Our top things to see on a Cairns to Brisbane roadtrip.
You’ve got your relocation to Brisbane booked and now it's time for the fun part – planning all of your stops along the way! Luckily for you, we’ve done all the work and planned it for you! This itinerary is tried and tested by the Imoova team.
Day 1: Cairns to Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a highlight of the East Coast thanks to it's access to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. For this reason, we recommend you spend as long as possible here! When the team did this route we did some extra driving on the first day and drove straight to Airlie Beach so that we could spend 2 days here. The drive is around 7 hours and 22 minutes so make sure to take turns driving, take regular breaks, and don't drive after sunset.
If you're doing this trip in a car and need budget accomodation we recommend Nomads Hostel.
Day 2: Airlie Beach
We recommend taking the full day to do a day trip to the Whitsunday Islands. Spend the day snorkelling or sunbathing on the world famous Whitehaven Beach. Parts of Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed here! Make sure your tour stops at the iconic Hill Inlet (your Instagram grid will thank you for this). If you're lucky you might even see some whales on the boat back to Airlie Beach.
Day 3: Airlie Beach to Rockhampton
Get up bright and early and do a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. For around $299 you can see the Whitsundays from above, as well as the famous Heart Reef - it's worth every cent. Afterwards, hit the road and head down to Rockhampton, this should take just under 5.5 hours. On the way make sure to stop in Mackay as well as Cape Hillsborough where you can often see kangaroos on the beach 🦘
If you need cheap accomodation we recommend Rockhampton Backpackers YHA.
Day 4: Rockhampton to Hervey Bay
This leg of the journey is just over 4 hours. However if you want to take the longer route and drive along the coast make sure you visit Agnes Water & Bundaberg. If you'd rather spend more time in Hervey Bay you can go on whale watching tours or take a day trip to K'Gari/Fraser Island.
If you need cheap accomodation we recommend Colonial Village Resort.
Day 5: Hervey Bay to Noosa
The penultimate leg of the journey is just over 2 hours driving. We recommend getting to Noosa as early as possible to make the most of it, it's a beautiful part of the East Coast. Do one of the coastal walks at Noosa National Park, take a surfing lesson, or visit the local boutiques.
If you need accomodation we recommend Villa Noosa Hotel or the Instagram famous Bounce Hostel.
Day 6: Noosa to Brisbane
The final and shortest leg of the journey, the drive is just under 2 hours. If you've selected a later drop off time then make the most of your final day and visit the Sunshine Coast. Have a beach day, go surfing, or visit the famous Australia Zoo and you might bump into an Irwin!
Once you get to Brisbane there is so much to see and do, visit the brand new Sky Deck, Streets Beach, Mount Coot-tha, do a day trip to Moreton Island or Stradbroke Island.
