If you’re ready to get back out into the world and are craving wide-open spaces and fun places, no destination delivers like Australia! This series will take you road tripping across Australia. Travelling through these diverse states offers the chance to spread out and enjoy the best of the great outdoors.
We start out at the top of the country! Beautiful one day, perfect the next! The tagline pretty much sums up the sunny state. From Island life to waterfalls, dinosaurs to giant sand dunes, theme parks to the worlds biggest reef what’s not to love about Queensland?
Pro Tip: Check with local resources for up-to-date travel information since policies and restrictions change frequently.
Now, buckle up and get ready to explore!
First stop, the far North of Queensland, a must of course is to explore the reef and why not jump aboard an old authentic wooden pearl lugger to view the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel, swim or dive in the coral wonderland aboard Falla Reef Trip.
A “must do” for every visitor is to head to the tropical rainforest at Mossman Gorge and join in one of the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks, conducted by the local Indigenous people.
The Far north of Queensland is also home too many stunning waterfalls. Why not visit Behana Gorge Waterfall, a 30-minute drive from Cairns, followed by a 45-minute walk to the falls. Along the way, you will see spectacular rainforest, wildlife, waterholes and views.
A stay in Cairns wouldn’t be complete without a meal at Tamarind. Tamarind’s Eastern inspired cuisine, handcrafted from the freshest local produce, delivers exquisite flavours and a degustation menu to die for.
Cairns to Mission Beach (140km)
Leaving Cairns drive through a green landscape before arriving at Mission Beach. Mission Beach has some excellent bike rides through some of natures best. Head to one of Mission Beaches bike hire shops and get riding through stunning rainforest on the Musgravea Trail in Djiru National Park or take the beach track to the boat ramp.
Leaving your bike down by the boat ramp south of Kennedy Esplanade follow an easy boardwalk wrapping along the coastline, weaving its way through lush rainforests and rocky headlands. Eventually you will reach steps leading you to your own private paradise — Lover’s Beach at Lugger Bay.
Mission Beach to Townsville (235km)
Heading down the coast you will arrive at down-to-earth Townsville, which basks in more than 320 days of sunshine a year. From Townsville, you can take a 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, with its beautiful bays, bushland hikes, and wild koalas. On return back to Townsville, finish off the day with a hike up the 290-meter-high Castle Hill, a pink granite monolith, which provides a panoramic lookout across the town.
Townsville to Hughenden (383km)
Its time to head inland and discover some dinosaurs! Home to four national parks, sweeping black soil plains, rich fossil mountainous volcanic basalt country and dinosaur areas. A must is a visit to “Hughie”, the seven-metre-tall Muttaburrasaurus, and an aweinspiring fossil collection at the Flinders Discovery Centre.
Hughenden to Airlie Beach (600km)
It’s a big drive today as you pass through true cowboy country on your way back to the coast. Arriving in the tropical resort town of Airlie Beach, the mainland hub of The Whitsundays, is ready to welcome you! With an accommodation style that will suit whatever holiday or budget you are in search of its recommended you overnight here before venturing out to the Islands of the Whitsundays.
Whitsunday Island
In the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find the island wonders of the Whitsunday Islands. The majority of these majestic islands are uninhabited national park islands, with several islands offering a variety of resort accommodation or back-to-basics camping, all with the Great Barrier Reef and fringing coral reefs at their doorstep. The largest island in the group, Whitsunday Island, is home to world-renowned Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
The Whitsundays has the very best in tropical island resorts; here, you’ll find Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Daydream Island Resort, Long Island, Elysian Retreat and Palm Bay Resort on Long Island.
Whitsunday Island/Airlie Beach to Rockhampton (480km)
After a few days sailing around the Islands its time to head back to Airlie Beach and take the drive south to Rockhampton. Its recommended you time it for a Wednesday or Friday night and head straight to the Rodeo at the Great Western Hotel. It is home to a twice weekly rodeo display where the best cowboys and cowgirls from the district compete in the indoor ring.
