Well leave Brisbane nice and early and make our way to Goondiwindi, a small historic border town 350km away from Brisbane (4 hours drive). This outback road trip is an official touring route that journeys from the beach through dramatic rugged landscapes. If we want more privacy, well head to Conway National Park that features secluded beaches, lowland tropical rainforest, mangroves and open forest. Birdsville is home to only 100 residents and has the most remote pub in Australia, the Birdsville Hotel. Well arrive at Mission Beach in the afternoon, strap our hiking boots and trek along the Kennedy Walking Track to land in Dunk Island, where well enjoy a well-deserved drink (with a view). If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker. In Hughenden, well go check out the Muttaburrasaurus, a seven meters replica of the first intact dinosaur found in Australia. It's much larger but also much more popular. Stop in Charters Towers, an historic town with colonial buildings, a miner's cottage and views of the countryside from Towers Hill Lookout. Hop onto the ferry bound for Magnetic Island for its palm-fringed beaches and coastal hikes. Pacific Coast Way 2. View a full one-day itinerary for the Great Barrier Reef Drive road trip. Here, well grab lunch in Coffee On Dowling. But we just call itbloody beautiful. Roadside Emergency Kit: Just like you never know what could happen to yourself, one never knows what can happen to their car. The Matilda Way zips up the middle of the state, but take your time and you'll experience the heart of the outback. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. 10 Queensland road trips 1- Overlander's Way Townsville to Tennant Creek Distance: 1550 km Highlights: Historic drovers route, cattle trucks, Townsville, Julia Creek. Also, theres a Heritage Trail where one can learn about the towns opal mining, pastoral, and wool production history. Head further south to Girraween National Park, where hiking pursuits and rock climbing adventure await. Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. When well get there in the afternoon, we can either chill out at the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a free, self-chlorinated lagoon with 3 different pools or swim in the ocean at Boathaven Beach. Its romantic landscapes and dramatic sunsets attract visitors each year. The good news is that there aren't any man-eating dinosaurs in your midst; the bad news is there is no Chris Pratt either. Remember Burke and Wills? It will take just 20 minutes from the mainland. Answer 11 of 11: Hoping for tips on best stops and things to do! If wed rather step back in more recent time, well take a stroll along the Heritage Walk from where well spot some of Richmonds historic buildings, including the Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre. In just a few days, well be presented with very different faces of Queensland state. Stretching from the New South Wales border all the way up to Cooktown in the Tropical North, the Great Inland Way is one of the most iconic drives in Queensland. Upon our return in Townsville, well explore dinner options along Townsvilles bustling City Lane. Best Time to Road Trip from Brisbane to Cairns. Well then stop in Babinda, home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in Australia. The Great Tropical Drive is an amazing experience and takes around 12 days and travels over 2079 kilometres starting from Cairns or Townsville. Make your way into Lamington National Park and pick from any number of viewpoints, including Luke's Bluff, Pat's Bluff, Moonlight Crag, Morans Falls and Elabana Falls. We'd like to spend 4-5 days in Cairns and then 1-2 nights at each stop on the way down and then. Who would have thought? Head west for a relaxing wander through Flaxton Gardens and relish in the local vineyards' tipples (while drinking responsibly). View a full one-day itinerary for the Brisbane to Byron Bay trip. Overlander's Way 10. Rest your noggin at Lake Barrine Teahouse. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan. The insurance you will be offered at the rental desk is called the Excess Waiver, the Reduction Liability Waiver or even sometimes No Worries Mate. A decent head torch could save your life. And if were feeling royal, Camden Park Station is just a ten-minute drive out of town. You'll get a taste of civilisation in Willare, where you can also fuel up. Matilda Way 9. After this legendary trip, were officially friends for life. This touristic route takes in that entire stretch of land where the forest of the Daintree meets the sea of the Great Barrier Reef. Day 4: Tambo to Longreach (3 hours 20 minutes). If on the other hand, you got as excited as I am as I write this, stay with me, my friend. Drive past the silhouette of Walshs Pyramind rising above the historic sugar-milling town of Gordonvale. We must stop by the Outback at Isa, where well find a Visitor Information Centre with the experience to book for the Hard Times Mine Tour, an Outback Park, the Isa Experience, the Riversleigh Fossil Centre and a cafe (the last one definitely is the best part). There are six road trip essentials I never go traveling without: 1. Their expedition took over a year and well, they all died from hunger as they ran out of food provisions. Warrego Way 5. We made it to Townsville! Before we leave Mount Isa, well visit the underground hospital built during the second world war. Weatherproof, eco-friendly, durable, feature-loaded, and comfy as fudge brownies: these are just some of the words people might use to describe the Tropicfeel Shell. Charters Tower is arguably one of the prettiest inland towns in Queensland. Of course, we could also stay one night on the island if we want to take it slow. Because its USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries. There, well visit the grandiose Spanish Castle, and marvel at the Mena Creek Falls. Lets not miss the Camooweal Caves National Park, that features caves and sinkholes from 500 million years ago. Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Like something out of the Jurassic Park series, The Lost World trail is a giant step back in time. Day 5: 1170 Camping Ground to Airlie Beach (8 hours). and leave at 5:14 pm. PHEW. I hear you ask. The law is the law. Relax. Queensland is made for road trips. With such a short day ahead, feel free to start this day with a side trip to Magnetic Island swimming. Make the most of the great outdoors by comparing your options and the latest deals for campervan hire in Hobart. If you want to experience the ocean at its finest, consider chartering a yacht along the Gold Coast for a day and get out there and explore the reefs. Oops. Back in 1880, a robber called Joseph Wells tried to rob the Queensland National Bank. Thats way older than Minmi, our Richmond Pliosaur mate. Back on the road, and onward to Mission Beach, a beautiful small coastal town thats worth a detour. Any suggestions which places to visit and stay in my inland journey from Brisbane to cairns ? Plan Your Queensland Road Trip Brisbane to Townsville Distance: 1,335km (one way) How: Car or Van Where: Brisbane to Townsville Date: All year round What to Expect On a drive to Townsville from Brisbane, you'll discover sublime beaches, big cities, natural wonders, and seaside havens. Day 2: Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay (2 hours 15 minutes). Keep on north to Port Douglas for lunch with a view. 3.6 Cape Hillsborough National Park. And by thongs, Im not referring to knickers, but to flip flops (Aussie lingo). Day 5: Lochern National Parks (1 hour 40 minutes). Get excited our awesome Brisbane to Cairns road trip is starting! Finish your drive onto Broome, staying the night in. No idea what the inland route is like, but from Townsville you could head inland to Charters Towers which has a bit to see, then north to Ravenshoe and then through the Atherton Tablelands. The Old Telegraph Track is legendary. Along the way are encounters with Indigenous culture, native wildlife, dinosaur relics, old mining towns and rural farm life. You are about to post a question on finder.com.au: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Level 10, 99 York St, Day 3: Charters Towers to Hughenden (2 hours 30 minutes). Before leaving, though, we will stop in Paluma Rainforest. We can also rent a kayak and Salty Dog Sea Kayaking. If you are planning a driving holiday on Queensland roadsor to drive a long distance in Queensland to your holiday destinationyou should plan your journey, including your route and stops, in advance. Were only starting this journey. Well, were going to have to sort that out! Image credit: @alix.carp. For a longer trip out from Cairns, chase those waterfalls on the waterfall circuit. It may be heaps random, but well take it because we actually may need it. Further down the road is Harry's Water Hole. There was always room for negotiation and flexibility, and I just needed to apologize with a cute startled face to get away with petty infringements (were talking not buying a bus ticket, nothing more). Here's one for the bushwalkers and the escapists. 2.3 Brisbane to Airlie Beach Road Trip Map. 3.2 Rainbow Beach. Your email address will not be published. Good stops on the way include the Wondul Range National Park, Timmallallie National Park, the Old Dubbo Gaol, Parkes Observatory and the Tallarook Ranges. However, not that they may ask you to place another deposit if you dont take their policy. And if wed rather enjoy the present moment instead, well hang by Lake Fred Tritton, where well get the chance to canoe, water ski, sail and swim. Day 2: Nindigully to Cunnamulla (3 hours 40 minutes), This stretch is a straight line through the outback. Inland adventure with snorkelling & waterfalls. Well need to rent a 4WD. 4:14 pm Byron Bay. Rental companys sales agents in Australia can be very pushy, as theyre paid on commission. Note that it will cost us at least AUD300 for one night. Yule Point is worth your time as it sits just moments from that famous reef. If you want total protection, go with an independent rental insurance company. Well start the day nice and early and make our way to Airlie Beach, a small tropical town and the gateway to both the 74 wonderful Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Surely not its residents. We made it, friends, and what a journey! Well leave early-ish to make the most of our day and head north from Brisbane on the Bruce Highway. Back on the road, Halls Creek is your next big town and an ideal resting point. Well stop at the Lake Eyre Basin that covers a sixth of Australias landmass (or 1.2 million square km) and take in all its splendour. SELF CARE TIME. Castle Hill walk and Lookout sits right in the centre of its CBD and boasts incredible views over Townsville and its surrounding Cleveland Bay. Well adventure across sand dunes and vast plains. Follow your nose as you hop from vineyard to vineyard, or follow your tastebuds towards artisan jams and preserves made with love. Back on the windy road, the Gillies Highway Forest Reserve has more than its fair share of twists and turns. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. The Brisbane to Melbourne drive on the Newell Highway inland route is 1,680km in distance, with a driving time of around 18h23m. With that in mind, heres a summary of the unusual Queensland road rules that are leading to multiple fines each year: On the bright side, it is not illegal to drive in thongs in Queensland! You will meet heaps of backpackers on the Australian East Coast. There are a lot of flashy backpacks on the market but not many come with adetachable wardrobe. If you are unsure you should get independent advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan. Sunshine Coast Hinterland 3. View a full one-day itinerary for the Gillies Highway road trip. For more awesome hostel options in Airlie Beach, check our Best Hostels in Airlie Beach guide! Queensland is a large state with many different landscapes, including rainforests, beaches and outback. Whats also worth noting is that you may be charged additional fees on top of your rental daily rate, such as: Dont have a car? Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!. Now that weve covered four epic road trips in Queensland, I hope that youre already packing your bags . The deposit may be held or debited from your credit card and could be up to the amount of the vehicles excess ($4k $10k). Drive back to Cairns via State Route 52. His attempt failed, so he ran off and scampered up in this tree, where he stayed until found. Journey Details 1863 KM Total 144 Hours Total He was the last person to be hung for this type of crimes in Queensland. Plus, anyone looking to jump on a trend can hightail it over for the budding food scene. It's windy. This is where our road trip ends (well, we kinda have to go all the way back to Brisbie afterwards). Well find a nice camping spot and will spend the night there. View a full one-day itinerary for the Old Telegraph Track road trip. Journey planningmaps. Well stop in the typical Queensland rural town of St George for a coffee in Farmhouse Cafe. Australians dont joke around with rules. Enjoying a panoramic view of the skyline of Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the things to do on a Boston to New York road trip. Yay, me too! Then, well get back on the road. stay for about 1 hour. A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. If travelling between June and October, keep your eyes open for whales migrating or hedge your bets and join a, Outside of whale watching season, you can see the city by water on a. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. This Queensland road trip isnt the most popular one, but its probably where well have the most incredible outback experiences in Australia. Cruise Whitsundays is an eco-certified tour operator in Airlie Beach offering day trips on Hardy Reef in the Great Barrier Reef. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Required fields are marked *. Take that well-deserved rest at Mary Pool (one hour from Halls Creek) before finishing the final two-hour stretch to Fitzroy Crossing. 3.5 Agnes Water. Catch the latest deals for cheap campervan hire in Australia. This drive is dusty. Although we cover a wide range of products, providers and services we don't cover every product, provider or service available in the market so there may be other options available to you. Spending a day in Lochern National Parks is super worth it. Despite its twists and turns, this is a pretty straightforward trip. Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy. Choose one of the handful of short trails to walk through Mirima National Park. Jump in the car and onto the M3 towards Warwick, where you can wander under palm trees while grabbing a roadside snack. Finder acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. Alex is an Earth enthusiast that relishes the opportunity to get out and see the world. A road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is best undertaken during the dry season. We will take a ferry to Magnetic Island, just 8km offshore of Townsville. To start with, we can cruise the Thompson River abroad a paddle. Oh, and if were lucky, we may come across black-headed python across the road. This dips down into the Atherton Tablelands and its scattering of waterfalls, lakes and all-round tropical landscape. Cool, calm and utterly indulgent, Stanthorpe has all the makings of a romantic weekend getaway particularly if you're a foodie. Continue to Stanthorpe with a hungry belly, ready to sample the region's fruit and wine. Cunnamulla is a town of 1200 residents, with a library, a pool, museums and more. The loop is easily completed over a full day as long as you don't distract yourself with a long hike along the way. The town is very popular for its song Cunnamulla Fella by Slim Dusty who was honoured in the town with a bronze statue of him in the main street. 7 hours 43 minutes. If we want to stay on the island, The Beachcamp Eco Retreatis a good spot. Well start off in Brisbane and will make our way to Nindigully, or The Gully for the locals. Highlights on the track are Emmagen Creek, Cowie Beach and Bloomfield River. Family of 4, 2 adults and 2 teens we're flying into Cairns and driving to Brisbane over 16 days. The Canecutter way ends at Kurrimine Beach. There will be a lot of camping sites on this road trip, so well make sure that we pack a tent or drive a campervan/motorhome. UP YOUR PACKING GAME! Although southern areas in Queensland, such as Brisbane and Noosa, can be visited year round, Far North Queensland is extremely tropical and experiences massive rainfall and even dangerous cyclones during the wet season. The beginning of the Bloomfield Track is right after Cape Tribulation. The $14.5billion Inland Rail project, designed to establish a rail link between Melbourne and Brisbane, is under construction through regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. 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