Despite missing yet another European summer, we were determined to escape the cold temperatures of NSW for another big adventure. To keep costs low, we chose to do a car relocation. Through TransferCar, rental companies offer cars that need to be relocated from one branch to another at a discounted price. There was a Corolla available during our dates from Brisbane to Cairns so we took it. The agreement included six free days and we added two more for $50/day. We purchased risk-free insurance at $188 so for 8 days we hired a one-way car for $288 – bargain (at least in Australia)!
We’d been to Brisbane and Cairns in separate trips but never done the drive, so we were keen to see more of the East Coast. The drive from Brisbane to Cairns is around 20hrs and we split this up over five days, leaving time to explore Cairns at the end. I’ve written a separate post with the best day trips from Cairns.
Here are the best stops on a Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip.
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Glass House Mountains
An hour north of Brisbane lies Glass House Mountains, a small town known for its eleven mountain peaks. It’s the perfect place to either stretch your legs and admire the views or take the day to explore the hiking trails. We stopped at the main lookout and did the short Glass House Mountains Lookout Track which was a quick loop – perfect to get some movement in after a big morning of travel. For those who love a good mountain climb, check out the Mount Ngungun hike for panoramic views of the hinterland.
Noosa
After Glass House Mountains, it was onwards to the Sunshine Coast. A Queensland road trip isn’t complete without a visit to the trendy but laid back town of Noosa. With boardwalks, white sands and clear blue water, it’s the perfect place to switch off and take in the natural beauty of Australia. We made a quick stop for lunch and a beach walk. It was busier than expected for winter, and I imagine it would be fairly crowded during the peak of summer.
Bundaberg
Home to the classic ginger beer we all know and love, Bundaberg is a quirky stop for your Queensland road trip. Be sure to check out the Bundaberg Barrel which offers tastings of the many soft drink flavours plus the opportunity to create your own six-pack (hint: the mango drink is incredible). The shop itself is a giant barrel which is a fun experience.
For those after a more adult tasting, stop by the rum distillery. While the tasting tours are amazing, the giant Bundaberg Rum bottle out front steals the show.
1770
As Australia’s only town with a number for the name, 1770 (seventeen seventy) is a must-visit. We witnessed one of the famous sunsets firsthand stopping at the local marina for fish and chips at dusk – amazing! Another highlight of 1770 is the Paperbark Forest Walk. Pay attention to the road signs to find the track as google maps took us straight past it. At 400 metres long, the walk is easy but incredibly magical – think stepping into an enchanted forest with wooden stepping stones and hundreds of beautiful paperbark trees.
Where to stay in 1770:
- 1770 Lagoons Central Apartment Resort. With private bathtubs on all the balcony rooms, and a huge pool winding through the middle, this hotel is a must stay.
Where to eat in 1770:
1770 Gelato Co. The Instagrammable interior is almost as good as the delicious gelato.
1770 Rusty Pelican. Located on the marina, grab some fresh burgers and chips to enjoy while the sun sets.
Airlie Beach
Located in the infamous Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is everything you want from a coastal Australian town. With a range of accommodations to suit any travel style, it’s the perfect spot for backpackers, families and couples alike. There’s not a lot between 1770 and Airlie Beach, so after a big eight-hour drive, we decided to base ourselves there for two nights.
The highlight of Airlie Beach was a scenic flight over the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef – an experience not to be missed! We booked a one hour flight with GSL Whitsundays through Get Your Guide. We were picked up from our accommodation and shuttled over to Proserpine Airport (a thirty-minute drive). From here, we boarded the fourteen seater plane – window seats only – and set off. The flight was beyond expectations with incredible views over Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef. This was the one big splurge of the trip and it was the best experience ever – highly recommend!
Where to stay in Airlie Beach:
- Discovery Parks Airlie Beach. A five-minute drive from town, this place has everything you need in a caravan park including a jumping pillow – big win!
Where to eat in Airlie Beach:
- Sidewalk Cafe Restaurant and Bar. With an all-day breakfast menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
- Dickies Dogs. A cute spot in Airlie Beach town run by a lovely older couple. Perfect for a late night donut hit.
Cedar Creek Falls
The GSL bus driver recommended we check out Cedar Creek Falls after the scenic flight. An easy day trip from Airlie Beach, (a thirty-minute drive) it was the first of many incredible waterfalls we visited. With the falls located just steps from the car park, it’s a super accessible spot. Despite it being mid-winter, the sun was shining through and almost everyone there was swimming! There’s nothing like a swim in freezing water to make you feel completely alive. From then on, we made a pact to take a dip in every swimmable spot we found!
Cardwell Spa Pools
An hour south of Mission Beach, the Cardwell Spa Pools was our favourite swimming spot of the trip. With water blue enough to rival the famous lakes of New Zealand, we were completely in awe! It was just steps from the car park and we had it mostly to ourselves. We were glad we swam at Cedar Creek because while the water here was chilly, it had nothing on the waterfall.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is a beautiful beach town nestled in Cassowary Coast an hour south of Cairns – yes, you need to watch for cassowaries crossing the road! It was quite cloudy when we visited – not ideal beach weather. Instead, we were lucky enough to get our first taste of the rainforest on the Kennedy Walking Track. A four-kilometre one-way track, not only do you get to weave through lush rainforest and potentially spot a cassowary, but you also get sweeping ocean views from South Mission Beach to Kennedy Bay – win-win! We spent one night here before heading on to Cairns.
Cairns
Cairns is best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and is the perfect base for many day trips. We had three full days to explore Cairns and its surrounding areas. I have written a full blog post of the best day trips from Cairns, but here is a quick overview.
Skyrail + Scenic Train at Kuranda
A must-do in Cairns is taking the longest Skyrail in the world through the Daintree Rainforest. Flying over the rainforest is an unforgettable experience. After grabbing lunch at the top at Kuranda, take the Scenic Train back down to Cairns, soaking in the views.
Waterfall Circuit
Located in the Atherton Tablelands, the circuit is made up of three uniquely beautiful waterfalls. With the famous Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls all within 10 minutes drive of each other it’s certainly worth the ninety-minute trek from Cairns. Tip: be sure to bring food with you, as the area is quite remote.
Crocodile Spotting Cruise at the Daintree River
Have you ever spotted crocodiles in the wild? We hadn’t either and were beyond excited to do this cruise. Run by the family-owned Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises, they claim to spot crocodiles on 98% of trips. We were lucky enough to spot seven crocodiles on the cruise, including a couple of babies!
Mossman Gorge
A lovely stop on the way back from the Daintree River, Mossman Gorge is an “Indigenous eco-tourism experience”. To preserve the area, you need to catch a shuttle bus into the Gorge. Spend a few hours following the many hiking trails or taking a dip in the clear water.
Where to eat in Cairns:
- Mooz Gelato & Juice Bar. Their fresh-squeezed juices are incredible; be sure to try the watermelon and mint!
- Ollie’s Italian on the Waterfront. Lover of Italian food? Located right next door to the famous Dundees, Ollie’s is the perfect spot for pizza and a glass of wine complete with views over the marina.
That’s a wrap on my Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Guide. I hope you enjoyed the post and that it inspired you to explore Tropical North Queensland.
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