Travelling Australia's East Coast: Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary

Travelling from Cairns to Brisbane is one of the best campervan road trips you can take in Australia. Along this stretch of coast in far North Queensland, you'll come across dazzling sandy beaches, fairy-tale waterfalls, and secret swimming spots that will refresh your body and soul. 

To help you make the most of the journey, we've created a detailed Cairns to Brisbane road trip itinerary. This ensures that you are taking in the best sights along the east coast of Australia with your JUCY campervan hire or car rental. 

First step on your Cairns to Brisbane road trip is to pick up your JUCY rental from our JUCY campervan hire branch in Cairns. Once you've grabbed your wheels, your first stop out of Cairns will be Kuranda, a mountain village located in the tablelands. 

Kuranda 

One of the highlights of this town is accessing it. One option is via a cable car which takes you up/down the mountain with breathtaking views, or there is the scenic railway line. Check out the local markets selling food, clothes, and art. Barron Falls is an impressive waterfall only a 10-minute drive from the main town area. 

Millaa Millaa 

Then venture deeper into the Tablelands towards the Millaa Millaa area. Along the way, you will be greeted with views over sugar cane crops. Visit the serene Milaa Millaa falls, which has small and thin strands of water falling side by side next to each other, making for some great Instagram shots. 

The falls are also located right next to the carpark so if you can't be bothered hiking, then this is the place for you. There is also a waterfall circuit drive within this area if you're keen to see more falls. This is around 20 kilometres or so round trip (driving) to complete the circuit. The other falls in the circuit are Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, Pepina Falls and Mungalli Falls. 

Ravenshoe 

Next, head to the campsite in Ravenshoe. The town is the ‘Highest in Queensland' with an elevation of 930 metres and lays claim to the ‘Highest Pub in Queensland'. The campsite here is amazing, situated right next to an old railway track with some vintage trains stationed there. 

Leaving Ravenshoe, enjoy a scenic 50 km drive through lush landscapes and winding roads on your way to the stunning Tully Gorge. If you're feeling adventurous, then going in search of the infinity pool is a must. 

Tully Gorge 

This natural infinity pool is located in the Tully Gorge National Park and is one of the highlights of a Cairns to Brisbane road trip. 

Please, when doing this walk be responsible and careful, it is very safe if you stick well behind the cliff face, don't do anything ridiculous just for a photo. To get to the natural pool: 

From Mission Beach, we suggest heading to Ingham which is a great base for visiting Wallaman Falls. Since we're all about the journey, not just the destination, we'd suggest making the following stops along the way: 

Tully 

Tully is known as the wettest town in Queensland, receiving an insane amount of rain each year. The ‘Golden Gumboot' is a huge gumboot located in the town centre which celebrates this fact. You could walk inside the gumboot where you were given some information via pictures and signage as to some of the biggest rainfall incidents and the aftermaths of floods. 

Cardwell 

Stop in Cardwell to see the famous Cardwell Spa Pools, a natural swimming hole located just out of the main town area. It blew up in 2016 when the location was revealed on Instagram and since then it has become a must do on the east coast of Australia. 

It's a beautiful, long and thin creek with a very light blue shade of freshwater located in the middle of the bush. There are no crocodiles so it makes for a great place to swim. 

Ingham 

Your final destination for the day is the charming town of Ingham. This small, welcoming town is the closest to Wallaman Falls, making it an ideal spot to rest for the night. Enjoy Ingham's friendly atmosphere, explore local eateries, and get ready for your adventure to the stunning Wallaman Falls the next day. 

After a restful night in Ingham, wake up bright and early and get ready for a big day ahead, as you head over to the awe-inspiring Wallaman Falls. 

Wallaman Falls 

Wallaman Falls is the highest single drop waterfall in the whole of Australia, at a staggering height of 268 metres. It's about a one-hour drive from Ingham so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there. We'd suggest avoiding the middle of the day when it'll be super hot. 

