places to visit between townsville and brisbane

36 Best Stops Between Brisbane and Townsville

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How long is the drive from Brisbane to Townsville?

The direct drive from Brisbane to Townsville is 842 mi (1354 km) , and should have a drive time of 16 hrs 32 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Brisbane to Townsville, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Noosa , Bundaberg , Maleny , Airlie Beach , Hervey Bay , and Mooloolaba , as well as top places to visit like Bribie Island Seaside Museum and Caboolture Historical Village, or the ever-popular Moreton Island.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Top cities between Brisbane and Townsville

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Bundaberg Central

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Airlie Beach

Best stops along brisbane to townsville drive, moreton island.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Bribie Island Seaside Museum

Caboolture historical village, kings beach, australia zoo, sea life sunshine coast aquarium, mooloolaba beach, mary cairncross scenic reserve, maleny botanic gardens & bird world, the ginger factory, noosa national park.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Hastings St

Noosa heads main beach, eumundi markets, kenilworth dairies.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Perfect for road trips

See time and distance between places, and optimize your route to get the most of your day.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Carlo Sand Blow

Mary valley rattler, seventy five mile beach, fraser island recreation area, lake mckenzie (boorangoora), champagne pools, fraser coast wildlife sanctuary, urangan pier.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Explore top attractions and restaurants

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places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Wetside Water Park

Bundaberg rum distillery, lady elliot island eco resort, top searches in townsville, other popular road trips from brisbane, explore nearby places.

  • Horseshoe Bay
  • Alligator Creek
  • Forrest Beach
  • Charters Towers
  • Hinchinbrook Island
  • Mission Beach

All related maps of Townsville

  • Map of Townsville
  • Map of North Ward
  • Map of Garbutt
  • Map of Picnic Bay
  • Map of Kirwan
  • Map of Nelly Bay
  • Map of Arcadia
  • Map of West Point
  • Map of Horseshoe Bay
  • Map of Alligator Creek
  • Map of Woodstock
  • Map of Giru
  • Map of Mutarnee
  • Map of Brandon
  • Map of Alva Beach
  • Map of Home Hill
  • Map of Forrest Beach
  • Map of Inkerman
  • Map of Ravenswood
  • Map of Paluma
  • Map of Lucinda
  • Map of Ingham
  • Map of Charters Towers
  • Map of Hinchinbrook Island
  • Map of Cardwell
  • Map of Bilyana
  • Map of Carmoo
  • Map of Bowen
  • Map of Mission Beach
  • Map of Tully

Townsville throughout the year

  • Townsville in January
  • Townsville in February
  • Townsville in March
  • Townsville in April
  • Townsville in May
  • Townsville in June
  • Townsville in July
  • Townsville in August
  • Townsville in September
  • Townsville in October
  • Townsville in November
  • Townsville in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Townsville?

Get inspired for your trip to Townsville with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

  • 1-Day Townsville Itinerary
  • 2-Day Townsville Itinerary
  • 3-Day Townsville Itinerary
  • 4-Day Townsville Itinerary
  • 5-Day Townsville Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from brisbane to townsville.

Yes! You can drive from Brisbane to Townsville.

How far is Townsville from Brisbane by car?

The drive from Brisbane to Townsville is 842 miles (1354 km).

How long does it take to drive from Brisbane to Townsville?

Driving from Brisbane to Townsville should take you 16 hrs 32 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Brisbane to Townsville?

Gas from Brisbane to Townsville would cost around $74 to $172 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Brisbane to Townsville?

You could check out Bribie Island Seaside Museum and Caboolture Historical Village, or the always popular Moreton Island!

What are the best cities to visit between Brisbane and Townsville?

People love visiting Noosa, Bundaberg, and Maleny, among others.

What's the weather like in Brisbane?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Brisbane in January
  • Weather in Brisbane in February
  • Weather in Brisbane in March
  • Weather in Brisbane in April
  • Weather in Brisbane in May
  • Weather in Brisbane in June
  • Weather in Brisbane in July
  • Weather in Brisbane in August
  • Weather in Brisbane in September
  • Weather in Brisbane in October
  • Weather in Brisbane in November
  • Weather in Brisbane in December

What are some other road trips from Brisbane?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Brisbane.

  • Brisbane to Sydney drive
  • Brisbane to Melbourne drive
  • Brisbane to Noosa drive
  • Brisbane to Byron Bay drive
  • Brisbane to Canberra drive
  • Brisbane to Coffs Harbour drive
  • Brisbane to Toowoomba drive
  • Brisbane to Cessnock drive
  • Brisbane to Port Macquarie drive
  • Brisbane to Cairns drive
  • Brisbane to Adelaide drive
  • Brisbane to Katoomba drive
  • Brisbane to Bundaberg drive
  • Brisbane to Hobart drive
  • Brisbane to Hervey Bay drive
  • Brisbane to Townsville drive
  • Brisbane to Dubbo drive
  • Brisbane to Stanthorpe drive
  • Brisbane to Port Douglas drive
  • Brisbane to Ballarat drive
  • Brisbane to Launceston drive
  • Brisbane to Murwillumbah drive
  • Brisbane to Torquay drive
  • Brisbane to Shoalhaven drive
  • Brisbane to Pokolbin drive
  • Brisbane to Airlie Beach drive
  • Brisbane to Rainbow Beach drive
  • Brisbane to Wollongong drive
  • Brisbane to Rockhampton drive
  • Brisbane to Seventeen Seventy drive

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

  • Itinerary + map in one view
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Driving from Townsville to Brisbane: Things to See Along the Way

Airlie beach, rockhampton.

Honest tourism information about Australia

Brisbane to Townsville road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

  • David Whitley
  • Practicalities

Brisbane to Townsville road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

The Brisbane to Townsville drive is 1,332km in distance. That’s a driving time of 15 hours and 17 minutes. Get off the Bruce Highway, and turn it into a Brisbane to Townsville road trip with stops at the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island, Capricorn Caves and Whitsundays.

This independent,  Australia travel expert -researched guide is aimed at travellers planning a  road trip itinerary from Brisbane to Townsville in Queensland .

Townsville is where you can take the ferry to gorgeous Magnetic Island, enjoy sunset cruises and visit the Museum of Underwater Art . For more Townsville experiences, explore here . To ferret out the best Townsville accommodation deals, look here .

To learn more about the Brisbane to Townsville drive, including the distance, driving time and the best stops along the route, read on…

Planning a Brisbane to Townsville road trip itinerary

The drive from Brisbane to Townsville in Queensland is long. Very few people are going to attempt it in one stint at the wheel.

Brisbane to Townsville distance and driving time

However, if you are intent on driving directly from Brisbane to Townsville, make sure you’ve got plenty of coffee.

The Brisbane to Townsville drive up the Bruce Highway is 1,332km in distance, making for a Brisbane to Townsville driving time of 15 hours and 17 minutes.

6 Townsville experiences to book in advance

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

  • Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
  • SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
  • Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
  • Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
  • Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
  • Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.

Brisbane to Townsville drive: Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast

The direct route passes through Burpengary and Caboolture , before passing the likes of Woombye, Nambour and Yandina on the Sunshine Coast . The Bruce Highway then passes through Eumundi and Cooroy before reaching Gympie , Tiaro and the Fraser Coast town of Maryborough . That’s the last decent-sized town for a long while, as the Brisbane to Townsville drive passes through Childers , Gin Gin and Calliope on the way up to Rockhampton.

12 fantastic Sunshine Coast experiences to book now

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

  • Taste coffee and ginger, do rainforest walks, and visit the best lookouts on a highlight-packed hinterland tour .
  • Take a serene Noosa Everglades cruise along the mirror-like waterways – or canoe through the Everglades .
  • Learn to surf at a Sunshine Coast surf school – or try paddleboarding instead.
  • Combine sight-seeing and thrills on a fast boat tour .
  • Go e-mountain biking on the downhill trails of Tewantin National Park.
  • Kayak with dolphins as part of a beach 4WD tour.
  • Explore the Sunshine Coast from above on a seaplane flight .
  • Take an indigenous cultural tour – with bush tucker tasting.
  • Visit the region’s best craft breweries and distilleries on a drinks tasting tour .
  • Go jetskiing through the gorgeous Pumicestone Passage.
  • Taste wines, cheeses and chocolates on a hinterland food tour .
  • Watch migrating humpbacks on a whale-watching cruise .

Mary River in Maryborough, Queensland.

Brisbane to Townsville road trip: Capricorn and Whitsundays

Rockhampton on the Tropic of Capricorn is a rough halfway point on this Brisbane to Townsville drive. The Bruce Highway sticks closer to the coast after this, taking in Whitsundays towns Mackay , Proserpine and Bowen .

9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit

  • Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
  • Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
  • Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
  • Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
  • Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
  • Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
  • Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour .
  • Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
  • Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride .

Airlie Beach accommodation picks

Specialist Australian booking site Wotif offers Airlie Beach accommodation for from $114 a night. You can look through the best deals here .

However, some Airlie Beach accommodation options are worth highlighting:

  • On a budget: Tasman Holiday Parks Airlie Beach .
  • For families: Big4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort .
  • For waterfront apartments: At Marina Shores .
  • For pampering: Coral Sea Marina Resort .
  • For great value: Colonial Palms Motor Inn .

The route continues north to Ayr, then ducks inland to Townsville .

Coastal towns near Brisbane to Townsville driving route

What you might have noticed about this route is that it includes very few of Queensland’s highlights. So if you want to turn the Brisbane to Townsville journey into a road trip over a week or so, you’re going to have to veer off the Bruce Highway. There are several attractive seaside towns you can stop at on the way. These include Mudjimba Beach , Burrum Heads , Tannum Sands , Bargara , Agnes Water, Yeppoon and Cannonvale .

Yeppoon Lagoon in Yeppoon, Queensland

There’s also a wealth of experiences you can cover on a Brisbane to Townsville road trip. Australia Travel Questions has picked out just ten, spaced out along the route.

10 things to do on a Brisbane to Townsville road trip

  • Get a thorough education on Aussie wildlife at Australia Zoo in Beerwah.
  • Go kayaking among the sand bars on Pumicestone Passage in Caloundra .
  • Take a Great Beach Drive 4WD tour up Teewah Beach from Noosa to Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach .
  • Float along Eli Creek in an inner tube on K’gari / Fraser Island .
  • Taste Queensland’s favourite rum on the Bundaberg Rum distillery tour in Bundaberg . ( BOOK ONLINE )
  • Admire the cavern decorations at the Capricorn Caves near Rockhampton. ( BOOK ONLINE )
  • Take the Great Keppel Island ferry and explore Great Keppel Island from Yeppoon.
  • See kangaroos on the beach at sunset at Cape Hillsborough .
  • Spot a platypus at Broken River in the Eungella National Park .
  • Take a Whitsundays kayaking tour from Airlie Beach .

Half day Whitsundays kayaking tour from Airlie Beach

Townsville accommodation recommendations

The best bets for Townsville accommodation are…

  • For beachside location: Water’s Edge The Strand .
  • For a good value, well located motel: Yongala Lodge By The Strand .
  • For a sassy, chic resort: Rambutan Resort .
  • For families: Discovery Parks Townsville .
  • For business-friendly apartments: Quest Townsville on Eyre .

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

  • Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure .
  • Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
  • Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
  • North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
  • Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
  • Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo ) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
  • Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
  • Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
  • Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour .
  • Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
  • Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
  • XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
  • Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
  • See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour .
  • Plan a Road Trip
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Trippy

Townsville to Brisbane drive

Townsville to brisbane road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Townsville to Brisbane. If you're planning a road trip to Brisbane, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start in Townsville drive for about 2.5 hours

11:30 am   Bowen stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:30 pm drive for about 1 hour

1:39 pm   Whitsunday Island stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:39 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

4:03 pm   Mackay stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:03 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 9 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Yeppoon drive for about 1.5 hours

10:28 am   Tannum Sands stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:28 am drive for about 2.5 hours

2:07 pm   Hervey Bay stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:07 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

5:31 pm   Sunshine Coast (Queensland) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:31 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

8:02 pm  arrive in Brisbane

day 2 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Bowen   (3 answers) Whitsunday Island   (10 mentions) Mackay   (7 answers) Yeppoon Tannum Sands   (2 answers)     questions about Tannum Sands:         What is your favorite restaurant in Tannum Sands? Hervey Bay   (3 answers) Sunshine Coast (Queensland)   (16 answers)

Where's the best place to eat in Brisbane?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Alfred & Constance , which was mentioned 2 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Brisbane? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Brisbane?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Brisbane. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

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Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Brisbane.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Brisbane to Townsville drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Townsville to Brisbane . Or get a full Townsville to Brisbane flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Townsville well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Townsville!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Townsville to Brisbane

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

Inspire Family Travel

North Queensland Road Trip Itinerary (One for Your Bucket List)

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Buckle up your seatbelts as this guide shares all the must-see places, the best activities and practical advice for a North Queensland road trip.

The towns and cities in Tropical North Queensland are bucket list destinations for many, with the opportunity to witness lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, sublime beaches, and remarkable natural beauty in not one, but two World Heritage-listed sites.

As the second-largest state in Australia, there is a lot to discover in Queensland. Often the hardest decision when planning your North Queensland road trip itinerary is choosing the places to visit as many interlacing roads connect you with dreamy locations. 

Within this guide, you will find places to stop from Townsville to Cooktown, practical information you will need on a road trip, sights to see and activities you won’t want to miss. I have also included a FREE map to help plan your trip.

Continue reading to find out all this and more.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer for more information.

Featured Image: Great Barrier Reef Drive © Tourism and Events Queensland

Table of Contents

Far North Queensland Itinerary

Townsville to Cooktown Distance: 649 km (one way)

How: Car or Van (4WD required in some areas)

Where: Townsville to Cooktown

Date: All year round

What to Expect

Driving from Townsville to Cooktown can be broken up into three road trips. The Great Green Way is between Townsville and Cairns and where you’ll discover many national parks, stunning beaches, incredible waterfalls (including the tallest in Queensland), natural rock pools, and fascinating tourist attractions, including a castle!

The next part of your journey is The Great Barrier Reef Drive , which covers 140 kilometres (one way) between Cairns and Cape Tribulation. One of the prettiest drives in Queensland, and where you will find popular beachside towns, including Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Explore the coastline, take a day trip to the outer reef, visit the Whitsundays Islands, or detour inland to explore the unspoilt countryside, and mountainous rainforests.          

The final leg of the road trip is from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown on the Bloomfield Track . This scenic drive is nestled between ancient rainforest and a pristine coastline. It is also a stretch of road that won’t be for everyone as it requires a 4WD. I have been told the breathtaking scenery is worth the drive, but always check the road conditions before venturing out as it is subject to fallen trees, flooding, and potholes.

Note: The cities and towns along both these stretches of road are big on traveller experiences. To save you money and time I have included in this guide links to all the top-rated tours.

How Long Do I need for a Queensland Self-Drive Trip?

When looking at a map, the distance from Townsville to Cooktown can be quite deceiving, and this drive is not something you would want to accomplish in a few days. Savour the journey and soak up the very best of the region’s highlights.

