Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days by Campervan

Morning: Pick up in Cairns and settle into your campervan. Take a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade and enjoy the tropical atmosphere before starting your Queensland road trip.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the Cairns Lagoon, local markets, or the Botanic Gardens. If you arrive early enough, consider booking a reef tour for the following day.

Evening: Watch the sunset from the Esplanade and enjoy dinner overlooking Trinity Inlet.

Where to stay: NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, 12-30 Little St, Manunda QLD 4870.

Image: Relax at the Cairns Esplanade

Morning: Head south from Cairns and stop at Josephine Falls. Take a short walk through the rainforest and cool off in the natural pools.

Afternoon: Continue to Mission Beach and enjoy one of Queensland’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Spend some time relaxing on the beach or exploring the nearby walking tracks.

Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront and enjoy a tropical sunset.

Where to stay: Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village, 58-60 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach QLD 4852.

Image: Mission Beach, Queensland

Morning: Depart Mission Beach and enjoy a scenic drive through sugar cane country. Stop along the way for morning tea in one of the small coastal towns.

Afternoon: Arrive in Townsville and visit The Strand, a popular waterfront promenade with beaches, parks and cafés. If you’re feeling energetic, head up Castle Hill for panoramic views over the city.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening by the waterfront and watch the city lights come alive.

Where to stay: BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Rowes Bay, 46 Heatleys Parade, Belgian Gardens QLD 4810.

Image: Settle in your campsite with our GoCheap Derwent

Morning: Leave Townsville and make your way south towards Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays.

Afternoon: Arrive in Airlie Beach and explore the town centre, marina and lagoon. Take some time to organise a Whitsunday Islands tour for the following day.

Evening: Head to the marina or waterfront and watch the boats return from a day on the water. Airlie Beach has a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and cafés to enjoy your evening.

Where to stay: NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park, 234 Shute Harbour Rd, Cannonvale QLD 4802.

Image: Airlie Beach, Heart of the Reef

All day: Today is all about exploring the world-famous Whitsundays. Join a day cruise and discover the stunning islands, secluded bays and crystal-clear waters that make this region one of Australia’s most popular destinations.

Visit Whitehaven Beach, renowned for its pure white silica sand and turquoise waters. Continue to Hill Inlet Lookout where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the swirling sands below.

Return to Airlie Beach and spend the evening reflecting on a memorable day. Enjoy a meal made in the comfort of your motorhome kitchen.

Where to stay: NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park, 234 Shute Harbour Rd, Cannonvale QLD 4802.

Image: Book a cruise to visit the stunning Whitehaven Beach

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning in Airlie Beach before beginning the short drive south. With plenty of time available today, there’s no need to rush.

Afternoon: Arrive at Cape Hillsborough National Park where rainforest-covered hills meet quiet beaches. Explore one of the walking tracks through the national park or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Evening: Take a stroll along the beach as the sun sets over the coastline. Tomorrow morning brings one of the region’s most unique wildlife experiences, so be sure to set your alarm early.

Where to stay: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park, 51 Risley Parade, Cape Hillsborough QLD 4740.

Image: Cape Hillsborough beach, sunrise with kangaroos

Morning: Start your day before sunrise and head down to the beach, where wallabies and kangaroos regularly gather along the shoreline. It’s a unique Queensland experience and a fantastic opportunity for photos before beginning today’s journey south. Leave after breakfast.

Afternoon: Continue through Central Queensland, stopping on the way for lunch. The scenery gradually changes from tropical coastline to wide-open landscapes and coastal bushland as you make your way towards the Discovery Coast.

Evening: Arrive in Agnes Water, Queensland’s northernmost surf beach. Enjoy a walk along the sand or find a quiet spot to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Where to stay: Agnes Water Beach Holidays, Jeffery Ct, Agnes Water QLD 4677

Image: Stay in comfort with our GoCheap Tamar

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed start to the day before leaving Agnes Water. Take a final stroll along the beach or visit the nearby Town of 1770, known for its calm waterways, coastal views and important place in Queensland’s history.

Afternoon: Continue south towards Noosa, one of Queensland’s most iconic beach destinations. Upon arrival, spend some time exploring Hastings Street, where boutique shops, cafés and restaurants sit just steps from the beach. If you prefer a quieter pace, take a walk along the Noosa River and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Evening: Head into Noosa National Park for a late afternoon coastal walk. The scenic track offers stunning ocean views and is one of the best places to spot dolphins, sea turtles and koalas. Finish the day with dinner by the beach and watch the sunset over this popular coastal town.

Where to stay: Noosa River Holiday Park, 4 Russell St, Noosaville QLD 4566.

Image: Noosa National Park

Morning: Start the day with a walk through Noosa National Park or relax on Noosa Main Beach. The calm waters and beautiful surroundings make it easy to spend a few hours soaking up the coastal scenery.

Afternoon: Explore more of the Sunshine Coast region. Visit the charming hinterland towns of Montville or Maleny, browse local galleries and cafés.

Evening: Return to Noosa and enjoy a relaxed evening along the Noosa River or Hastings Street. With plenty of dining options and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy your final full day on the road.

Where to stay: Noosa River Holiday Park, 4 Russell St, Noosaville QLD 4566.

Image: Noosa heads, aerial views

Morning: Enjoy one final morning in Noosa before heading south. Along the way, stop at one of the Glass House Mountains lookouts and take in the views of these unique volcanic peaks rising from the landscape.

Afternoon: Arrive in Brisbane and explore South Bank, one of the city’s most popular precincts. Wander through the parklands, enjoy lunch by the Brisbane River or visit one of the nearby cultural attractions. Drop your motorhome off by 3:30pm at the depot.

Image: Make the most of your campervan road trip with the GoCheap HiTop