Welcome to your ultimate coastal road trip adventure in Australia!Â
Starting in the tropical paradise of Cairns and ending in the bustling city of Brisbane, this journey will take you through some truly beautiful and diverse landscapes. Not to mention the wonderful mix of stunning beaches, charming coastal towns, and plenty of outdoor activities… this road trip is the perfect way to explore the best of Australia’s east coast.
The benefits of a road trip are endless, it allows you to have a flexible itinerary, you can stop wherever and whenever you want, you can take detours and explore off the beaten path, and you can take in the beautiful views of the countryside. With so many things to see and do, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
To get even more out of the road trip, you can’t go past a motorhome holiday. As well as being able to fit the whole family (some motorhomes can seat up to six people), they also provide accommodation, amenities and are a budget friendly alternative to expensive hotel rooms. Cairns motorhome hire is popular and readily available for pre-booking… one way rental is available too, so you can avoid backtracking!
Now that you have the transport worked out, here are some of the best stops to include on your road trip from Cairns to Brisbane.
Cairns
Before you depart from Cairns, take some time to explore this vibrant city. Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers. Take a boat tour to the reef, go snorkelling or scuba diving, or go on a rainforest walk to see the local wildlife.
Things to do:
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef: Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world. Take a boat tour to explore the reef and see the colourful coral and marine life.
- Explore the Daintree Rainforest: The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Take a guided tour to learn about the rainforest’s ecology and see the local wildlife.
- Go snorkelling or diving: Cairns is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving.
- Visit the Cairns Botanic Gardens: The Cairns Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful spot where you can see a wide variety of tropical plants and animals.
- Take a scenic drive to the Atherton Tablelands: The Atherton Tablelands is a beautiful area with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
- Visit the Cairns Esplanade: The Cairns Esplanade is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
- Take a trip to the Kuranda Scenic Railway: The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a historic railway that takes you on a scenic journey through the rainforest.
- Visit the Cairns Regional Gallery: The Cairns Regional Gallery is home to a wide range of contemporary art and exhibitions.
- Take a hot air balloon ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over the Cairns area for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
- Visit the Cairns Night Markets: The Cairns Night Markets are a popular spot for shopping and street food, open from 5pm-10pm every evening.
TownsvilleÂ
Townsville is a charming seaside city, renowned for its beautiful beaches and the famous Magnetic Island, that sits just off its shore.
Things to do:
- Visit Magnetic Island, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife.
- Take a stroll along the Strand, a beachfront promenade with a playground, swimming areas, and picnic spots.
- Visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland to learn about the history and culture of the area.
Airlie Beach
This well-known coastal town is picturesque, with a lively atmosphere and access to the Whitsunday Islands.
Things to do:
- Take a day trip to the Whitsunday Islands, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
- Explore the town of Airlie Beach, with its many restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Take a scenic drive along the Shute Harbour Road, which offers spectacular views of the coast and the islands.
RockhamptonÂ
This historic city is known for its rich cultural heritage and outdoor activities.
Things to do:
- Visit the Rockhampton Heritage Village, where you can learn about the history of the area and see historic buildings and artifacts.
- Take a walk along the Fitzroy River, which offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
- Visit the Capricorn Caves, a popular tourist destination offering tours of limestone caves and underground tunnels.
Yeppoon
Situated on the Capricorn Coast, about 20 km east of Rockhampton. Yeppoon is a popular tourist destination offering a range of amenities and services, including accommodation, restaurants, and shops.
Things to do:
- Visit the Keppel Bay Islands, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on some of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
- Take a walk along the Yeppoon Main Beach, a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
- Visit the Cooee Bay, a picturesque bay with a beach, a playground and picnic area.
Hervey Bay
This charming coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities.
Things to do:
- Visit the Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, where you can go on a 4WD tour, swim in crystal clear lakes and visit the shipwreck of the SS Maheno.
- Take a walk along the Hervey Bay Esplanade, a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
- Visit the Urangan Pier, a historic pier with a playground, fishing platform, and a lookout.
Sunshine CoastÂ
The sunshine coast is known for its beautiful national parks, that hug the coastline with white sand beaches and crystal clear oceans.
Things to do:
- Visit Noosa Heads, a popular destination with a beautiful beach and a national park.
- Take a stroll along the Mooloolaba Esplanade, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Visit the Eumundi Markets, one of the largest and most popular markets in Australia, offering a wide range of local products and souvenirs.
- Visit the Maroochydore Beach, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Take a walk along the Maroochy River, which offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
- Visit the Big Pineapple, an iconic attraction in the area and a great spot for taking photos.
- Visit the Caloundra Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the coast and the surrounding landscape.
- Take a walk along the Bulcock Beach, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Visit the Australia Zoo, one of the most famous zoos in Australia and home to a wide range of animals.
Brisbane
Welcome to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, and known for its subtropical climate. It is a perfect mixture of urban and natural attractions.
Things to do:
- Visit South Bank Parklands: This popular spot offers a beach, swimming pool, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
- Explore the City Botanic Gardens: The City Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful spot where you can see a wide variety of tropical plants and animals.
- Take a trip to Mount Coot-tha: Mount Coot-tha is a popular spot for hiking and offers spectacular views of the city.
- Visit the Queensland Museum: The Queensland Museum offers interactive exhibits on the history and culture of Queensland.
- Go on a day trip to Moreton Island: Moreton Island is a popular destination for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing on beautiful beaches.
- Visit the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA): GOMA is a museum that has a wide range of contemporary art and exhibitions.
- Take a stroll along the Brisbane River: The Brisbane River is a popular spot for walking and picnicking, with beautiful views of the city.
- Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to a wide range of Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos and other marsupials.
- Take a hot air balloon ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over the city for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
- Visit the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC): QPAC is a cultural centre that offers a wide range of performances and shows, including theatre, music, and dance.
If you still have time on your East Coast adventure, continue further south to the Gold Coast, and enjoy the national parks, surf beaches, shopping precincts and abundance of theme parks!
