Your 8-day Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary

They build things bigger in Queensland. The Pacific Coast Way is no exception, and this famous road trip from Brisbane to Cairns has become a rite of passage for local and international travellers alike. 

Stretching over 1800km, this highway connects the southern Gold Coast's Coolangatta with Cairns, way up in our tropical north. Think of it as Queensland’s Route 66. Except instead of crossing a country, the Pacific Coast Way runs the length of one of the seven natural wonders of the world: the Great Barrier Reef. Along this spectacular stretch of bitumen you’ll find luxury islands, remote beaches, incredible natural beauty, and towns bursting with character and local produce - making it one of Australia's most incredible road trips.

You could easily spend a few weeks slowly making your way north - and many do - but here's how to road trip Brisbane to Cairns in just eight days.

Your first step on the east coast odyssey begins when you leave Brisbane City behind and set out for the coast. Get ready to touch your tyres on ancient volcanic peaks, lush rainforests and ocean-front national parks with box-office views.

Those wanting to clock up maximum beach time on this Brisbane to Cairns drive should make a beeline straight for the sands of Noosa. Prefer the scenic route? Take a detour along the highway to hike the Glass House Mountains, paddle out into the unique Noosa Everglades, or head into the hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, a region packed with fresh produce, quaint country towns and local brews. Even a short venture around local producers will equip you with the ingredients for a gourmet picnic, best enjoyed before scenic views or a walk to Serenity Falls in Buderim Forest Park, or local favourite Kondalilla Falls (use this guide for walks and wild swimming)

Arrive into Noosa in time for sundowners and dinner at one of the restaurants that prove why this coastal village is the culinary capital of the Sunshine Coast.

Tempted to stay here a few days? Be our guest.

Drive time: 2 hours

Overnight: Use this Noosa accommodation guide

Day 2: Drive Noosa to Agnes Water

Wake up your body and soul with a wander through Noosa National Park, stopping for a dip at Little Cove or Tea Tree Bay. If you're a surfer, take advantage of Noosa's World Surfing Reserve status - Main Beach is a great starting point. 

It's time to make up some miles today, but be sure to leave time for a pit stop at Carlo Sand Blow near Rainbow Beach. Your destination for tonight is the twin coastal towns in Gladstone: Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy. This little hamlet might not headline international travel brochures, but it quickly becomes a favourite for those tackling the Brisbane to Cairns drive.

Its secluded beaches and vibrant forests offer peace, and those looking to stretch their legs can join a sunset kayak tour, stroll the enchanted Paperbark Trail or head out for a surf - this is home to Queensland's northernmost breaks, after all. 

Drive time: 4.5hrs 

Overnight: Agnes Water

Day 3: Drive Agnes Water to Cape Hillsborough

600 kilometres lies between Agnes Water and tonight's destination in Mackay’s northern beaches. Of course, just because you’re car-bound doesn’t mean adventure stalls.

Mackay is famous for rolling fields of sugar cane, so go off route and let yourself get a little lost when they shimmer into view. Or stop in for something sweet at Sarina Sugar Shed, which offers daily guided tours and tastings as you learn about the production journey from sugarcane to sweet treats. After such a long day on the road, keen adventurers can get a stretch on one of Mackay’s hiking trails.

Tomorrow is another early start - but for an entirely different, and truly unforgettable reason.

Planning to stick around for a few days longer? Here's how to explore the area or discover the locals' favourite outdoor activities.

Drive time: 7hrs

Overnight: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park

Day 4: Drive Cape Hillsborough to Airlie Beach

Even if you're not a morning person, you'll be buzzing with excitement before your coffee for this sunrise experience. Every morning, dozens of wallabies venture out from the bush and come down to the shoreline at Casuarina Beach - just a short stroll from your bed at the tourist park.

It's a natural phenomenon that's been fascinating park rangers and travellers for years, and its a special moment to take in.

Jump back in the car and you'll make it to Airlie Beach by mid-morning. The gateway to the sparkling Whitsundays Islands, this is your chance to take a scenic flight to famous Whitehaven Beach or jump on Ocean Rafting's afternoon tour that combines island time with snorkelling pristine coral along the Great Barrier Reef.

