Brisbane to Cairns is Queensland’s classic road trip: about 1,700 km up the Bruce Highway, from the Sunshine Coast to the tropical north, with the Great Barrier Reef offshore for most of the way.
Ten days gives you time for K’gari tours, the Whitsunday Islands and rainforest, with no more than three or four hours’ driving on most days.
At a glance
1When to Go
The dry season, from about May to October, has warm days, low humidity and the calmest seas for reef trips. From November to April, the wet season brings heavy rain, storms and the risk of floods that can close sections of the Bruce Highway, as well as dangerous stingers in the sea north of about Rockhampton.
In the wet season, check Queensland road conditions (QLDTraffic) every morning and never drive through flooded roads. Rental cover does not include water damage.
2Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Brisbane to Noosa and Hervey Bay
Drive the Sunshine Coast to Noosa for its national park and Main Beach, then continue to Hervey Bay, the gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island). Take a 4WD tour to the island: rental cars are not permitted on its sand tracks.
- Noosa National Park coastal walk
- K’gari day tour
- Whale watching, July to October
Days 3–4: Agnes Water and the Town of 1770
Turn off the highway to Agnes Water, Queensland’s most northerly surf beach, and the Town of 1770 where Captain Cook landed. Lady Musgrave Island reef trips leave from here.
- Lady Musgrave Island
- Sunset at 1770
- Paperbark Forest walk
Day 5: Rockhampton to Mackay
The longest driving day. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn at Rockhampton, then continue to Mackay. Detour inland to Eungella National Park to look for platypus at dawn.
- Tropic of Capricorn marker
- Eungella platypus viewing
- Cape Hillsborough beach wallabies at sunrise
Days 6–7: Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
Spend two nights in Airlie Beach and take a boat to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, or a scenic flight over Heart Reef.
- Whitehaven Beach
- Hill Inlet lookout
- Airlie lagoon
Days 8–9: Townsville and Mission Beach
Visit Townsville’s Strand and Magnetic Island, then drive to Mission Beach, where cassowaries roam the rainforest.
- Magnetic Island koalas
- Wallaman Falls detour
- Cassowaries at Mission Beach
Day 10: Mission Beach to Cairns
Finish in Cairns and return the car at the airport or in the city. Book a reef trip or the Kuranda Scenic Railway for your last day.
- Josephine Falls
- Cairns Esplanade
- Reef trip from Cairns
3Distances on the Bruce Highway
| Leg | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane to Hervey Bay (via Noosa) | About 290 km | 3.5 h |
| Hervey Bay to Agnes Water | About 230 km | 3 h |
| Agnes Water to Mackay (via Rockhampton) | About 570 km | 6.5 h over two days |
| Mackay to Airlie Beach | About 150 km | 2 h |
| Airlie Beach to Townsville | About 270 km | 3 h |
| Townsville to Mission Beach | About 240 km | 3 h |
| Mission Beach to Cairns | About 140 km | 2 h |
4Safety on Long Queensland Drives
- Share the driving and stop every two hours; Driver Reviver stops often offer free coffee in holiday periods.
- Be patient with road trains and caravans; overtake only where you can see well ahead.
- Fill up before long stretches between Rockhampton and Mackay.
- Carry water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Swim only at patrolled beaches and in stinger nets in the warmer months.
5Car and Rental Tips
A compact SUV or SUV handles the long highway days comfortably and has room for snorkelling gear. The route is sealed, so a 4WD is only needed if you plan permitted unsealed detours.
- One-way fees from Brisbane to Cairns vary widely; compare suppliers and directions.
- Fill up in large towns; distances between services grow north of Rockhampton.
- Watch for cane trains crossing roads in sugar-growing areas.
- Avoid driving at dusk in rural areas because of wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Brisbane to Cairns?
About 19 to 20 hours of driving for roughly 1,700 km. Plan at least 7 days, and ideally 10 to 14.
Is the Bruce Highway safe?
It is sealed and busy, with long two-lane sections. Take breaks every two hours, avoid driving at dusk, and check for flooding in the wet season.
Can I take a rental car to K’gari (Fraser Island)?
Generally no. Standard rentals are not allowed on the island’s sand tracks. Take a tour or hire a specialist 4WD.
What is the best time for a Brisbane to Cairns road trip?
May to October, the dry season.
Summarize this blog with AI
Short on time? Open an AI assistant with this guide ready to summarize.
Australia Rent Car compares car hire from the top suppliers across Australia, with one-way trips, airport pick-ups and total prices side by side.
