Queensland, Australia’s second-largest state, offers an impressive variety of breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for exploring on a road trip. Here you can discover the varied coastline along the Pacific Ocean with the world-famous Great Barrier Reef offshore and ancient rainforests. Or explore the vast expanses of the outback, as well as historic cities and national parks with almost untouched, lush nature.
If you’re looking for a taste of adventure, lots of nature and the freedom to travel and explore at your own pace, a road trip through Queensland is the perfect holiday for you!
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best road trips through Queensland and give you useful tips for an unforgettable journey.
Pacific Coast Way
With a distance of around 1050 miles, the Pacific Coast Way is the perfect road trip for all adventure-seekers who want to discover something new and experience a lot of variety! It starts in Brisbane and from there heads north along the diverse coastline of the Coral Sea up to Cairns, the main city of Queensland’s tropical north. Past tropical islands, rainforests, national parks and dream beaches. Allow at least 14 days for this road trip to see all the highlights!
Brisbane
Start your Pacific Coast Way drive in Brisbane, Queensland’s vibrant capital. Explore the cultural and gastronomic offerings of this diverse city, stroll through the South Bank Parklands and enjoy the view of the Brisbane River. Cross the river over Neville Bonner Bridge and discover Queens Wharf, Brisbane’s brand-new waterfront precinct at William Street, with its impressive range of entertainment, restaurants and bars!
Take a trip to North Stradbroke Island, the second-largest sand island in the world! Here you can relax on the beach or explore the island, including great spots for whale watching. The island is also home to kangaroos – a great way to start your trip!
Sunshine Coast
The next stop on your road trip is the Sunshine Coast, where you can enjoy a mix of beautiful beaches, stunning national parks and charming seaside towns. Explore the Glass House Mountains in the hinterland with its wide range of hiking trails through the marvellous landscape with many great viewpoints. Visit the Noosa Everglades in Great Sandy National Park. Unlike their Florida counterparts, there are no crocodiles here, but you can see an impressive variety of waterbirds! Stroll through Noosa’s chic boutiques and restaurants or bushwalk in Noosa National Park, where you might spot dolphins in the ocean or koalas and cockatoos in the trees.
Fraser Coast
On your way up along the Pacific Coast Way, you have the chance to discover the Fraser Coast. Stop off at K’gari (formally known as Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders. Enjoy endless beaches and tropical rainforests, go hiking and observe wildlife like dingoes and goannas. Also, K’gari is the perfect spot for whale-watching, as the impressive humpback whales stop off here on their migrations.
Bundaberg
Another memorable stop on the Pacific Coast Way is Bundaberg, home to the famous Bundaberg Rum. It is made from sugar cane and the many cane fields dot the landscape. Take a guided tour of the distillery and learn how rum is made. At Mon Repos, a nearby beach, you will have the rare opportunity to see sea turtles laying eggs or hatching between November and March. This beach is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of loggerhead turtles – a unique nature experience!
Southern Great Barrier Reef
Your journey through Queensland continues to the Southern Great Barrier Reef Region, specifically Yeppoon, the gateway to Great Keppel Island. The island is famous for its unspoilt beaches and crystal clear waters – ideal for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing. From the mainland, Capricorn Coast National Park offers fantastic views of the island. And in Rockhampton, about 30 miles inland, there are lots of exciting things to see and do, including the Capricorn Caves – a cave system over 390 million years old.
Mackay
Your next stop along the Pacific Coast Way is in the Mackay region to explore the surrounding national parks. Eungella National Park is known for its tropical rainforests, waterfalls and the chance to see a platypus. And in Cape Hillsborough National Park you can see wallabies (the smaller relatives of kangaroos) in the wild – a real highlight!
The Whitsundays
Head up north to Airlie Beach and take the ferry to the famous island paradise of the Whitsunday Islands. This archipelago of 74 tropical islands is the epitome of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Sail or take a catamaran to the idyllic bays and snorkelling spots and discover the amazing diversity of the Great Barrier Reef. The famous Whitehaven Beach with its sparkling white sand is a must. If your schedule allows, spend a few days here to soak up the natural beauty.
Townsville
The next stop on your road trip is Townsville, where you can explore the vibrant city centre and picturesque seaside promenade, The Strand. From here you can take the ferry to Magnetic Island in just 20 minutes – a must! The island has many walking trails with spectacular views, picturesque bays and the chance to see koalas in their natural habitat – an unforgettable adventure.
