The road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is one of the most famous drives in Australia.
It takes you on a journey to explore the very best of Queensland’s highlights.
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From gorgeous white-sand beaches, stunning national parks, tropical rainforests, pristine islands and sleepy surfer towns – this road trip from Brisbane to Cairns ticks all the boxes.
To all the beachgoers, sun worshippers, adventure seekers and nature lovers, this is your playground. Get ready for an epic road trip across one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia.
The Best 14-day Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary
Rent a vehicle
If you don’t yet have a vehicle, hire one in Brisbane. This seems to be a popular option for discovering the highlights of the coast.
You can pick up most rentals straight from the airport upon arrival. Book it in advance to select your ideal vehicle as rentals are gone quickly, particularly during the high season.
If you are renting a car for this Brisbane to Cairns road trip, we recommend using Discover Cars. Choose a comfortable vehicle as the Brisbane to Cairns drive will have you driving quite a few kilometres.
Which vehicle to choose?
A road trip from Brisbane to Cairns (or vice versa) can be done with any vehicle. It’s up to you to decide what kind of vehicle suits your interests and style of travel:
- A motorhome with all the utilities (shower, toilet etc) for travellers looking for comfort and requiring extra space.
- A van, smaller but well organised.
- A campervan for a little more space and equipment. There are different options to choose from here. Our Toyota Hiace Hi-top campervan drove our road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. We purchased our van (we named her Frida) and spent time re-fitting the inside. We LOVE the extra room with the high roof. It means we can both stand up inside and we can cook our meals indoors. This is especially good when the weather is terrible outside.
- A 4 × 4 with a roof tent for the adventure seekers! Those who wish to visit Fraser Island with their own wheels will need this vehicle. A 4WD vehicle is particularly good for people who love bush camping and exploring the off-the-beaten-tracks roads.
The vehicle you choose depends on the above factors combined with your budget, how many people are travelling and how comfortable you’d like to be.
When is the best time for Brisbane to Cairns road trip?
The best time for a road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is during the dry season (May to Oct). However, southern parts of Queensland, such as the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, can be visited year-round.
Far North Queensland is tropical and receives massive rainfall and even dangerous cyclones during the wet season (Nov to April).
What to Pack?
You will spend a lot of time in the sun on this road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. No need to overpack, just take the essentials.
Our Ultimate Packing List for Every Traveller should give you a good idea of your needs.
The Best Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary
Our 14-day itinerary will take you to the most popular places to visit, between Brisbane to Cairns. We’ve also included some local gems along the way. These places are worth stopping at on your Brisbane to Cairns drive; you’ll see why.
Visit the best surf towns and cities on the coast, gorgeous Fraser Island, the mesmerising Whitsunday Islands, and the world’s largest coral reef.
Day 1: Brisbane to Sunshine Coast
With warm temperatures all year round, take in the vibrant atmosphere along the South Bank. There are many cool cafes where you can find great coffee or brunch and world-class restaurants.
Stop by for a swim in the outdoor lagoon or catch the free ferry along the river for some great city views. In the afternoon, head towards Maroochydore for fish and chips on the beach.
Drive time: 1hr 30min (110km)
Overnight: Maroochydore
Day 2: Maroochydore to Noosa
Head to the beach early and take a swim at one of the spectacular beaches along the Sunshine Coast. Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands or Mooloolaba beaches are close together and equally beautiful.
Next, put on your walking shoes and do the Sunshine Coast Scenic Walk.
This coastal pathway stretches 4.4km from Cotton Tree park in Maroochydore to the Esplanade in Mooloolaba, and the views are beautiful.
Afterwards, choose from one of the cute beachside cafes and treat yourself to breakfast with a coffee while taking in those warm sea breezes.
Make your way to Noosa after breakfast. Noosa is a very popular upmarket resort town with lots to do. There are many beaches to choose from, a river which is perfect for kayaking or SUP paddle-boarding, in addition to a National Park that has some amazing walks.
Don’t miss out on a stroll along iconic Hastings St before driving further on your epic Brisbane to Cairns road trip!
Drive time: 45 min (40km)
Overnight: Noosa
Day 3 & 4: Noosa to Fraser Island (via Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach)
Did you know that Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world? It’s the only place on earth where the rainforest grows right out of the sand dunes. This fascinating island is a must-see experience on your Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary.
Hervey Bay is the most popular departure point for trips to Fraser Island. However, you can leave your car (if it’s not 4WD) at Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach and take the ferry to Fraser Island early in the morning.
Reserve your place on an organised 2-day all-inclusive tour of Fraser island or explore the highlights with your own 4WD or rented 4WD for the trip.
We hear great reviews about rentals from Rainbow Beach 4×4 Hire.
Noosa to Hervey Bay Drive Time: 2 hours (158 km)
Noosa to Rainbow Beach Drive Time: 1 hour 20 mins (102 km)
Overnight (2 nights): Fraser Island
Day 5: Hervey Bay to Agnes Water & Seventeen Seventy
Two-and-a-half-hour drive along the coast on your road trip between Brisbane and Cairns, you will arrive at the small, coastal towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy.
These picturesque communities are built where Captain Cook, in his voyage along the east coast of Australia, moored the Endeavour in 1770 (hence the name of the town).
Drive time: 2 hours 30 min (227 km)
Overnight: Agnes Water or Seventeen Seventy
Day 6: Agnes Water to Yeppoon
This coastal town on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef is the ideal spot to discover the surrounding area. Many visitors wishing to explore the Capricorn Coast region of Queensland will base themselves here. Yeppoon may be relatively small, but it certainly has tonnes of character and charm.