The below North Queensland itinerary was created to offer insights into destinations that are situated along this part of the Queensland coast. A recommendation if you are returning on the same route is to stop at the places you missed when travelling north. Alternatively, take some of the detours I mention below or take another popular road trip through the Queensland Outback .

Far North Queensland Road Trip – Campervan or Car

If you don’t have a form of transportation for this trip, or if you want to experience a taste of the vanning life, hire a car or campervan. For car hire, Inspire Family Travel recommends Bargain Car Rentals . They are an Australian-owned and operated company with 14 locations and a wide range of vehicles.

Their focus is on exceeding customer expectations, value for money, and exceptional service.

Pro Tip: Always book your car in advance as this is the best way to avoid disappointment, and it will save you time and money. Bargain Car Rentals has kindly offered you a discount code. Simply use the code FAMTRAVEL when you make a booking and this will save you 5% on their best rates.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

If you are hiring a campervan, download the Wikicamps Australia app to find caravan parks and camping locations along the route.

Northern Queensland Road Trip Times

To appreciate the length of these road trips, the distance from Townsville to Cairns (alone) is 347 km’s and takes approximately 4.5 hours.

Those figures do not take into account activities, overnight stops, or sightseeing along the way. As I mentioned above I suggest breaking up the drive by exploring different destinations.

As a practical guide, I have mapped out the times and distances between each of the recommended places as a guide.

  • Townsville to Ingham: 111 km | 1 hr 24 min
  • Ingham to Mission Beach: 123 km | 1 hr 26 min
  • Mission Beach to Innisfail: 52 km | 40 min
  • Innisfail to Babinda: 30 km | 23 min
  • Babinda to Cairns: 60 km | 50 min
  • Cairns to Port Douglas: 67 km | 1 hr
  • Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation: 84 km | 1 hr 46 min
  • Cape Tribulation to Cooktown: 102 km | 2 hr

Tropical North Queensland Map

Map out your adventure along the three road journeys using the below resource that has been created if you are taking a QLD road trip.  

Click this link to download a quick road trip guide and interactive map . Included in the Google map are highlights of what not to miss at the destinations, along with optional detours and day trips along the way. 

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

When starting to plan things to do in far North Queensland, you will notice there are many places to visit, activities to enjoy and sights to see. If you have the flexibility to travel at a slower pace, you may choose to stop at many of the locations on this list. If you are short on time, use the information provided to assist in selecting the destinations that stand out the most, and add the others to your bucket list for a future far north Queensland holiday.   

Tip: Always check the road conditions before embarking on your journey.

Stop 1: Townsville

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

The Great Green Way road trip starts in Townsville.

A place where the sun is shining most of the year Townsville is at the centre of North Queensland’s spectacular natural attractions – waterfalls, rainforests, islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

The 2.5-kilometre beachfront promenade known as The Strand was purpose-built with enjoyment in mind. Take advantage of the playgrounds, walking and bike paths, picnic areas and free water park. Enjoy a meal at a local café and finish off with gelato while sitting under the shady palm trees.

Depending on how adventurous you feel drive or hike up to Castle Hill lookout for a 360-degree view over Townsville and across to Magnetic Island. For a closer look at the beautiful Magnetic Island jump on a ferry and in just 20 minutes you can be exploring sublime beaches and eucalypt forests.

Stay: Click here to find all the accommodation options and best rates in Townsville

Related: Read more about Townsville & Magnetic Island here

Stop 2: Ingham

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

If you are searching for some European culture on your road trip, then stop off in Ingham. Affectionately referred to as “Little Italy” due to more than half the population being of Italian descent. As the heart of the sugar cane industry, many Italian migrants came to work in Ingham, which now has one of the largest sugar mills in Australia.

Whilst in Ingham visit the unique 90-hectare natural TYTO Wetlands . Home to over 245 different bird species, native Australian wildlife and an abundance of tropical plants. The area is easy to explore on foot with four kilometres of walkways with lookouts to stop at along the way. Visit the wetlands at dusk to spot the endangered eastern grass owl, which the TYTO wetlands were named after.

An event that supports the economic diversity within the community which has been celebrated for over 25 years is the annual Australian Italian Festival . Italian food, world-class entertainment, market stalls, and free amusement rides are some of what you may discover at this authentic cultural event.

Just a short 52 kilometres drive southwest of Ingham inGirringun National Park is where you can find Australia’s highest permanent single drop waterfall at an extraordinary 268 metres – Wallaman Falls . The landscape changes from open farmland to tropical rainforest as you travel up the windy mountain road to the falls. Keep an eye out for the endangered southern cassowaries that wander the sides of the road. There are two vantage points to admire the falls from when you arrive. The main lookout is a hop skip and jump from Wallaman Falls car park and where you can gain that birds-eye perspective of this awe-inspiring spectacle. For a closer look hike through the open forest on the 3.2-kilometre track down to the base of the falls.

Tip: The hike down to the base of the falls is a steep 228-metre descent, and what goes down must come up!

A trip to Wallaman falls can easily be turned into a day outing by packing a picnic to have in the day-use area near the main lookout and there are also shorter walking tracks in the area to enjoy. 

Where to Stay at Ingham

Motel Ingham and Tropixx Motel and Restaurant both rate highly for somewhere to stay in Ingham.

While 30 km’s up the road along the Cassowary Coast is Hinchinbrook Marine Cove Resort . The four-star motel offers waterfront accommodation and is highly popular with families.

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Travelling north towards Cardwell you may want to consider visiting these wonders of nature:

Hinchinbrook Island

If you love the outdoors and adventure, but not crowds then the pristine Hinchinbrook Island is the ideal place to visit with only 40 people permitted to stay at any one time to prevent damage to the island’s biodiversity. The island has four walking tracks from easy to the more adventurous, including the famous 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail. Hinchinbrook Island is a nature lovers paradise with a plethora of plant and tree species, a variety of mangroves, and many bird and butterfly species, such as the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly.

Practical Information: There is a ferry company in Cardwell that conducts day trips to Hinchinbrook Island.

The Cardwell Spa Pool

Social media can be thanked for this relatively unknown swimming location becoming one of the must-visit destinations in Tropical North Queensland . Another natural delight and a geological wonder around these parts. The pools are located in the town of Cardwell and are a magnificent blue colour due to the water running underground picking up minerals from the sedimentary rocks along the way before flowing into the creek.

Tip: As the pools depth changes depending on the season, it is best to check with the Cardwell Visitor and Heritage Centre to check the water levels. It is also important to note there are no toilet facilities or bins in the area. Enjoy the area, but only leave footprints.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

Murray Falls

Another top natural attraction (in fact the top thing to do in Cardwell per TripAdvisor) and sublime swimming area great for families is found 41 kilometres north-west of Cardwell. Murray Falls is located in the picturesque foothills of the Kirrama Range, where lush mountain ranges meet tropical lowlands. It is here where the waters of the Murray River flow over boulders into the pools below. There are two marked swimming zones, or just take in the beauty of the permanent waterfall via the viewing platforms.

Adjacent to the falls is a grassed camping area , public toilets and picnic tables.

Stop 3: Mission Beach

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Travelling north of Townsville you will pass fruit plantations, sugar cane farms & coastal towns. Mission Beach is one of those coastal gems people visit to enjoy either some R&R or adventure activities surrounded by a pristine tropical paradise.

The jewel on the crown would be the golden beach that stretches for more than 14 kilometres linking the sleepy coastal villages in the area.

With Mission Beach being located between the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics there is natural beauty around every corner.

Treck the 4 kilometre round trip to Bicton Hill in Clump Mountain National Park and be rewarded with incredible views at the summit lookout. If this is more energy than you want to exert take a stroll along Kennedy Walking Track. A 4 kilometre (one way) path where lush green rainforests meet beaches and rocky headlands. Take in the vistas of the Family Group of Islands and keep an eye out for cassowaries and wallabies on land and turtles, dolphins and dugongs swimming in the turquoise seas.

To see the sights on two wheels hire a bike from Mission Beach bike hire and opt for either a rainforest trail through licuala palm forests or venture down to South Mission Beach by either hitting the pavement or soft sand at low tide.

If you are ticking quintessential Queensland Islands off your bucket list then Mission Beach is the best hub for a day trip to Dunk Island. Catch the Mission Beach water taxi and enjoy the walking trails and impressive scenery.

Stay: There are many options for accommodation at Mission Beach. Click here to find the best deals and check reviews.

Stop 4: Innisfail

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

70 kilometres south of Cairns, sitting at the junction of the Johnstone and South Johnstone Rivers is the rural town of Innisfail. The agricultural township of Innisfail is the Cassowary Coast’s biggest town and the banana and sugar plantations are the major economic driver. Tourism is a growth industry due to the town’s proximity to the World Heritage Area’s and beautiful natural attractions.

Within Innisfail, it is worth taking a self-walking tour of the town. Full of history, Innisfail has one of the best collections of art deco buildings in Australia which were built after the devasting cyclone in 1918 destroyed most of the town.

For a wildlife experience along with an opportunity to learn more about the history and biodiversity of the Innisfail area, board a custom-built Catamaran and cruise along the Johnstone River with Snapping Tours . Enjoy beautiful scenery and spot crocodiles on the sandbanks or underneath the water.

Practical Information: Wildlife Tours operate on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only at 10:30 am from April to October

Only 20-minutes outside of Innisfail is the unique and breathtaking heritage-listed tourist attraction, Paronella Park . A Spanish immigrant from Catalonia named Jose Paronella was inspired by childhood memories and dreamt of building an impressive fantasy castle including a movie theatre and ballroom for the enjoyment of the public. Opening in 1935 this incredible structure has seen many natural disasters in its time, including floods, fires and cyclones. The new owners see the historic importance of the building and are preserving and maintaining the building and property which boasts over 7,000 plants. Spend the day wandering the grounds, learning about the fascinating history and pack a picnic or stop in at the on-site café for lunch, morning or afternoon tea.

Don’t miss out on visiting this enchanting place. Click here to buy your entry tickets

Another local attraction 30 minutes out of town isthe Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway in Wooroonooran National Park. This is a fabulous place to explore the wet tropics. There is just over one kilometre of walking tracks, a 350 metre long elevated walkway that hovers 15 metres above the ground, and a 37-metre observation tower that offers sweeping views over the homeland of the Mamu Aboriginal people.

Practical Information: Admission fees apply. Click here to purchase your tickets

Swapping green scenery for blue venture 12 minutes outside of Innisfail to the spectacular Etty Bay . Known as one of Tropical North Queensland’s most scenic and unspoilt beaches it is a stunning place where you can walk along a glorious stretch of golden beach with the rainforest on one side and the ocean on the other. Keep your eyes open for the southern cassowary who are well-known in this area.

Stay: There are several motels in Innisfail if you are searching for accommodation . Click here to find the best rates.  

Don’t miss out on grabbing the free interactive map – the best North Queensland road trip planner

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Optional Detours

Before continuing onto Babinda, there are more magnificent attractions you may want to experience not far from Innisfail.

Milla Milla Falls

One of the most photographed waterfalls in all of Australia located 60 kilometres west of Innisfail

Josephine Falls

A spectacular waterfall in Tropical North Queensland and another place where you can enjoy a swim in the refreshing cool waters. Located 28 kilometres north-west of Innisfail.

Lake Eacham

Located 90 kilometres north-west of Innisfail in Crater Lakes National Park. Lake Eacham is a 65-metre deep lake that was once a volcanic crater that is now filled with water. The serene blue waters are now a popular swimming area. Other activities at Lake Eacham include bird watching, walking around the lake, kayaking and canoeing.

Stop 5: Babinda

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Nestled about 65km south of Cairns is the little town of Babinda. You can’t pass on by Babinda without visiting the beautiful Babinda Boulders.

The cool, crystal clear waters flow down from Mt Bartle Frere, being Queensland’s tallest mountain. You’ll find different waterholes along the creek, which are spotted with huge boulders that have been shaped by the flowing waters. The main waterhole adjacent to the carpark is the best for kids as the water there is shallow and safe. Take an easy stroll along the boardwalk from the carpark to explore Devil’s Pools and the Aboriginal legend that goes along with it, further downstream.

Just 100 metres from the swimming hole is The Boulders Campground . There are fairly limited spots in this free camping area, with toilets and showers onsite. If you miss out on a campground there, just 10 minutes away on the other side of town is the Babinda Rotary Rest Area, where you can camp for up to three days for a donation. You’ll find lovely trees, a park, plus showers and toilets alongside a gorgeous running creek.

Tip: Beware that you’re in crocodile country, so swimming in the creek, although tempting, is not recommended! You are safe to swim further upstream at the Babinda Boulders though as there are no crocs up there.

Although Babinda is not huge, you could easily spend a few days in town relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings and exploring the local gallery, eateries and other businesses. If you only have one day in Babinda, head straight to The Boulders, as that’s the main attraction not worth missing.

Contributed by Emma from MY RIG Adventures

Stop 6: Cairns

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Cairns is the ultimate tropical holiday destination in North Queensland. It has an abundance of attractions and sights nearby making it perfect for a combined city and ocean break.

With everything from beaches to wildlife encounters, you will find plenty of things to do with kids in Cairns. From the world-class Cairns Aquarium , and Zoom Wildlife Dome , where you can soar over an indoor wildlife park on a zip line, to the free public swimming pool – Cairns Lagoon. 

The Cairns Esplanade is always a hub of activity, with restaurants serving up the freshest seafood and tastiest cuisine from around the world. 

Cairns is perfect for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors, with many options for day trips within an hour or two of the city. Having your own transport is the best way to experience this region and you’ll need at least four days!

A day trip to Green Island is a popular option to include in your  Cairns itinerary , just 45 minutes by catamaran from Cairns Marina. It’s a great spot for taking kids snorkelling as the reef is right off the beach, with a lifeguard to supervise.

Click here to book a half or full-day trip to Green Island.

Catching the Kuranda Scenic Rail up the mountain is another experience you won’t want to miss when in Cairns. Take the cable car back down or in reverse so you can enjoy both on your visit to the rainforest village. 

The Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail is one of the most popular things to do in this area. Click here to book tickets as you will want to experience it for yourself!

Stay: The Shangri-La at the Marina is the perfect location, close to restaurants, The Esplanade, Lagoon, and of course, the Marina. 

Contributed by Holly from Four Around The World

Stop 7: Port Douglas

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Port Douglas sits in Northern Queensland beside the coral sea. Four Mile Beach is the most popular in the area and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast of Australia . There are nets available in stinger season and the lifeguard patrolled area is towards the northern end of the beach.

For a fun way to spend an afternoon head to the Flagstaff Hill Trail. This quick 1.5-kilometre walk has stunning views of the Coral Sea and Low Isles . It also leads to Four Mile Beach so the two activities can be easily combined.

On Sunday mornings you should make a note to visit the Port Douglas Markets. Shop for local produce, souvenirs, and artisanal products. Kids will love exploring the different stalls and picking out things to buy.

