10-Day Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary: Plan Your Memorable Adventur
Embarking on a Brisbane to Cairns road trip is an adventure of a lifetime. Stretching over 1,700 kilometers of picturesque coastline, lush rainforests, and stunning beaches, this drive offers an unforgettable experience for those eager to explore Queensland's natural beauty.
In this guide, weâll walk you through everything you need to know to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Read on to find a well-planned 10-day itinerary, along with tips on timing, packing, and more.
How Long Does It Take for a Road Trip from Brisbane to Cairns?
The Brisbane to Cairns or Cairns to Brisbane road trip distance is about 1,700 kilometres along Queenslandâs stunning coastline. Without any stops, the drive typically takes around 19 to 20 hours. However, to truly experience the beauty and attractions along the way, itâs highly recommended to spread the trip over several days.
Most travellers opt to take their time, turning the journey into a leisurely exploration. Depending on your pace and the number of stops you choose to make, the trip can range from 4 to 14 days. This allows you to enjoy the diverse landscapes, vibrant towns, and unique experiences that Queensland has to offer.
Best Time to Do a Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip
The ideal time for a Brisbane to Cairns road trip is during Queenslandâs dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, you can expect balmy days, lower humidity, clear skies, perfect conditions for swimming, hiking, and other outdoor recreations.
While the southern parts of Queensland, such as Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, are enjoyable year-round, the tropical northâincluding Cairns and the Great Barrier Reefâis best visited during the dry season to avoid the wet seasonâs heavy rains and potential cyclones.
By planning your trip during the dry season, youâll also avoid the peak holiday crowds, especially during the quieter months like May and September.
Suggested 10-Day Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary
Queenslanders call this 1,700âkilometre stretch the âPacific Coast Wayâ, but donât let the highway name fool youâhalf the fun is ducking off the Bruce for beach towns, rum factories, croc farms and paddocks scented with mango blossom. Hereâs a carefully crafted 10-day itinerary to inspire your adventure:
Day 1: Brisbane to Sunshine Coast (Noosa & surrounds)
Distance: 129 km
Drive time: â 1 h 45 min
Vibe: City â surf-chic sundowners
Route
Jump on the M1 Bruce Highway at the Gateway Bridge. After 55 km, veer left onto Steve Irwin Way for a quick detour past glass-tooth peaks in the Glass House Mountains before re-joining the Bruce. Exit at EumundiâNoosa Road, glide through the gum trees and roll straight onto Hastings Streetâs cafĂ© strip.
Choose-your-own-Noosa
Walk & swim: The 10.8 km Noosa National Park Coastal Trackâfreshly resurfaced in April 2025âwinds past dolphin look-outs and those Insta-famous Fairy Pools.
River life: Pack an esky for the BYO Noosa Ferry Sunset Cruise (1ÂŒâ2 h).
Surf & shop: Dawn lesson at Main Beach, then credit-card sprints along beach-front boutiques.
Eat & drink
Rickys River Barâline-caught coral trout and Champagne on the Noosa River.
Bistro Câall-day seafood on the sand (try the coconut-spiked fish curry).
Casual option: Season Restaurant or Bettyâs Burgers, both on Hastings.
Sleep
Luxe: Sofitel Noosa Pacific or Netanya Noosa
Mid-range: Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas
Budget: Flashpackers Noosa hostel with pool & surfboards or Bounce Noosa
Day 2: Noosa to Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast gateway)
Distance: 178 km
Drive time: â 2 h 15 min
Vibe: Beach brunch â whale songs at dusk
Route
Backtrack to the Bruce Hwy, point north past Gympie and Maryborough, then swing right on Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road to hit the Esplanade at Urangan Harbour.
Pick your adventure
Whale-watching (mid-Julâmid-Oct): Half-day cruises guarantee sightings or a free return.
Kâgari (Fraser Island) taster: Day-trip in a 4WD busâEli Creek floats and coloured-sand cliffs.
Land lovers: Cycle the 17 km beach-front path or cast a line off the historic Urangan Pier at sunset.
Eats
Aquavue Café & Bar for sunrise eggs on the sand.
Odyssey BistroâHerveyâs first chef-hat venue (seven-course tasting, WedâSun).
Cheap & cheerful: Bayaroma CafĂ© (top pick in localsâ 2024 cafĂ© round-up).
Sleep
Mantra Hervey Bayâmarina-front rooms & lagoon pool.
Airbnb beach shacks from $90/night.
Flash-packer: Woolshed Eco Lodge in Pialba.
