Queensland
About Queensland
Are you planning a Queensland Road Trip?
When you think of Queensland, you probably think of beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. With almost 7,000km of coastline there is certainly no lack of beaches. And that’s just the mainland! Queensland also boasts over 900 islands.
The Great Barrier Reef is definitely one of the icons of Queensland. Stretching 2,000km along the coast, it’s a must-see destination when you visit Queensland.
But Queensland is more than just beaches. From the outback to the Daintree Rainforest, quirky country towns and spectacular national parks, there’s something for everyone in Queensland. Oh, and did we mention Dinosaurs?
We lived in Queensland for over 20 years, in both the capital Brisbane, and in Far North Queensland’s Cairns. We’ve done many road trips from Brisbane to Queensland, and spent plenty of time exploring everything in between. In these pages you’ll find Travel Guides and detailed itineraries to help you make the most of your Queensland Road Trip.
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Queensland Travel Guides
Getting to Queensland
By Air
Queensland has international airports in Brisbane, Coolangatta (Gold Coast), Sunshine Coast and Cairns (Far North Queensland). There are also many regional airports throughout the state. Check Skyscanner for the best prices on flights.
By Road
There are numerous roads coming into Queensland, the main National Highway 1 enters the state on the Gold Coast, and the main road from the Northern Territory is the Barkly Highway which enters just near Camooweal. There are also several unsealed roads including the Plenty/Donohue Highway that are subject to closures during rain events.
Getting around Queensland
Queensland is a BIG state – the second largest, covering over 22% of the Australian land mass. Its around 1,700km from Brisbane to Cairns, so there is a LOT of country to cover.
While you could take flights or a train or bus trip, we think the best way to get around Queensland is by road trip. Queensland is very well set up for caravanning and camping trips, with lots of well-appointed caravan parks, especially along the popular coastal route.
Where to stay in Queensland
Along with caravan parks belonging to the large chains (Big4, Discovery Parks), you’ll find smaller privately owned parks, and council parks along the drive from Brisbane to Cairns.
If you’re travelling by car only, there are plenty of small motels along this route, and larger more luxurious hotels in the larger towns and cities.
Keen on free camping in Queensland? While you may not find too many places close to the coast, drive inland just a short way and there are an abundance of free camping places.
NOTE: Under Queensland law it is illegal to sleep in your vehicle unless you are in a designated camping spot. In over 3.5 years on the road in Australia, we never experienced “the knock”, and we rarely paid for a campsite.
Best time for a Queensland Road Trip
As Queensland stretches so far along the east coast of Australia, anytime can be perfect in Queensland, depending on which part of the state you’re in. The south east corner is most pleasant during the spring, from September to November. Summers here can be hot and humid, with quite a lot of rain.
The north of the state is best enjoyed during the winter months, so from May to October.
Essential Information for your Queensland Road Trip
Permits and Passes
You do not require a pass or permit to visit National Parks in Queensland. However, if you plan to drive along the beach at Bribie Island, Caloola or visit Fraser Island a vehicle access permit is required. Permits are required for camping in National Parks in Queensland.
Fuel
Along the coastal route you’ll find towns in close proximity to one another. The only real exception is between Rockhampton and Sarina which is around 2.5 hours journey. There are plenty of fuel stations along the Bruce Highway
As you head away from the coast and into the outback, towns and fuel stations become more sparse, so make sure you plan ahead.
Food and Water
You’ll find large supermarkets to stock up on all the big towns along the coast, make sure you stock up if you’re heading inland!
If you’re travelling into the outback you should definitely ensure you have plenty of water for your journey.
Phone and Internet
Mobile service is pretty good all along the east coast, especially with Telstra. Once you head inland it will become increasingly patchy.
Check out our Queensland Adventure Travel Films
Here’s a couple of our favourite videos from our Road Trip through Queensland, or you can check out the full playlist over on our YouTube Channel.
Need help?
Need help planning your Queensland Road Trip Itinerary? Get in touch and enquire about our Travel Itinerary Planning Service.