Practical Information: The Port Douglas markets are open every Sunday from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm

Another fantastic activity to try in Port Douglas is river drift snorkelling on the Mossman River. Suitable for kids from 4 years this tour is a great family experience. See dozens of different species of fish, turtles and maybe a platypus if you’re lucky. 

Purchase your tickets for this family-friendly activity here.

For an idyllic day trip head to Thala Beach Nature Reserve. They offer activities such as nature walks, star gazing tours, or experiences with local Aboriginal communities. You could even stay overnight at one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the world that are scattered throughout the rainforest canopies. They offer guests a magical opportunity to become well acquainted with the natural world of northern Queensland.

Contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel Blog

Stay: Alternative accommodation in Port Douglas can be found here

Have More Time?

While visiting Port Douglas add a trip to Daintree National Park and Mossman Gorge to your itinerary. With spell-binding natural beauty around every corner, you will leave with a new appreciation of mother nature. If you are searching for a tour to experience the Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation check out this one here!

Stop 8: Cape Tribulation

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Known for its remote beaches, unique landscapes and the stunning rainforest in Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation is an amazing place to spend a couple of days. This is quite a remote part of the North Queensland coast and it is just under a 2-hour drive from Port Douglas, which includes crossing on the Daintree River Ferry . The road is sealed to Cape Tribulation but there is a 4-wheel drive track that continues to Cooktown. Exploring the rainforests and beaches on one of the many short trails, like the Dubuji Boardwalk and Madja Botanical Walk, is one of the highlights of a trip here and can easily be done with kids. You can explore yourself or take a guided tour to learn about the diverse flora and fauna that exist in the area.

Several great swimming holes are safe to swim in, including Emmagen Creek and Mason’s Swimming Hole. You can also enjoy horseback rides , tours to the Great Barrier Reef , taste exotic tropical fruit on a farm tour at Cape Trib Farm . 

Stay: An excellent place to stay is Cape Trib Beach House , surrounded by lush rainforest, which has large, air-conditioned rooms and a swimming pool to enjoy after a day out exploring with the family. Cape Tribulation feels like a different world compared to many other places in Queensland, and the tropical rainforest is a fantastic place to explore for a couple of days.

Contributed by Luke from Wild About BC

Stop 9: Cooktown

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Cooktown sits at the mouth of the beautiful Endeavour River. Both town and river are named for the historic moment when Captain James Cook beached his ship (the Endeavour) onto the beach for repairs in 1770.

With that being said, one of the very best things you can do in Cooktown is to visit the James Cook Museum . This wonderful old building is chock full of interesting facts and memorabilia from the past few hundred years, including a very fun treasure hunt for children – including a small prize at the end! $40 for a family ticket is money well spent.

The Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit – it’s a pretty walk through the gardens, with a nice café for an iced coffee at the end.

From here you can also access a short hike to stunning Finch Bay, or a slightly longer, harder hike to Cherry Tree Bay.

Finish your day with an epic sunset at Grassy Hill Lookout. This lookout offers you 360-degree views of Cooktown, the harbour, the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef out at sea. It truly is spectacular.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can day trip to Elim Beach , stopping in for a refreshing (and safe) swim at Isabella Falls on the way. Elim Beach is owned by a local Aboriginal man (entry fees apply) and boasts many fun 4WD tracks, coloured sand cliffs, turquoise waters. It is also home to a world-renowned kite surfing spot.

Contributed by Joanna Rogers from Dont Wanna Go Home

Stay: Click here to find the accommodation options in Cooktown

Stay Safe When Travelling in North Queensland

Marine stingers are prevalent in tropical waters of North Queensland generally from November to May. The tropical north is also crocodile country and they can live in the oceans, streams, rivers and lagoons.

Some safety tips:

  • Always follow the warning signs and only swim where you know it is safe.
  • Listen to the lifeguards and swim in the net enclosures during stinger season.
  • There is magnificent wildlife in Queensland including everything from feathered to furry and scaled. Some wildlife can be aggressive, so remember this before getting too close.

I hope you enjoyed the above guide! If you need further assistance with planning your Queensland holiday, make sure to check out our other articles as well. Below are some of our travel guides for North Queensland.

  • 9 Top Cairns Family Accommodation Options to Suit All Budgets
  • The Perfect Cairns Itinerary (Ultimate Guide for 5 – 7 Days in Cairns)

The Ultimate List of Things to do in Palm Cove with Kids

  • The Top Planning Tips for a Kuranda Day Trip
  • The Most Amazing Stops on a Brisbane to Townsville Road Trip
  • 16 Absolute Best Things to do in Port Douglas

Do you have a question about Far North Queensland? Have I missed any places that should be added to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Did you find this post helpful? Why not share it with your friends.

Discover the best places to stop and things to do on a North Queensland road trip – from Townsville to Cooktown.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which may reward us with a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through them.Thanks for supporting the blog in this way as it allows me to continue sharing helpful content with you.

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Here, There & Gone

Townsville, Queensland – The Ultimate Guide

No matter if you’re just planning on stopping into Townsville as part of a road trip up (or down) the east coast of Australia , or visiting it as a destination all on its own, the regional city has plenty to offer!

The unofficial capital of North Queensland ( not to be mistaken for Far North Queensland ), Townsville’s tropical climate, as well as its location alongside the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, makes it one of several popular travel destinations along the northeastern coastline of Australia.

Fun Fact: Townsville is the fourth largest population of any Queensland city. So it might be bigger than you think.

Nestled between a World Heritage Listed rainforest and reef, Townsville averages 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a popular destination year-round.

Over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to have travelled to Townsville many times, and I’ve only ever seen it rain there once.

In that time I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks, and some important information that will help you make the most of your time in Townsville as soon as you arrive.

Townsville, Queensland

Where Is Townsville

Townsville is located in Northern Queensland, on the northeastern coast of Australia. Sitting between the lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

The city is roughly 1300km north of Brisbane , and easily accessible by a little over a two-hour flight from the Queensland capital. Alternatively, a more scenic option is to drive along the Bruce Highway, which will take you at least two days.

It’s also approximately 350km south of Cairns , and while there are limited flights between the two tropical cities, it’s probably easier to drive.

A Brief History Of Townsville

Named after pioneer Robert Towns, who funded much of the city’s early development, the settlement that would grow to become Townsville was originally established in 1864 as a port to support local farming, particularly pastoral and sugar industries.

Townsville’s strategic location saw it grow rapidly in the late 19th century when gold was discovered in the region. It became a major port on the Queensland coast and a service centre for the mining industry, and as a result, its population swelled.

It was these port facilities that also saw Townsville become a major staging point for Allied troops fighting in the South Pacific during World War II. The city was home to over 50,000 American and Australian troops at the time, and it was also bombed by Japanese aircraft on several occasions. Many remnants of this military history, including bunkers and fortifications, can still be explored today.

After the war, Townsville continued to grow and develop. The city diversified, and while it continued to be a major centre for the sugar industry, it also maintained a strong military presence, and it also emerged as a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

What’s The Best Time Of Year To Visit Townsville

Despite residing in the tropics, with a very distinct wet and dry season, Townsville boasts that it has 300 days of sunshine each year, making it a year-round destination.

During the wet season (November to April), Townsville is typically warmer and much more humid, as is common in northern parts of Australia during the summer months. Afternoon thunderstorms are also frequent during this time of year, some of which feature heavy rains and can occasionally escalate to tropical cyclones.

That said, between the natural formations of Magnetic Island and Castle Hill, often the worst of the weather often skirts around the outside of the city.

However, the most ideal time of year to visit Townsville is during the dry season (May to September) when it’s typically a little cooler (well, for the tropics). Even though the locals might find it a little cooler, it’s still quite warm, especially for tourists escaping the coold winter months in the southern parts of Australia.

How To Get To And From Townsville

By air – townsville airport.

Townsville is served by its own domestic airport, Townsville Airport. All of Australia’s major airlines fly in and out of Townsville, connecting the city with Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, which enables travel to the rest of the country and internationally.

Unfortunately, Townsville Airport isn’t linked to through the cities public transport. That said it is still pretty easy and inexpensive to get to and the airport.

Your cheapest option will be Townsville Shuttle Services . The bus service costs just $10 (each way), and connects the airport to several hotels in and around the city, as well as the Sealink/Magnetic Island Ferry terminal. Ideal if plan on staying on Magnetic Island instead of in the city.

Alternatively, Townsville Airport is really well set up for both taxi and ride-sharing services, including Uber.

If you are looking for a taxi, there is a taxi rank located right out the front of the arrivals end of the terminal. There is also a dedicated ride-sharing collection point next to the rental car parking. Both are well signposted.

Obviously, prices vary depending on where you are staying in or around Townsville, but expect to spend about $20 on either a taxi/Uber ride each way from the airport.

Otherwise, Townsville Airport is serviced by all of the major car rental companies. And, as I’ll get to later in this post, having your own transport is the most ideal way to make the most of your time in the city.

By Rail/Bus and Coach

Queensland Rail operates a regional long-haul train service that interlinks Townsville with Brisbane called the Spirit of Queensland .

Additionally, bus companies like Greyhound and Premier Motor Service offer routes that connect Townsville to other major cities and towns across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

As the main road route up and down the Queensland coastline, the Bruce Highway (A1) connects Townsville to Brisbane in the south and Cairns in the north .

How To Get Around Townsville

Getting Around Townsville

Townsville is one of those places that is quite easy to get around, both within the heart of the city as well as on Magnetic Island.

A lot of the CBD and The Strand are extremely walkable with well-laid-out footpaths and pedestrian bridges that interlink much of the centre of the city, making it a really convenient way to get around.

You’ll also find electric scooters available for rent all over the city to take advantage of all the walkways.

Beyond that, Townsville also offers a public bus service, run by Sunbus/TransLink , that operates both around the city and on Magnetic Island.

However, the best way to get around Townsville is to own transport (so renting a car). A lot of the key attractions of the city really aren’t accessible from the public transport network, and on particularly hot and humid days, being able to drive yourself around on your own schedule makes a significant difference.

Driving around Townsville is really straightforward, with an easy-to-navigate road network. Parking is also free almost everywhere.

Getting over to Magnetic Island is also simple with the regular SeaLink ferry services across to the island each and every day.

The Best Things To Do In Townsville

Sitting in between World Heritage Listed natural attractions, Townsville boasts plenty for visitors to see and do. I’ve picked out my must-dos in this blog post.

Best Places To Stay In Townsville

Best Places To Stay In Townsville?

Much like most of the towns and cities along the northeastern coast of Queensland, Townsville is a tourist town, albeit not to the same extent as, say, Cairns .

With that in mind, Townsville is well set up with a good variety of accommodation options all the way from backpacker options through to some of the most luxurious hotels, all spread out over the city.

That said, you will find the biggest concentration of hotels near the water, particularly on the beach and along the river. The closer they are to both, the nicer and more expensive they tend to be.

Along Palmer Street, you will find a small tourist hub with a good selection of mid to high-end brand-name hotels, as well as restaurants etc.

In this part of Townsville, I recommend Rydges Southbank Townsville . It’s centrally located within walking distance of the CBD, and most of the rooms have a view either over the city or the marina. Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville is also a good alternative option nearby.

Right in the heart of the city, I also really like the Rambutan Resort . Embracing the tropical resort vibes that northern Queensland is famous for, it’s the right feel for a Townsville getaway. However, there are some nicer and quieter hotels around.

If you are looking for something a little cheaper, there are a few reasonably priced options across the city. I recommend Motel on Mitchell , located just off The Strand; all the rooms have been recently refreshed and are extremely comfortable. However, if views are important to you, the Summit Motel has also recently been upgraded.

That said, a lot of people visiting Townville choose to stay on Magnetic Island instead,

If you are looking to do the same, I would suggest the Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island  or Peppers Blue on Blue for a bit of a luxury island getaway.

Attending Sports In Townsville

Arguably, the largest sporting event in Townsville is the annual Supercars race, the Townsville 500 , held on a temporary street circuit just to the southeast of the CBD. This large-scale event often also features concerts from famous artists, encouraging tourists from around Australia to visit the city.

Townsville is also home to its own NRL (Rugby League) team, the North Queensland Cowboys, who play their home games at North Queensland Stadium (also known as Queensland Country Bank Stadium) during the season (March to September).

This brand-new state-of-the-art stadium on the edge of the city also occasionally hosts other major international sporting events and concerts.

Where To Find Food In Townsville/What To Do In The Evenings

Where To Find Food In Townsville

Being a military and tourist city, Townsville has plenty going on to keep you fed and entertained into the evenings. Especially on the weekends!

If you are looking for something a little more low-key, your best bet will be to head towards The Strand, particularly around Gregory Street.

In this part of Townsville, you’ll find a variety of cafes, restaurants (including takeaways) and casual pubs. Ideal for either a quick bite to eat or a quieter night.

Within the CBD, especially around Flinders and Sturt streets, is another good place to look for restaurants and pubs options. There is absolutely something for everyone in this part of Townsville. It’s also where you will find the Cowboys Leagues Club (the local football team club) with its own bar and restaurant options.

If you are looking for something a little more unique, keep an eye out for City Lane and City Arcade (which run parallel to each other between Flinders and Sturt). The boutique-style bars and restaurants in these two laneways are some of the most popular that Townsville has to offer.

On the hunt for something a little cheaper, especially backpacker-style food options, follow Flinders Street back towards the beach. There are some really good and cheap takeaway options along this stretch.

This stretch of Flinders Street is also where you will find a good variety of bars and nightclubs to kick on into the evening.

Magnetic Island, Townsville

If you’d like to get more information to help plan your trip to and around Australia…  Check out the rest of my blog posts.

Also, make sure you check out the travel tools that I use the most to help you save some money when booking your next trip.

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Rhys Vandersyde

Townsville, Queensland – Everything You Must See And Do

Cairns, queensland – everything you must see and do, leave a comment cancel reply, pin it on pinterest.

The Travel Scribes

Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip | A guide to Queensland’s coast

From the lush tropical rainforests and the exquisite expanses of the Great Barrier Reef, to the bustling centre of Brisbane , the eastern shores of Australia offers you everything from Whitsunday island-walking, to koala cuddling, the country’s highest waterfall and just so, so much more. So, where to start? We’ve mapped out the perfect (self-tested, we might add) guide to your epic Cairns to Brisbane road trip.

Whitehaven beach

This includes a driving itinerary, mapping out the distances and times; as well as a full rundown of activities you can do along the way.

