10 Day Cairns to Airlie Beach Road Trip: Explore Tropical North Queensland

It’s easy to imagine there is no such thing as winter when you’re in Queensland thanks to the sunshine and the laid-back vibes. That’s why we’ve put together one of our favourite roadies from JUCY Cairnscampervan hireto Airlie Beach. 

You could drive this 621km (about 385.87 mi) route in one day, but why bypass beauty for the sake of speed? Unless you’re making a last-minute dash to stop your ex's wedding! As that’s unlikely, we suggest instead you take a JUCY car or campervan rental fromCairns. Pick up a rental car at the airport and follow our more upbeat 10-day road trip itinerary across this legendary region of Queensland from Cairns to the Whitsundays. 

Our JucyCairns branch is close to the airport and the city. Win-win whether you're flying straight in or exploring the area in advance. (TBH, we assume you've explored North of Cairns already.) If you haven't, check out our Daintree blog or this guest roadie post to Cape Tribulation.) 

At JUCY, we're all about making life as easy as possible, so we've got a free airport shuttle to our branch, and our crew are on hand to get you sorted for an easy getaway. We love you, but less time with us means more exploring the wonders of North Queensland. 

Explore Kurunda 

Your first road trip stop is the rainforest town of Kuranda. If you can, coordinate your trip with the Kuranda Original Market and Heritage Markets days. Quaint, colourful shacks offer quirky and creative arts, crafts, and produce to stock up yourJUCY campervan fridge. 

Spy wildlife at the nearby Birdworld, Koala Gardens, and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, or take your chances on seeing flora and fauna eu natural at the gorge-ousBarron Gorge National Park. 

Baron Gorge National Park 

Rugged, mysterious, and wild, Barron Gorge is everything you want in a national park. Seriously, Barron Gorge is the ultimate triple threat! With a diverse range of flora and fauna packed into its 28 sqm, Barron Gorge is part of the UNESCO Heritage Wet Tropics. 

For an easy walk, head to the Barron Falls Lookout Track. The multi-tiered cascading waterfalls are thrilling, particularly after rainfall. The Glacier Rock Lookout is a more challenging 7km trail – be sure to look out for kangaroos, cassowaries, and possums. 

Assuming you hiked yesterday, consider today your ‘reward day'. There's no better place to spoil yourself than in the Atherton Tablelands, where the gastronomy scene rivals any big city or fancy celebrity chef fare. But, if you're up for one more waterfall then be sure to stop at the Josephine waterfalls and crystal-clear water swimming hole.  

Incredible coffee and food on your Cairns to Airlie Beach Drive 

Stop at the Mareeba coffee plantations to get fueled and ready for the day. Check out Jacques for the history, or Coffee Works for ample selections. If you're up for an early start, a hot air balloon ride in Mareeba sets the tone perfectly. 

If you prefer more decadence, say yes cheese at the gourmet Gallo Dairyland cheese factory. Rainforest Hearts is also a yum-fest for tropical bushfood and afternoon tea. There are also wineries dotted around the Tablelands, as well as the Mt Uncle Distillery. Grab some treats to take away for your campervan mini fridge! 

Granite Gorge Nature Park and the Chillagoe Caves 

Adventure-wise, you could spend your day hiking in the Granite Gorge Nature Park where rock wallabies like to hang. Alternatively, head inland to the 400-million-year-old limestone Chillagoe Caves, best experienced on a ranger-led tour.  

Conclude the day with a photo stop at the incredible 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree. It'snearly 50metres tall! 

You can't visit the Atherton Tablelands without seeing a waterfall or seven. The rainforest rewards with well... rain... and falls. Take in the luscious MillaaMillaa Falls; they're picture perfect. 

Do go chasing waterfalls 

If you like your waterfalls like you like your chocolate bars (one is never enough), then continue around the Waterfall Circuit. Visit Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, Pepina Falls, and Mungalli Falls, all found within a 20-kilometre radius. 

Next up, Wooroonooran National Park also found within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This sprawling 800-square-kilometre protected park is home to stunning rivers, hiking paths, mountain bike trails, and, of course, waterfalls. Be on the lookout for the Lumholtz tree kangaroo, it's unique to the area. 

En-route, stop at the Mamu Tropical Sky Walk for a bird's eye view of the area and a ton of information. Within Wooroonooran, you'll also find the iconic Babinda Boulders (Devils' Pools) swimming hole. 

Extra Activities in Wooroonooran National Park 

If you've the time (and fitness), consider a half-day hike up Walsh's Pyramid. This is the highest free-standing natural pyramid in the world! Alternatively, stroll the Johnston River Lookout Walk. 

After exploring Wooroonooran, make your way to camp at Etty Bay to spot the famous wild cassowaries. 

Park up your JUCY wheels in Hervey Bay and take a trip to the UNESCO site of Fraser Island, also known as K'Gari. Fraser Island is a whopping 750,000 years old and is the world's largest sand bar. It offers visitors exquisite, deserted beaches, undulating sand dunes, and abundant flora and fauna.   

Things to do on Fraser Island 

Take an off-roading tour, swim in the Champagne Pools, or seek the wildlife that calls Fraser home. You'll discover swamp wallabies, echidnas, and as many bird species as there are days in a year. The biggest wildlife drawcard here, however, is the pure dingoes that roam the beaches. It's worth noting that these are feral dogs, so keep your distance and don't feed them.  

A short drive gains you access to Australia’s largest national park island, movie-famous thanks to Nim’s Island - Hinchinbrook Island. En-route, stop by the Golden Gumboot statue in Tully, it’s an Aussie icon. On the way to Ayr, make a stop at Alva Beach. 

While you can make a day trip to Hinchinbrook Island, if you’re game for an adventure, why not rent a kayak and get out among the coral-fringed islands, mangroves, and estuaries? 