Cairns
End your Pacific Coast Way drive in Cairns, the capital of Queensland’s tropical north. Cairns is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of nearby attractions and a good infrastructure for tourists. From here, head to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef – dive into the colourful underwater world and discover an impressive variety of corals and marine life. If you want to explore the tropical rainforest, we recommend a trip on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway or a visit to the Daintree National Park, where you can learn about the Indigenous connection to nature on a tour led by the Kuku Yalanji people (the traditional custodians of the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge region). A perfect ending for your road trip!
The Pacific Coast Way’s diverse route offers an impressive range of nature, adventure and relaxation – ideal for anyone wanting to experience Queensland at its best.
Great Barrier Reef Drive
The Great Barrier Reef Drive is also a wonderful route – not very long at 85 miles (one way), but full of fantastic highlights! Perfect for those who want to get out and about but don’t want to spend too much time in the car. Take a detour to the Great Barrier Reef or explore the Wet Tropics, a tropical rainforest region, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From Cairns, head north along the Coral Sea coast to Cape Tribulation.
The first stop on this picturesque route is Port Douglas, a charming seaside town with a laid-back vibe. Take a stroll along Four Mile Beach or visit lively Macrossan Street with its cosy cafes and boutiques. If you want to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is the perfect base for a snorkelling or diving trip.
Just a short drive further northwest you will reach the Mossman Gorge, a true natural paradise in the south of the Daintree National Park. Explore the dense rainforest on well-developed hiking trails, enjoy the refreshing freshwater bathing spots of the Mossman River or learn more about the cultural significance of this region on a guided tour by the Kuku Yalanji people.
Continue to Cape Tribulation, on the coast in the Daintree Rainforest, which is the oldest rainforest in the world. The place is known for its unspoilt nature and secluded beaches – perfect for hiking or relaxing. Along the way, take a cruise on the Daintree River to see saltwater crocodiles and other wildlife in their natural habitat, or indulge in an indigenous spa treatment at the picturesque Daintree Village.
The Great Barrier Reef Drive offers a wealth of spectacular experiences in a short time and is ideal for exploring the natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland.
Savannah Way
If you fancy a road trip through the Australian outback, Queensland offers the chance to drive part of the famous Savannah Way. The Savannah Way stretches more than 2,170 miles across Australia – from Cairns in Queensland to Katherine in the Northern Territory to Broome in Western Australia.
The Queensland section of the Savannah Way runs from Cairns to Burketown. On your road trip, you will pass these highlights, among others:
In the Atherton Tablelands, you can hike in lush rainforests, discover hidden waterfalls and observe the rich variety of native wildlife. Undara Volcanic National Park surprises you with impressive lava caves that take you back to a bygone volcanic era. Continue via Mount Surprise to Talaroo Hot Springs – enjoy natural hot springs and learn interesting facts about the land from the indigenous people. Cobbold Gorge invites you to explore a narrow gorge whose red-coloured walls are spectacularly reflected in the water. In Karumba, on the Gulf of Carpentaria, you can enjoy fresh seafood and unrivalled sunsets. Boodjamulla National Park impresses with important fossil finds, breathtaking gorges and the chance to paddle through the Lawn Hill Gorge canoe trail. Finally, you reach Burketown, the perfect place to enjoy nature, go fishing and marvel at the magnificent starry sky at night.
Helpful tips for a road trip through Queensland
Here are just a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip:
When is the best time to travel?
The best time to go on a road trip in Queensland depends a little on where you are in the state. In general, Queensland is a year-round destination. In the months between May and October – the Australian winter – average temperatures are a little cooler, but these are also the driest months, making them ideal for a road trip. The Outback is best visited from April/ May to September.
What to take on a road trip?
Depending on which Queensland road trip you are planning, your requirements will vary. Road conditions can vary from very well-maintained roads to loose gravel tracks – especially in the outback. When choosing such a route, make sure your rental car has four-wheel drive. When travelling in the outback, ensure that you have enough water, petrol, tools and a spare tyre. Also, check with your mobile phone provider that your phone will work in the area. And, of course, you must have your valid driving licence with you.
What else should you be aware of?
Familiarise yourself with the Australian traffic rules – be sure to drive on the left side of the road! Plan your trip well in advance and take enough breaks along the way. Watch out for animals on the road, especially at sunrise and sunset. Remember to wear plenty of sunscreen!
Are you ready for your own personal adventure – a road trip through Queensland? What are you waiting for?
