Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip: Explore Queensland’s Coast in 15 Days

Tour the world’s oldest koala sanctuary, spanning 18 hectares and housing over 80 species of Australian animals.

Opened in 1855, these gorgeous gardens are an official Australian Heritage Site.

Nosh on tasty Australian street food as you wander through this transformed container wharf.

This Italian steakhouse serves Wagyu steak, fresh seafood, and wine sourced from around the world.

This eco-friendly restaurant by the Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art’s eatery features menus made from locally sourced ingredients.

This casual bistro serves Spanish cuisine and tapas in a laidback setting.

Just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane city center, this holiday park is an ideal place to stay in a campervan, it features landscaped gardens, a swimming lagoon, sports activities, and restaurants. Rates start at AUD $41/night.

Get in touch with nature at this horse ranch at the foot of the Glasshouse Mountains. Features include potable water, toilets, and water hookup. No powered sites. From AUD $36/night.

Camp in your RV near the Gondwana Rainforests, an Australian World Heritage Site. Includes some powered caravan sites. Costs AUD $29 per family per night, or AUD $7.25/person.

A convenient parking location in Brisbane’s Central Business District.

A Central Business District parking garage featuring early bird hours, multi-day packages, and hourly rates.

Capture memorable photos of Southeast Queensland’s most scenic landscapes and one of two everglades at Noosa National Park!

Have some fun in the sun at one of the most beloved beaches in Australia.

Pick out seasonally-harvested fruits and vegetables at the Noosa Farmers Market.

Tapas, pasta and seafood platters for the taking, all of which are served on an outdoor veranda.

Traditional Australian fare served in a sophisticated wine bar.

This campground offers visitors a soothing environment mixed with breathtaking views to make your trip an unforgettable experience. There are hookup sites and external power supplies available as well.

Big 4 has everything a roadtrippers could want. With plenty of places to go birdwatching or play a few rounds of golf, Big 4 offers a peaceful stay close to all Noosa has to offer.

Whether you’re pitching a tent or living that campervan life, Noosa River has a welcome spot for everyone.

Agnes Water serves as a fantastic starting point to embark on an adventure to the world-renowned icon, the Great Barrier Reef. Take the opportunity to join a snorkeling or diving tour to explore the breathtaking wonders of this magnificent reef system.

This beach has awesome golden sands and is a paradise for surfers. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of turtles nesting between April and October!

Escape the usual routes and embark on a day of discovery amidst the awe-inspiring vistas and tranquil seclusion of Chinaman's Beach.

Fuel up for a day of sun and surf by heading to Poke Pokay, where you can relish in a delectable spread of sushi and sushi bowls, the ideal meal to energize you before hitting the beach.

This pizza place has a perfect summer vibe, perfect for a casual dinner.

Sits right off Agnes Water Main beach, this is a gorgeous cafe with incredible views where you can find salads, smoothies and even Acai bowls.

This holiday park provides powered sites for campervans, along with amenities such as hot showers, laundry facilities, and a camp kitchen. It is conveniently located close to Agnes Water Beach, offering easy access to the sand and surf.

Situated within Deepwater National Park, Workman's Beach offers a peaceful camping experience surrounded by nature. The campground provides facilities like toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.

This unique campground offers the opportunity to camp alongside friendly kangaroos and other wildlife. It features spacious sites, BBQ facilities, and basic amenities.

This beach is home to plenty of photogenic kangaroos and wallabies that give the ocean views a run for their money.

This 2-mile walk takes about an hour to complete and offers amazing views of the ocean and forest.

A track that will take you from the eucalypt forest and rainforest and reaching a lookout point at Beachcomber Cove.

This quaint little restaurant serves up coffee, fish and chips, and even groceries and copies of the Australian Post. A great place to refuel on your trip and grab some stapes for your RV fridge.

Starting at AUD $31/night, you can park your caravan or camper and enjoy peace among acres of sugar cane fields. Hookup sites are available, as well as water and toilets

This family-friendly farm campground features animals, sugar cane fields, and amazing mountain views. Powered and unpowered sites available, as well as toilets and potable water. Rates range from AUD $24-$36/night.

Catch a boat to the epic Withsunday Islands at Coral Sea Marina.

This lagoon features its own pool and even small swim areas for kids.

Hike through mangroves and forests, and immerse yourself in a vibrant Australian rainforest.

Enjoy a fresh latte and healthy dishes like avocado toast topped with egg whites and arugula.

Delicious burgers, seafood, and cocktails are enhanced by fantastic waterside dining.

From dumplings and Pad Thai to bubble tea, this restaurant combines some of Asia’s most tantalizing flavors onto its menu. There are tasty vegan options also available.