The walk to the bottom of the falls only takes around 45 minutes. When you reach the bottom, you are greeted with a deluge of misty water. The waterfalls height and power will leave you feeling so minuscule in comparison. 

There is also a pool beneath the falls where you are able to swim, but the water is quite chilly. The hike back up to the top of the falls is strenuous, make sure you are physically fit or have plenty of breaks along the way. 

Townsville 

After visiting the falls, start driving toward Townsville, a small coastal town in the heart of North Queensland. There is an impressive hill lookout known as Castle Hill, which many people flock towards hoping to catch a beautiful sunset or sunrise. There is also the main strip along the beach known as ‘The Strand' which offers beachfront picnic spots and restaurants. 

The Bush Oasis campsite located just outside of Townsville has a heated pool and spa, making it one of the most luxurious budget places to stay on the east coast of Australia! 

The Whitsunday Islands are around a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Townsville, offering a scenic route along the Queensland coast. As you arrive in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, you'll be greeted by crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. 

Bowen 

You can make a pit stop in Bowen along the way. When you're there, if you're looking to see the blue waters and white sand beaches that the town is renowned for, head over to Horseshoe Bay. This is a small stretch of beach, with very limited tourists as well as some sparkling blue waters to swim in. Located right next to the beach is a short 400-metre hike to a peak of boulders called the Rotary Lookout. 

Keep driving south to the Airlie Beach Lagoon. You could easily spend a whole afternoon by the water here, enjoying the sunshine and local restaurants. 

There's so much to see in Airlie Beach that we suggest spending an entire day here to fully explore the area. Consider taking a day trip to the stunning Whitsunday Islands or immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this beachside town. 

Whitsunday Islands 

If you have the budget, a one-hour scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands is a visual treat. You'll see mind-blowing aerial views of the Whitsundays and learn more about the background of some of the islands. Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, as well as incredible reef formations with some of the clearest water in the world, are all on the sightseeing agenda. 

A cheaper option for exploring the area is to go on a boat trip, including some snorkelling. The colourful corals are well worth it, and if you're lucky you could see manta rays and even whales. 

Whitehaven Beach 

You must also visit Whitehaven Beach, which is known as the second most beautiful beach in the world. This is due to the bright white sand and crystal-clear water. The sand contains 98% silica, so make sure you scrub your skin with it if you're looking for a free facial. Around seven kilometres to the northern end of the beach is the iconic Hill Inlet. This is a pretty spot with a winding sand pattern with a slightly greener tinge of water. 

After your fun in Airlie Beach, continue heading south for approximately two hours to reach the next popular spot on the roadie, Cape Hillsborough. This picturesque location is renowned for its white sand beaches, abundant wildlife, and stunning coastal walks. 

Cape Hillsborough National Park 

Cape Hillsborough is a popular place to stop between Cairns and Brisbane as you can get up close and personal with the kangaroos every morning. 

You can camp at Smalleys Beach, a QLD parks campground and that you need to book in advance online. There are only 12 sites, and it is a very popular location so much sure you get in early. This site is also located 10-15 minutes away from the main kangaroo hotspot so make sure you're up bright and early. 

The other option is Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park, which is right on the beachfront where the kangaroos come in the morning. 

Waking up in Cape Hillsborough is real treat as around 6-6:30 am each morning, between 5-10 kangaroos come on the beach at Cape Hillsborough to be fed. The feeding is done by a ranger from Queensland National Parks, and a safe zone is put in place to ensure tourists don't go too close to the kangaroos. 

The animals often have other ideas though and you will often find them coming right up to your camera lens. Seeing kangaroos feeding on the beach with an epic sunrise and beach backdrop is an epic Aussie experience. The kangaroos stick around for about an hour and are all friendly, unless one of the other roo's takes their food. 

Mackay 

There isn't much to do in Cape Hillsborough aside from kangaroo viewing, so head further south down the coast towards Yeppoon. This town is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive. Stop in Mackay for lunch and a dip in the Bluewater Lagoon, a FREE water park that has multiple pools as well as a few small waterslides. 

