Brisbane To Cairns Road Trip: Basics, Itinerary, Tips

Brisbane To Cairns Road Trip Overview 

A road drive from Brisbane to Cairns will take you along the tropical Pacific Coast of Queensland, where you'll be mesmerised by the scenery.

You will see everything on this journey, from gorgeous blue lakes to lush jungles and dunes. Although the distance between the two locations may be challenging, there are plenty of activities and tourist stops along the way. 

Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Overview:

Distance: Approximately 1,971 kilometres (although this will depend on the route and itinerary chosen).

Drive Time: 23 hours 13 min via the Bruce Highway (National Highway A1).

Best Stops: As you travel from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, stop at the national parks that front the ocean on Australia's east coast. You'll stop in Noosa and Cape Hillsborough National Park on your way north, and as you go farther, you'll see famous locations like Townsville and Airlie Beach.

Brisbane To Cairns Road Trip Itinerary (15 Days) 

The most famous cities and towns, the relaxed surfing town of Noosa, sandy Fraser Island, the vibrant Whitsundays, the world's oldest rainforest, and the biggest barrier reef in the ocean will all be seen on our itinerary.

(Data Source: Google Maps)

Day 1: Brisbane 

Highlights: City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane River, South Bank, Queensland Gallery of Modern Art

Your first stop on your road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is the Brisbane. Queensland's energetic capital, Brisbane, is the place to begin your journey. Explore the Brisbane River, the City Botanic Gardens, and the South Bank parklands throughout your days. For sweeping city views, visit the Brisbane Lookout atop Mt. Coot-tha and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. 

Day 2&3: Brisbane to Noosa 

Length: 150km

Time: 2 hours 2 min

Highlights: Glass House Mountains, Australia Zoo, Great Sandy Nation Park, Golden Beach

Take a leisurely start to your grand adventure north today by taking a few hours from Brisbane to the stunning town of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. It is well-known for its relaxed vibe, gorgeous beaches, and top-notch surfing locations.

A fun way to spend the mornings here is to go stand-up paddle boarding on the river and then spend the afternoons lounging on the well-liked main beach in Noosa. Spending the evening sipping beverages at Halse Lodge's ancient beer garden is essential.

Day 4&5: Noosa to Fraser Coast 

Length: 160km

Time: 1 hour 59 min

Highlights: Maheno Shipwreck, Indian Head, Lake Wabbi, Lake Benaroon, Kingfisher Resort

The most oversized sand island in the world is called Fraser Island. You can only get there with a 4WD. Discover its distinctive freshwater lakes, colourful sand cliffs, and old rainforests.

Enjoy another action-packed day on Fraser, seeing all the must-see locations, such as the Maheno Shipwreck, Indian Head, Lake Wabbi, and Lake Benaroon. See dolphins in the water, dingoes on the beach, and, if you're lucky, maybe even a whale or two. After a long day, take the ferry to Hervey Bay from the Kingfisher Resort on Fraser and spend the night there. 

Day 6&7: Fraser Coast to Agnes Water & Town of 1770  

Length: 251km

Time: 2 hours 58 min

Highlights: Agnes Water, Hervey Bay, Captain Cook, Joseph Banks Regional Park

Proceed north on your journey from Hervey Bay until you arrive at the stunning oasis of Agnes Water. At the end of the trip, this little village is a laid-back, tranquil beach haven. The town of 1770, its neighbour, is where Captain Cook first set foot on Queensland land. Enjoy the lovely views of the shore while strolling around Joseph Banks Regional Park.  

Day 8: Town of 1770 to Cape Hillsborough 

Length: 613km

Time: 6 hours 44 min

Highlights: Cape Hillsborough National Park, Mackay

You must spend one night at Cape Hillsborough National Park, mainly travelling with a campervan. Just fifty kilometres to the north of Mackay. Although this national park has some beautiful beaches, its beach-loving kangaroos are its most well-known feature.

Grey kangaroos and wallabies come to this spot on the sand every morning at first light to eat the mangrove seed pods that the tide has washed ashore. Getting a picture of them against the crimson sky at sunrise is truly a fantastic experience.