Hinchinbrook Island offers gorgeous bays, the famous Zoe Falls, and a plethora of wildlife, including dugongs and estuarine crocodiles! The Thorsborne Trail is on Hinchinbrook is one of Australia’s premium hikes. 

Alternate Cairns to Whitsundays road trip route 

If you choose to skip Hinchinbrook Island, travel via the 26-kilometre Cardwell Forest Drive. Amid pine plantations, there are scenic lookouts to afford views across to the islands and Cardwell town. You'll also discover the Cardwell Spa Pool, with its uniquely blue freshwater swimming hole. 

Head 30 minutes south to Ingham to park your JUCY campervan or car up for the night at this midday point on your Cairns to Airlie Beach adventure. 

We've got one last one waterfall to tempt you – and it's a doozy: Wallaman Falls. It's the highest single-drop waterfall in Australia (and 10th highest in the world!). The drive to the falls is spectacular, the 45-minute walk to the base of the falls is spectacular, and the falls themselves are... you guessed it... spectacular! 

From here, it's a 3-hour drive along Bruce Highway to Townsville. This oft-overlooked coastal town gives you a base to reach Magnetic Island. 

Townsville road trip activities 

Attractions in Townsville include the eco-tourism Billabong Sanctuary, the Museum of Tropical Queensland, and the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. 

Sunset atop Castle Hill is highly recommended for 360-degree across. Dining at one of the ocean facing restaurants along the Strand is the perfect conclusion to the day. 

It would be a crime to drive from Cairns to Airlie Beach and skip Magnetic Island. Like not banged-up-abroad crime, but enough that people would facepalm you for years. 

Although eight kilometres off the coast, Magnetic Island is a suburb of Townsville. But it's more like an anti-suburb, thanks to the 23 gorgeous palm-fringed bays, and koalas, wallabies, and other free roaming wildlife, plus the national park bushwalks.  

For water bunnies, the S.S. Yongala wreck is a must-do scuba dive, considered one of the best shipwreck dives in the world. You can also book a kayak tour, rent a jet ski or sail into the sunset. For animal lovers, horse riding across the epic Magnetic Island landscape is the ultimate win.  

Getting to Magnetic Island 

Magnetic Island is accessible with a short 20-minute ferry or barge ride from Townsville. 

Get excited as you’re on the final driving stretch of your Cairns to Whitsundays drive. Woohoo! Whet your Whitsundays appetite at the northernmost point with a pitstop in Bowen. Dingo Beach, a neighbouring stretch of sand north of Bowen, offers a pub backing onto the beach where you can enjoy a great meal and a cold drink. Enjoy a photo at one of the two Big Mangoes, and a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of Horseshoe Bay. 

Exploring Airlie Beach 

Airlie Beach is one of the most well-known resort towns in Queensland. It’s the gateway to the Whitsundays region and Great Barrier Reef but famed also for its vibrant and bustling vibes. Airlie Beach is like the grandmathat spoils you, offering boat cruises, sailing charters, scuba diving, jet-skiing, snorkelling, wildlife, and 101 ways to get a cracking tan. It’s magic! 

The fastest way to get your bearings of the Whitsunday Islands is on a one-hour scenic flight. Soar over the clearest water in the world, incredible reef formations, and the heart reef. It’s a total pinch-me travel experience! If you’d like to up your thrills, consider a skydive! 

Hamilton Island is the largest of the Whitsunday resorts, meaning it's chock-full of activities. 

The glistening turquoise waters of Hamilton Island have every water sport you can think of. Plus,hiking, and quad bike adventures. The primo 18-hole Hamilton Island Golf Club and Yacht Club are also fun. 

There are a ton of bars and restaurants to keep you fuelled up for activities (or competition-level relaxing). Whatever your pace, be sure to explore the rainbow-coral Great Barrier Reef, it's an unbeatable experience! 

Day trip to Hamilton Island by ferry, speed boat, plane, or chopper (yup), or take a tour.

The bright white sand and crystal-clear waters of Whitehaven Beach earn it the moniker of one of the ‘best beaches in the world'. Check it out and tag us #jucyworld if you agree! 

With seven kilometres of pristine silica sand, Whitehaven Beach is considered the jewel of the Whitsundays. To reach this gem, either take a day tour or skipper a boat. 

The not-hot sands (thanks to the silica) of Whitehaven are made for lazing around, or beachcombing, or strolling to the bright waters for a leisurely swim. Be sure to pack your sports shoes as you can also hike through the native bush at either end of the island. Don't miss the Hill Inlet Lookout.  

Ready for an awesome Cairns to Airlie Beach road trip? 

Did we tempt you? If any part of this itinerary has you chatting with your plus one, bestie, or fam about a Cairns to Airlie Beach roadie, then book now to see how renting a car rental or campervan with JUCY Cairns is the perfect complement to the scenery of this epic region of Queensland. You won't regret it! 

What's the distance from Cairns to Airlie Beach? 

The driving distance from Cairns to Airlie Beach is 621km (about 385.87 mi) along Bruce Highway. However, expect your adventures in your Australian campervan hire to add to this as you journey off the beaten path.  

Can I reverse this itinerary for an Airlie Beach to Cairns Road Trip? 

Yes! You can reverse this road trip for an Airlie Beach to Cairns drive - perfect for adding on to a roadie from Brisbane, or if you're taking a different route from Cairns to Airlie Beach. 

Looking for a longer Cairns road trip?  

Add on some stops for a Cairns to Brisbane itinerary, or Uno reverso your roadie with our13 Day Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip. For the ultimate Australian road trip, drive from Melbourne to Cairns (just don't miss the 7 best things to see along the way)