Brisbane To Cairns Road Trip | The Ultimate Motorhome Adventure
A motorhome road trip from Brisbane to Cairns offers the perfect opportunity to explore Queensland's diverse landscapes at your own pace. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a road-tripping retiree, this epic journey takes you through serene beaches, bustling cities, lush rainforests, and charming coastal towns, with plenty of places to stop, rest, and discover along the way.
And the best bit? Travelling in a Winnebago motorhome offers the ultimate flexibility as there's no hitching, set-up or pack-down required. It's simple and stress-free (just like a holiday should be!). In this guide, we've outlined the Pacific Coast Way itinerary, which is the most popular road trip from Brisbane to Cairns, and it meanders its way along the east coast. We've also given you some alternatives if you love exploring inland gems.
Brisbane To Cairns By Motorhome - Most Popular Route
Stretching from Brisbane to Cairns over 1784 kilometres and around 20 hours drive time, the Pacific Coast Way is not just a drive—it's an adventure filled with natural beauty, unforgettable landmarks, and outdoor explorations.
Brisbane To Cairns Drive - Alternative Routes
While the Pacific Coast Way is the most popular route from Brisbane to Cairns, there are alternative routes for motorhomes, including inland options that offer unique experiences.
Inland Route #1: This route offers a taste of the Australian outback and unique attractions like the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Waltzing Matilda Centre. Route stages: Brisbane to Longreach, Longreach to Winton, Winton to Townsville, Townsville to Cairns.
Inland Route #2: This route will allow you to discover unique outback towns and natural wonders like gorges and gem fields. Route stages: Brisbane to Rockhampton, Rockhampton to Emerald, Emerald to Charters Towers, Charters Towers to Cairns.
Cairns To Brisbane Drive - Best Time Of The Year To Visit
Daintree Rainforest
The best time for a Brisbane to Cairns drive is during Queensland's dry season, from May to October. This will ensure pleasant weather with clear skies, lower humidity, and reduced rainfall as you'll be avoiding the wet season's heavy rains and potential cyclones.
Road Trip Brisbane Cairns - Drive Time
You could easily spend a few weeks slowly making your way north on the Pacific Coast Way, but with this itinerary, you can do it in eight days—perfect for a mini vacay!
Brisbane Cairns Drive - HighlightsSunshine Coast
Noosa
Agnes Water
Cape Hillsborough
Airlie Beach
Ingham
Mission Beach
Atherton Tablelands
Cairns
Daintree Rainforest
Great Barrier Reef
Motorhome Road Trips - Things To Consider
Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-timer, hitting the road in a motorhome offers freedom and adventure. However, there are some key things to consider before you set off.
Size & Handling: Larger motorhomes can be more challenging to manoeuver, especially in car parks, tight campsites and narrow or winding roads. Smaller models (Class B or C motorhomes) are typically more nimble.
Limited Space: Smaller motorhomes may have less interior space, so may feel cramped, especially for extended trips or larger groups. However, the Winnebago range includes larger 4- and 6-berth motorhomes with features like large living areas, a separate dinette, a club lounge, a separate shower and toilet, and fully appointed kitchens. There's a reason they're called motorhomes—they're like a home on wheels!
Less Storage: While motorhomes provide everything in one unit, they often come with less storage space compared to towable RVs, especially if you're in a smaller Class B or C motorhome. But being creative with your packing and storage is all part of the fun!
8-Day Road Trip Brisbane to Cairns - Route Highlights
DAY 1: Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast
Hells Gate Lookout, Noosa National Park
Distance: ~110 km
Drive time: ~2 hours
Your first stretch of your East Coast odyssey will have you travelling through lush rainforests, ancient volcanic peaks, and ocean-front national parks. Explore Noosa's magnificent beaches, or take a detour off the highway to hike the Glass House Mountains or Noosa National Park, paddle among the Noosa Everglades, or explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with its country towns and local brews. Be captivated by the raw power and serene beauty of Serenity Falls in Buderim Forest Park, or local favourite Kondalilla Falls. Head back to Noosa—known as the culinary capital of the Sunshine Coast—in time for dinner.