Day 9: Cape Hillsborough to Airlie Beach 

Length: 128km

Time: 1 hour 31 min

Highlights: Whitsunday Islands, Heart Reef, Whitsunday Crocodile Safari

It would help if you went from Cape Hillsborough to Airlie Beach, a bustling town that is the entry point to the Whitsunday Islands and the outer Great Barrier Reef, known as the backpacker's paradise. Take a scenic flight over Heart Reef to see the Great Barrier Reef's spectacular splendour from above, or spend the day lounging by the lagoon.

Day 9-10: Whitsunday Sailing Trip

Highlights: Snorkeling, diving, Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise

A Whitsunday sailing excursion is a must for any visit to Australia's east coast, so leave from Airlie Beach and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Embarking on a 2-day sailing excursion here will provide memorable experiences, including snorkelling, diving in the tropical waters, and stunning white sand beaches.

A Whitsunday sailing excursion is a must for any visit to Australia's east coast, so leave from Airlie Beach and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Embarking on a 2-day sailing excursion here will provide memorable experiences, including snorkeling, diving in the tropical waters, and stunning white sand beaches.

Whitehaven Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth, which you shouldn't miss. Whirling white sands and turquoise waters combine to create some of the most photographed images in the world at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

Day 11-12: Airlie Beach to Townsville

Length: 275km

Time: 3 hours 6 min

Highlights: Magnetic Island, Forts Walking Track, Florence, Horseshoe Bay, East Coast

The gorgeous Magnetic Island, located off Townsville's coast, is the next popular destination north of the Whitsundays. After a quick 20-minute boat journey, get here and unwind on the peaceful beaches beneath coconut trees.

On your second day on Magnetic Island, you should rent a 4WD to explore the island's most isolated areas. Exploring the Forts Walking Track and seeing some wallabies and koalas along the route is imperative.

Proceed along the off-road trail to the stunning bays of Florence and Radical after that. See tropical fish and turtles while snorkelling, then proceed to Horseshoe Bay for lunch. Visit West Point later in the day to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets on the East Coast.

Day 13: Townsville to Mission Beach

Length: 235km

Time: 2 hours 43 min

Highlights: Wallaman Falls, Girrigun National Park, Mission Beach, Wet Tropics Rainforest

Make a detour to Wallaman Falls on the way. This breathtaking 268-meter-tall waterfall, the tallest in Australia, is situated in the Girrigun National Park. It is well worth the journey and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Afterwards, go to Mission Beach, a little seaside community where the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef converge, two World Heritage sites. It's the ideal location for white water rafting, skydiving, or just relaxing on the quiet beaches.

But use caution if you plan to swim there - during stinger season, jellyfish are abundant, and crocodiles are known to prowl the region! Swimming within the protective nets in certain areas is usually safe, but it always pays to be cautious.

Day 14: Mission Beach to Cairns

Length: 139km

Time: 1 hour 42 min

Highlights: Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Tully, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

You've been travelling for the previous two weeks and have arrived at your destination! The Great Barrier Reef's entrance point, Cairns, is well-known for its laid-back atmosphere and tropical climate.

The ideal starting point for discovering Cairns's nearby natural landmarks and recreational opportunities. Highlights include the renowned Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, whitewater rafting in Tully, and up-close encounters with crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.

Day 15: Cairns to Great Barrier Reef

Highlights: Scuba diving, snorkelling, boat riding, enjoying the sunset on the East Coast

Since you always want to make the most of your final day, why not visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns and make some incredible memories? Scuba diving here is the best option if you don't have to board an aircraft soon! If not, a snorkel and a boat ride will do. It will be an excellent way to wrap up your stay on the East Coast.

How to Plan Your Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip

To plan a Brisbane to Cairns road trip, mainly following the Bruce Highway, you should take your time to visit important locations, including the Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach (for Whitsunday Islands access),  Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Mission Beach, and lastly reach Cairns.

Consider lodging, activities, weather, and trip length to develop a well-paced schedule, enabling a multi-day journey to enjoy the many landscapes and sites.

Step 1: Plan The Routes

Mostly drive the Bruce Highway, which runs straight from Brisbane to Cairns. Choose how many coastal detours - including stops at the Sunshine Coast, Agnes Water, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Airlie Beach, and Mission Beach - you wish to undertake.

