Road trip planner: The Whitsundays to Cairns in 12 days

Your Whitsundays to Cairns road trip adventure begins uniquely sans-car on Australia’s biggest island resort playground, Hamilton Island. This paradise is a car-free zone, so you’ll get around by golf buggy, shuttle bus, or your own two feet.

Flights from all major cities connect into Hamilton Island and will have you landing right in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s home to one of the world’s most luxurious and award-winning resorts, qualia, but if you’re looking for luxury on a more modest budget, Reef View Hotel offers second-to-none ocean views – a place to pause and appreciate the neighbouring islands and sparkling blue waters.

Spend the day getting acquainted with all there is to do here. Bask in the sunshine at one of the four resort pools (the main pool at Catseye Beach is a favourite with its swim-up bar) or take a stand-up paddleboard for a spin. Pick up a free rental from Hamilton Island Beach Sports.

Sunset on the island is best enjoyed in one of three ways: toast with 360 degree views at One Tree Hill; get the blood pumping on an evening hike to Passage Peak; or hit the water for a sunset sail. This is Australia’s sailing capital, after all.  

If you want to pack in as much fun as possible, use this guide to 48 hours on Hamilton Island.

Overnight: Reef View Hotel

Day 2: Find your place to play at Whitehaven Beach

Famous for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach needs no introduction – but it’s a must visit if you’re in The Whitsundays. There’s no beach clubs, bars or touts: just 7km of pure white sand and endless natural beauty.

Sink into the warm, clear water and it might be hard to leave. But be sure to resist the temptation long enough to take the walking track to Hill Inlet Lookout – you’ll be rewarded with the best views out over the beach and the natural mosaic of swirling white sand and blue waters as the tide changes.

Whitehaven Beach is only an hour away from Hamilton Island by boat, on Whitsunday Island. Head to the tour desk on Hamilton Island to book a day tour, or check out these unique ways to visit.

Overnight: Reef View Hotel

Day 3: Hit the mainland to discover tiny beach towns

It’s time to get the ‘road’ part of this road trip started – but don’t worry, you’ll be paying visit to more of Queensland’s spectacular islands soon.

First step: jump on board a scenic early-morning transfer to Airlie Beach on the mainland with Cruise Whitsundays. Then, pick up your rental car or campervan to switch from cruise to cruising the Bruce Highway 80km north to Bowen. A small, laid-back town with big photo opportunities and an even bigger mango. Tick an Aussie icon off your list and grab a photo with The Big Mango, one of many fascinating ‘big’ things of the world.

Take time today to slow down and soak it all in. Coastal hamlets are where you’ll find a true taste of ‘everyday Queensland’. You’ll know it as a strip of sandy beach, and a ‘main strip’ where there’s no doubt a bakery, a corner shop, a pub, and plenty of small town charm.

Spend your afternoon swimming, snorkeling or kayaking off the beach, then watch the sun sink into a pink glow from Horseshoe Bay, the town’s most iconic beach framed by granite outcrops. For a casual bite to eat, you can’t beat  fish and chips by the marina at Bird’s Fish Bar.  

Overnight: Horseshoe Bay Resort

Day 4: Head north to Magnetic Island

Don’t leave town without a quick stop at La Sorelle’s for some famous Bowen mango fudge – the perfect road trip snacks as your Whitsundays to Cairns road trip continues north.

After only two and a half hours you’ll find yourself at South Townsville ready to drive straight onto the car ferry to island hop once again – this time to serene Magnetic Island. Granite boulders, eucalyptus forests and Australia’s most northern koala population are just the beginning on this Great Barrier Reef island. Cruise the roads and discover where the rock wallabies enjoy the sunset, get panoramic views from WWII fortifications on the Forts Walk, and find a secluded beach to relax on (including another Horseshoe Bay, perfect for hiring a jet ski, kayak or paddleboard).

There’s plenty of ways to become more acquainted with Maggie, one of the east coast’s favourite spots to become one with nature. If your preferred way is raising a glass of sparkling on board a sailing trip, check out the sunset sails offered by Big Mama Sailing and Pilgrim Sailing.