Your Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary

Now we’ve budgeted two weeks (or 14 days) for your itinerary but, as with anything in life, it’s flexible. If you wanted to, you could do the entire thing in 8-10 days, although it would be a bit of a rush. Our advice? Use our guideline to the ultimate Cairns to Brisbane 14 day road trip is below:

  • Day 1 – 3: Cairns incl Great Barrier Reef / Daintree Forest / Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway
  • Day 4: Cairns to Townsville incl. Mission Beach and Wallaman Falls
  • Day 5: Townsville incl. Magnetic Island / Horseshoe Bay / Forts Walk / Picnic Bay

Day 6: Townsville to Airlie Beach

  • Day 7: Airlie Beach incl Whitsundays day trip

Day 8: Airlie Beach to Rockhampton

  • Day 9: Rockhampton to Bundaberg incl. Cape Hillsborough National Park / 1770 / Agnes Water / Paperbark Forest Trail
  • Day 10: Bundaberg to Hervey Bay incl. Bundaberg Barrel and Urangan Pier
  • Day 11: Fraser Island incl. Lake McKenzie / Central Station / SS Maheno / Pinnacles / Eli Creek
  • Day 12: Hervey Bay to Noosa incl. Noosa Everglades / Noosa River
  • Day 13: Noosa to Brisbane incl. Noosa Spit / Boardwalk / Fairy Pools / Fish Lane
  • Day 14: Brisbane incl. Mount Cootha / Gallery of Modern Art / Lone Pine Sanctuary

The pier at Picnic Bay Magnetic Island

Cairns to Brisbane Drive times

The Cairns to Brisbane road trip distance is 1,702 km and approximately 20 hours. That being said, that wouldn’t include any key stops, detours and attractions, and needs to be broken up with stays in different towns along the way!

We’ve mapped out the distances and times between your key overnight stops for you, as a guide:

  • Cairns – Townsville: 347 km / 4 hours
  • Townsville – Airlie Beach: 275 km / 3 hours 15 min
  • Airlie Beach – Rockhampton: 480 km / 5 hours 30 min
  • Rockhampton – Bundaberg: 287 km / 3 hours 30 min
  • Bundaberg – Hervey Bay: 110 km / 1 hour 20 min
  • Hervey Bay – Noosa: 158 km / 2 hours
  • Noosa – Brisbane: 150 km / 2 hours

Getting there – car or campervan?

Now when we did this trip, we simply rented a car with Thrifty Car Rental, which you can do through a company like rentalcars.com to check out prices.

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

This did end up being a slightly expensive exercise – while it was cheaper to hire than a campervan, you have to book accommodation at every stop. And, in certain towns like Rockhampton or Bundaberg, there really aren’t too many affordable options (well, options where you don’t feel you’ll get some sort of airborne disease just from walking into your motel room…).

You’ll need to figure out your travel style and budget. If you’re a happy camper (like the pun?), then hire a campervan (we did it in New Zealand and highly recommend it!) and download apps like Campable to nice holiday parks or find free camping locations in Queensland .

If you really want to get a hotel or motel room every night, we do suggest you book in advance on websites like Agoda.com if travelling in high season. The ones we booked in advance (like Hervey Bay) were great. The ones we ‘took a chance’ on like Rockhampton left a bit to be desired.

Insider Tip: Cairns to Brisbane is not as popular a route as Brisbane to Cairns. That means that many car and campervan rental companies need people to ‘relocate’ the cars. These relocation deals can be pretty sweet – think a few dollars a day plus petrol costs. You usually only find these deals a few days before the trip – try websites like Transfercar or Imoova websites for options.

Travel Insurance for Australia

Got your travel insurance booked? We promise to never push a brand or product we don’t personally use, and the travel cover from Safety Wing is a policy we don’t just use, but we highly recommend. They offer some of the most flexible policies, amazing customer service and are affordable too.

Check out the latest travel insurance prices with Safety Wing here.

Interactive Map for your Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip

Day 1- 3: Cairns

This North Queensland gem is one of our favourites in all of Australia – there is so much to do in the town, and you are not only perched at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef but also a stone’s throw from the epic Daintree rainforest.

We’ve actually written an entire article on the plethora of cool things you can do in Cairns , so give that one a read if you want a full itinerary. Just want the highlights? We’d suggest these three:

Do a Great Barrier Reef Tour

The Divers Den Reef Quest boat

So the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system. It’s got nearly 3,000 individual reefs and stretches for over 2,600 kilometres. Let’s just say: it’s one of those places you have to put on your bucket list and ‘do before you die’.

We did a day out on the Reef Quest, a luxury snorkelling and scuba diving vessel run by the best operator in town, Diver’s Den . Whether you are a certified diver, an avid snorkeller or want to learn to dive on the world’s most magnificent reef, you’ll be catered for.

We are open water divers so did three dives out on Norman reef, which were all highlights in our diving ‘careers’. Think hundreds of anemone fish (yes – Nemo’s were all around us), angelfish, prehistoric-looking cuttlefish, green turtles and, our favourites, white-tip sharks. Don’t worry, they’re totally harmless!

Cairns itinerary - Blue spotted ray

If you can’t splash out on a luxury boat, we recommend you use a more affordable option like their Sea Quest vessel. And, if you have more time, we wish we’d been able to try their liveaboard option, Ocean Quest. Imagine waking up to the sun rising over the largest World Heritage Area on the planet. The stuff that dreams are made of.

Check out all the Great Barrier Reef cruise options with Diver’s Den here .

Visit the Daintree Rainforest and surrounds

Cairns itinerary - Daintree Forest Outlook

It’s where the rainforest meets the reef: a 250 million year old lush tropical rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, with one of the world’s most beautiful beaches – Cape Tribulation – wedged between them.

We’d probably suggest you use an entire day to travel out via the coastal road, known as the Bloomfield Track, and visit the Mossman Gorge, the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation.

It will take you about 1.5 – 2 hours (77km) to reach the Mossman Gorge , where you can stroll the elevated boardwalks to see leafy forests, crystal clear rivers and hundreds of brightly-hued butterflies. While you’re there, try to do the ‘Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk’, where the local people show you through the unique plants of the area and share their ancient traditions. There is also a suspension bridge at Rex Creek or a longer Rainforest loop track to do if you have time to spare.

Cairns itinerary - Mossman Gorge

After this, head to Daintree forest itself and book yourself a river cruise! The forest has more than 200 species of plants as well as amazing wildlife – croaking frogs, tweeting birds and even marsupials. Usually the highlight is coming across one of the amazing saltwater crocodiles which lurk along the river’s edge.

Last, but definitely not least, drive to Cape Tribulation . Named by explorer James Cook after his ship scraped a reef (and all his ‘tribulations’ started, the beach is absolutely beautiful. Just talk a walk along it or check out one of the viewpoints. There is a 1.8km boardwalk (called the Dubuji walk) through the forest and mangroves if you’re still feeling fit.

Beach of Cape Tribulation

Take the Skyrail and the Kuranda Scenic Railway

Just 15 minutes out of Cairns is the 7.5km scenic cableway, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway , which gives you absolutely sweeping vistas of the Barron Gorge National Park. These amazing gondolas give you 360 degree views of the forest and has some great stops like Red Peak Station, where you can do a rainforest boardwalk loop or hop onto a free guided tour. The end point of the 90 minute journey is the rainforest village of Kuranda, where you can cuddle some koalas, check out the markets or see the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary .

Cairns Itinerary - Skyrail

Photo courtesy of Kyle Taylor / Flickr

Your return leg should be on the Kuranda Scenic Railway which gives you some views as the skyrail, but in beautifully-appointed 100 year old train carriages. You’ll feel transported back in time as you chug along the railway back to Smithfield station.

Where to stay in Cairns

We loved the Freedom Hostel, which feels less like a hostel and more like a hotel. It has a great central location, fantastic private rooms (and dorms), and so many free services including a killer breakfast.

Day 4: Cairns to Townsville

It’s time for your epic Cairns to Brisbane road trip to begin! The road between Cairns and Townsville isn’t too strenuous but we’d always recommend breaking it up, so that you ‘arrive alive’ and don’t suffer from driver fatigue.

There are a number of potential attractions to see along the route, but we have two highlights: Mission Beach and Wallaman Falls.

Meander along Mission Beach

Mission Beach Australia

It should take you approx. 2 hours to reach Mission Beach from Cairns, and it’s a short detour off the main highway to get there.

The beach is pretty spectacular. For us it felt like we’d arrived at some sort of extra-terrestrial sand stretch; we almost expected the Mars rover to amble on past us!

This 17 km stretch of coastline was quite deserted and punctuated by brick red sands and crashing waves as far as the eye could see. Apparently there is quite a bit more to do in Mission Beach but our suggestion is to just chill on the beach for a while.

Wade into Wallaman Falls

Disclaimer: Wallaman Falls is a pretty big detour off the highway; about 90 minutes (both ways) in fact. That said, Wallaman Falls is the tallest waterfall in all of Australia, with a single drop fall of 268 metres (about 800 feet) high.

This is a mightily impressive waterfall, even if you just go up to the viewpoint and don’t bother to walk down to the base pools. Actually, the 2km walk is quite strenuous so if you don’t have the energy please don’t attempt it!

Wallaman Falls near Townsville

Insider Tip: There is a public toilet at Wallaman Falls and it was well-maintained when we used it. However, there is no drinking water available anywhere near the Falls or along the through road so if you are going to hike it, fill up your water bottle at a rest stop along the highway.

After you’ve finished at Wallaman Falls, get back onto the road and head south towards Townsville, where we’d suggest you stay for the night.

Where to stay in Townsville

We stayed at the Rambutan hotel in Townsville, and really enjoyed our overnight there. They also do a mean pizza at the accompanying restaurant.

Day 5: Townsville including Magnetic Island

We’re sure there is a lot to do in Townsville but, for us, our pick is definitely Magnetic Island, where you can do a day trip out on the ferry.

Magnetic Island or ‘Maggie’ as it’s fondly known to locals, is a 20 minute ferry road from Townsville itself. We walked from our hotel to the ferry terminal and just bought tickets about 15 minutes before it was due to depart. Apparently it’s never really full so you don’t need to worry about booking in advance. You can check out the timetables here .

While on ‘Maggie’, you have two ways to get around: hiring their famous ‘Barbie’ cars – bubblegum pink topless cars that are heaps of fun – or the local bus.

We used the bus and it was really easy: you can either purchase a one day ticket from the driver, or even ask at the ferry terminal, since it seems they sell discounted tickets (ours was 5 AUD per person). Alternatively, you can pay for each journey separately by paying the driver. All the timetables are up at the various bus stations and all the bus drivers were incredibly helpful and patiently answered our (many) questions.

Chill out at Horseshoe Bay

places to visit between townsville and brisbane

In terms of a route or itinerary on the island, we’d suggest you start off by going up to Horseshoe Bay, right at the top of the island. You can visit the beautiful white sand beach and get yourself a gourmet coffee or a delicious gelato at one of the many beachside cafes (we recommend Adele’s Café! ) dotted along the road.

Do the Forts Walk

Doing the Forts Walk on Magnetic Island

After this, head down on the bus to do the Forts Walk, the most famous walking trail on Magnetic Island. The Forts Walk is a 4 km walking trail where you’ll see very well-preserved structures from World War II.

The 90 minute walk will have you looping round to see some incredible views of the Coral Sea, but also some amazing WW II history including gun emplacements and a command post that you can climb atop (for more sweeping views).

What really attracts people to the Forts Walk, however, is the chance to see some cuddly koalas in the wild. You’re almost guaranteed to find one clutching a tree along the route – we actually saw about four of them as we strolled around.

Koalas on the Fort Walk

Walk the Picnic Bay Boardwalk and see the SS City of Adelaide shipwreck

Lastly, head down all the way to the south of Maggie island, to Picnic Bay. You can see the amazing boardwalk and walk along it trying to spot pelicans and dolphins.

A total highlight would then be to walk round to Cockle Bay to see the SS City of Adelaide, an old shipwreck off the coast that beached itself in 1915 and has towering trees growing out of its ruined hull.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Conor Moore (@conormoorephotography) on Aug 16, 2019 at 12:21am PDT

This is such an instagrammable spot – this amazing photo taken by the talented @conormoorephotography was not only @australia’s most liked Instagram post , but won Australian Tourism’s best photo of 2018! It’s best done at low tide, (check the tides here ), since you can walk out near the boat. That said, please do wear water shoes or functional sandals, since there are stinging jellyfish to contend with.

Insider Tip: The busses don’t run for about two hours after lunch. This means that if you need to get onto the 3pm ferry, you MUST leave the Forts Walk at around 11.45am, else you will not be able to do the boardwalk and the shipwreck.

Today you’ve got a ‘relatively’ short drive between Townsville and Airlie Beach , so it’s worth getting up early so you can at least see a bit of Airlie Beach in the afternoon. Or, like us, just relaxing poolside at your hotel!

Where to stay in Airlie Beach

We loved our stay at Mantra Club Croc . The hotel is set around a central pool area, with well-appointed rooms and some of the best staff we encountered in Australia. They had great recommendations for things to do in the area.

Day 7: Airlie Beach including Whitsundays

Aaah, the Whitsundays. Did you know that Whitehaven Beach, the pre-eminent beach on the Whitsundays, is the third most photographed place in all of Australia? That should tell you two things: Firstly, that this place is absolutely jaw-droppingly beautiful. And, secondly, it does have quite a few other tourists sharing its shores…

Whitehaven beach in the Whitsundays

In case you’re not familiar with it, the Whitsundays is a cluster of 74 islands near Airlie Beach. These are absolutely heavenly beaches – many of them totally secluded and full of natural beauty.

There are a number of ways to see the Whitsunday Islands, staying out on one of the islands like Daydream Island or Hamilton Island, or on a day trip via a sailboat or speedboat.

We opted for the latter based on the recommendation from our hotel and since the sailboats, while they are beautiful, just can’t go as quickly as speedboats and you’re therefore slightly limited in the number of places you can visit on your tour.

We booked a tour with Ocean Rafting and were very happy with our choice: they have won a number of tourism awards, and we felt our two guides were really knowledgeable, experienced and just heaps of fun.

Check out the latest prices here (by the way, this tour sells out so book ahead if possible).

If you really do want to see the sheer spectacular beauty of the Whitsundays, it might be worth investing in a scenic flight. These are usually about an hour and more affordable than you think – about 250 AUD (170 USD / 130 GBP). Book it here.

Relax on Whitehaven Beach

Whitsundays Hill Inlet

While doing a tour of the Whitsundays, you’ll usually check in first at Whitehaven Beach itself and do the viewpoint walk to see the Hill Inlet. This 1km walk takes approximately 45 minutes on a return loop and, let us tell you, you’ve possibly never seen a view like it. Essentially the shifting sands means you’ll never see the same panoramic view…

Whitehaven beach is world-renowned because the white sands are 99% silica, giving them their signature lily white appearance.

You’ll get a bit of time get some of that famous sand between your toes or, like us, go looking for lemon sharks and stingrays which lurk in the corners of the beach. You could also get a shot on this awesome piece of driftwood which seems almost perfectly positioned for the ultimate Instagram shot.

Posing at Whitehaven beach

After that, usually the boat stops for lunch at another part of Whitehaven beach, in our case the Southern bit.

Interested in Instagram spots? Why not check out our guide to the most Instagrammable places in Sydney .

Go snorkelling in the Whitsundays

Post that, its time for a snorkel. Our boat headed to Dumbell Island, where we spent about an hour exploring the reefs around the Whitsundays.