The Big4 caravan parks throughout Australia are among the best you can find. This location features a massive lagoon-inspired swimming pool, waterpark, animal park, and mini golf course. Rent a cabin for a few nights, or connect your RV to one of the powered sites for AUD $69-$109.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the rainforests of Bali as you embrace nature in this beautiful, tropical park. Features a resort-style pool, gourmet barbeque area, camp kitchen, and pet-friendly accommodations. Caravan costs are AUD $35/night for an unpowered site while a powered slab costs $65/night.

This family-friendly park is the ultimate getaway for those hoping to catch sights of Australian wildlife. Get your camera ready, because there are plenty of wallabies, kangaroos, and even turkeys wandering about. Unpowered, powered, and ensuite caravan sites are available starting at AUD $83/night.

Over 200 spots available. Maximum of $10 per day, $3/hour.

Covered and uncovered spots available for $16 for 12-24 hours, $7-8 an hour. The first two hours are always free.

Whether you snorkel, scuba, or go on a boat tour, you have to experience the underwater wonder that lies in the Pacific. Catch a boat tour from one of the local operators for a day trip to the reef — check out Barrier Reef Australia for inspiration.

Soar 8,000 feet as you take to the skies at the Skydive Mission Beach Center!

Hike along the 8 kilometer Kennedy Walking Track and immerse yourself in the surrounding nature.

Dine on fresh seafood, juicy burgers with fries, and some local Australian beer.

Swing by this cozy beachside cafe for live music on Fridays, trivia on Thursdays, and great burgers, wraps and gourmet pizza anytime.

Experience the ultimate laid-back atmosphere at this beachfront park. Unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, with unpowered sites available starting from just AUD $27 per night, and powered sites starting at AUD $29 per night.

Bask in the sun as you enjoy a tropical, white sandy beach. There are over 70 powered sites available.

Situated directly on the beachfront of South Mission Beach, Tasman Holiday Parks provides a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers. Powered sites are available with water and sewage hookups as well.

Enjoy the free parking and sounds of the ocean as you park right near the beachfront of Narragon Beach.

Nestled within Clump Point, the Cutten Brothers Walking Track allows visitors to safely park and give them easy access to a scenic hiking trail.

Rotary Park gives tourists a clear, straightforward path to the coveted Wongaling Beach.

Explore the most famous waterfall in Australia. You can’t jump from the top, but you can take a refreshing dip in the tropical lagoon.

You can venture into one of the continent’s oldest private crystal collections and study prehistoric fossils and crystals for AUD $25/ticket.

Enjoy unbelievable waterfall views at this destination in Wooroonooran National Park. This is a moderate challenge, so avoid the climb and appreciate the ground views if you’re not a hiker.

Water and electrical hookups are available at this small, peaceful campground. Prices start at AUD $48/night

A play on words along with tons of atmosphere is what hungry roadtrippers looking for a quick bite will find here.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade churros and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options if you’re looking for a healthy meal.

Small bites, delicious coffee and plenty of ambiance at this cozy bistro located in Kuranda.

It’s not everyday you stumble upon a musical sanctuary in the heart of the rainforest. Enjoy a full camp kitchen, live entertainment, and close access to the forest and beach. No electric or water hookups, however. Prices start at AUD $24/night.

Fall asleep to the soothing sound of the river as you relax at this nature camp. It has no electric or water hookups, so you’ll need to come prepared for an authentic wilderness experience. It costs AUD $34/night.

Swim in a tropical rainforest just 20 minutes from Cairn’s Central Business District by car.

Embrace serenity and unwind as you stroll along the coast in this peaceful Cairns suburb.

Enjoy a glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef on land as you explore this beautifully designed aquarium. Fun for all ages.

Surrounded by 14 acres of tropical rainforest, this park exclusively provides powered sites, allowing you to enjoy modern amenities amidst the lush surroundings.

Just three kilometers from Cairns’ city center, and with a range of caravan and camping sites available, along with a refreshing in-ground pool, you can relax and unwind in this idyllic setting.

Situated in a central location, this park offers unpowered sites starting at AUD $42 a night.

If you can find a spot, street parking costs AUD $2.10/hour.

You can park your RV during the day for AUD $2-3 an hour, and it’s free after 6 PM.

You can hook up your RV at one of the world’s most incredible sights starting at AUD $30/night.

Savor French cuisine like steak tartare while sitting in this unique circular dining room.

Greek favorites that soothe your soul while satisfying your craving for authentic Grecian cuisine.

An eclectic space where timber meets stone and fish meets deliciously prepared steaks, and of course, yummy desserts.