Recommend Trip Duration: Most advise a 10-14 day tour to see the sights easily. Adjust your schedule depending on your preferred travel speed - whether you like to spend more time witnessing every site or fast drive across.

Recommend Accommodations: Depending on your budget and tastes, pick among coastal resorts, hotels, caravan parks, and guesthouses. Especially during holidays, think about arranging lodging before the busy season.

Recommend Stops:

• Sunshine Coast: Surfing, hinterland, beaches exploring
• Hervey Bay: Whale watching (seasonal), Fraser Island day trips  
• Airlie Beach: Go to the Whitsunday Islands
• Mackay: Beautiful beaches, island hopping
• Mission Beach: Rainforest walks, chilled beach vibes  
• Cairns: Kuranda Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef tours

Step 2: Check The Weather

The ideal time to travel from Brisbane to Cairns depends on what you enjoy and the activities you have in mind. That said, since the wet season in Far North Queensland can bring quite a bit of rain and even some wild cyclones, planning your road trip for the dry season is a good idea.

While Brisbane and Cairns enjoy a lovely tropical climate all year, the wet season can bring cyclones and storms that might make driving tricky. In addition to possible road closures, it's not uncommon to see flooding in towns and cities in the north. If you plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef, remember that trips might be cancelled if the weather isn't cooperating. 

From May to October, the dry season offers less rainfall and creates a much more enjoyable travel experience. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on road conditions all year round and ensure you're ready for anything when it's time to travel! 

Step 3: Decide & Check Your Vehicle

For a road trip from Brisbane to Cairns, you want dependable wheels. You save lots of money by combining your lodging with transportation!

Being road trip planners, we advise you to charter a fantastic camper for your Brisbane to Cairns road trip. You have somewhere to eat, sleep and relax for the whole journey assured, beyond just transporting you from A to B!

The best thing you can do before a road trip is to have your car thoroughly checked up. Having a professional or at least someone very informed check your vehicle is recommended.

Step 4: Pack Road Trip Essentials

For a two-week road trip, you'll want to pack some supplies, a few little luxuries, and the essentials. Remember your sun protection, swimming costumes, some cash, and your driver's licence! 

If you take good care of your car, something might unexpectedly break down or stop working. If this happens, grab your car's guidebook to figure out what's going on: it could be a broken light or windscreen wiper.

If you plan camping on your journey, here's our ultimate camping list! It has nearly everything you'll want for a fantastic trip. Feel free to check out our list of things to pack for road trips!

When the nearest town is 100 km away, having essential items like bandages, antiseptic, safety pins, and gauze can be super helpful. Packing antibiotic ointment and bandages for a car trip is a smart choice! You can find many fantastic kits online or list what you already have at home and bring the essentials!

A generator is a great companion for car trips since it provides the necessary power! A solar generator is fantastic since it's eco-friendly and can be used over and over again! The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus and 600 Plus are fantastic companions for a Brisbane to Cairns road trip.

They are super convenient, taking up just a small amount of space and being a breeze to move around! When you visit national parks and outdoor areas, these generators are a great choice for the environment since they harness solar power to help lower your carbon footprint.

Jackery Solar Generators for Road Trips

Nothing compares to the thrill of embarking on a long road trip, but seasoned travellers understand that plans can unravel in an instant without a reliable power source. Portable solar generators effectively answer this challenge, enabling you to charge your electronics and power small appliances effortlessly while you're on the move.    

These portable solar generators can be effortlessly placed on your vehicle or arranged in a nearby open space. Additionally, the growing range of eco-friendly camping choices makes it simpler than ever to prioritise sustainability on your adventure.

Here, we recommend Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus and 600 Plus, and the following table shows their working hours for charging appliances on your Brisbane to Cairns road trip.

Experience effortless power management with intelligent app control on both generators, allowing you to monitor and manage your energy supply seamlessly. With multiple output ports, these devices will enable you to connect and power several devices effortlessly simultaneously.  