Overnight: Take your pick of Magnetic Island accommodation

Day 5: Soak in the best of Magnetic Island

Two days on Magnetic Island will give you just enough time to see the highlights, but don’t miss the chance to get a taste of its Great Barrier Reef beauty. Sign up for a tour with Aquascene, where a Master Reef Guide will lead you to secluded bays with the best coral reef and marine life. Or, rent a snorkel and fins to discover one of the islands DIY snorkel trails at Nelly Bay or Geoffrey Bay.

Once you’ve got your taste of island time, take the ferry back to the mainland. Tonight, you’re exploring Townsville. With one night only, get the best snapshot with a drive up to Castle Hill lookout, a wander along The Strand, and an evening of hopping between the many waterfront bars and laneway restaurants.

Overnight: Rambutan Resort. If you’re in a van, they’ll even let you park it undercover with full access to their facilities for a small fee.

Day 6: Fall for Queensland’s best waterfalls

The next leg of your Whitsundays to Cairns road trip has you discover one of Australia’s waterfall greats, Wallaman Falls. It just so happens to be the highest permanent single-drop waterfall in the country.

Your drive today offers the perfect warm-up to the big moment, as it’s an easy and short detour to stop en route at Paluma Range National Park for a dip in in Crystal Creek or Jourama Falls.

Enjoy sugar cane views during your trip from Townsville to Girringun National Park, where you’ll find mighty Wallaman Falls. Part of the traditional lands of the Warrgamaygan Aboriginal people and 'Nginba Warrgamaygan Ngarji’, it’s a place of great cultural and spiritual significance. Take in the views from the lookout, then take the Djyinda (pronounced ‘Yin-da’) walk to the bottom of the gorge and base of the falls. Things get steep and slippery towards the end: this walk isn’t accessible to everyone, a moderate amount of hiking experience is recommended.

If you’re in a campervan, pull up for the night here. Wallaman Falls camping area is adjacent to Stony Creek and promises the best views and convenience to the famous falls. Amenities like gas barbeques, picnic tables, shelter sheds, water and cold showers make this national park camping experience a notch above the rest.

If you’re travelling in a car, head back toward the coast to Ingham for a taste of little Italy in the tropics and your choice of affordable accommodation. Be sure to stop in for a schooner at the legendary Lees Hotel, the spot that inspired Slim Dusty’s song A Pub With No Beer.

Day 7: Rage down the rapids

If Wallaman Falls whet your appetite for water adventure, set your sights towards Tully for the next step of your Whitsundays to Cairns road trip. Famous for its World Heritage-listed landscapes, the wettest town in Australia welcomes you with a 300m waterfall, responsible for the Tully River rapids.

The river generates so much water you can actually white-water raft down level 3 and 4 rapids all year round. So join Raging Thunder for an extreme adventure where taking in the views will make your heart race.

Once you’ve dried off, it’s time to drive into the Atherton Tablelands – the countryside of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.

Overnight: Yungaburra is the epicentre of the Tablelands and guarantees you can leave your car at home and wander to your dinner plans.

Day 8: Discover hidden beauty and foodie hotspots in Atherton Tablelands

A culinary capital nestled within World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest? There’s a lot to love about Atherton Tablelands, especially if you’d like to hop between coffee plantations, wineries, lakeside cafes and waterfalls tucked into the trees.

Bring your appetite and follow this food journey for the day. In between bites, you can strap on your hiking boots and take one of the nature walks that lead to tumbling waterfalls and cool swimming holes. Ellinja, Zillie and Milla Milla are popular walks, all close together and best suited to those with little hiking experience. If you’re looking for a challenge, there are spots like Nandroya Falls which take closer to an hour to find, and as a result will have less visitors.

Be sure to pop into a heritage-listed natural wonder, the over 500-year old Curtain Tree Fig.

Overnight: Live out your treehouse fantasies at Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat.