Yeppoon 

Yeppoon is a laid back coastal town, with a small population and some epic beaches. Continuing the trend of the QLD water, Yeppoon boasted some crystal-clear water with a decent swell. there is a caravan park with a tremendous view of the water that is popular with backpackers called Beachside Caravan Park. 

Before leaving Yeppoon, take some time to explore the Yeppoon Lagoon, which overlooks the main beach. With plenty of space to relax outside the water and several nearby restaurants to grab a bite to eat, it's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. 

Emu Park 

Another interesting spot to check out nearby is Emu Park. This spot is popular with surfers and has a beautiful ANZAC memorial walk, finishing with an impressive structure known as the Singing Ship. This structure is in the shape of a ship and is made up of poles with holes in them that make a soothing sound when hit with some wind force. 

Keppel Islands, Great Barrier Reef 

If you're into kayaking or fishing there are also many local areas to check out, just pop in and visit the information centre to find their locations. The most popular thing to do in Yeppoon is to take the boat over to the Keppel Islands. Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef near the Tropic of Capricorn, Great Keppel Island boasts pristine beaches and unspoiled habitats. Snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours are great ways to see more of the marine life in the area. 

Say goodbye to Yeppoon and continue on towards Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy. 

Agnes Water is small and easy to get around on foot or bicycle. With a vehicle, you can effortlessly explore all the local attractions in just one day. Agnes Water Main Beach is a huge stretch of sand with a beautiful foreshore, not to mention some smooth ocean water with an abundance of surfers and swimmers. 

Chinamans Beach 

Chinamans Beach is a very secluded beach as it is well away from the main tourist area and is a hotspot for surfers. There's large swell, clear water, and even rock pools to explore. 

Paperbark Forest Walk 

The Paperbark Forest Walk is a short 400-metre walk through beautiful trees and across small streams. Tiptoe through the wetlands (without getting your feet wet) until you'recompletely surrounded by hundreds of paperbark tree trunks and the majestic green fronds of the cabbage palm. 

Seventeen Seventy 

Seventeen Seventy is a very small town (the population is 76 people) about 5-10 minutes from Agnes Water. The town gets its name from when Captain James Cook anchored the Endeavour about 3km off this part of the coast. Being one of only a few places on the east coast of Australia to enjoy a sunset over the ocean, this daily spectacle is a “must do” while visiting the area. Head to Bustard Bay Lookout to catch the sunset. From the carpark, veer left down a path of rocks towards the base of the hill and you will have a prime view of the sunset. 

Four hour's drive will take you to your next road trip destination, Rainbow Beach. This is a popular jumping off point for Fraser Island, which is a must do if you have the budget to do so (doing a day trip can be quite expensive). 

Hervey Bay 

To break up the journey, why not take a detour to Hervey Beach, known for its amazing beaches and for being a hot spot for whale watching. From July to November, the incredible humpback whale migration can be seen from the coast—an experience you truly don't want to miss! 

Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area 

There are numerous options for campervan accommodation here. There are campgrounds in the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, which have a fair amount of spots for 4WD and a small number of spots for 2WD. This area also has some beautiful swimming areas that are well worth checking out. 

Rainbow Beach Holiday Village 

There is also the Rainbow Beach Holiday Village which is located in the main port of town right on the beach. If you're on a tight budget you can use a hostel car park for the night. For $15 you can park your vehicle and access their bathrooms/showers, Wi-Fi and free breakfast. 

The time has come! After exploring Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, you can wrap up your two-week road trip by making your way down to JUCY Brisbane, your final destination. 

If you'renot quite ready to hand over your JUCY rental, why not make a couple more stops on the way south to our Gold Coast campervan and car branch - Bribie Island and the Glass House Mountains are a must do! 

READY TO ROAD TRIP FROM CAIRNS TO BRISBANE? BOOK YOUR JUCY CAMPERVAN HIRE OR CAR RENTAL TODAY!  

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