Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary – An Epic Queensland Adventure

A Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip is the perfect way to experience the best of Queensland.  You’ll pass through diverse landscapes as you drive up the coast, with sun-kissed golden beaches, lush rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife and happening coastal towns.  

If you’re looking for the best places to see and things to do on your East Coast Australia Road Trip, this comprehensive guide is for you!  We’ll cover the main sights and some hidden gems, and we will let you know the best places to stay (especially free camping!) 

We lived in Queensland (both Brisbane and Cairns) for over 20 years, and we have done the road trip from Brisbane to Cairns (and back) many times.  We’ve done quick 2-day drives, and several weeks long relaxed journeys.  

We’ve done the journey in both directions.  This guide is written heading north from Brisbane to Cairns and designed as part of a Big Lap of Australia itinerary.  If you’re driving from Cairns to Brisbane, simply read the itinerary in reverse!

If you’re planning to drive from Brisbane to Cairns, grab our
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Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Map
Click to open this Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Map in Google Maps

Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary

This itinerary assumes you’ve spent a couple of days in Brisbane, checking out the sites of Queensland’s capital city.  So pack up your campervan, or hitch up the caravan and head north!

The drive from Brisbane to Cairns is 1,700km (just over 1,000 miles) and would take around 19 hours straight driving.  However, you’re going to want to take your time on this drive, detouring off the main highway (called the Bruce Highway) to visit some of the highlights and hidden gems.

If you’ve flown in to Brisbane, you can hire a car either in the city or at the airport.  We recommend Discover Cars as a great site to check availability and the best prices across a range of car rental companies.  If you want the ultimate freedom, why not hire a campervan or motorhome?

Ellis Beach, Tropical North Queensland

Brisbane to Maleny

After passing through the northern suburbs of Brisbane, you’ll join the Bruce Highway heading towards the Sunshine Coast.  As you leave the urban sprawl behind and head into the pine forests, take the exit along the Steve Irwin Way towards the Glasshouse Mountains.

Glasshouse Mountains:

The Glasshouse Mountains are ancient volcanic plugs, dating back over 20 million years.  They are sacred to the indigenous Gubbi Gubbi people, who have many stories based here.  You can read the creation story of Tibrogargan (the father) and Beerwah (the mother) here.

There’s some great hiking here including the ever popular Mt Ngungun (pronounced Noo-Noo) which is a moderate hike that can be done by most people, and is family friendly.  

Glasshouse Mountains hiking

Australia Zoo:

You can’t miss Australia Zoo, the home of the iconic Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin!  Even almost 20 years after his death, he still looms large here and if you want to see some of the Aussie wildlife up close (but safely!) this is the place to do it.

Maleny

After visiting Australia Zoo, turn off at Landsborough and head up the range to Maleny. This beautiful village provides a contrast to the more built up coastal towns on the Sunshine Coast.  The pace might be slower, but you’ll find plenty to see and do here, from delicious cafes, to quirky boutiques, and incredible views over the Glasshouse Mountains. 

Arguably the best view is from “One Tree Hill” but this road gets very busy and it’s not easy to park here.  Don’t miss Mary Cairncross Park for more great views, and the rainforest walk through here is really beautiful.

Where to stay around Maleny and the Glasshouse Mountains

OK, so Sue’s dad lives in Maleny so we usually camp on his driveway! However, we have visited the campsite at the Maleny Showgrounds to fill up with water and use the dump point – it looks comfortable.

TIP: Download the WikiCamps app for all the up to date information on free camps, paid camps and caravan parks throughout Australia.

woman standing outside Maleny Lane Garden Cafe

Maleny to Noosa

Leaving Maleny enjoy the drive along the top of the ridge passing through Montville and Mapleton before heading back down the steep road to Nambour.  Stop off for a photo opportunity at the Big Pineapple.  

Cross the Bruce Highway and head down the coast to bustling Mooloolaba, one of the most popular spots on the sunshine coast.  There are some great restaurants or fish and chip shops along the Spit.

Noosa

Continue up the Sunshine Motorway to Noosa (pronounced Noosaaaaaaah).  Or, if you have plenty of time, and the traffic isn’t too bad, take the David Low Way, which runs parallel to the Sunshine Motorway, but is closer to the coast.

The main strip in Noosa is Hastings Street, lined with fancy boutiques and restaurants.  Hastings Street is a bit of a nightmare to drive down, but at the end, you’ll find great parking for the beach and the Noosa Heads (where the river enters the ocean).

