Brisbane to Cairns Campervan Itinerary:

Trip Highlights

• Sunshine Coast beaches and the Noosa National Park coastal track
• K’gari (Fraser Island) day tour from Hervey Bay (permit/tour required)
• Laid‑back surf towns: Agnes Water & Seventeen Seventy
• Whitsunday Islands sailing from Airlie Beach
• Magnetic Island day trip from Townsville
• Waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands & the Daintree Rainforest near Cairns
• Great Barrier Reef snorkelling/intro dives from Cairns or Port Douglas

Route Overview

Direction: Northbound from Brisbane to Cairns via the Bruce Highway (A1), with coastal detours. Expect a mix of short beach hops and a few longer highway stretches.

Approximate segment distances & driving times:

• Brisbane → Noosa: ~140 km / 2 hrs
• Noosa → Hervey Bay: ~190 km / 2.5 hrs
• Hervey Bay → Agnes Water/1770: ~240 km / 3 hrs
• Agnes Water → Yeppoon/Rockhampton: ~220 km / 2.5–3 hrs
• Yeppoon/Rockhampton → Airlie Beach: ~480 km / 5.5–6.5 hrs
• Airlie Beach → Townsville: ~275 km / 3–3.5 hrs
• Townsville → Cairns: ~350 km / 4–4.5 hrs

10‑Day Brisbane to Cairns Campervan Itinerary

Day 1: Brisbane → Noosa (Sunshine Coast)

Ease into the trip with a short drive to Noosa. Walk the coastal track for dolphin/turtle spotting, swim at Main Beach, and catch sunset at Laguna Lookout. Overnight at a holiday park near the river or national park.

Day 2: Noosa → Hervey Bay (Gateway to K’gari)

Roll north to Hervey Bay. Book a K’gari (Fraser Island) day tour for tomorrow (4WD permit/tours required; standard campervans are not suitable for sand driving). In winter, Hervey Bay is whale‑watching central.

Day 3: K’gari Day Tour or Hervey Bay Beaches

Join a full‑day K’gari tour (Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, 75‑Mile Beach) or chill on the Esplanade bike path. Restock supplies. Overnight Hervey Bay.

Day 4: Hervey Bay → Agnes Water & Seventeen Seventy

Laid‑back surf, quiet coves and coastal lookouts. Book a sunset at 1770 and explore paperbark forest boardwalks. Great spot for budget‑friendly camps and beachfront holiday parks.

Day 5: Agnes Water → Yeppoon (via Rockhampton)

Break the highway stint with a coastal night in Yeppoon. Wander the foreshore lagoon; islands offshore tempt future trips. If you need a city reset, Rockhampton has big supermarkets and services.

Day 6: Yeppoon → Airlie Beach (Whitsundays)

Longer drive today. Airlie is the Whitsundays hub with boardwalks, marina vibes and tour desks. Book a full‑day sailing/snorkel for Day 7. Popular area—prebook your site in peak season.

Day 7: Whitsundays Day Trip

Sail to white‑silica beaches and lagoon‑blue water. Snorkel vibrant coral and relax on deck. Back at Airlie for live music and casual eats.

Day 8: Airlie Beach → Townsville (Magnetic Island)

Drive to Townsville and ferry to Magnetic Island for koala walks and bays. If you’d rather stay on the mainland, check The Strand and Castle Hill at sunset.

Day 9: Townsville → Cairns (via waterfall stops)

North to Cairns with optional detours to rainforest lookouts. Settle into a central holiday park. Stroll the Esplanade and night markets.

Day 10: Cairns & Surrounds (Reef or Tablelands)

Choose a Great Barrier Reef snorkel/intro dive tour or loop the Atherton Tablelands for waterfalls, crater lakes and farm‑gate treats. Add extra days for Port Douglas and the Daintree if time allows.

7‑Day Express Option

• Day 1: Brisbane → Noosa
• Day 2: Noosa → Hervey Bay (optional K’gari tour)
• Day 3: Hervey Bay → Agnes Water/1770
• Day 4: Agnes Water → Airlie Beach (long drive)
• Day 5: Whitsundays day trip
• Day 6: Airlie Beach → Townsville (Magnetic Island option)
• Day 7: Townsville → Cairns (reef or city day)

Tip: With fewer days, skip some beach time and focus on one hero experience (Whitsundays or Reef) to keep the trip relaxed.

Camping, Parks & Facilities

• Holiday parks: Common in every coastal town; great for powered sites, hot showers, laundries and pools.
• National park campgrounds: Book ahead (especially school holidays). Check facilities—some are basic and may require self‑sufficiency.
• Booking systems: Queensland Parks bookings are online; many private parks accept same‑day arrivals outside peak periods.
• Powered vs unpowered: If your campervan has limited batteries, choose powered sites on longer stays to keep fridges and devices happy.

When to Go & Safety Notes

• Best weather: April–October is ideal for North Queensland (drier, cooler). Summer brings heat, rain and potential cyclones up north.
• Stinger season: In tropical waters (roughly Nov–May), wear stinger suits when swimming; always follow local signage.
• K’gari access: Soft‑sand 4WD conditions; standard 2WD campervans are not suitable. Consider a guided tour.
• Wildlife: Avoid dusk/dawn driving to reduce animal strikes; keep speeds sensible on rural roads.
• Insurance & exclusions: Some roads, beaches and water crossings are excluded—check your rental terms before detours.

What to Pack for a Queensland Road Trip

• Light, breathable clothing, a warm layer for winter nights
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, reef‑safe sunscreen
• Insect repellent, compact first‑aid kit, any personal meds
• Reusable water bottles, soft‑sided cooler or extra ice bricks
• Microfibre towels, quick‑dry gear, thongs/water shoes
• Head torch, power bank, spare charging cables
• Swim gear + stinger suits when required in the tropics

Quick FAQs

How many days do I need from Brisbane to Cairns?

10–14 days keeps driving reasonable and leaves time for islands, reefs and hikes. A 7‑day express is possible with fewer stops.

Is the drive suitable for first‑time campervan travellers?

Yes. The Bruce Highway is straightforward. Plan fuel stops and avoid late‑night driving.

Can I swim year‑round?

Yes, but in the tropical north follow stinger season precautions and local signage. Beaches further south are generally fine year‑round with normal surf safety.

Do I need to prebook campsites?

Highly recommended in school holidays or for popular destinations (Airlie Beach, Noosa). National parks often require bookings in advance.

Plan & Book Your Campervan

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