Day 3: Hervey Bay to Bundaberg / Bargara
Distance: 111 km
Drive time: â 1 h 25 min
Vibe: Rum, reef & baby turtles
Route
Return to Maryborough, then Goodwood Road threads cane fields into Bundaberg; continue 13 km east to the seaside village of Bargara if you fancy waves.
Must-do & nice-to-do
Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experienceâblend your own drop or tour the heritage vats (open daily; 2 h).
Mon Repos Turtle Encounter (NovâMar): Ranger-led night tours watch nesting or hatchlings sprint to sea.
Free time? Swing by the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens or taste small-batch ginger beer at Kalki Moon Distillery.
Eating
Water St Kitchenâpaddock-to-plate brunch & Bundaberg passionfruit crĂȘpes (book weekends).
Indulge CafĂ©âaward-winning local-produce breakfasts.
Dinner by the surf at Bargara Beach Hotel (kidsâ playground) or The Windmill CafĂ© for sunset tapas.
Sleeping
Kellys Beach Resort self-contained eco-villas, pools & turtle-shaped mini-golf.
Villa Mirasol Motor Inn (classic road-trip motel walkable to eateries).
Budget beds at Bargaraâs Big4 Holiday Park.
Day 4: Bundaberg to Agnes Water / Town of 1770
Distance: 122 km
Drive time: â 2 h
Vibe: First surf north of Sydney + pink amphibious toys
Route
Follow BundabergâPort Road to Rosedale, then turn onto Round Hill Road; verdant cattle country gives way to paperbark forests before you sweep into Agnes Water. Things to try
1770 LARC! Toursâride a hot-pink amphibious truck across sand and surf to Bustard Head Lighthouse; full-day or 1-h taster.
Surf the points: Agnes is Queenslandâs southern-most surf break with mellow learner waves.
Short walks: Paperbark Forest Boardwalk (400 m of floating stepping stones) or sunset at 1770 Headland.
Eats
Drift & Woodâwood-fired pizzas, reef-fish tacos and local rum cocktails.
Codieâs Place for beach-view brekkies.
Grab a picnic pie from Agnes Water Bakery for tomorrowâs drive.
Sleep
Lagoons 1770 Resort & Spaâswim-up bar, apartments, day-spa (families & couples).
Couplesâ hideaway: off-grid Casa Verde villa (10/10 Booking rating).
Budget: Backpackers @1770 or Agnes Water Beach Holidays caravan park.
Day 5: Agnes Water to Rockhampton / Capricorn Coast
Distance: 225 km
Drive time: â 2 h 40 min
Vibe: Outback-meets-ocean & beef-capital steaks
Route
Return to the highway at Miriam Vale, continue north on the Bruce (A1); Gladstone makes a coffee stop before the road crosses the Fitzroy River into Rockhampton.
Options en route & in town
Capricorn Caves (15 min before Rockhampton): cathedral-like limestone chambers and adventure climbs.
Koorana Crocodile Farmâ10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. feeding tours; try croc-sausages for lunch.
Great Keppel Island side-trip: park at Rosslyn Bay Marina and ferry 30 min to white-sand coves (daily 7:30 a.m. & 9 a.m. outbound).
Where to chow down
Headricks Laneâbrew-pub meets fine-diner in a heritage warehouse.
Restaurant 98 riverfront steakhouse (graze the regionâs famed Wagyu).
Cheap: Spires Coffee House for a swift espresso and toastie.
Where to crash
Empire Apartment Hotel (modern river-view suites).
Airbnbs around Quay Street heritage precinct start at $85.
Kershaw Gardens Free Camp if youâre van-life-ing.
Day 6: Rockhampton to Airlie Beach (Whitsundays gateway)
Distance: â 483 km
Drive time: 5 h 45 min
Vibe: Wide-open cattle country morphs into yacht-masts and turquoise bays.
Route
Follow the Bruce Hwy (A1) past Marlboroughâs roadhouse pies. At Clarke Range the highway kinks inlandâwatch for wallabiesâbefore it swings seaward just south of Proserpine. From there itâs 20 minutes on Shute Harbour Road to Airlieâs seaside strip.
Pick & mix stops
Flaggy Rock Gourmet Ice-Creamery for mango macadamia cones.
Detour 10 km to Cape Hillsborough NP if the tides match sunrise; wallabies feed on the sand.
What to do in Airlie
Half-day Whitsunday jet-boat + Whitehaven swim; or slow-burn on a tall-ship sunset sail.
Scenic seaplane over Heart Reef (doors-off option for GoPro junkies).
Land-based: Cedar Creek Falls freshwater dip, or hike the Honeyeater Lookout (8 km return).