We suffered from poor visibility since it had been quite windy but we still got to swim with a few curious green turtles, and really enjoyed the plate coral in the area.

GoPro for travel - taking photos of turtles

Now of course your Whitsundays experience might differ to ours, depending on what you book. But, regardless, you HAVE to include it as part of your Cairns to Brisbane journey!

Insider Tip: Our guides told us that Sunday is the quietest day to visit the Whitsundays, and Tuesday and Wednesday are the busiest. We visited on Tuesday – the busiest day of the week.

Let’s manage your expectations upfront. Today is NOT a sightseeing day. And Rockhampton or ‘Rocky’ as it’s apparently known to locals, is not the most beautiful city on Australia’s East Coast.

Many a frequent traveller along the route will also tell you that it’s one of the most boring stretches of the journey. And they aren’t wrong.

Unfortunately there isn’t too much to see between Airlie Beach and Bundaberg but that distance is too long to do in one day. So you’re usually stuck with staying overnight in Rockhampton, and doing the 5.5 hour drive (without breaks) without doing too much in between.

Airlie Beach to Rockhampton

We did a few rest stops at random beaches and petrol station breaks but don’t have too much to report. We were told that Flaggy Rock in Carmila is a nice coffee and ice-cream stop along the way, although we didn’t personally try it ourselves…

Where to stay in Rockhampton

You are not spoilt for choice in Rocky but there is a great option in the Denison Boutique Hotel, which is worth it for the money. That said, if you want a more affordable option, you could try the Q Motel . We stayed at the Q after traipsing around town looking for a cheap, high-end option (which doesn’t exist), but were pleasantly surprised when we stayed here – the rooms are actually very nice, the beds are comfy and the owner was so kind.

Day 9: Rockhampton to Bundaberg

Now that you’ve got that boring driving day under your belt, today is a new day and there are definitely some great options for stops along the way between Rocky and Bundy!

We wouldn’t recommend you that you attempt all of these – it will make it a pretty long day. We’d probably recommend you choose between Cape Hillsborough and the 1770/Agnes Water/Paperbark suggestions, unless you’re okay with arriving a little late into Bundaberg.

Cape Hillsborough National Park

Cairns to Brisbane road trip - Cape Hillsborough National Park (1)

This one is a bit of a detour off the highway but well worth the extra time to do it, especially if you get there early.

Why? Well every morning on the beach, a ranger feeds the kangaroos! You might have seen the pictures of kangaroos perched next to travellers, just relaxing on the beach? Yup, that’s at Cape Hillsborough.

More than just kangaroo spotting, the park offers a number of fantastic short walks like the Diversity Boardwalk, which has you wandering through the Melaleuca woods or Andrews Point where you have five incredible viewpoints of the coast and the Whitsundays.

If you did want to fully explore the park, we suggest you stay overnight. The best option is Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park which offers everything from camping to more premium rooms.

Do the Town of 1770 Headland Walk

The 1770 headland lookout view

Technically 1770 and Agnes Water are just a few kilometres from each other, but we’d recommend you stop at 1770 first and wind your way back.

Seventeen Seventy (or 1770), was so named since it was the second stop of explorer James Cook in – you guessed it – May 1770. It was originally known as ‘Round Hill’, and that is really what it is: a small hamlet set up on the hill.

Drive all the way up to the top car park of 1770 and do the viewpoint walk around the hill, called the Headlands Lookout. It’s really quick – about 350m – and gives you views of the coastline. On your way back down you can also visit the Captain Cook memorial.

Agnes Water’s Main Beach and Chinaman Beach

Agnes Water beach between Cairns and Brisbane

A gem of a coastal town, we honestly would have loved to stay overnight in Agnes Water if we had enough time. That said, an hour or two in Agnes Water gives you enough of a feel for the laidback atmosphere of the place.

As with most places on the East Coast, there is heaps to do in Agnes Water. Go kayaking, do a fishing charter or go to Lady Musgrave Island . However, since you’re a little short on time, we’d recommend you head to the two beaches to check them out.

The Agnes Water main beach is a great place to relax, plus it has a big parking lot and some high-end ablution facilities, so a good place to empty the bladder ?. The beach is patrolled so totally safe for kids plus if you were keen to learn to surf, this is the place to do it – we saw lots of people out in the water trying to get up on their boards.

We would however recommend going a bit further and doing the ‘secret’, more deserted shoreline: Chinaman’s beach. This orange-hued beach stretches for miles and only had one other beachgoer there when we visited.

Chinamans Beach in Agnes Water

Walk the Paperbark Forest Trail

This one we LOVED. Just a few kilometres on from Chinaman’s Beach is a recently constructed forest walk, the Paperbark Forest Trail, which honestly made us feel like we had stepped into a fairytale.

The trail is only 400m long but winds through a forest of paperbark trees, and has you hopping from little platforms and skipping along wooden walkways. We honestly thought a fairy or a gnome was going to peek out from behind one of the trees.

We highly recommend this stop – just park up at Reedy Creek Reserve on Springs Road, and you should see this signposted.

Paperbark Forest Trail near Agnes Water

From here, its about 90 minutes into Bundaberg, where you can rest up for the night.

Where to stay in Bundaberg

Definitely stay at Hideaway Haven . This lovely property feels like a home away from home, and is one of the best options in Bundy. It’s a bed and breakfast, and has some gorgeous personal touches to enjoy, including amazing hosts.

Day 10: Bundaberg to Hervey Bay

Luckily this is quite a short little stint; about 80 minutes without traffic. That said, by now you’ve spent a significant amount of time on the road, so the quick jaunts are definitely appreciated! Our suggestion for the day? Do the Bundaberg Barrel Tour in the morning, head over to Hervey Bay and just relax!

Drink the brews at the Bundaberg Barrel

First up, it’s worth noting that Bundaberg is famous for two types of tipple: their rum and their carbonated drinks. We are not huge rum fans so we headed to the Bundaberg Barrel , an interactive tour of the brewed drinks; most famously their ginger beer.

Bundaberg Barrel tour between Cairns and Brisbane

It’s only 12 AUD (8.20 USD / 6.20 GBP) per person for the tour and that includes a 6 pack of ‘Bundy’ that you can pick and choose from their selection; great value since the tour ends up significantly cheaper than if you bought a six pack in a supermarket!

The tour is self-guided and you’ll go through the brewing process for their various drinks, try the ‘smell’ test i.e. can you guess the flavour profile just by taking a deep sniff, and check out the bottling procedure. Then, the magic happens: a friendly Bundaberg employee takes you through a tasting of their 19 different flavours; everything from Passionfruit to Cream Soda, Pineapple/Coconut and our favourite, Blood Orange. After this it’s time to choose your 6 bottles and make up your take-away pack – the most difficult part is choosing only six!

Walk the Urangan Pier in Hervey Bay

Once you’ve finished up at the brewery, our suggestion is to get on the road to Hervey Bay and spend the rest of the afternoon chilling out. Goodness knows, you’ve earned it!

That said, if you have the energy when you arrive in Hervey Bay, we’d suggest you see the Urangan Pier . This pier is 1.1km long, making it one of the longest in the world! We enjoyed walking down the pier but also stopping to see teenage fishermen feeding their hard-won fish to the enormous pelicans perched atop the pier lights.

Urangan Pier pelican

We were also lucky enough to see some dolphins having a play in the nearby waters and jumping joyfully into the air… a pretty spectacular sight.

Want to see more than pelicans and dolphins? Did you know that Hervey Bay is known as the ‘whale watching capital of the world’? More than 1,500 humpback whales visit on the migration south to the Antarctic each year. The best time of year to see them is between August and October.

Insider Tip: Want a dinner option? The coolest place in town is Enzo’s , a beachfront restaurant that has stood the test of time.

Where to stay in Hervey Bay

This town has a few good choice: Mantra, Breakfree and our pick – Ramada Hervey Bay . The Ramada is in spitting distance of the Urangan Pier, lots of cool restaurants and has a fantastic pool – spring for the deluxe pool room to have direct access to it.

Day 11: Fraser Island

If you’re in Hervey Bay, one of the top things to do is to go to Fraser Island , the world’s largest sand island! You might sense a theme in this article but, if you can, we’d really suggest you don’t just do a day trip to Fraser Island.

Our reasoning? Fraser Island is 123 kilometres long and, at its widest point, is 22 kilometres wide. That means it’s an absolute behemoth of an island and a day trip means you’re really only seeing the highlights.

A tour with Fraser Explorer Tours

If you are doing a day trip, the only reasonable choice is Fraser Explorer Tours, which you can book here. They operate air-conditioned 4×4 coaches which are crucial since the sand on the island is really difficult to navigate and you need 4 wheel drive! We would recommend you steer clear of trying to do a self-guided tour unless a) you can rent a mean 4×4 vehicle b) you are very very confident driving in thick, difficult sandy conditions and c) you have more than a day to do it.

If not, Fraser Explorer Tours is your best pick – book it here .

They’ll pick you up from your accommodation, sort out your ferry to and from the island and take you around all the top spots. Either way, whether you do it yourself or with a tour operator, here are the must-do things on Fraser Island:

Lie in at Lake McKenzie

Lake Mckenzie on Fraser Island

You’ll probably be reminded a little of Whitehaven beach when you reach Lake McKenzie – it too has a very high silica count and therefore icy white sands. And, similar to Whitehaven, the water in Lake McKenzie is known to be ‘therapeutic’ – apparently just dunking your hair into the waters will leave it silky soft. You can also use the sand to naturally clean your jewellery!

The lake is a ‘perched’ lake which means it only contains rainwater; it doesn’t flow out to the sea and isn’t fed by streams. That’s one of the reasons the lake is so crystal clear!

Lake McKenzie is the most visited spot on Fraser Island so it can get a little busy. That said, it’s a beautiful spot to spend a bit of time chilling out on the sand.

Check out the old logging village, Central Station

Central Station on Fraser Island

Fraser Island used to be used for logging and forestry between the 1920’s and 50’s, before it became a heritage site. It’s worth visiting the old logging village, called Central Station , on the Wanggoolba Creek. Part of the charm of the area is a boardwalk trail along the creek where you can see gigantic King Ferns in lush sub-tropical settings, plus pristine white ‘Ghost Gum’ trees and Kauri Pines, the main tree that was logged during that time.

See the SS Maheno shipwreck

SS Maheno on Fraser Island

This must be one of the most accessible shipwrecks we’ve ever come across. The SS Maheno washed ashore during a cyclone in 1935 and is perfectly perched on Seventy-Five Mile Beach for your picture pleasure. Just watch out while taking your photograph though – other cars come barrelling along the beach and so you need to be vigilant when walking around.

Park up at the Pinnacles

The Pinnacles on Fraser Island

Now this wasn’t our favourite stop on Fraser Island but since it’s on your way between the shipwreck and Eli Creek, it’s worth a quick look.

The Pinnacles are essentially colourful sand cliffs formed of hundreds of thousands of years, where the minerals from the earth have fused with the sand. On a good day you can see more than 70 different hues, with the reds and yellows being most prominent.

Cairns to Brisbane - Eli Creek Fraser Island

Photo courtesy of Nomads Hostels / Flickr

More than four million litres of fresh water pours through Eli Creck into the ocean every hour, making it a pretty impressive stream on the east coast of the island. What’s cool about Eli Creek though is that you can walk up to the top of the creek along the boardwalk and then ‘float’ down to the beach at the bottom.

The water is a comfortable temperature but if you’re not keen on floating you can also wade through – it reached my knees so was a pretty comfortable height and experience!

After your day on Fraser Island, it will be time to return to Hervey Bay and get a good night’s rest. That said, as we suggested, it would be a great idea to try and do more than one day, which would mean an overnight stay at the island at one of the camping spots or at the Kingfisher Bay Resort .

Day 12: Hervey Bay to Noosa

Your road trip is almost done but the highlights definitely aren’t. Actually, Noosa – your next stop – was our favourite on the entire coastline and somewhere where we could see ourselves settling down one day (if we had the money).

For today, it’s a 2 hour drive to Noosa from Hervey Bay and we suggest you get it done very early, so you can still do the Eco Safari in the Noosa Everglades, which kicks off at 9am.

Noosa Everglades Eco Safari

Noosa Everglades Tour - Noosa River drone

It might not be the most famous thing on the Noosa map, but we would highly recommend a tour of the Noosa Everglades . You might not know it, but Noosa has one of only two everglades in the entire world (the other one is in Florida, USA).

It’s a brilliant thing to do in Noosa. You’ll spend much of the day on the ‘River of Mirrors’ in a riverboat, checking out the wildlife (kangaroos, lizards and more), the birdlife and the coal-black waters of the lake and everglades.

If you’re up to it you can also kayak or canoe down the river. Or, like us, just kick back and relax on the boat. We’ve actually written an entire article on the Noosa Everglades which will give you a few more tips for this wonderful experience – read it here .

Feed the pelicans on the Noosa River

Noosa pelicans

Once you’re in Noosa centre, we’d suggest you get down to the river for sunset. After the cruise it will be the perfect way to end the way, plus you’ll be able to see some pelicans to boot!

It turns out that right by the Noosa Boathouse restaurant is a group of very keen pelicans, who love to be fed around sunset each night. Go watch it take place, or take a few scraps if you want to throw it to the hungry birds.

Eat fish and chips at the Noosa Boathouse

Noosa Boat House

If you’re a bit of a fish and chips connoisseur (we think we are), then you must try the variant at the Noosa Boathouse . This iconic restaurant has a takeaway option which is the same as the sit-down version in their luxurious eatery. And, if you do sit down, please do get the mango and white chocolate cheesecake for dessert. You can thank us later.

Where to stay in Noosa

Top of the pops is the Offshore Noosa . These are actually fantastic apartments, overlooking the river and boasting pristine white surfaces, really fluffy comfortable beds and three (yes – three) swimming pools!

Day 13: Noosa to Brisbane

You’ve woken up in Noosa – what a treat. Today is your chance to explore a last few corners of this beautiful town, and make your way to Brisbane.

Check out the Noosa Spit

Noosa Spit

There is a plethora of stunning beaches in Noosa but our pick is the Noosa Spit. Okay, it might not be the most fashionable but it’s a quieter beach which not only allows dogs off leash, but is great for a picnic. And, if you have a drone, you will get some of the most incredible photos!

Meander along Main Beach

The more popular beach is definitely Main Beach and the best way to see it is probably to walk the Noosa boardwalk. Start at Hastings street past Little Cove and then veer off to see it. Beyond that, we suggest you get onto the boardwalk and then into Noosa National Park, to do the Coastal Walk.

Chalk up the Coastal Walk and Granite Bay

Noosa Granite Bay

Once the boardwalk ends, you’ll land up in Noosa National Park, an absolutely stunning part of this already gorgeous town. Take the track along the coast to walk past deserted beaches like Granite Bay, and see locals doing their morning run along the trails.

Float in the Fairy Pools

Noosa Fairy Pools

And, last but definitely not least, if you take the Coastal Walk you’ll end up the infamous Noosa Fairy Pools. Now the pools are a little off the beaten track but undoubtedly a cool activity in Noosa – we’ve actually written a whole guide to the Fairy Pools here .