Rockhampton is also the home to the Capricorn Caves. Traversing these underground systems just north of Rockhampton you’ll see a blossoming bat population living among its awe-inspiring formations.
Rockhampton to Fraser Island (454km)
Continuing further down the coast today, Fraser Island can be found just off the coast of Hervey Bay and is perfect for a day trip, but you’ll want to stay longer.The hike to Lake McKenzie should be at the top of your to do list! Not only is Fraser Island the world’s largest sand island, it’s also home to an assortment of lakes, beaches, unique wildlife, Aboriginal culture and world heritage listed natural attractions.
While the island is perfectly adapted to 4WD navigation, you don’t have to own one to access the island’s best-kept secrets, Lake McKenzie. The hike to Lake McKenzie takes you through ancient rainforest, towering bush lands and views that stretch for miles. It’s a fairly straightforward two and a half hour journey, upward through the valley by KingFisher Bay Resort and on toward the fresh, blue waters of Lake McKenzie. While the return hike is a full 20km it is worth every step.
Fraser Island to Maroochydore (265km)
After a few beautiful days on Fraser Island, The Sunshine Coast beckons.
Discover the ancient volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains, walk through the lush rainforests, take in the breathtaking scenery — lose yourself in the natural beauty and peacefulness of the area. The Hinterland forms a stunning backdrop to the beaches just a short drive away.
The countryside is an experience in itself and one of the best ways to take in the view is by driving. Pack a picnic with delicious local goodies and discover picturesque waterfalls and scenic lookouts from Flaxton, Mapleton, Maleny and Montville, through to the Glass House Mountains and Kenilworth.
A trip to the Sunny Coast wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Noosa, Noosa is well known for having some of the best longboarding breaks in the World. With such a wide variety of different breaks you are sure to find a wave regardless of how well you surf.
Where ever you decide to surf in Noosa you will be surprised with crystal clear water, a range of marine life and spectacular view and if you pick the right spot hopefully not many crowds.
Maroochydore to Brisbane (105km)
Now that you have perfected the art of riding perfect waves on the sunshine coast its time to hit, its time to visit Queensland’s capital, Brisbane. Down a drink with seafood under the Story Bridge. If eating and drinking is not your thing strap on a harness and walk the Story Bridge with Story Bridge Adventure Climb. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with views as far as the eye can see over the river out to Moreton Bay, down to the Gold Coast and out to the Scenic Rim. Now is the time to explore with river views that rival all others.
Head to the guys at Riverlife to take on one of their adventures down the Brisbane River. Kayak along the Brown Snake, abseil down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs — or if your up for some stunning views of the city take on the twilight kayak tour.
Why not finish off the day at Brisbane’s micro winery which can be found inside a converted warehouse in the trendy Fortitude Valley region, the City Winery Brisbane is a working micro-winery, wine bar and cellar door right in the middle of the city.
Brisbane to Coolangatta
The final leg of your road trip will take you to the bright lights of the Gold Coast. If adrenalin is your thing a must stop is at one the theme parks found along this stretch including Wet n wild, Movieworld, Dreamworld and Sea World. Looking to escape the hustle and bustle head to one of Queenslands hidden beaches, Tallebudgera Creek. It might have the word ‘creek’ in it, but this dreamy cove is all about sun, sand, and piercing-blue gentle waters.
For the more experienced surfer Kirra, Snapper and Burleigh Beach will provide some of the world’s best waves, just 40 minutes south of the Gold Coast. Greenmount is next to kirra. Come on in — the water is so nice!
Food at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary isn’t just for the animals. Every Friday night, the Sanctuary Markets take over, and feature a delicious spread of Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Brazilian, Turkish, Venezuelan, South African and Chilean eats. You can also find a section that sells Asian greens, fresh produce, eggs and Australian Seafood.
And as the goes sun’s down, finish your epic road trip at the Coolangatta Hotel. It is the hub of Coolangatta’s night scene. This huge pub, which is one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, is conveniently located right across from the beach, and comes alive at night with live bands.
