Brisbane to Cape Tribulation Road Trip

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.