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Destination images have been provided by: The Tourism of Western Australia | Tourism NT | Destination NSW | Tourism Whitsundays | Tourism and Events Queensland
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The A1 along the coast of Queensland brings drivers to island adventures, endless forests, and unique ways to experience nature. From live performances in the bowls of the earth to feeding wallabies on the beach to dining in the heart of the rainforest, a trip along this stretch of highway will be filled with unforgettable moments. Plan for just a few days or spend up to two weeks experiencing some of the larger attractions like the Whitsunday Islands to really get a feel for all that Queensland has to offer.
Brisbane to Hervey Bay
The trip from Brisbane to Hervey Bay takes around 3 and 1/2 hours. The drive follows the coast north through quaint beach towns and sweeping vistas of the ocean. Hervey Bay has plenty of attractions to offer, including Fraser Island. So one or two nights in Hervey Bay is recommended in order to see it all.
Hervey Bay to Gladstone
The drive to Gladstone from Hervey Bay takes about three hours, making it the perfect place to take a break and refuel. Stop off at Gladstone for lunch.
Gladstone to Rockhampton
Rockhampton is one of the largest cities in Queensland and therefore has all of the fixings of a major metropolitan area. You can expect excellent shopping, dining experiences, and venues for live performances.
Rockhampton to Airlie Beach (VIA Mackay)
It takes about six hours to get from Rockhampton to the next stop in Arlie Beach. Luckily, the foodie haven of MacKay is on the way to act as a natural stopping point to stretch your legs and get some food at one of the town’s innovative restaurants.
Airlie Beach to The Whitsundays
Arlie Beach is a multi-day stop because it is a jumping-off point for the rest of the area. Not only is there easy access to the Whitsundays with tours heading out daily, but there is also plenty on offer on the mainland as well. Arlie Beach is a resort town with all of the fixings including cute cafes, unpretentious boutiques and shops, and plenty of fun bars and clubs to explore after spending a day in the sun.
The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are made up of 74 islands with easy access to the great barrier reef. You can base yourself in Airlie Beach and sail out to the Whitsundays each day. Alternatively, stay on one of the Islands for a few nights.
Mission Beach to Port Douglas
Another driving day with the road from Arlie Beach to Mission beach stretching for six hours, but it’s more than worth it, exploring this beautiful little beach town and meeting the locals.
Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation
Two and a half hours from Mission Beach, just a little past halfway between it and Cape Tribulation. The biggest draw for the town is the Four Mile Beach, a seemingly endless expanse of sand with plenty of room for you to kick back and soak in some sunlight after a morning on the road. Once you feel good and toasted, head to the esplanade for coffee before getting back in the car for the last hour and a half leg of the journey.
Cape Tribulation
At the end of the winding sealed road from the Daintree River you will find Cape Tribulation. With its two magnificent beaches, laid-back vibe and rainforest walks, it's a little slice of tropical paradise.
Akama Resort Hervey Bay overlooks Fraser Island, the Great Sandy Straits and the Marina. Akama Resort offers luxury 1,2,3 bedroom apartments and penthouse accommodation.
Korte’s Resort is perfectly located on the Bruce Highway on the north side of Rockhampton in Queensland. The resort is a close to the city centre and the Capricorn Coast.
Castaway Resort is absolute beachfront with direct access to the 14 km long beautiful, white sandy beach you have found your own tropical little paradise right here.
Ramada Port Douglas offers a hotel experience in Far North Queensland. Facilities include a tropical lagoon-style pool (heated in winter) with waterfall and swim-up cocktail bar.
Fraser Island, known as the world’s largest sand island, offers panoramic views and swimming in crystal blue waters.
Hervey Bay is the Whale Watching capital of the world. Tours in this area are guaranteed a sighting.
Cruise through the Whitsunday isles and spend two hours on the dazzling Whitehaven sand, swimming or just relaxing .
Explore the meeting of two World Heritage listed areas – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Dine on delicious cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere whilst taking in the uninterrupted sea views of Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.
The award winning Waterline Restaurant in Rosslyn Bay Yeppoon offers the ultimate waterfront dining experience.
Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill sources our food from the farm to the table. The setting is the perfect place to relax with friends and family.
The open-aired Queenslander, Salsa Bar and Grill, sits perfectly opposite St Mary’s by the Sea with stunning views across the Coral Sea
We specialise in honest, personal service, and education about our broad range of products.
The Jungle Trader is a little gem! Classy homewares with a tropical feel.
Australian, handmade homewares. We appreciate the uniqueness of each handmade piece and the story they each tell.