Day 9: Swap wildlife for Cairns nightlife

A thriving tropical city that marches to the beat of its own drum, Cairns is your final destination today. But in true Queensland style, there’s a fair share on natural beauty en route.

Josephine Falls is Queensland’s favourite natural waterslide, and there’s no shortage of fans who’ll be there to show you the way to slide down the mossy granite to the waters below. The safest way down is on your bottom, to be sure you and this natural wonder both remain unharmed.

Babinda Boulders are as beautiful as they are spiritual – a home to crystal clear water, prehistoric volcanic rock, and an Aboriginal legend that holds great significance for local Indigenous peoples. Look it up before you go and listen deeply to hear the legendary cries of Oolana across the boulders. The boardwalk is the best vantage point for the waters, and while you can swim around the picnic areas, this is one area you’ll be sure to follow all the signs and recommendations.

A little further up the road, you’ll come to the biggest city in our north and the final destination on this Whitsundays to Cairns road trip. Equal parts laid-back and vibrant, Cairns is the place to let your hair down in rooftop bars, tiki bars, laneway speakeasies and restaurants plating up local ingredients and authentic Queensland flavours.

If this is your first visit to Cairns, read this guide to discover the must-do’s to add to your itinerary.

Overnight: Take your pick from centrally located hotels and backpackers or eco-resorts surrounded by nature. You can unpack properly this time, as we recommend staying here for the next few days while you explore the region.

Day 10: Reward your journey with the reef

Wake up and caffeinate: the world’s biggest natural wonder is in your sights today.

Everyone should take the chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef at least once in their lifetime, and a trip to the outer reef is an essential part of this Whitsundays to Cairns road trip.

There are endless ways to explore the reef, from day snorkel tours to dive adventures, sailing trips or Indigenous-led reef excursions. If you’re overwhelmed by the options, plan your day based on how long you want to spend out on the water: keep in mind that full day tours will give you the most time to explore underwater. Operators like Reef Magic and Sunlover are great places to start – especially if this is your first time on the outer reef – as the pontoons are famous for offering a little of everything for your day out. Passions of Paradise is an award-winning sailing reef experience, and you can even participate in citizen science programs and reef research throughout the tour. 

Day 11: Step into the Daintree

It’s one of the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforests, and a visit here is a soul-stirring experience. Just outside of Cairns and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest, the Daintree begs to be explored.

How you experience it is up to you – after all, it’s so huge you could fit all of Sydney Harbour in it about 162 times. But to really connect with the surrounding landscape you can’t do better than an Indigenous-guided introduction. Take a Dreamtime walk through Mossman Gorge, or discover the wonders on Kuku Yalanji country with Walkabout Cultural Adventures.

For a little bit of everything, join one of the many tours that will show you the highlights of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation in a day, from the rainforest-clad walking trails to beaches and croc-spotting river cruises.

Overnight: Return to your Cairns accommodation or stay awhile in the Daintree

Day 12: Meet the turtles on Fitzroy Island

You can’t go home without spending one more day on island time, and with the majority of its land mass protected as national park, Fitzroy Island is a spectacular spot to close your time in Queensland. Fringed by coral reef, beckoning beaches and nature trails that lead to mountain-top views across the Coral Sea, it’s a unique adventure that could keep you occupied for days.

But perhaps one of the most heartwarming experience can be found on shore. Discover Fitzroy Island Resort’s conservation efforts first-hand on a guided tour of the turtle rehabilitation centre, a volunteer-operated, non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles.

Don’t miss grabbing lunch by the water at Foxy’s, a dip at famous Nudey Beach, and one final chance to strap on a snorkel to play amongst Great Barrier Reef beauty – you can even turn your time underwater into research and be part of the Eye on the Reef and Reef Check programs.

Return to Cairns tonight, warmed inside and out.

Where to from here?

If your annual leave isn’t calling you home, why not extend your trip with:

• These day trips from Cairns
• Hire a 4WD in Cairns to explore the Bloomfield Track – or take the ultimate bucket list adventure and make your way to The Tip of Cape York.
• Visit the Undara Lava Tubes or continue west into the outback along Savannah Way