Known for its tropical climate, beaches, and snorkelling, this is a town you shouldn’t miss between Brisbane to Cairns.
To ensure you have the best time possible, check out our post, the 15 best things to do in Yeppoon.
If you’re a food lover, read our Food Guide for Yeppoon and Capricorn Coast region.
Drive time: 3 hours 10 min (270 km)
Overnight: Yeppoon
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Day 7: Yeppoon to Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is the next town on your Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary. Start early, as you’ve got some ground to cover today. When you do roll into town, check out the views of turquoise blue waters everywhere.
Airlie Beach is the gateway to go and explore the stunning Whitsunday Islands and that’s exactly what we recommend you do here.
Airlie Beach is a busy tourist town in the high season, so we recommend booking accommodation ahead of time.
There is a range of day trips on Viator and overnight stays to the many islands, however, the most famous location is Whitehaven Beach. This is the gorgeous beach that you’ve seen on postcards. You do not want to miss Whitehaven Beach.
Make a reservation for the best day tour of Whitehaven Beach for Day 10 of your Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary.
Drive time: 5 hours 30 mins (500 km)
Overnight: Airlie Beach
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Day 8 & 9: Whitsundays Reeflsleep Experience
A chance to explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on a day trip is a dream, but being able to sleep out there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Trust me, Reeflsleep Whitsundays is a unique experience that you don’t want to miss when visiting the beautiful Whitsundays in Queensland.
This might be the highlight of your Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip.
Read our post on why you need to Reefsleep on the Great Barrier Reef and get in quick!
These spots don’t last long, especially during the summer season.
Day 10: Whitehaven Beach
Enjoy your day in paradise! Join this full-day OceanRafting Tour of Whitehaven Beach. Hands down, this is the best tour available.
No Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip is complete without visit to Whitehaven Beach.
Overnight: Airlie Beach
Day 11: Airlie Beach to Mission Beach
Mission Beach has become a haven for adrenaline-seeking travellers; however, the beaches here are gorgeous.
Once again, prepare for a long drive day (there are a few big days on the Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip) today to reach this paradise.
It’s totally worth it, I promise.
Drive time: 5 hours 45 mins (505 km)
Overnight: Mission Beach
Day 12: Mission Beach to Atherton Tablelands
Leave the chilled vibes and swaying palm trees of Mission Beach and head inland towards the Atherton Tablelands.
The high altitude and volcanic soil are ideal for growing some of Queensland’s best produce here.
It’s all about tea plantations, lush green pastures with dairy cows, sugarcane fields and stunning landscapes.
Although the Tablelands are an ideal culinary destination, they’re also one for exploring. Follow the well-signposted waterfall circuit around the region’s most captivating falls.
This feels like a detour on your Brisbane to Cairns road trip – but it is so worth it.
Drive time: 1 hour 40 min (139 km)
Overnight: Yungaburra
Day 13 & 14: Yungaburra to Cairns
There is much to see and do in Cairns and the surrounding area and it’s a perfect way to finish your Brisbane to Cairns road trip.
The stunning Mossman Gorge is 1.5 hours away, just past Port Douglas (a place you should try to visit). The gorge is excellent for swimming and bushwalking.
Check out fresh local fruit, vegetables and seafood at Rusty’s Markets from Friday to Sunday.
This is where to find fantastic coffee (Barista Sista is the best) and some delicious street food from one of the many International food vendors.
Cairns has so many amazing places to eat. We even posted about our 12 of the Best Cheap Eats in Cairns.
Don’t miss the Cairns lagoon. It’s located on the esplanade. You’ll be craving a few hours of rest and relaxation in the sun after all that fun from the past 14 days road trip from Brisbane to Cairns.
The World Heritage Daintree Rainforest is a two-hour drive north. It is highly recommended that you visit after you’ve completed your Brisbane to Cairns road trip.
Drive time: 1 hour 20 min (67 km)
Overnight: Cairns
CLICK HERE for the best day trips and things to do in Cairns.
If you’ve got the flexibility to extend the duration of your road trip from Brisbane to Cairns, there are many more highlights along the way. Check below for inspiration.
Travel Tips for Australia
We have many travel guides and tips for Australia—what a diverse country!
Australia is ideal for exploring with two wheels! If you plan to explore Oz, check out our best tips for doing the Big Lap of Australia
Our complete guide to Great Keppel Island is all you need for the perfect island stay.
If you head back to the coast, we recommend that you visit Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast. Check out the 15 Best Things To Do in Yeppoon, and don’t forget about the food. We’ve got you covered with the best places to eat in Yeppoon.
Our comprehensive itineraries for travelling in Australia include this Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip – the Best 14-day itinerary, our detailed Guide to Camping in Karijini National Park and the Ultimate Guide to Carnarvon Gorge.
We’re all about the food, too! Don’t miss these 12 best cheap eats in Cairns.
We highly recommend you visit the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands in Queensland; this is a special place!
If you’re after a unique experience, these five reasons why you need to Reefsleep on the Great Barrier Reef will do it.
If you’re visiting Australia on vacation, try these 12 classic Australian foods while you’re here and see if you can visit these iconic 30 Best BIG Things in Australia.
Do you plan to visit the Pacific islands? You’ll need our ULTIMATE guide to visit every country in the Pacific.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel longer after visiting Australia, these 21 cheapest countries to visit will make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
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Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.
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