At the other end of Hastings Street you’ll find parking for the National Park.  There is a beautiful coastal walk here, which takes you down to several lookouts over the ocean where you can watch surfers at play.  Nigel saw his first koala here (he’s a kiwi).  

This is also where you’ll find the “secret” fairy pools.  I mean, they can’t be that secret if they’re on Google Maps, right?  The best time to visit the Noosa Fairy Pools is at low tide, or an hour or so either side.  At high tide they are completely covered over.

If you’re around on a Wednesday or Saturday, don’t miss the Eumundi Markets.  This is one of the best markets we’ve ever been to.  You’ll find fresh produce, local arts and crafts, great street food and the vibe there is very cool.

Where to stay in Noosa

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in Noosa – from five star resorts with an ocean view to backpacker hostels and caravan parks. 

We usually visit Noosa on a day trip, but I have stayed at the Eumundi Sportsground which was a very reasonable $10 per person for an unpowered site.  We’ve also stayed at the RV Stopover in Cooroy, which was $15 per person per night, and has water and a dump point.

Two women floating in the Noosa Fairy Pools

Noosa to Rainbow Beach

Return to the Bruce Highway and drive north to Gympie where you will turn off to Rainbow Beach.  This small coastal town is a great place to chill for a couple of days and if you have a 4×4 you’re in for a treat!

When the tides and conditions are right, you can drive along the beach to Double Island Point (low tide only) a beautiful beach with a family friendly lagoon.  On the way, you will pass the coloured sands, different coloured cliffs that this area is renowned for.

NOTE: A valid Vehicle Access Permit is required for driving along the beach or through the Cooloola Recreational Area.

Make sure you head out to the Carlo Sandblow, ideally for sunset.  This huge sand dune offers visitors fantastic views down the coast to Double Island Point, and also out to the west across the hinterland.  You might be lucky enough to see paragliders in action here.

Where to stay in Rainbow Beach

There are plenty of places for camping in Rainbow Beach, from the caravan parks in town, to the National Park campsites at Inskip Point.  Be aware of the mosquitoes at Inskip!

4x4 parked up at Double Island Point

K’gari – Fraser Island

K’gari (Fraser Island) is the world’s largest sand island.  It is only accessible with a 4×4 and is one of the best places to visit on your Queensland road trip.  The barge leaves from the end of Inskip Point.

If you don’t have your own 4×4, you can take a day trip from Rainbow Beach.

Once on the island, don’t miss Lake MacKenzie in the interior, the Champagne Pools in the north, the Maheno shipwreck and floating down Eli Creek.  Driving along the sandy tracks throughout the island and along the beaches is such a thrill.

You’re bound to see K’gari’s most famous (and often maligned) residents, the dingos on your visit.  Please don’t approach or feed the dingos – this causes them to become reliant on humans.  If you encounter a dingo, walk away, don’t run.  Keep small children close by.If you’re interested in camping on Fraser Island, you’ll need to book online before you go. 

There are several campsites within dingo proof fences.  We spent a week on Fraser Island when the boys were around 12 and 14 and stayed outside the fence.  The boys were old enough to know not to run around and make a lot of noise which can upset the dingos.

Rainbow Beach to Hervey Bay

Leaving Rainbow Beach you can turn off at Wallu and take the Maryborough-Cooloola Road, or head back to the Bruce.  If you do go back to the Bruce, make sure you stop off in Tiaro, which has a couple of very quirky shops and cafes.

It would be fair to call Hervey Bay Australia’s whale watching capital.  From July to November the bay is home to humback whales, as they migrate to warmer waters from Antarctica.  

Take a whale-watching cruise to see the mothers and their young, who playfully show off and often come quite close to the boats.

After your day out on the water, take a stroll on Urangan Pier, an historic pier which stretches almost a kilometre out into the bay.  The pier is a great place for fishing, and to watch the sunset.

Where to stay in Hervey Bay (or NEAR Hervey Bay!)

We haven’t stayed in Hervey Bay itself, but we have stayed just up the road in Burrum Heads at the Serenity Caravan Park.  Burrum Heads is a lovely little town, with a great waterfront to walk along.

We’ve also stayed many times at Woodgate (a great place for kite-surfing), our favourite spot there is in the campsite behind the pub.