Eat & sip
The Garden Bar on the marinaâreef-fish tacos & live music.
Northerlies Beach Bar (10 min drive) for barefoot craft-beer sessions at Cape Gloucester.
Cheap feed: Bohemian Raw Café smoothie bowls and sea breezes.
Sleep
Luxe: InterContinental Hayman Island (boat/heli transfer)
Mid: Coral Sea Marina Resort
Budget: Bounce Airlie Beach hostel (pool & co-working)
Day 7: Play Day in the Whitsundays
No long drives today â just salt on your skin.
Choose your adventure
Classic 74-island day-sail: snorkel fringing reefs, laze on Whitehavenâs squeaky silica and climb to Hill Inlet Lookout.
Reefsuites underwater hotel: sleep on a Hardy Reef pontoon while parrotfish glide past your window.
Jet-ski safari to Daydream Island or circumnavigate Pigeon Reef, spotting turtles.
Back in town
Cool down at the free Airlie Lagoon (lifeguards till 6 p.m.).
Sunset drinks at Sorrentoâsâorder a Coral Sea Spritz and watch the yachts swing at anchor.
Extra dinner ideas
Fish Dâvine & Rum Bar â mud-crab in chilli ginger broth and 450+ rums.
La Tabella Trattoria for house-made pasta if youâre craving carbs for tomorrowâs kilometres.
Day 8: Airlie Beach to Townsville (+ Magnetic Island)
Distance: 275 km
Drive time: â 3 h
Vibe: Big-Mango road-trip kitsch â tropical city buzz.
Route
South out of Airlie then north again on the Bruceâyes, it loopsâpassing Bowenâs Big Mango (mandatory selfie) and sugar-cane plains. Skirt the Burdekin River on the long Haughton Bridge; Townsvilleâs Castle Hill appears just as the ocean re-joins the highway.
Options on arrival
Ferry 20 min to Magnetic Island (up to 17 SeaLink services daily). Walk the Forts Track for WWII gun sites and almost-guaranteed wild koalas. Or hire a topless Moke and bay-hop between Horseshoe, Radical and Picnic.
Stay mainland-side and climb Castle Hill Goat Track for sunset, then cool off along The Strand foreshore.
Dining
Bridgewater Restaurant for reef-and-beef plates with Ross Creek views.
Tap beers + tapas at Tiny Mountain Brewery in a converted rail shed.
Budget: City Lane street-food pods (ramen, bao, tacos).
Sleeping
Luxe: New Ardo Hotel rooftop pool & all-day cabanas
Mid: Grand Chancellor on Flinders
Budget: Base Backpackers on Magnetic Island beachfront.
Day 9: Townsville to Mission Beach (with waterfall detours)
Distance: 235 km
Drive time: â 2 h 35 min
Vibe: Rainforest, reef & cassowary country.
Route
North on the Bruce, but if youâve time, peel west at Ingham for a 2-hour side-run to Wallaman FallsâAustraliaâs highest single-drop waterfallâand return via cane-fields. Re-join the highway; at El Arish turn right to drop onto Porter Promenade and Missionâs palm-lined sands.
Things to fill your day
Hire a sea-kayak to Dunk Island or book a half-day snorkel to Beaver Reef.
Stroll Licuala Fan Palm Walk hoping for a flash of cassowary blue.
Late arvo Paronella Park night-tour (45 min north) if fairy-lit ruins appeal.
Eat & chill
Garage Bar & Brewhouse â local craft ales & smoked-meat platters.
Bingil Bay CafĂ© â jungly garden, live music and monster burgers.
Morning coffee at Shanti Café (vegan-friendly bowls).
Stay
Castaways Resort & Spa right on the sand, two pools and cocktail bar.
Boutique adults-only SeaDreams beachfront B&B.
Budget: Mission Beach YHA rainforest dorms with pool.
Day 10: Mission Beach to Cairns (Tropical North finale)
Distance: 138 km
Drive time: â 1 h 40 min
Vibe: Reef dreams & rainforest farewells.
Route
Back to the Bruce; consider the Canecutter Way scenic loop through banana farms before you pass the rainforest-shrouded pyramid of Walshâs Pyramid near Gordonvale. Slide off onto Sheridan Street and youâre suddenly among Cairnsâ fig-tree boulevards.
Cap off your adventure
Full-day reef cruise to Moore, Saxon or Hastings reefs (glass-bottom boat + snorkel).
Skyrail gondola & Kuranda Scenic Rail combo if the rainforest is calling.
Mamu Tropical Skywalk elevate-your-view detour en-route (open daily 9:30 a.m.â4:30 p.m.).
