This weeklong Brisbane to Cairns road trip can easily be stretched or compacted to fit into any kind of schedule. Putting the emphasis on the natural beauty of the Queensland coast, this trip features plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and explore the reefs and islands that the area is known for. Pair the on-the-water adventures with the farm-to-table food destinations and you’ve got one unforgettable road trip.
Brisbane to Noosa
Noosa is just one hour and twenty min away from Brisbane. Plan to leave Brisbane early so you can have a full day when you get to Noosa. We recommend staying at least two nights so that you can experience both the hinterland and the beautiful beaches.Noosa to The town of 1770 to Gladstone
Pack some snacks and plenty of coffee because this morning will be spent mostly in the car. Leaving Noosa, it is a four-and-a-half-hour drive to the next stop, the uniquely named 1770. Named for the year that James Cook and his crew on the Endeavor landed this town is now most known as a seaside haven bordered by crystal clear waters on four sides. Stop at this sweet peninsula town for stand up paddle boarding or to explore the bustling little downtown area.
Get back on the Bruce Hwy/A1 for your one and a half hour trip to Gladstone, just in time for dinner.
Gladeston to Bowen (via Rockhampton and Mackay)
Start your day early as you have a big driving day ahead of you. After a little more than an hour on the road, it’s time to stop for some breakfast in Rockhampton.
Another four hours will bring you into the bustling city of Mackay. Take the opportunity to rest and splash around at the Bluewater Lagoon.
It takes just over two hours to get the final stop of the day, Bowen. One of the many gateways to the Whitsundays, this stop could be for just a night or a whole week depending on how much time you want to devote to the area.
Bowen to Townsville (and Magnetic Island)
The drive from Bowen to Townsville takes about two and a half hours, not long considering this will be a multi-day stop.
Townsville offers so many different landscapes to explore – Coastal, the Outback, rainforests and urban.
Be sure to spend a day and the beautiful Magnetic Island. The island is just a short ferry ride from Townsville and offers palm fringed beaches with coral reefs and pristine sandy beaches.
Townsville to Cairns
The final leg of the journey takes only four hours, so feel free to sleep in a little and get a later start.
While there is plenty of fun to have in Cairns from spending the day on the water or taking advantage of the cosmopolitan offerings of a major city, one of the biggest draws of Cairns is its proximity to so many great day-trips. Visit Cape Tribulation and Daintree or heading inland to the Atherton Tablelands and of course the beautiful Whitsundays and Reef.
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa is an upscale 5-star resort located on the southern end of the beach in beautiful Palm Cove.
65 acre eco camp, nestled within a national park, 25 mins north of Noosa. Offers a range of glamping tents, powered & unpowered camp sites, plus restaurant, bar and microbrewery.
At The Edge on Beaches Resort you’ll discover luxury beachside holiday accommodation in the hidden paradise of Agnes Water/1770 at prices you can afford.
Rambutan is Townsville’s only boutique resort hotel right in the heart of Townsville city. Our vibrant resort is an oasis of style.
The Pacific Hotel Cairns has a selection of modern rooms to welcome every type of guest and the Tropical Luxe Room Collection is the perfect upgrade for your luxury getaway.
Imagine the freedom and pure exhilaration of driving more than 70km on white sandy beaches along side the Pacific Ocean.
Our choices range from tropical islands and coral cays, small sailing boats to fast catarmans.
Bring your friends or family and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Bellisimo!
Open for brekky, lunch and dinner with live music Thursday, Friday, DJs Saturday & late night drinks. A restaurant that offers something for everyone, a Noosa favourite!
Escape your world & enter ours… Specialty brews, sweet treats & deep bass!
Headricks Lane encompasses a café, bar, restaurant, microbrewery and function space with a unique drink offering and progressive food menu to match.
Nestled right next to the Gladstone Marina and East Shores Parklands, The Dock at East Shores is a one-of-a-kind award winning waterfront restaurant
Premium fashion and lifestyle destination store specialising in Australian designer fashion and international denim and accessories on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
Archive of treasures , bohemian decor, Jewellery and accessories located in Oceana walk cairns with love from Morocco and Beyond.
Our mantra is to make everyone that walks into Gypsett feel fabulous about themselves and see themselves through our eyes…Beautiful
Signature on Hastings is a retail concept store in Noosa Heads, Queensland. It stocks a unique range of homewares, women’s clothing, gifts and furniture.
Phone: (02) 6251 5166
ATAS No.: A12888
Shop 5, 39 Bowman Street
Macquarie, ACT, 2614
Copyright Roadtrips 2021