4x4 Campervan on the beach

Hervey Bay to Bundaberg

Along with the aforementioned Burrum Heads and Woodgate, Elliot Heads is another great beachside town with a caravan park right on the beach.  The large lagoon makes this a popular spot with young families too.

Bundaberg

Although it’s only small, Bundaberg is the first city you’ll encounter after the Sunshine Coast.  Bundaberg is probably most famous for it’s Rum Distillery “Bundy Rum” is iconic throughout Australia.  You can take a tour of the distillery and sample some of the products.

If Rum isn’t your thing, there is also the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks facility where Ginger Beer and other soft drinks are produced. You can tour through here and try all 13 of their flavours!

Just outside Bundaberg you’ll find the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.  Between November and March you can watch the turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean.  This is the largest population of loggerhead turtles on the east coast of Australia.

Bundaberg is also launching point for cruises to the southern Great Barrier Reef, you can visit Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island from here.

Bundaberg to Agnes Water/1770

A lot of people (and suggested itineraries) skip over Agnes Water/1770 and we think this is a crime!  “Agnes” was one of our favourite places on our entire Big Lap of Australia.  Yes, it’s a bit of a detour off the highway, but just go there.  You’ll thank us later!

Agnes boasts the last real surf as you travel up the coast (the presence of the Great Barrier Reef means there are no waves) so if you’re a surfer, head out!  There is some great hiking here, the Red Rock Trail along the beach was one of our favourites.  

If you’d prefer something shorter don’t miss the Paperbark Forest walk.  This charming walk through a paperbark forest, partly on stepping blocks, is only 400m long, but its just beautiful. We stopped there enjoying the peace and watching butterflies.

Head up to the lookout at Bustard Bay – this is a great place for sunset.  Our favourite sunset though was from Endeavour Park, just near the 1770 camping ground.  This spot faces west and its one of the few places on the east coast where you can watch the sun set over the ocean.

Where to stay in Agnes Water/ 1770

We stayed at a Free Camp at Workmans Beach which has sadly now been closed. We have also stayed at the 1770 Eco Camp which was really cool, but a bit further out of town.

If you have a 4xx4 head out to Eurimbula National Park – this was a beautiful spot to camp for a couple of days.

couple walking in the paperbark forest, agnes water

Agnes Water to Yeppoon

On the way to Yeppoon you’ll pass through Rockhampton, we spent the night at the Kershaw Gardens free camp.  We found Rocky to be just a big city, good to stock up on some essentials, but that’s about it.

Just south of Rockhampton you will cross the Tropic of Capricorn.  Stop off at the Explore Rockhampton Information Centre to see the Tropic of Capricorn Spire.  This spire is around 4km north of the actual Tropic of Capricorn.  There is a marker (and good photo opportunity) on Ranger Street, Gracemere which is on the real Tropic line.

Yeppoon is about 40 minutes drive from Rockhampton, and being on the coast, much more pleasant.  We enjoyed the lagoon and the hike in Capricorn Coast National Park, overlooking Bluff Rock.

Yeppoon is the jumping off point for ferries out to Great Keppel Island.  Those of you of a certain age *ahem* over 50, will probably remember the slogan from the 80s “Get wrecked on Great Keppel”.  I will admit I went to Great Keppel in the mid 80s! 

The resort is now in ruins, and the island is now a quiet peaceful place.  Who would have thought, when we were drinking cocktails and dancing on tables!

Where to stay around Yeppoon

In addition to the free camp at Kershaw Gardens in Rockhampton, we’ve also stayed at the Causeway Caravan Park just south of Yeppoon (the fish and chips here are really good!) and the Red Rock Camping area in Byfield National Park.

Hiking in Capricorn Coast National Park

Rockhampton to Mackay 

OK, I’m going to say it.  I always thought this was the worst part of the drive from Brisbane to Cairns.  It’s straight and kind of boring.  But, it’s only 3 hours.

Every time I get to Mackay I start to get excited…. This is where the fun part of Queensland begins.  I can feel the tropics in the air!

We’ve stopped in Mackay when doing the drive from Brisbane to Cairns as quickly as possible, we’ve stayed in one of the motels on the main road, and at the Mycow Camping area, just south of Mackay.

There’s not that much to see in Mackay itself, but just north of the city are some of the best things to do in Queensland.

Cape Hillsborough National Park

Kangaroos on the beach at sunrise?  Sign me up!  This is one of those iconic experiences, and photographers will be in heaven here.  

