1,700km of East Coast Magic — Beaches, Reef, Rainforest & Tropical Islands
The Brisbane to Cairns drive is Australia's most iconic east coast road trip. Pick up a campervan in Brisbane and journey through pristine beaches, the Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, and ancient rainforests on your way to tropical Cairns.
Stretching 1,700 kilometres along Queensland's stunning coastline, the Brisbane to Cairns route is the road trip of a lifetime. This is the classic Australian east coast adventure — from the laid-back vibes of Noosa to the underwater wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef.
A campervan is the perfect way to travel this route. With hundreds of beachside campgrounds and free bush camps along the way, you'll save thousands on accommodation while waking up to ocean views and tropical sunrises. Most travellers allow 2–4 weeks.
The east coast route is consistently rated as Australia's best road trip, with world-class attractions at every stop.
Multiple departure points for reef trips — Airlie Beach, Townsville, Mission Beach, and Cairns.
Stop at Airlie Beach for sailing trips to Whitehaven Beach, one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
One-way campervan hire from Brisbane to Cairns is competitively priced, especially during May–October dry season.
Queensland's tropical climate means warm temperatures year-round. Winter is actually the ideal dry season for this route.
Hundreds of beachside campgrounds, national park sites, and free camps line the route.
Here's a suggested 14-day itinerary hitting the must-see highlights while maintaining a relaxed pace.
The Queensland coast offers incredible camping variety. Noosa's Everglades area has beautiful waterfront sites. Airlie Beach has multiple holiday parks with pool facilities. Further north, Balgal Beach near Townsville is a hidden gem.
Mission Beach's beachside holiday parks offer affordable sites under palm trees. For free camping, WikiCamps lists hundreds of options along the route.
Take a 4WD day tour on Fraser Island from Rainbow Beach. Sail the Whitsundays on an overnight trip to Whitehaven Beach. Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef from multiple departure points. In Cairns, ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and explore the Daintree Rainforest.
Book a one-way campervan deal, mix free camping with paid sites, shop at Aldi and local fruit stalls, and prioritise free activities like beach walks and waterfall swims.
Budget approximately: campervan hire $600–$1,200 (2 weeks), fuel $400–$600, camping $300–$600, food $400–$700, activities $300–$800. Total: $2,000–$3,900 for two people.
Collect your campervan from any of our 10 depots across Australia