If you got distracted by the natural beauty along the road and arrive a little later, head out on a sunset sailing trip instead: Lady Enid offers one of the best.

It's totally understandable that you might want to turn this into a multi-day pitstop and get some real exploration under your belt - perhaps even test out your sea legs and sail around the islands for a few days.

Tonight, settle into a local haunt with a view and feast the night away. Things only get more tropical from here.

Drive time: 1.5hrs

Overnight: Use this Airlie Beach accommodation guide

Day 5: Drive Airlie Beach to Ingham

Where else on Earth could you find one of the world’s best beaches separated from Little Italy by less than 400-kilometres? If you didn't get the chance yesterday, take a morning tour to Whitehaven Beach.

Once you're back on dry land, drive the stretch of road that separates this odd couple, Airlie Beach and Ingham.

As you head north on the Brisbane to Cairns drive, it's well worth your time to stop in Bowen for a paddle in the quiet bays (along with great local fish and chips and a postcard-worthy photo at the Big Mango). And if you like your swims to be surrounded by rainforest, Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range outside of Townsville sets the scene for a great picnic lunch. 

In the 1890s, Ingham became known as the Italian epicentre of Queensland thanks to an influx of immigrants. With many of Ingham’s residents being of Italian descent, this influence is still felt keenly today, from the delis and bakeries to great coffee. If you time your visit right, you’ll be one of thousands of people flocking to Ingham for the annual Australian-Italian Festival (7-8 June 2025). 

Drive time: 4.5hrs

Overnight: Ingham

Day 6: Drive Ingham to Mission Beach

At first light, jump in the car and drive further inland to Wallaman Falls. The tallest permanent single drop waterfall in Australia, this is the kind of natural beauty that makes you stop and stare. Save time for the two-hour walk to the bottom of the falls to experience the full force of this 268m plunge. You can often see a full rainbow through the falls' mist. Be warned: the uphill return hike is a fair slog on a hot day, so go early.

Once your mind has been suitably blown, this Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary continues onwards to a true gem of the tropical north: Mission Beach. Keep your eyes peeled en route: this is one of the best places in Queensland to spot endangered southern cassowaries. 

Once you arrive, head out to explore the 14 kilometres of white sand, palm trees, and fringing reef that make Mission Beach so special.

Drive time: 2.5hrs

Overnight: Use this Mission Beach accommodation guide. 

Day 7: Drive Mission Beach to Atherton Tablelands

Sink your toes into the sand over your morning coffee, then it's time to head deeper into World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest in the Atherton Tablelands. Here, the high altitude and fertile volcanic soil help to cultivate some of Queensland’s most prized produce. Not just a destination for eating, it’s also one for exploring.

The popular waterfall circuit will take you around the region’s most inspiring falls to cool off in, while serious hikers can tackle the Mt Bartle Frere trail, scaling the highest peak in Queensland.

Spending the night in a treehouse is only fitting in this magical part of Queensland's rainforest - and it offers the perfect chance to recharge for the final leg of your road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. 

Drive time: 1hr 50m

Overnight: Mount Quincan Crater Retreat

Day 8: Drive Atherton Tablelands to Cairns

It’s under two hours' drive between the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns, so enjoy savouring slow moments amongst the trees. 

Sandwiched between the ancient roots of the Daintree Rainforest and the world-heritage listed corals of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is best known as the jewel in the north. Spend your afternoon exploring Mossman Gorge on a Dreamtime Indigenous tour, then make your way to the Cairns Esplanade at sunset where you can choose from a dip in the lagoon or sundowners at the bars that line the waterfront and rooftops. Though, this is a holiday after all, so why not do both?

Drive time: 1.5 hours

Overnight: Use this Cairns accommodation guide

Where to next after the Brisbane to Cairns drive?

Your adventure shouldn't stop here: Cairns is the adventure capital of our tropical north. Stay a while, soak up the surrounds and get to know the locals. This guide will help connect you with the best experiences - or you could continue north on the Great Barrier Reef Drive and even tackle the journey to The Tip by 4WD.