The pools are a 30-40 minute walk along the Coastal track after which you’ll venture out onto the rocks and find these little pockets of crystal clear water just waiting for you to dive (or get in carefully!) right in.

It’s been a full day, but its now time to get onto the road and drive the approximately two hours to Brisbane, your final stop on this 2 week Cairns to Brisbane road trip.

Dinner at Fish Lane

Cairns to Brisbane road trip - Fish Lane

Photo courtesy of Greg Adams / Flickr

There are so many things to do in Brisbane , but our first suggestion is to head to Fish Lane. In Brisbane’s trendy Southbank area (which boasts a city-side swimming pool and beach!), Fish Lane is the epicentre of cool, featuring restaurants, bars and art.

This street features 450m of laneway art with some pretty heavyhitter artists including Drapl and Fintan Magee. Running from Grey Street to Manning Street, it’s filled with street art but is probably now better known for the cuisine that flanks it on either side. Try down-to-earth fine dining at Gauge , or the best Italian in Brisbane at Julius Pizzeria . Down your craft beer at Saccharomyces Beer Café or get a bit more social at the four-storey pub, The Fox Hotel .

Where to stay in Brisbane

We always stay with family but we’ve asked around and it seems the Arise Apartments are a great nod, since they are beautiful, high-end self-catering apartments in a central area of Brisbane.

Day 14: Brisbane

It’s your final day of your road trip, and you need to make it count! Honestly, there are probably over 100 things to do in Brisbane , but you’ll need to take your pick. For us, we think we’ve got some killer suggestions for today, also since we have immediate family living in Brisbane so have some tried-and-tested recommendations from some locals!

Watch the sunrise at Mount Cootha

Cairns to Brisbane road trip - Sunrise at Mount Cootha

Brisbane has some epic sunsets; easily some of the most incredible we’ve ever seen. And they are only matched by their sunrises, particularly the one at Mount Cootha.

This is the most popular place to watch the sun rise in Brisbane, for good reason. It’s since you’ll be able be able to see the sun rising behind the silhouetted city skyline, making for a jaw dropping start to the day. It’s a handy spot since there is lots of parking, different walking trails up to the viewpoint to suit your walking style and there is even a small grassy area to eat your breakfast if you’re so inclined.

Marvel at the Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art

Cairns to brisbane - GOMA

Photo courtesy of Philip Antonopoulos / Flickr

We are not big museum or gallery-goers but the Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), is an exception to the rule.

GOMA is the largest gallery of modern art in Australia and has acclaimed works from artists like . What we liked about GOMA is that it’s often got some weird and wonderful exhibitions set up. Like transforming into a huge indoor riverbed complete with 100 tonnes of rock, or becoming an entirely climbable museum, or just showcasing interesting films in it’s cinema.

It’s also paired with the nearby (150 metres away) Queensland Art Gallery, where you can see more historic pieces on display.

Admission is entirely free of charge.

Cuddle koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary

About 12km from the Brisbane city centre is one of the leading koala and kangaroo sanctuaries in Australia, Lone Pine . Actually, it was the world’s first ever koala sanctuary, and is still its largest!

They have over 130 koalas, plus free roaming kangaroos that you can feed – just buy some ‘kangaroo nuggets’ at the on-site store. You can see Tasmanian devils, emus, kookaburras and even cute little wombats, or take in the feeding of the rainbow lorikeets twice a day.

Lone Pine Sanctuary koala

The koalas are of course the main attraction and you can pay to hold one, albeit with very strict regulations. Each koala is only held for 30 minutes a day; a good practice considering some of the poor animal tourism experiences I’ve encountered elsewhere in the world.

Entrance fees for the Lone Pine Sanctuary are 42 AUD (29 USD/ 22 GBP) for adults and 24 AUD (16.50 USD / 12.50 GB for children.

You’re finally done! So, tell us, what did you think of our Cairns Brisbane 2 week itinerary? Have we missed anything? Has any information in this article now changed?

Let us know in the comments or please do get in touch !

What camera equipment and other gear do we use?

We’re living proof that you don’t need the most expensive gear to travel the world and take good photos. Here are some of our must have items that make it into the packing list for all our travels.

  • Main Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
  • Drone: DJI Mavic Air – Fly More Combo
  • GoPro: Hero 7 Black
  • GoPro Dive Case: Go Pro Housing
  • GoPro Case: Smatree GoPro Carry Case – Small
  • Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Packing case
  • Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70
  • Powerbank: Anker Powercore
  • Phone: Xiaomi Mi 9
  • Hard drive: Transcend Slim Storejet 2TB
  • Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 720s
  • Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort 35
  • Wifi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to do a Cairns to Brisbane road trip?

We love road trips but we know that weather can play such an important part. The best time to do this road trip itinerary is probably in the dry winter months of June to October. Between November and about April or May you’ll get hot and humid conditions along with rainfall, although it will be quieter in terms of tourists.

I’m going from Brisbane to Cairns – what should I do?

It might sound a little obvious, but just do this itinerary in reverse; albeit it with a few alterations (like the timings of the Everglades Tour). If you’re really not sure, then drop us a line and we would be happy to help you figure out the journey for your Brisbane to Cairns road trip.

What are other cities that I could add onto this itinerary?

There is really a lot to do on the East Coast and we’ve only scratched the surface by ending this itinerary in Brisbane. You could spend more time on the Sunshine Coast or Rainbow Beach, you could go down to the Gold Coast and explore the surfing there or perhaps the lush Hinterland, doing hikes like the Warrie Circuit . Also, if you had the time, we’d suggest Byron Bay, a chilled beach city that is just so Instagrammable that it almost hurts.

Blackfellow Falls

Up near Cairns, you could tag on a few days at the start to see Port Douglas, which would give you even more time in the Daintree Forest and near the Great Barrier Reef.

How much does a Cairns to Brisbane road trip cost?

As with most things, that depends on your travel style. If you’re a backpacker, you could probably get away with about 150 AUD (100 USD / 75 GBP) a day, whereas we spent about 230 AUD (160 USD / 120 GBP) a day.

You’ll need to factor in either a campervan or rental car, quite a bit of petrol and then the tour costs for places like the Whitsundays and Fraser Island, which aren’t cheap.

We advise checking out this Australia budget guide for more info.

What are the drone rules in Queensland?

If, like us, you want to capture epic aerial photography on your Cairns to Brisbane tour, then you’ll want to use your drone. But, what are the rules? Queensland has some of the more relaxed rules in Australia. Of course you need to abide by all the usual regulations around height of drone, not flying over people, not flying near the aerodrome etc but beyond that most council and National Parks area are still okay with drone usage.

We’d recommend you always check the specific rules of the location (like the Sunshine Coast where all drone shots on council land are forbidden or Cairns which has an airport close to the city centre), but when we visited we were able to freely use our drone on the Great Barrier Reef, on the Whitsundays, the beaches of Agnes Water and Mission Beach, Fraser Island and Noosa.

Disclosure: The Travel Scribes were very fortunate to be hosted by Diver’s Den for our day out on the Great Barrier Reef and by Visit Noosa for the Everglades Eco Tour. However, all views are our own, and we are not paid to include either Diver’s Den or any activities in Noosa as part of our itinerary, but rather have included it due to the incredible quality of the experiences.

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36 Best Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Stops & Map

Best Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Stops

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my blog disclaimer, terms and conditions & privacy policy here for details.

Are you ready for the ultimate driving adventure? A Brisbane to Cairns road trip offers so much, from almost 2000 kilometers of stunning beaches to jaw-dropping waterfalls, tourist hotspots, island destinations, and amazing wildlife.

I’ve been a Queenslander for more than 30 years and been travelling up and down the coast for most of them. Call it a local’s guide to the sweet spots and some you can even escape the crowds. But why limit yourself to just to the direct route, when a couple of the slight detours will make this trip phenomenal.

So buckle up and get ready for the journey of a lifetime with these suggested stops!

Best Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Stops & Map

(Please click here for the Map Directory Link to open or apply directions to any of these places, from your location)

There are many different ways to enjoy a Queensland Coast Road Trip

1. Brisbane

What better way to start your Brisbane to Cairns Road trip Journey than from the states capital, Brisbane ! With a population over 2 million people stretching over 100klms, off the south east coast of Queensland.

➡  Find Brisbane Hotel Deals HERE . Otherwise compare all tours HERE from on Get Your Guide, Or others HERE with Viator

Brisbane does have lots to do like the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Museums, swimming spots, or restaurants to visit at Southbank . Not only that but hiking to lookout point like Mt Coot-Tha, Scuba Diving or just chilling out in your hotel. Additionally, you can read on a more in depth Brisbane Blog or click here to find out the best areas to stay in Brisbane .

Welcome to Brisbane Sign - Brisbane to Cairns Blog

2. Tangalooma Resort or Moreton Island

The Tangalooma Island Resort is only just over an hour catamaran ride away from Brisbane and this slice of paradise offers the perfect place to relax and unwind. But if you’re not looking for a resort-style stay, there are day trips options to the Tangalooma Island Resort or Moreton Island .

➡  Find Moreton Island tours HERE with Get Your Guide, or others HERE with Viator.

This includes snorkelling the wrecks, sand tobogganing the dunes, glass bottom kayaks, helicopter rides, Quad bikes, or ride Segway’s down the beach. But you can’t go past the resorts main attractions of feeding the wild Dolphins every night.

Moreton Island and Tangalooma Wrecks

3. Bribie Island

Could you imagine having a beachside location so close to the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan city? Then, Bribie Island is the spot for you ! Whether your into lazing on the beach, swimming in the surf, relaxing in calm waters, Taking the 4 wheel drive for a spin or shopping.

There is so much to see and do from this lovely island from museums, a butterfly house, water tower art, and small shops and cafes. Not only that but it has both calm and surf beaches, including direct driving access to the mainland (without needing a ferry).

Bribie Island

4. Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast would be your first stop on the tracks for that Beach side fun. The Coastline is next to fantastic and it happens to be the third largest populated area in Queensland with over 300.000 people. With this in mind, some my favourite areas being Maroochydore, the Noosa National Park and Caloundra.

➡  Find Sunshine Coast Hotel Deals Here .

A little inland at the hinterland or Glass House Mountains, you can discover hikes like Mt Ngungun or waterfalls like Gardner Falls or Kondalilla Falls. It has a sub tropical climate, with summers normally hot and winters are really great in the sun. This makes the Sunshine Coast worth checking out and a centre for tourism with attractions like Australia Zoo, Underwater world, the Ginger factory and the Big Pineapple.

Noosa Heads Views Sunshine Coast

5. Rainbow Beach

Travelling off the Major A1 Highway, Rainbow Beach is the first gateway port to Fraser Island. But it has it’s own draw cards as well, with 70,000 visitors per year. It’s know as a small beach side camping and fishing town, but also where you stretch the legs off on your 4 wheel drive and go for a spin.

➡  Find Rainbow Beach Hotel Deals Here .

Rainbow Beach has a number of areas to visit like, Carlo Sand Blow , Poona Lake , Coloured Sands and Inskip Point. You will be pleasantly surprised when you visit this vibrant town.

Poona Lake Rainbow Beach

6. Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay is a small little town with only a population just over 2000 people. It’s part of the Wide Bay Burnett region of Queensland, Australia. Sharing some of the pristine waterways with Rainbow Beach and protected by the world heritage listed, Fraser island.

Tine Can Bay has a fantastic, rare opportunity to see Australia Humpback Dolphins in the early morning. They are fed under close supervision by the volunteers and guided by animal protection regulations. There is a minimal charge of $10 per person which covers the cost of the food and cleaning solution. This is something you won’t want to miss!

Tin Can Bay Dolphin Feeding, Queensland, Australia

7. Fraser Island

Take a detour from your Brisbane to Cairns Road trip and discover the paradise that’s Fraser Island. It’s Known as the largest sand island in the world , and home to an abundance of natural wonders.

➡  Find Fraser Island tours HERE with Get your Guide , or find more options HERE with Viator (These leave from both Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach)

From the crystal clear waters of Eli Creek to the rock pools of Champagne Pools, the island’s diverse landscapes will amaze you. And let’s not forget about Indian Head, offering panoramic views as far as the eye can see. And the Pinnacles, with its unusual rock formations, will also leave you in awe. So what are you waiting for?

The Stunning Champagne Pools at Fraser Island ( the Largest of the Sand Islands)

8. Mt Walsh National Park – Utopia Rock Pools

Heading a little inland from the actual coastal route, you can visit a town called Biggenden. There is a small place called the Utopia Rock Pools where the locals go for some free swimming but it is dependant on rainfall and time of year.

If you can catch it at a good time, you will see three or four rock pools cascading down from each other. In the summer, its an awesome spot to cool off, or make a day off it with a packed lunch. The hike is only small at around 30 mins each way, but the last 5 minutes does have you scrambling over some rocks.

Aquarius Traveller at Mt Walsh National Park, Utopia Rock Pools

9. Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay, a a quiet little seaside city in southern Queensland and is popular for day trips to observe humpback whales. All the whale watching boats run during the migration season between July to November.

➡  Find Hervey Bay Hotel Deals HERE . Or, see Tours HERE With Viator

Alternatively, it’s another great spot to access the beautiful Fraser Island. It has a population over 50,000 people offering plenty of calm swimming and other water activities like fishing, paddle boarding or you can try a sunset sailing cruise and kayaking.

Hervey Bay by Drone, Queensland Australia

10. Woodgate

Grab your board shorts and sunscreen, it’s time to hit one of the best Queensland beaches – Woodgate. With a modest population of just over 1000 people, it boasts some of the most picturesque beaches and a camping lifestyle, making it a hot spot for tourists road tripping the coast.

Imagine kicking your feet up on the beach with a refreshing drink and enjoying the stunning surroundings. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, and there’s plenty of room on the sand for everyone. Plus, with its close proximity to Bundaberg, you can easily stay in town and take day trips to soak up the sun.

Woodgate Beach, Bundaberg Queensland

11. Elliott Heads

Elliot Heads Beach is about 30 minutes away from Bundaberg and a small beachside town with only 1000 residents. Not only does the beach offer stunning views of the ocean, but it also boasts various natural lagoon pools and rock pools for a low-key and refreshing swim.

What’s more, with accommodation and camping options available, you can choose to stay as long as you want! The best part about Elliot Heads Beach is its approachable atmosphere. Whether you’re there to just lounge and relax, walk along the sandy shorelines, or explore the nearby areas, there’s always something new to discover.

Elliott Heads Beach, Bundaberg Queensland

12. Bundaberg

With over 90 thousand people living in Bundaberg , you will be sure to find something for everyone. Best known for producing the world famous Bundaberg Rum but also for Bundaberg Brewed drinks, Ginger Beer Manufacturing, and a major sugar cane growing area.

➡  Find Bundaberg Hotel Deals HERE with Booking.com. Or, Tours HERE with Viator.