Eat & celebrate
Ochre Restaurantânative-ingredient degustation on the waterfront.
Salt House for sunset cocktails against bobbing super-yachts.
Casual: Rustyâs Markets street food (FriâSun only).
Sleep (or fly home)
Crystalbrook Flynn â funky, glass-walled pool over the Esplanade.
Shangri-La The Marina if a balcony over masted yachts sounds right.
Budget pods at Gilliganâs if the flightâs at dawn and the partyâs tonight.
What to Pack & Prepare for the Road Trip
Before hitting the road from Brisbane to Cairns, itâs worth taking the time to pack smart and get organised. With such a long and varied journey ahead, being prepared will make all the difference.
Essentials to Pack
Valid driverâs licence (and an international licence if required)
Car documents and roadside assistance details
GPS or offline Brisbane to Cairns road trip mapâ mobile signal can be patchy in remote areas
Reusable water bottles and snacks â especially handy on longer stretches
Sunscreen, insect repellent & hat â the Queensland sun doesnât mess around
Comfortable clothes & swimmers â youâll likely stop at beaches and waterfalls
Basic first aid kit â just in case
Torch or headlamp â handy for campsites or night stops
Cash & cards â some small towns may not accept tap-and-go
Think about Power on the Road
Of course, youâll have your car chargers and power banks ready for your phone and camera. But when youâre heading on a long road trip like this, you might want to bring along a more powerful portable battery like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station.
This powerhouse packs 1024Wh of energy to keep your essentials running for hours. You can even expand it with extra batteries to cover bigger needs, like powering a mini fridge or coffee maker during rest stops. Plus, with its fast-charging capabilities (up to 100% in 80 minutes), you wonât waste any time waiting around.
If youâre planning to camp or stop in more remote locations, consider adding the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger. It connects to your vehicleâs alternator and starter battery, providing a simple and efficient way to charge your EcoFlow power station while drivingâup to 8 times faster than traditional vehicle outlets.
If youâre planning to camp or stay in more remote areas, also think about:
Lightweight camping gear
Cooking equipment and utensils
Extra fuel and water containers
And donât forget to check your vehicle before departureâtyres, oil, coolant, lights, and brakes should all be in good nick. A pre-trip service is always a smart move.
Tips for a Safe & Enjoyable Journey
A Brisbane to Cairns road trip is one for the bucket list, but a bit of know-how can make your experience smoother, safer, and way more fun.
Safety Tips:
Plan your route and rest stops â avoid driving long stretches without breaks
Stick to the speed limit â especially in rural areas where wildlife might be active
Avoid driving at night â kangaroos and other animals are more likely to cross roads after dark
Keep an eye on fuel levels â some stretches are remote, so top up when you can
Check weather conditions â especially during the wet season up north
Travel Tips:
Stay flexible â give yourself time to detour or linger in places you love
Book ahead in peak season â from June to August, accommodation can fill up fast
Mix it up â combine coastal towns, nature spots, and cultural stops for variety
Support local â grab a coffee at the local cafĂ© or visit a weekend market
Above all, enjoy the ride. The Brisbane to Cairns road trip is all about the journey as much as the destinationâso take it slow, stay curious, and soak it all in.
Conclusion
A Brisbane to Cairns road trip is the perfect way to experience the heart of Queensland. From golden beaches and ancient rainforests to charming small towns and local flavors, thereâs so much to see and do along the way. By preparing ahead of time, youâll be set for a memorable and stress-free journey. So, pack up, buckle in, and get ready for one amazing adventure!
FAQs
Is the drive from Brisbane to Cairns worth it?
The Brisbane to Cairns road trip is definitely worth it. Youâll experience Queenslandâs incredible diversity, from beautiful beaches and lush rainforests to charming small towns and iconic landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef. Whether youâre in it for adventure, nature, or simply the scenic views, this road trip offers something for everyone.
Where should I stop between Brisbane and Cairns?
There are plenty of must-see stops along the way! Some of the top spots include: Noosa for its beautiful beaches and national park, Hervey Bay for whale watching (seasonal), Bundaberg to visit the famous rum distillery and explore the nearby turtle hatcheries, Airlie Beach as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, and Mission Beach for a relaxing beachside stop and views of Dunk Island.
How long does it take to get to Brisbane from Cairns?
The drive from Cairns to Brisbane typically takes about 19-20 hours without stops, covering around 1,700 kilometres. If youâre driving non-stop, it could take you two full days. However, to fully enjoy the journey and see all the sights, itâs recommended to spread the trip over several days, allowing time for rest stops and sightseeing along the way.