OK, so it’s controlled – there are rangers there most mornings and a rope set up that you can’t cross but this is for the kangaroos’ protection.  The kangaroos are wild animals, so please don’t touch, pat or cuddle them!  

I’ve been to sunrise at Cape Hillsborough twice, once with a ranger in attendance and once without.  To be honest I preferred the experience when the ranger was there, as she explained about the kangaroos coming onto the beach, what they wanted to eat there, and why the rangers fed them.

kangaroos on the beach at sunrise

You’ll also find great hiking at Cape Hillsborough.  If you time your visit for low tide, you can walk out across the causeway to Wedge Island.  There is another smaller island (Orchid Rock) which has a perfect looking rock pool – we haven’t been there as you’d need a kayak – this is crocodile territory after all!  It looks good with the drone though.

Where to stay in Cape Hillsborough

There is a caravan park right by the beach at Cape Hillsborough, and a small National Park campground at Smalley’s Beach.  We have stayed a couple of times at the campsite at Ball Bay, which is right by a beautiful quiet beach.

Finch Hatton Gorge

Finch Hatton Gorge is in the Eungella National Park.  There are some great walks up the gorge here, waterfalls and rockpools for cooling off.  If you’re lucky you might spot platypus in the river (we didn’t).

We stayed nearby at Neem Hall, which is a farmstay, complete with sheep, goats, chickens and turkeys.  This campsite is right on the river, but again, we didn’t see any platypus.

drone shot of Finch Hatton Gorge

Mackay to Airlie Beach/Whitsundays

Continue north through the sugar cane fields until you arrive at Proserpine where you turn off towards Airlie Beach.  Airlie is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and definitely a tourist hotspot.  

You’ll find plenty to see and do here, great restaurants, nightlife, beaches, and of course the Whitsundays.  Take a day trip out to the islands and Whitehaven Beach, or, if you really want to splurge, take a scenic flight over the reef, or helicopter over to Whitehaven.

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Airlie Beach, but you’ll need to book in advance if you’re arriving in high season.  We haven’t stayed in Airlie, as we usually drove in from Proserpine.

Where to stay around Airlie Beach

Sadly, the free camp in Proserpine (where we usually stay) has closed down, and the campsite at Lake Proserpine that was once free now charges.  There are plenty of Caravan Parks in Airlie Beach if you’re travelling with a van.

Selfie while Hiking at Shute Harbour, Whitsundays

Airlie Beach to Townsville

Bowen

There’s more to Bowen than the Big Mango (although it’s almost obligatory to stop here for a photo!)  Because the Big Mango is right on the highway, for years we never bothered to go into town.

Bowen is a laid back, beach town, with great beaches, sunsets and surprisingly good snorkelling right off the beach at Horseshoe Bay.  There’s also really good hiking along the coast here, don’t miss the hike up to Mother Beddock lookout.

Campervan parked by the Big Mango at Bowen

Townsville

Having lived in Cairns for several years, I always looked down my nose at Townsville.  However, having spent a bit of time there on our round Australia road trip, I can now say that Townsville is actually quite a nice place, and there are some good things to do there.

The hike up Castle Hill is spectacular  – as are the views from the top.  But the real drawcard in Townsville is Magnetic Island.  Maggie, as it’s known affectionately, is a beautiful island just a short ferry ride from Townsville.  While you can take your vehicle over there, we didn’t – we just caught the local bus around the island. Some visitors like to rent a small, pink, open top jeep. 

There are some beautiful, secluded beaches on Magnetic Island (we loved Radical Bay which is only accessible by foot (or bike).  We also recommend the Forts Walk where you can learn some of the WW2 history of the island, and if you’re lucky, spot a wild koala.

Where to stay in Townsville

We have stayed in town at the Coral Coast Tourist Park which was fine (especially as Nigel had to catch an early morning flight from the nearby airport.

What we really love about Townsville are the free campsites just north of town. Saunders Beach was a favourite, and we’ve also stayed at Bluewater Park. You need to book on the council website to secure your spot.

Reviews often mention people being there who haven’t booked, but we didn’t have a problem any of the times we stayed.

Two women at a lookout, Magnetic Island

Townsville to Mission Beach

Leaving Townsville there are some great waterfalls to visit, both at Big Crystal Creek and Little Crystal Creek.  