DAY 2: Noosa to Agnes Water
Seventeen Seventy
Distance: ~370 km
Drive time: ~4.5hrs
Before leaving Noosa, have an early morning swim or surf at Main Beach, before hitting the road again for a 4.5-hour drive. Along the way, stop at Carlo Sandblow near Rainbow Beach. Your destination today is the twin coastal towns in Gladstone—Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy. Vibrant forests and secluded beaches offer a peaceful refuge, or if you're up for a bit more action, take a sunset kayak tour, stroll the Paperbark Trail, or head out for a surf on Queensland's northernmost breaks.
DAY 3: Agnes Water to Cape Hillsborough
Cape Hillsborough
Distance: ~610 km
Drive time: ~7hrs
Today, you've got a big drive ahead—600 kilometres lies between Agnes Water and tonight's destination in Mackay's northern beaches. Mackay is famous for rolling fields of sugar cane, so if you're a sweet tooth, stop in for something delicious at Sarina Sugar Shed. Take a guided tour, learn about the production of sugarcane, and devour some sweet treats. If you want a healthier option, tackle one of Mackay's hiking trails. Have an early night, as tomorrow's adventures begin at sunrise!
DAY 4: Cape Hillsborough to Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Distance: ~130 km
Drive time: ~1.5hrs
Even if you're not a morning person, you'll love this experience. Every morning, dozens of wallabies venture out and head to the shoreline at Casuarina Beach—a short stroll from the tourist park. It's a natural phenomenon that's been fascinating park rangers and travellers for years. After that, head to Airlie Beach. This is the gateway to the sparkling Whitsundays. Take a rafting tour, or treat yourself to a scenic flight to famous Whitehaven Beach, or a sunset sailing trip to Lady Enid Island.
DAY 5: Airlie Beach to Ingham
Distance: ~390 km
Drive time: ~4.5hrs
This area is a divine combination of one of the world's best beaches (Whitehaven Beach) and a town that in the 1890s became known as the Little Italy of Queensland, thanks to the influx of Italian migrants. This influence is still felt today with the town's great coffee and decadent delis. Along the way, stop off at Bowen for a quiet bay paddle, get an Instagrammable photo at the Big Mango, and chow down on some great local fish and chips. If you adore a rainforest swim along with a picnic, head to Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range.
DAY 6: Ingham to Mission Beach
Mission Beach
Distance: ~125 km
Drive time: ~1.5hrs
Wake early and drive further inland to Wallaman Falls. This is the tallest permanent single drop waterfall in Australia, and it will take your breath away! Save some time for a walk to the bottom of the falls so you can feel the full force of this 268-metre plunge. The uphill return hike will grant some excellent exercise and create an appetite for some roadside snacks. Then it's onto Mission Beach, a true gem of the tropical north. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive—this is one of the best places in Queensland to spot endangered southern cassowaries. Once you arrive, head out to explore the 14 kilometres of palm trees, pure white sand, and a fringing reef that will astound.
DAY 7: Mission Beach to Atherton Tablelands
Henry Ross Lookout, Macalister Range
Distance: ~145 km
Drive time: ~2hrs
Today, it's time to take a deep dive into the World Heritage Wet Tropics in the Atherton Tablelands. Here, the fertile volcanic soil and high altitude help to cultivate some of Queensland's most prized produce, including coffee, tropical fruits, macadamia nuts, and bush foods. Before considering indulging, walk the popular waterfall circuit, then recharge overnight for the final leg of your Brisbane to Cairns road trip.
DAY 8: Atherton Tablelands to Cairns
Cairns
Distance: ~80 km
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Sandwiched between the ancient roots of the Daintree Rainforest and the world's most extensive coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is best known as the jewel in the north. It's under an hour's drive from the Atherton Tablelands, so enjoy the idyllic drive before you get there! Spend time exploring Mossman Gorge and take a Dreamtime Indigenous tour, then head to the Cairns Esplanade. Take a dip in the lagoon, grab a tropical cocktail, and cheers your incredible journey beneath a fiery sunset. This area is filled to the brim with natural wonders, so you'll be forgiven if you decide to extend your tropical stay here.
References:
Danielle Reckless (June 2025), Your 8-day Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary, queensland.com article, accessed 20 Aug 2025