The Hinkler Museum also resides here along with being able to see Turtles Laying Eggs and hatching in season. A favourite with family’s, the beaches offer clam waters and nice clean beach walking. Bundaberg could also be used for a gateway city to other places like Lady Musgrave Island or Lady Elliott Island.

Bargara Beach views near Bundaberg

13. Lady Musgrave Island

Lady Musgrave Island is for those seeking an otherworldly underwater experience and it can be accessed from Bundaberg or Agnes Water. With 3000 acres of living reef, it’s like something straight out of a travel guide. The turquoise waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef effortlessly offer a picture-perfect backdrop that you’ll never be able to forget.

➡  Compare prices for Lady Musgrave Tours HERE with Get Your Guide.

But the real magic happens below the water. Swim with the turtles and dance with dolphins as you explore the effervescent coral reefs. Witness the majestic giant marine life, including manta rays and whales, right before your eyes. And above water, the island is just as incredible, with abundant bird life waiting to be discovered.

Beautiful Fish and Coral Reef at Lady Musgrave Island - Best Snorkelling Sites in Queensland, Australia

14. Lady Elliott Island

Boarding a flight is the only way to get to Lady Elliott Island , but good news is you can board in either Brisbane, Hervey Bay or Bundaberg to get there. It’s a small plane and limited luggage allowed, but I find it a little better boarding in Bundaberg for the shortest flight time.

The Eco Resort set up here, and based around the water activities like snorkelling and diving. Although there are plenty of land activities to keep you entertained as well. What’s also great, is it’s very easy to visit for the day, if the Great Barrier reef is what your planning to see, especially for Manta Rays!

Lady Elliot Island Aerial View

15. Agnes Water or 1770

As you start heading into central Queensland you can visit yet another beach side town like Agnes Water , or 10 mins down the road at 1770. The ample amount of holiday homes happens to draw a younger crowd mainly for the surfing.

➡  Find Agnes Water & 1770 Hotel Deals HERE . or compare prices for Tours HERE with Viator.

For everyone else there is the camping, fishing and lots of spots for swimming with the kids. Try a LARC Tour around the sand bars, a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island or walking the paperbark trail. But ultimately, don’t forget to try a bit of fresh seafood while your in town.

Agnes Water Drone Photo QLD Australia - Beaches in Queensland

16. Yeppoon

The small town of Yeppoon is worth checking out and requires a quick detour off the Brisbane to Cairns route from Rockhampton, . Another beach side locality but also the gateway to the Keppel Islands. One of the biggest hotspots is visiting Great Keppel Island on a day trip, which I feel is one of the more budget friendly Islands to visit along the Queensland Coast.

Alternatively, Yeppoon is also a great base for the Byfield National Park, which is where you will find an ample amount of 4 wheel drive spots, white sand beaches and some more swimming holes like Stoney Creek . You could easily spend a few days here exploring some of the wonderful spots in and out of town.

Aquarius Traveller at Stony Creek, Byfield National Park

17. Capricorn Caves Rockhampton

If your into rock formations and exploring caves then you might want to make this stop just outside and north of Rockhampton. There are a number of different tours available at the Capricorn Caves , some even getting down and dirty.

The most popular tours though is the Cathedral Caves, which is photographed below. Bands or singers use the rocks as an amphitheatre which has a echoing hypnotic sound. This is also where they hold functions like weddings.

Capricorn Caves Rockhampton Queensland

18. Rockhampton

Located in central Queensland, we have the city of Rockhampton. It’s 40 kilometres upstream from the mouth of the Fitzroy River and is the largest town in the area, on the Tropic of Capricorn. Much of the surrounding land was suitable for Beef cattle grazing and therefore, becoming the Beef capitol of Australia. Consequently employing hundreds of local residents to supply the industry. 

When exploring Mount Archer these days your greeted with small walks featuring the local wildlife, as well as the Skywalk (pictured below) lookout point over the city. This is a brilliant sunset location if your ever in town to experience it.

Mount Archer Skywalk lookout point over Rockhampton, Queensland

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19. Clairview

When your travelling up the coast, it’s very easy to miss the small town of Clairview. However, this is literally the first stop along the trip with you will start to see that pretty, Great Barrier Reef blue waters, so close to the highway.

For the campers, you have a rather large caravan park where you can get front row sites to the beach. This is called the Barracrab Caravan Park and therefore, a popular over night stop when travelling either way. It’s located about 2 minutes off the major A1 Bruce Highway and very easy for a lunch break as well.

Clairview - Road trip stop between Brisbane & Cairns

20. Finch Hatton Gorge

Let’s via off the Brisbane to Cairns A1 highway a little inland for a lovely day trip from Mackay. Finch Hatton gorge has some wonderful hiking, waterfalls and swimming holes to explore. I have been lucky enough to visit here 3 times and have also featured it as one of my favourite Australian Waterfalls .

To complete the main hiking trail will be about 5 kilometres all up, with some back tracking. During high rainfall, access to the gorge car park could be limited without a 4 wheel drive. Although, if you only have a smaller vehicle then you can still visit with an extra 10klms return walk with some creek crossings.

Finch Hatton Gorge, Queensland Australia

Mackay is a tropical city booming from the richness of sugar and mining. Early pioneers brought sugar cane to the region and began an industry that has become one of Australia’s largest. Within a decade of settlement, Mackay became Queensland’s largest sugar producing area and still is!

➡  Find Mackay Hotel Deal HERE . Or, compare prices for Tours HERE with Viator

A trip to Mackay promises natural encounters like exploring secluded beaches, discovering tropical islands just offshore or hiking its famous hinterland. Apart from that, the Marina area contains plenty of accommodation and views over the water.

Mackay Marina in Queensland, Australia

22. Cape Hillsborough

Now this is one stop you won’t want to miss! About 45 minutes north of Mackay, you have the Cape Hillsborough National Park. This is a really nice area to explore for many reasons, but the most popular is seeing the morning feeding of the Kangaroos at the beach .

This experience is run by the Mackay Tourist rangers and happens every morning in rain, hail or shine. If you ever looking for somewhere to stay, then the Cape Hillsborough Caravan Park is the closest area to this experience. 

Cape Hillsborough Kangaroos in the Beach

23. Cedar Creek Falls

Although you can visit Cedar Creek falls at any time of year, rainfall and season will determine how much of a waterfall you will see. The picture below was taken in April, which is just after summer and was still a decent amount of water around. Although the waterhole is still beautiful, swimming it better at the start of the year in the summer.

An easy drive, only 20 mins from Airlie Beach and just a 2 minutes walk from the car park. There is plenty of room for a number of visitors and an awesome free spot to spend your time cooling off from the summer heat.

Cedar Creek Falls is great for free swimming near Airlie Beach

24. Airlie Beach

Welcome to the Whitsunday islands gateway and one of the major tourist hubs of the Queensland coast. Airlie Beach itself is just a small town but worth it and receives about 700,000 tourist each year. These either chill out in the town itself or surrounding areas, or using it for a base to head out to the Islands.

With this in mind, some suggestions would be Day Dream Island, or snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re a bit more of the adventurous type, you could maybe give Sky Diving   go, or you can give the man-made lagoon a try.

Don't miss seeing Whitehaven Beach on your stay in Airlie Beach

25. Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet

Venturing into the Whitsundays should not be missed without a day trip to Whitehaven Beach . It’s known as one of the most famous beaches in the world, and this stunning destination boasts 7km of cool, white silica sands and crystal clear aqua waters.

But the real star of the show is the lookout at Tongue Point, offering a truly breathtaking view of Hill Inlet. It’s no wonder hundreds of thousands of international travellers visit this natural wonder every year. Take advantage of your chance to experience the beauty and get to Whitehaven Beach for yourself.

The views from Hill Inlet are totally worth visiting Whitehaven Beach for.

26. Hamilton Island

Now if your looking for any Islands to visit along the Brisbane to Cairns driving journey, you can’t go past Hamilton Island . Small enough to appreciate nature, but large enough to need golf buggy’s to get around in. Hamo even has it’s own Airport, Chapel and Marina, for whatever your heart desires on your day trip from the mainland. 

Put your feet up on Catseye beach, Sail the Whitsundays on a sunset cruise, play a round of golf or even try you hand at target shooting. Water sports are obviously available with snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaks & windsurfers.

Explore Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays Queensland Australia

Welcome to the Mango capitol of Australia! As your driving north into town the first stop will be grabbing the iconic selfie at “The Big Mango”. Grab and Ice-cream or some fresh frozen fruit slices, either way it’s a great introduction into the tropical north.

➡  Find Bowen Hotel Deals HERE with Booking.com

Apart from that, heading further into Bowen, you have beautiful bays and palm fringed beaches. This way, you can enjoy some beachside snorkelling and reef systems to dive offshore. 

Make a quick stop on the highway to the Bowen Mango

The small town of Ayr in North Queensland is not the first choice on everyone list, but you do have some options here. There are several things to see like the Burdekin River and the famous Burdekin Bridge. You can visit the Plantation Park for a picnic, go bird watching in the wetlands or check out a drive in movie at the Stardust.

One of the most popular things to do in Ayr would be to Dive the SS Yongala Ship wreck, which has been underwater since the early 1900s. You would be surprised how well she is still in tact and the amount of growth and fish life to see.

Best Things to do in Ayr Qld - Burdekin Bridge

29. Townsville

With a population of almost 200,000 people, Townsville is the largest city in North Queensland. From scenic lookouts like Castle Hill to cultural landmarks like the Army Museum and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Nature enthusiasts will love exploring the Botanic Gardens, while families will enjoy the Riverway Lagoon swimming and the Billabong Sanctuary.

And, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of whales on one of the Whale Watching Tours. But my personal favorite was definitely The Strand Promenade, a picturesque walkway with stunning views of the ocean and Magnetic Island. Trust me, Townsville is worth a visit all on its own!

View from Castle Hill in Townsville

30. Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is one Island you will need to spend some time on, although a highlights trip can be done in a day. There are car ferry’s leaving a few times a day from Townsville, or you can go over and hire one there.

There are heaps of beaches to explore, Hikes to enjoy, animals to discover and water sports to keep you entertained. Not to mention an ample amount of different styles of Accommodation to suit your style or budget. I loved the natural beauty and the variety of activities there were available. 

Magnetic Island Queensland Australia

31. Cardwell Spa Pools

The Cardwell Spa pools was made famous by a viral Instagram post back on 2016, although locals have been using this spot for years. Although, this is another location you will need to check out the rainfall and best time of year.

Although the photo below looks great to swim in, the water wasn’t flowing and more prone to sickness if you did swim. There are a lot of rocks around and flowing water creates a spa affect, hence the name. Bare in mind that too much rainfall creates a muddy washed out affect, so I guess it comes down to luck.

Cardwell Spa, Queensland Australia

32. Mission Beach

Nestled between the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef lies the Cassowary Coast, a hidden gem waiting to be explored. At the heart lies Mission Beach, which has retained a dreamy, laid-back vibe unique to the area. Visitors can enjoy the warm hospitality of the friendly locals, who far outnumber the tourists.

It is, in fact, the birthplace of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting this incredible ecosystem. And with Mission Beach being less than 40km offshore, it’s the closest access point for exploring the reef. But what really sets this area apart is its quiet and uncrowded atmosphere. You won’t find yourself jostling for space with other boats or crowds of tourists.

Enjoy the picturesque shores of Mission Beach

33. Paronella Park

There will be a short inland via off the main Brisbane to Cairns track for this one. Paronella Park is a heritage-listed tourist attraction located at Mena Creek, Queensland, Australia.  It was built in the 1930’s by Jose Paronella, inspired by his childhood memories of Catalan castles.

➡  Book your Paronella Park Tours HERE with Get Your Guide

During the day or night you can enjoy incredible story telling tours about Paronella, fantastic photo opportunities, remarkable architecture, 5 hectares of tropical gardens and an operational 1930’s hydro electric generator. Enjoy the wildlife, fish feeding, the café or walking over the waterfall.

Wander around Paronella Park in North Queensland

34. Waterfall Circuit

Travelling about one hour inland from Innisfail you will get to a small 20 kilometre loop road with three, beautiful waterfalls to check out. The Waterfall Circuit is located on Theresa Creek Road and is home to Millaa Millaa Falls, Ellinjaa Falls and Zillie Falls. All of them take a limited amount of time to walk to and are running all year round.

➡  Compare prices for Atherton Tableland Tours HERE with Get Your Guide

Obviously the summertime will have them with a lot more water, but winter time is still an amazing site. Even though they are directly on the highway to go and visit, I do see them as a wonderful addition to the Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip.

Millaa Millaa Falls on Waterfall Circuit, Atherton Tablelands

35. Josephine Falls

Getting close to the end of the line, but only after finding an incredible  waterfall adventure near Cairns ? Try visiting the impressive Josephine Falls! Nestled in Queensland’s stunning Far North region, this cascade waterfall on Josephine Creek is a must-visit.

Take a leisurely 1.2-kilometre return stroll through the lush, world heritage-listed rainforest to reach the viewing decks that offer stunning views of the picturesque falls. But before you jump into the refreshing waters, make sure to observe the signs and designated swimming areas to ensure a safe and memorable experience.

Take a dip in Josephine Falls

This is our last stop on my Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip journey. Cairns is considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, even though this reef stretches over 2000klms to Bundaberg. With a population of over 150 thousand, the esplanade is lined with bars and restaurants and has a man-made swimming lagoon. Its no wonder it receives about 3 million tourist each year. 

➡  Find Cairns Hotel Deals HERE . Or, find tours HERE with Viator

The Daintree National Park and Kuranda Village areas spans mountainous rainforest, gorges and beaches. But most people come for the water lifestyle and ventures off land to for snorkelling to places like Green Island. It has hot, humid summers and warm winters, with average temperatures ranging from 26.2 °C (79.2 °F) in July to 31.7 °C (89.1 °F) in January.

Explore the many wonders of Cairns

How long does it take to drive from Brisbane to Cairns?

A direct trip from Brisbane to Cairns will roughly take about 20 hours (1700 Kilometres) and is not generally done in one day. It’s a long one, but it’s also one of the best Australian road trips. The route takes you through some of the country’s most beautiful coastal and rainforest scenery, so it’s definitely worth taking your time to enjoy the journey.

There's lots of secluded waterfalls near Cairns

What is the best time to do this Road trip?

The best time to complete this Road trip is during the offseason, avoiding school holidays and the peak of winter. Although swimming in the northern areas is still possible during winter, it would be slightly cooler in the southern regions.

Remember, it is the rainy season in North Queensland during summertime, around January/February. Therefore, my recommendation for the best time to travel between Brisbane and Cairns would be March to May and September to December.

Sunset sailing is great anytime of year in Airlie Beach

How many days should you plan for a Brisbane to Cairns Itinerary?

