How to tour Queensland by bus in a fortnight

To see more of Queensland, you don’t need a car, or even a plane for that matter. It’s surprisingly easy to explore this diverse state, thanks to Greyhound buses which weave their way around Queensland from top to toe.

For backpackers and working holidaymakers (and for anyone really), a ride aboard a Greyhound bus is an affordable and easy way to get better acquainted with this magical place.

To make the most of the many Greyhound routes around Queensland, we’ve dreamt up the ideal 15 day itinerary using a Greyhound bus around Queensland. The two week adventure travels from the capital of Brisbane down through the Gold Coast and back again, along the Pacific Coast Way through the Sunshine Coast, The Whitsundays, and on to Cairns.

Day one - Brisbane

Begin your adventure by Greyhound bus around Queensland in the blossoming metropolis of Brisbane. If you’re not familiar with the capital’s many landmarks, why not take in  a bird’s eye view of its skyline with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, where you’ll clamber up the historical landmark. Post-climb, quench your thirst (and satisfy hunger pangs) at local dining district Howard Smith Wharves, before you make yourself at home at Brisbane City YHA on the city’s edge of Roma Street.

Day two - Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)

For a taste of Brisbane's island life, hop on a ferry to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and experience the ultimate day of aventure. Here you can surf down towering sand dunes, snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks, or hire a quad bike and roam along the beach and bush. At sunset, grab a drink at Tangalooma Island Resort and watch the wild dolphins up-close. 

Day three - Gold Coast

Seize the day with a trot to Roma Street Station where the Greyhound Bus departs south for the Gold Coast, just an hour’s drive away. It’s at Surfers Paradise that you’ll make yourself at home (namely its YHA), a suburb famous for its nightlife. But there’s plenty to do during the day too, whether a swim or a surfing lesson with local favourites Go Ride A Wave take your fancy. If adrenaline appeals, join Paradise Jet Boating for a fast-paced tour of the region by water.

Day four - Gold Coast Hinterland

Out the back of the Gold Coast’s 70 kilometres of beach sits the hinterland, a luscious region rich in ancient rainforests, waterfalls and bushwalks. Join a guided tour to make your way deep into the likes of Springbrook National Park, a part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia . The Twin Falls Circuit is a must-visit while in this part of the world, and the perfect place to cool off with a dip after working up a sweat sight-seeing.

Day five - Sunshine Coast

The idyllic Sunshine Coast beckons! The resort town of Noosa is home base, a place equally famous for its picture perfect swimming spots as it is its vibrant restaurant scene. Dismount from the Greyhound in Noosa Junction, and make way for the 1880s-era heritage-listed Noosa Heads YHA on the main drag of Hastings Street. After a four hour journey you’ll want to stretch your legs - take to the walking trail in the picturesque Noosa National Park. Or hit the local waterways with Jetski Noosa.

Day six - Rainbow Beach

Your Greyhound bus tour of Queensland onto today’s destination of Rainbow Beach. A few hours drive from Noosa Junction, this sleepy coastal community lures 4WD enthusiasts by their droves as an entry point to the 41,000 hectare Cooloola National Park. Walk south from the township and you’ll see the region’s famous coloured sands, formed over thousands of years

Day seven - Hervey Bay and K'gari (Formerly Fraser Island)

Further north on this Greyhound bus tour of Queensland you’ll find Hervey Bay, the world’s first certified whale heritage site thanks to the impressive annual presence of humpback whales migrating. But outside of whale season there’s still much to do - including a day trip (or longer) to its offshore neighbour K’gari, the world’s largest sand island.

Day eight - Agnes Water and The Town of 1770

Trucking up along the coastline as a part of this Greyhound bus ride around Queensland, make a pit-stop at the neighbouring towns of Agnes Water and 1770. With river and ocean at its fingertips this place attracts holidaying surfers and fishing enthusiasts by the truckload. Plus there’s access to Lady Musgrave Island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Day nine - Airlie Beach

It’s an effort to reach Airlie Beach from Agnes Water, but as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s an end destination that’s definitely worth your while. Thanks to its location in the midst of the Whitsunday islands, Airlie remains a popular stopover, especially for backpackers who are well-catered to with bars and accommodation - its YHA sits right in the centre of town, among a cluster of budget-friendly drinking dens and eateries.

Day 10 - The Whitsundays

An exploration of The Whitsundays while you’re in Airlie Beach is non-negotiable, as the beauty of these 74 islands is legendary. The Port of Airlie or Shute Harbour is the typical launchpad, where you can hop aboard a day trip, overnight cruise or private charter to see these postcard-worthy places up close. Hamilton Island is one of the region’s popular residents, offering plenty to do within a tight timeframe.

Day 11 - The Whitsundays

Though it would be a shame to miss out on a chance to sail around this stunning family of islands, after all the Whitsundays is one of the few places in the world where you can go bareboating without a boat licence. But without a skipper on hand or any experience under your belt, stick to one of the many sailing tours of this dazzling district. Camira Sailing Adventures comes recommended, a day trip that takes in local landmarks like iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, and throws in an Aussie barbecue for lunch for good measure.

Day 12 - Townsville

After all of that water-borne adventure, you’ll have some chance to get some rest on your journey to Townsville. This city is famously home to the country’s largest army base, but that’s not all that Townsville has to offer. While you’re here make the journey to the top of Castle Hill for incredible 360-degree views of the area, which are especially delightful at sunset. If you have the time, it’s also worth taking the 20 minute ferry to nearby Magnetic Island, where you can snorkel above rainbow coral to your heart’s content.[Text Wrapping Break]

Day 13 - Mission Beach and Babinda

The Cassowary Coast is calling, where you’re likely to spot a cassowary in their natural habitat. Wongaling Beach is one of a quartet of coastal villages dubbed Mission Beach that forms your next destination, a quaint enclave which sits directly opposite the slice of paradise that is Dunk Island. Grab your walking shoes and take to the 14 kilometres of pristine beaches for which this place is famous, or trek to the summit of Bicton Hill in Clump Mountain National Park. The historic town of Babinda, home to the eye-catching Babinda Boulders, is also not far and conveniently forms another part of the Greyhound Australia circuit. Pay a visit for a dip in its pristine waters, and an iced vovo and a pie at the much-loved Babinda Bakery.

Day 14 - Cairns

Welcome to Cairns, your final stop on this Greyhound bus journey through Queensland. The unofficial capital of Tropical North Queensland specialises in natural beauty, being within arm’s reach of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as World Heritage-listed Natural Wonders Cape Tribulation and the equally luscious Daintree Rainforest.

But before you head off-shore, take some time to connect with local Indigenous culture through a guided tour, a traditional performance or the creations at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. After a day greeting the best of Cairns, get some rest at Cairns YHA in the city centre.

Day 15 - Cairns

After exploring everything that the city of Cairns has to offer, this is your chance to venture further afield. Lean in to the easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and take part in a Sunlover snorkel tour, or do something left of centre, and indulge your inner adrenaline-junkie with a tandem jump at Skypark Cairns, home to Australia’s only bungy jump.

Want to learn more about the Working Holiday Maker program? Here's everything you need to know.