We highly recommend a visit to Wallaman Falls which is Australia’s longest single drop waterfall at 268m.  You can hike down to the base of the falls, which is quite a challenging hike but we loved it!

The road to the lookout is winding and steep so not recommended for towing caravans.  You could camp the night in Ingham and leave the van there.  We stayed in a basic campsite just behind the information centre in Ingham.  There is a National Park campsite closer to the falls by Stony Creek.

Wallaman Falls from the Lookout
couple at the base of Wallaman Falls

Further north you’ll arrive at Cardwell.  I always love arriving here as this is really the first place where you are driving right along the coast and can see the ocean.  The Cardwell Spa Pools are a popular spot to cool off.

Tully

Tully boasts the title of Australia’s wettest town and celebrates this fact with their biggest attraction, the Golden Gumboot.  You can climb to the top of the Gumboot for views across the town.  As you climb, you’ll see historic photos of the town and some of the floods they have experienced here.

Tully is also known for great white-water rafting – so if you’re feeling adventurous, this is a great experience.  I rafted on the Tully River many years ago, and still remember the thrill of blasting through those rapids!

Mission Beach

Driving into Mission Beach you’ll really feel like you’ve arrived in Tropical North Queensland, as the lush rainforest reaches all the way to the ocean.  The beach here is long and wide, perfect for a beach stroll as you enjoy views out to Dunk Island.

The town of Mission Beach is only small but has some great cafes, bars and small boutiques.

Where to stay in Mission Beach

We stayed at the Mission Beach Camping and Caravan Park, which is right on the beach.  A beachfront site is around $50 which is expensive, but worth it for what’s on your doorstep.  The campsite is a short walk into town.

Man standing at Mission Beach

Mission Beach to Cairns

There’s quite a lot to see and do on this final stretch, so if you have time, allow several days for this part of the drive.  Rather than heading straight back to the highway, take the scenic drive from Mission Beach to Bingil Bay and then head inland.

Paronella Park 

Don’t miss a stop at this unique place.  In the 1920s a Spanish immigrant had a dream to build a castle.  He built his home here which resembles a European Castle complete with a ball room, tennis courts and beautiful tropical garden.  

Over the years, fire, flood and cyclones have damaged the buildings and impressive gardens, but his dream has been kept alive, and the castle has been rebuilt.  Paronella Park is Heritage listed and has won numerous tourism awards.

Your entry ticket to Paronella Park includes camping at the attached caravan park.

Etty Bay

Etty Bay is a short drive off the main highway, and if you’re very lucky, you’ll spot a cassowary here.  There’s a caravan park right at the beach and we’ve heard of people seeing them wandering right past their campsite.  

We stopped here for lunch, and weren’t lucky with the cassowary, but we did see one at a distance as we were driving back out.

Josephine Falls

Another beautiful waterfall, this one is popular with thrill seekers enjoying the natural waterslide.  Be sure to check the water levels before you go in though.  There are signs on the banks of the river to show the danger level!  Nigel went for a slide, but I stayed safe… or chicken – you decide!

Babinda Boulders

Just inland from the town of Babinda you’ll find this beautiful swimming hole.  In the past there have been several deaths in the upper part of the creek, and swimming there is now prohibited.  The main swimming hole is calm and suitable for all ages.

The bakery in Babinda town enjoys a great reputation, as evidenced by the lines of people waiting to get in there.  Nigel rated the meat pie very highly!

There is a free campsite near the Babinda Boulders, and a donation camp closer to town at the Babinda Rotary Park Rest Area.

Walsh’s Pyramid

You can’t miss this distinctive peak on the left as you’re approaching Cairns.  Walsh’s Pyramid stands 922m tall, and you can climb to the top.  This challenging walk takes around 6 hours, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360 degree views.

Each year on the third Saturday in August, a footrace is held from Gordonvale to the top of the Pyramid.

Head down Behana Gorge Road to get this iconic photo.  The spot used to be a bit of a secret, shared with people on Instagram, but now it’s even marked on Google Maps!

Couple walking along the road by Walsh's Pyramid

Arrive in Cairns

Your journey finishes as you arrive into Cairns, but this is just the beginning of a great adventure!  Cairns is the gateway to some of the best places to see and things to do in all of Australia.  

I (Sue) might be biased because I lived there for four years (and didn’t want to leave!). I have stayed there for several months a year over the last couple of years as Nigel has been away working.  It’s definitely my favourite part of Australia. 