I have a few options here when decided on the amount of days for your Itinerary:

  • I recommend 10 days at an absolute minimum, which would be sufficient time for most of the highlights. But know this means you’ll drive at least 200 kilometres daily and have very little time to relax.
  • However, 14 days would be much better, with a couple of two-night stays, and allow you access to a couple of Island Day trips.
  • Overall, I think 20 days (or Longer) is ideal for a Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary. This allows you some rest and relaxation while appreciating your surroundings and not having to travel every day. In addition, this gives you plenty of time to explore all the different towns and cities, allow 2-night stays, and enjoy all the different activities and Day trips on offer.

We love exploring the things to do at Agnes Water & 1770

Can you rent a Car?

If you’re flying into Brisbane, know that you can purchase a car rental right at the airport( or alternatively from Cairns). However, keep in mind that one-way trips will likely come with an additional fee from the Car Hire Company.

➡  Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

Renting a campervan is more affordable than getting a hotel. Still, you need to consider that the bigger the vehicle, the more fuel it will consume. If you’re driving along this route, there are plenty of campgrounds and caravan parks available (but popular).

Keep in mind that most “free” campsites will not have showers or bathrooms, so you should be prepared to rough it.

Matt and I enjoying the views from the Carlo Sand Blow!

My Best Tips for this Road Trip

  • Traffic on this route between Brisbane and Cairns can be hectic, so please drive according to the road conditions and amount of traffic.
  • These roads are serviced regularly, so you may encounter some road work construction delays along the way. Please allow extra hours for your trip and check your map directory app for current conditions.
  • Any Two Wheel Drive vehicle can drive on the roads between Brisbane and Cairns. Tours & day trip options to islands etc. are great ideas, and it means you won’t need to hire a more expensive four-wheel drive vehicle.
  • The seasons are the reverse of what they are in the Northern Hemisphere. So, summer runs from December to March, and winter is from June to August. This road trip can be done any time during the year, but certain months stand out as being better than others.
  • You will find Fuel and Supplies approximately every 100 kilometres along this route and in every town. Although they are frequent, it is advisable to fill up your tank whenever you stop in a city and use Fuel pricing apps to compare and get the best deal.
  • Brisbane, Airlie Beach, and Cairns have higher full-day tour costs than other areas on this road trip, and you’ll need to accommodate this with your expenses.
  • To avoid disappointment, book your accommodations or caravan parks at least a few days to a week in advance. This is not a good area to book as you go and would cause higher costs if you do.
  • You’re likely to see wild kangaroos on the highway at both dawn and dusk, so please reduce your speed if driving then. Kangaroos won’t run away quickly, and they’re more likely to jump onto the road than exit it. And always keep an eye out for his friend – they usually travel in pairs.

Bring a high zoom lens and watch the whales play from the coastline

Recommended Stops on a Brisbane to Cairns Itinerary?

Each and every stop along the Brisbane to Cairns route features something unique and entertaining. So naturally, it’s hard to pick the stops that will suit everyone.

However, Based on a Beachside lifestyle, exploring islands and inland swimming spots. The below list is my minimum list of stops along the Queensland Coast. Depending on how many days you have to play with, these can be extended into 2 night stays to help space them out.

The list of Minimum stops is as follows:

  • Sunshine Coast
  • Rainbow Beach
  • Fraser Island
  • Airlie Beach

Viewing platform for the Devils Pools

What to pack?

  • Bathers or Swimming costume, board shorts, etc
  • Beach or Travel Towel for beach use. Most hotels don’t like you using their towels for Beaches
  • Hat – Cap would be ok but better for a wide brim Hat
  • Backpack or day pack
  • Thongs (or Flipflops)
  • Closed-in shoes for hiking and walking places that are not suitable for Thongs
  • Jackets or light jumpers for cooler nights. You won’t need these during the day, but nights could be worth it.
  • Insect repellent or Mosquito Spray.
  • Phone, Camera, and all the charging supplies

Carlo Sand Blow in the Great Sandy National Park - Things to do in Rainbow Beach - Brisbane to Airlie Beach Road trip

Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip – FAQ’s?

How expensive is this road trip.

Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, and Brisbane are among the most costly places to visit in the state due to their locations, lack of mainland access, and other expenses.

Most day-trip tours to islands cost between $100 and 250 Australian dollars per adult. While helicopter tours and others that require flights can be between $300 and $400 per person.

A scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef is worth it!

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay, it will be easy enough to find something in your price range. From my experiences, I’ve gotten cabins and cheaper motels for a double room for only around $80-$120 per night. Although, depending on the city, rooms can cost up to $200 or more per night in places like Brisbane, Airlie Beach, and Cairns.

Hostel and backpacker options start at $10 per night for dorm-style accommodations. Alternatively, You can find rooms starting around $50 per night for something a little more private. Or, if you’re planning on renting a camper or caravan for the trip, there are plenty of Caravan Parks and Free Camping spots to park overnight.

We were able to get a good deal on accommodation close to town

Buying groceries at general stores such as Woolworths or Coles will be easier in larger cities. At the same time, IGA & Foodworks are more likely to sell food unique to smaller towns. To save money, get rooms with cooking supplies and make some meals at home, but also, remember to try the local cuisine in some locations!

Fuel is likely another significant cost for this road trip from Brisbane to Cairns, and I have approximate costs here below. This is based on the average price per litre and fuel consumption per 100 kilometres. You can reduce your fuel expenses by using shopping dockets at the corresponding gas station.

If you’re returning the car to its original destination, double this value below!

  • Small Car range – 8 litres per 100 Kilometres (total 1040 Litres in fuel) = $208
  • Medium Car range – 10 Litres per 100 Kilometres (total 1300 Litres in fuel) = $260
  • Large Car range – 12 Litres per 100 Kilometres (total 1560Litres in fuel) = $312

The Great Barrier Reef Drive is a beautiful road trip in Queensland

Is this a safe road trip?

The Brisbane to Cairns route is a safe road trip for everyone, including women & Solo Travellers. There is plenty of people around, and they are generally going to be tourists themselves. However, precautions should also be maintained, like never leaving your bag alone or walking around the city late a night.

A backpack is a brilliant option to carry all your supplies throughout the day. It is even safe to leave it aboard the boat, while you’re day touring on Islands and snorkelling some of the best sites in Queensland.

You will find very few pickpockets but more in major cities and high-traffic zones. Additionally, you’ll need to lock your car and hide any valuable items from plain sight.

The Turtles can get really close to you

Internet Coverage

There is nearly a town every 100 kilometres when driving from Brisbane to Cairns, so you will have no problem staying connected with friends and family. Data coverage is the best option, but you could be out of service in National Parks or on some remote Islands.

Whether you’re staying at a hotel or hostel, chances are high that Wi-Fi will be accessible. Otherwise, plenty of public places like cafes and some restaurants also offer it.

Speed Limits in Australia

The typical speed limit in Australia is 100 kilometres per hour along highways, 60Klms/hr in cities or towns, and 50Klms/hr in suburban areas.

There is one section of this route ( between Rockhampton & Mackay) where the speed limit is increased to 110 Kilometres per hour? So, it’s one of the few areas where you can really get some distance travelled.

If you don't have a 4WD, you can walk down to the coloured sands

Public Toilet Stops

In Australia, public bathrooms are generally easy to find. They’re usually located near town centres or local parks, and service or petrol stations often have them available.

Some restrooms may require a purchase, which means you should take advantage of the restrooms when re-fuelling, but many will be free to use.

Can you drink the Tap Water?

Yes, you can drink water from the tap in Australia, and 95% of it is safe to consume. The only exceptions to this rule are National Parks and off-grid locations that use portable water. In these cases, there will be a warning sign saying the water is “unsuitable for drinking.” If you have other safety issues, you can check out this post for more!

How many days do you need in Cairns?

You could easily spend up to  7 days in Cairns  with everything there is to do there, but it is possible for a shorter period. Just pick your priorities and what you want to see the most, and it’s easy enough to round it down.

Ellinjaa Falls is the second best falls to see along the Waterfall Circuit

Is it better to visit Cairns or Port Douglas?

While Port Douglas is North of Cairns and not mentioned in our road stops today, it is worth mentioning as an alternative. Of course, you can see many things from both Cairns and Port Douglas, but some tourists like the low-key atmosphere of Port Douglas instead.

Know that it is more expensive to stay in Port Douglas, and you’ll appreciate the foodie scene. Additionally, day tours to the oldest Rainforest in the World (Daintree National Park) are closer from Port Douglas. While I don’t think either Cairns or Port Douglas is better , I do believe it depends on what kind of traveller you are and your budget.

Kings Beach, Caloundra - Sunshine Coast | Things to do in Caloundra

Wrap up to the best Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Stops

Thanks for reading this blog post today on the stops you should consider for a Brisbane to Cairns road trip. I hope you have found the information you were looking for, but if you’re still researching please check out my other Queensland Blogs for inspiration.

Other blogs you might be interested in:

The Best Cairns to Cooktown Road Trip Stops (Via Bloomfield)

Cairns Vs. Airlie Beach – Which one is better for you to visit?

Best time of day to fly over the Whitsundays?

100+ Bucket List Ideas in Australia

10 Day Brisbane to Airlie Beach Road Trip Stops & Itinerary

What Camera/Video Gear do I Use? I’m currently using the GoPro Hero 11 Black , Olympus OMD E-M10 111 (7-14mm Pro, 25mm, 14-150mm Lens), DJI Mini SE Drone & Samsung S8. And, I try to purchase what I can from CameraPro , at my local store, or online!

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“Hi there, fellow travel enthusiasts! I’m Chris Fry, The Aquarius Traveller Blogger. I’ve been exploring the world since 2007, documenting my journeys through the lens of my camera. Having visited over 37 countries (including my native Australia), I’ve gained first-hand experiences that I just have to share with you.

So, whether you’re planning your next adventure, need insider tips, or want to live vicariously through my escapades – You’ll find something to love in my blog posts.”

Wonderful Blog! So much information included and we watched the Youtube Video that accompanied this. We are still very much in the early planning stages of our trip but we can’t wait to explore this beautiful Country. I have three weeks scheduled but we will be driving from Cairns to Sydney….I know we’ll be pushing it at the end but we have to get back to Sydney for our next phase of the trip.

Quick question – Is it easy to find parking in the larger areas with a Campervan or do you recommend leaving them at the Caravan parks and finding alternate ways into town? Were not heading to Australia until 2025 but lots of questions and investigating before we leave. Thanks so much!

Hi Victor & Dawn, There are plenty of areas where a campervan would fit in the parking, but time of day and season would differ in their availability. As a whole I would always option leave your home back at the caravan park, but if you’re not staying near where you want to go – This could be costly to find alternative arrangements. Plus your home is also your transport! Between Sydney and Cairns is one of the more popular routes travelled in Australia (in a caravan or camper) and there are plenty of facilities to accommodate that. Personally, I find accommodation near the things I want to do, and travel out of holiday periods to help. Thanks Chris

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How to travel from Townsville to Brisbane, Australia

The distance between Townsville and Brisbane is around 1,132km (703 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 15m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Townsville to Brisbane by plane, train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Brisbane → Townsville if you're planning a return trip.

Fly from Townsville (TSV) to Brisbane (BNE).

  • Duration 2h 15m
  • Flight time 1h 45m
  • Typical cost A$235 ( $155 )

Jetstar

Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street.

  • Duration 18h 25m
  • Departs 5 times a week
  • Typical cost A$180 ( $120 )

Queensland Rail Travel

Take the bus to Brisbane.

  • Duration 23h 10m
  • Departs once daily
  • Typical cost A$225 ( $150 )

Premier Motor Service

Drive to Brisbane.

  • Duration 17h 30m
  • Distance 1,492km (927 miles)

Frequently asked questions about travel between Townsville and Brisbane

Popular questions, how do i get from townsville to brisbane.

There are several options for getting from Townsville to Brisbane by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around A$180 ($120) and will take around 18h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$235 ($155).

What is the distance between Townsville and Brisbane?

The distance between Townsville and Brisbane is around 1,132km (703 miles).

How long does it take to travel from Townsville to Brisbane?

It takes around 2h 15m to get from Townsville and Brisbane by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 17h 30m to drive there.

What is the fastest way to travel from Townsville to Brisbane?

The quickest way to get from Townsville to Brisbane is to fly which takes around 2h 15m and will set you back approx A$235 ($155).

What is the cheapest way to travel from Townsville to Brisbane?

The cheapest way to travel between Townsville and Brisbane, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around A$180 ($120) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Is there a train that runs from townsville to brisbane.

Yes there is a train service that runs between Townsville and Brisbane. It typically takes around 18h 25m and departs 5 times a week.

Is there a direct train service from Townsville to Brisbane?

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Townsville and Brisbane with no changeovers required. The train runs 5 times a week and takes 18h 25m.

Who runs the train services between Townsville and Brisbane?

Queensland Rail Travel run train services between Townsville and Brisbane. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 18h 25m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Is there a bus that runs from Townsville to Brisbane?

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Townsville and Brisbane. It typically takes around 23h 10m and departs once daily.

Is there a direct bus service from Townsville to Brisbane?

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Townsville and Brisbane with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 23h 10m.

Who operates the bus services between Townsville and Brisbane?

Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Townsville and Brisbane. Buses run once daily and take around 23h 10m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Can i fly from townsville to brisbane.

Yes you can fly from Townsville and Brisbane. Flights depart from Townsville (TSV) and arrive at Brisbane (BNE). The flight takes around 1h 45m.

Is there a direct flight from Townsville to Brisbane?

Yes there is a direct flight between Townsville and Brisbane with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 1h 45m.

Which airlines fly between Townsville and Brisbane?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas fly between Townsville and Brisbane. Flights depart from Townsville (TSV) and and arrive into Brisbane (BNE). These flights usually take around 1h 45m.

How long is the flight between Townsville and Brisbane?

The flight from Townsville to Brisbane typically takes around 1h 45m. Flights depart from Townsville (TSV) and and arrive into Brisbane (BNE).

What is the closest airport to Brisbane?

The closest major airport to Brisbane is Brisbane Airport (BNE) (BNE) which is approximately 11km (7 miles) from Brisbane. Gold Coast Airport (OOL) (OOL) and Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) (MCY) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Can i drive from townsville to brisbane and how long does it take.

Yes it is possible to drive from Townsville and Brisbane. The distance is around 1,492km (927 miles) by road and it will take around 17h 30m in normal traffic conditons.

How do I get from Townsville to Brisbane if I don't have a car?

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Townsville to Brisbane is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 15m and will usually cost around A$235 ($155).

How do I get from Townsville to Brisbane

Compare travel options between Townsville and Brisbane

Top carriers operating between townsville and brisbane.

Jetstar

Virgin Australia

Bus companies

Greyhound Australia

Train operators

Airports near brisbane.

The following major airports near Brisbane offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.

Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Gold coast airport (ool), sunshine coast airport (mcy), where to next from brisbane, arvó is currently in private beta testing.

Follow the link and sign up if you’d like to be added to the waiting list and/or be notified when we go live.

[ 'ɑːvəʊ ] Noun (informal)

1 An abbrevation for 'Afternoon', commonly used in Australia.

2 The only travel planner you'll ever need.

COMMENTS

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  22. How to travel from Townsville to Brisbane, Australia

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