The ultimate 8-day Cairns to Brisbane road trip

You’ve got a lot of miles ahead of you on this Cairns to Brisbane drive – but before you start your long journey south, spend at least a day exploring Cairns and its surrounding rainforest, beaches and reefs.

If time is on your side, hop aboard a half or full day boat trip from Cairns and snorkel or dive your way around the Great Barrier Reef - Pure Snorkelling is a great half-day option. Prefer to stay on dry land? Learn about the Aboriginal People’s connection to nature on a tour of the Daintree Rainforest with an Indigenous guide.

At the end of an action-packed day, fall asleep to the sound of waves gently lapping the shore or native birds in song. Choose from the best Cairns hotels or eco-friendly luxury accommodation. 

Staying longer? Discover these guided tours that will connect you with Cairns' culture and landscapes.

Day 2: Chase waterfalls en route to Townsville

With Townsville in your sights for today's part of the Cairns to Brisbane drive, you've got a choice to make: take the direct coastal road or slip off the main highway to discover World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can be at the spectacular Ethel Creek Falls in less than two hours - a favourite waterfall tucked into Paluma Range. Take the 6km circuit track which winds along the upper valley of Douglas Creek to reach the falls: an uninterrupted 50m wall of water that descends from the basalt parapet above into the base of the falls below.

From there, it’s back on the road ‘til you reach home for the night. Choose somewhere central and take a stroll along The Strand, Townsville’s scenic beach promenade. It's also lined with bars and restaurants - dinner plans sorted.

Day 3: Discover an underwater museum and a waterfront paradise

Uncover more of Townsville this morning with a sunrise hike to the summit of Castle Hill. Atop this giant pink monolith to be rewarded with 360 degree views. If time (or your energy reserves) are limited, driving to the top is also an option.

Diver? carve out some time to visit one of the region's masterpieces - the Museum of Underwater Art - a series of installations that highlight reef conservation, restoration, and a deep connection to the community. Whether you choose to view Ocean Siren from The Strand without getting your feet wet, or dive below the surface to meet the Coral Greenhouse and Ocean Sentinels, it's a unique way to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

From here, it’s a three hour drive to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Airlie Beach is packed with great places to stay and waterfront bars to enjoy the views. While this 8-day Cairns to Brisbane road trip itinerary doesn't afford too much time to sunbathe, it's well worth considering a 'pause' in your drive here to make the most of your spectacular surrounds. Whether it's island-hopping or settling into a resort like Daydream Island, you'll never regret taking it slower in The Whitsundays. 

Day 4: Trek through Mackay's national parks

Set off on your 2.5-hour drive to the sub-tropical oasis you may never have heard of: Eungella National Park. Stop for lunch along the way at the Pinnacle Family Hotel: part pub, part bakery and birthplace of the award-winning Pinnacle pie.

Check-in to your rainforest eco-retreat at Broken River, then head back out to explore the lush national park. Keep a lookout for the elusive duck-billed platypus – the riverbank around the property is home to a significant platypus community. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for a unique rainforest scuba experience where you'll explore the crystal clear waters in search of platypus and other marine life. 

Eungella National Park is home to many hiking trails, short or long, to waterfalls, lookouts and more. As night falls, return to your cabin and warm up by the log-burning stove.

Day 5: Journey from the mountains to the Capricorn Coast

Set your alarm early enough to enjoy sunrise and views over the Pioneer Valley at local landmark Eungella Chalet. From here, it’s a mammoth 420 km journey to the charming seaside town of Yeppoon, just north of Rockhampton.

Stroll the beachfront, soak up sunset while soaking in Yeppoon Lagoon, or detour down the esplanade to browse beach-chic boutiques, galleries, surf shops and urban murals before a bite to eat and calling it a night.

If you want to swap the highway for another island escape, get back to nature on nearby Great Keppel Island - ferries depart Yeppoon and you can experience the best of the island in a day or two.

Day 6: Witness the life cycle of the sea turtle in Bundaberg

Get your heart racing this morning with a 2.3km return hike to Bluff Point at the southern end of town. Part of Capricorn Coast National Park, this spot is a favourite with walkers thanks to its impressive views over to the Keppel Islands.

Wave goodbye to Yeppoon and hit the road to Bundaberg, a historic sugar cane city and home to Mon Repos Beach, the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland. Visit between November and March to join a ranger led tour and witness the rare sight of mama loggerhead turtles nesting and, later in the season, hatchlings scuttling down to the sea.

Spend the night at newly opened Turtle Sands and you can wake up by the beach, too. 

Day 7: Forage for farm-fresh produce on the way to Rainbow Beach

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample locally-harvested fruit and veggies on route from Bundaberg to Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast. You'll have barely left town before pulling into popular local spots like Tinaberries, a strawberry farm that makes ice cream from their fruit, and a macadamia farm with its own cafe. Keep a lookout for 'farm gates' on today's drive (roadside produce stalls based on the honesty box system) and stock up on fresh fruit as you go.

On arrival at Rainbow Beach, head off-road to explore Inskip Point Peninsula, a narrow, sandy finger of land built up by wind and waves to form a natural breakwater. Some parts of the beach can be accessed by 2WD but make sure you check conditions here before you set off.

Spend your final night on the road in comfort at Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort.

Day 8: Play among sand and sea

There's a lot to love about Rainbow Beach - and this morning is your chance to explore as much as possible and see the colourful namesake sand dunes. 

The best view in the house? It's at Carlo Sandblow. Hike the 600m winding bush track to reach the top of this sprawling, 15-hectare sand dune where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Cooloola Cove and Tin Can Bay. It feels otherworldly to have this much sand between your toes.

Then swap walking paths for paddles and meet Epic Ocean Adventures for a dolphin watching kayak experience. They'll zoom you down the sands of Rainbow Beach via 4WD before you launch into paradise at Double Island Point. It's a whole new perspective of this special part of Queensland that still feels so untouched. 

Then, it’s time to brush off the sand and get ready for the final leg of your Cairns to Brisbane drive. Just a 2.5 hour drive later, you’ll arrive in Queensland’s capital city Brisbane.

Not quite ready for it all to end? Hang out in Brisbane a little longer to immerse yourself in the city's energy - from world class dining and culture to the World Heritage landscapes that surround it.