. Pack lunch to enjoy while exploring the Kennedy Walking Track or take a daytrip to experience Dunk Island’s picture-perfect rainforests and reefs aboard the FastCat ferry. This corner of Queensland is also one the best places in Australia to spot a cassowary. Keep an eye out for these massive, endangered, flightless birds that can be found wandering in the rainforest, across fields and sometimes even walking along the beach if you’re lucky.

Cairns

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Break up the last 139km of your trip with a slight detour to Wooroonooran National Park, home to the pure, cool waters of Josephine Falls. After a refreshing dip, hit the road again to complete the final leg of your journey.

Although many people visit Cairns to see the Great Barrier Reef, this city also has an incredible Indigenous arts scene and cracking good eats, so stay a few days to experience all that Cairns has to offer.

After you’ve snorkelled or dived the Great Barrier Reef, spend some time decompressing. When the temperature climbs, swim in stinger-free saltwater at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon or be captivated by colourful birds and lush tropical plants on a walking tour of the peaceful Cairns Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, head inland to experience an unforgettable journey through the rainforest aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway or see the World Heritage-listed forest from above on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

By night, Cairns has plenty of options to scope out. Head to the Cairns Night Market for a steaming bowl of phở, mosey on down to Cairns Wharf for a craft ale at the local brewery or make a beeline for The Pier to toast the end of your adventure with cocktails and a seafood platter served with a side of water views – the ultimate Queensland send off!

Where to stay: Put yourself close to all the action at YHA Cairns Central.

Words: Jo Stewart


Read next: 21 free things to do in Cairns