These solar generators are more than mere tools; they are reliable partners for your adventures, whether journeying to the stunning Cape Hillsborough or the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef. With Jackery, you're ready for whatever lies ahead on your journey.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the best option among portable power stations, offering exceptional output. It assists in your road trip across different situations. This solar generator is super versatile and has plenty of capacity, making it the perfect all-in-one solution to power your adventures! Plus, you can easily manage your power station using the Jackery APP.

• Compact Powerhouse

With its impressive 1264Wh capacity and strong 2000W output, this solar generator is a fantastic option for powering most of your road trip devices. If you ever need it, you can boost the power capacity of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus to a fantastic 5kWh by adding extra battery packs! With this power capacity, you can energise your entire trip and enjoy the freedom of not being limited by electricity constraints.

• Fast Solar Charging

This awesome IBC Technology allows the generator to be solar charged in just 4.5 hours with the proper solar panel setup! You can also charge it in just 1.7 hours using a wall outlet, making it even more convenient! Due to the fast charging feature, you can quickly recharge the Explorer 1000 Plus while enjoying a meal at a restaurant or taking a break at a gas station, even if there's not enough sunlight.

• Reliability & Durability

The heart of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus features LiFePO4 battery cells, celebrated for their impressive longevity. This battery lasts up to 10 years or over 4,000 charge cycles, making it an excellent long-term investment!

Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus delivers an impressive output of 800W and boasts a robust capacity of 632Wh. Power your essential electronic devices on your road trip, from mobile phones and communication tools to navigation devices, electric stoves, portable fridges, and camping lights. Ensure you have everything you need for a seamless adventure. This setup pairs the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus power station with SolarSaga 100W solar panels, maximising the potential of solar energy.

• Lightweight and Portable

This power station is impressively lightweight at only 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs), making it an exceptional portable solution for its power capacity. The compact design features a foldable handle, ensuring effortless portability and convenient storage.

• Multiple Charging Methods

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus provides various charging options to meet your needs. This portable power station can be completely recharged in only 1.6 hours when plugged into a wall outlet. Harness the power of the sun with SolarSaga 100W solar panels. Achieve a complete charge in just 4.3 hours using two panels, or take your time with one panel in 8.5 hours. It also offers car charging capabilities, requiring approximately 7.5 hours to complete.

• Safety & Compatibility

This solar generator features the Charge Shield 2.0 algorithm, designed to enhance charging efficiency and minimise the time required to recharge the power station. The Solar Generator 600 Plus features a variety of output options, such as AC outlets, USB-A, and USB-C, designed to work seamlessly with various devices.

Essential Tips for Brisbane To Cairns Road Trip

Although it might be difficult, driving great distances in Australia is possible. After all, hundreds of individuals take road trips across Australia every year. Remember the following points when travelling from Brisbane to Cairns or vice versa.

1. Never undervalue your driving experience. It's a long drive from Brisbane to Cairns, but it's easy to underestimate how much time you'll need for a fun road trip. The distances are enormous, and driving might be intimidating when you're not used to travelling such great miles between places.  

1. Steer clear of the nighttime driving. It is advisable to avoid driving at night in several regions due to their isolated position. The plentiful wildlife for which Queensland is renowned comes alive after dusk and is frequently spotted on or close to the road. Kangaroos sometimes hop across roads, which can raise the chances of serious injury for drivers and passengers if an accident occurs. Ensure you depart early enough in the morning to get to your location before dusk to prevent this.

1. Make sure you have enough petrol. This road journey may demand you to cover some rather large distances during the day, frequently leaving a sizable space between service stations. Avoid running out of petrol before you reach the next gas station. Instead, plan and ensure you always have enough petrol and essentials like food and drink. 

With today's petrol prices, a one-way car trip from Brisbane to Cairns is $222.34. Travelling from Brisbane, Australia, to Cairns, Australia, and returning would cost $444.69 roundway. For your travel, regular fuel costs about $5.30 per gallon.

Is the Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Worth It?

The Brisbane to Cairns road trip will take you along the tropical Pacific Coast of Queensland, where you'll be mesmerised by the scenery. You will see everything on this journey, from gorgeous blue lakes to lush jungles and dunes. Before embarking on your trip, remember to take road trip essentials, like your driver's license, car insurance, car repair kit, first aid kit, and most importantly, a power supply - Jackery Solar Generator, to enjoy a well-prepared and joyful journey!