1,700km of Australia's Most Iconic Coastline
The Cairns to Brisbane east coast drive is Australia's most popular campervan road trip for good reason. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Whitsundays, from tropical rainforest to golden surf beaches — this 1,700km journey is the trip of a lifetime.
The drive from Cairns to Brisbane is the quintessential Australian east coast road trip. Covering approximately 1,700 kilometres along the Bruce Highway and coastal roads, this journey takes you through some of Australia's most spectacular scenery — from the tropical rainforests and reef towns of Far North Queensland to the golden beaches and vibrant city life of Southeast Queensland.
A one-way campervan hire from Cairns to Brisbane is the perfect way to experience this iconic route. You'll have the freedom to stop wherever catches your eye, spend extra time at the places you love, and camp at beautiful beachfront locations along the way. Most travellers take between 7 and 14 days, though you could easily spend a month exploring every detour.
We compare one-way campervan hire deals from Cairns to Brisbane across all major rental companies, finding you the best rates and even relocation specials that can dramatically reduce costs. All vehicles come with unlimited kilometres as standard on this route.
Consistently rated as one of the world's top road trips, covering tropical, reef, island, and coastal landscapes.
Pick up in Cairns, drop off in Brisbane. No need to backtrack — just follow the coast south.
All our Cairns-to-Brisbane hires include unlimited km as standard. Drive 1,700km+ with no excess charges.
Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Noosa — all on one incredible route.
Take 7 days for a fast trip or 3 weeks for a leisurely exploration. Your campervan, your pace.
Here's our recommended 14-day itinerary for the Cairns to Brisbane east coast drive. Adjust the timing to suit your pace and interests.
The east coast between Cairns and Brisbane is packed with world-class attractions. Here are the highlights you shouldn't miss, each offering unique experiences that make this road trip unforgettable.
The Bruce Highway (Highway 1) is the main route between Cairns and Brisbane. It's a well-maintained divided highway for most of its length, suitable for all vehicle types. Fuel stations are frequent, with the longest gap between towns being around 100km in some sections.
Budget for campground fees of $25–$45 per night at caravan parks, or save money by mixing in free camping spots and rest areas where permitted. Download the WikiCamps app before you leave Cairns — it's invaluable for finding camping, dump points, and fuel along the route.
Collect your campervan from any of our 10 depots across Australia