We will publish a comprehensive Far North Queensland Travel Guide soon, which will cover the Atherton Tablelands, Daintree Rainforest and Cooktown.  In the meantime, why not check out some of our adventure travel films from this area.

Couple sitting at Ellis Beach

Essential Information

Don’t forget to grab our Australia Road Trip Planning Checklist – it’s free!

Fuel

As most of this road trip takes place on the Bruce Highway (which is part of National Highway 1), you will find fuel stops every hundred kilometres or so.

Food and Water

Along with fuel stops, there are plenty of roadhouses along the way.  The longest stretch between towns is only a couple of hours, so you’ll find plenty of larger supermarkets to stock up on fresh food.

We use the Wikicamps app to find places to fill our campervan water tank and empty our toilet.  We never had a problem along this East Coast road trip.

Phone and Internet

While the East Coast is way more built up and developed than other parts of Australia, there are still stretches along this route where you will not get mobile phone reception.  But you don’t have to drive far before you’re in the next town with a mobile tower.  We use the Aus Phone Towers app to locate the closest towers.

Permits and Passes

You do not require an entry pass for Queensland National Parks.  However, several “recreation areas” do require a Vehicle Access Permit, especially if you are driving on the beach.  These include K’gari (Fraser Island), Bribie Island and Cooloola (Rainbow Beach area).  You can book your VAP online.

Couple at lookout on Red Rock hike

FAQs

When is the best time for a Brisbane to Cairns road trip?

When you’re driving the Big Lap of Australia, the generally accepted wisdom is “north in winter, south in summer”, so ideally you would do this road trip from Brisbane to Cairns between May and October.   

We have done a slow road trip over several weeks both in June and in January/February.  I can tell you, spending the night in a van without aircon in February in the tropical north is not really fun!  Winters in Far North Queensland are glorious – you’ll most likely experience warm sunny days – although rain can happen at any time.

How long does it take to drive from Brisbane to Cairns?

According to Google Maps, you could drive from Brisbane to Cairns in 19 hours – but that’s non-stop!  The quickest we have done is 12 hours to Mackay, overnight in a motel there, then 9 hours to Cairns the next day (this includes toilet, coffee and meal breaks).

Unless you are in a big hurry, we would not recommend this!  

Ideally you would want to allow at least a couple of weeks for this drive, to experience all the diversity of Queensland – and this is just the coastal route!

Do I need a 4×4?

You certainly don’t need a 4×4 for a Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip.  While there are ample opportunities for 4×4 driving along the way (eg, Fraser Island), the main Bruce Highway is sealed all the way and any conventional vehicle can travel this route.

What should I pack?

Pack for warm weather and the beach, but depending on the time of year you leave Brisbane, you may need to bring some warmer clothes for the first part of your road trip.  You’re heading into the tropics, so make sure you bring a raincoat!

We also recommend packing sunscreen and insect repellent.  I caught Ross River Fever from a mosquito bite on our most recent trip up the Queensland Coast – so cover up especially in the evenings!

What should I budget?

How much you spend on your trip will depend on your lifestyle.  The one cost you can’t avoid is fuel, and that will depend on your vehicles fuel economy.  If you plan your itinerary you could free camp along the way, or, you could spend in excess of $100 a night on hotel accommodation.  Check out our Big Lap Budget post for more info.

What about crocodiles and stingers?

Box Jellyfish (stingers) are present in tropical waters (anywhere north of Mackay) from November to May. These nasty creatures deliver a sting which can make you very sick, and have at times been fatal.  The Irikanji jellyfish are also present in tropical waters during the same time.

Many of the beaches in Far North Queensland have stinger nets which are placed out during stinger season – these are the safest place to swim.

Crocodiles are becoming increasingly common along the beaches of Far North Queensland.  The patrolled beaches will have signs out if a crocodile has been sighted in recent days.  You’ll also see crocodile danger signs around rivers and creeks where they may be present.

Check with local tourist information or your campsite reception for up to date information about crocs.

If in doubt, swim in your campsite pool or the Cairns lagoon!

Is the Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip pet friendly?

Many campsites along the way will allow your dog or cat, but be aware that almost all National Parks in Queensland do not allow pets.

Where to Next?

If you have a 4×4 and are well prepared, take the epic journey up to Cape York.

Continue your Big Lap of Australia by heading west from Cairns to Darwin into the Northern Territory.

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