Travel
The ultimate Queensland road trip: Brisbane to Airlie Beach
Enjoy each stunning pocket of this QLD road trip, and remember, it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.
By Karen Bleakley
The fastest way to get to Airlie Beach is to fly, but if you’re looking for a real adventure, you can’t beat a good road trip. You’ll discover rainforest hikes, country towns, tropical islands and delicious eats you’ll be thinking about long after you return home. And who can forget the unique wildlife encounters!
The drive north becomes less about actually getting there and more about the special discoveries along the way.
The driving distance from Brisbane to Airlie Beach is approximately 1,110 km, with a drive time of around 12 and a half hours. When you break it up with some overnight stops, the driving suddenly becomes much more manageable.
A two-week break gives you time to relax and recharge at a slower pace so you can take it all in. Australia’s coastline is built for road trips – the drive is easy and accessible, and you can enjoy the wide open road while staying close to services and amenities.
First scenic stop: Glass House Mountains
About an hour north of Brisbane, the Glass House Mountains tower dramatically over the surrounding landscape. These craggy volcanic peaks, named by Captain Cook, offer short hikes, scenic drives and panoramic lookouts with breathtaking views. Enjoy the scenery as you drive past, or for maps and itineraries, see the Glass House Mountains Visitor and Interpretive Centre.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland: food, drink and artisan delights
Food and drink lovers will enjoy a stop in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The villages of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton offer boutique breweries, small-batch gin distilleries, handmade chocolates and mouth-watering farm-to-plate cafés.
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Stop at Maleny Dairies to pick up some fresh dairy goods (don’t forget to pack a cooler!), visit a boutique distillery and enjoy lunch with jaw-dropping views at Montville’s iconic Edge Café.
Bites in Bundaberg
Bundaberg is an ideal stop for food, drink and wildlife. Especially for rum and ginger beer!
Tour the Bundaberg Rum Distillery or the Bundaberg soft drink factory for a taste of Queensland’s most iconic drinks. Bundaberg is packed with little cafes and country pubs for a bite to eat, many offering delicious, locally-grown produce.
During turtle season, Mon Repos Conservation Park offers guided evening walks to watch nesting and hatchlings (November to March). Tip: Book your tickets in advance as they sell out months ahead, and book an early evening time slot to give you the best chance of a viewing.
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Coastal Charm in 1770 and Agnes Water
Further north, the towns of 1770 and Agnes Water combine history, beachside living and marine adventure. 1770 is one of Queensland’s earliest European landings and now features hearty cafés, coastal walks and a laid-back vibe. The towns serve as the entry point to Lady Musgrave Island, famous for snorkelling, diving and colourful coral reefs. Tours can be booked through 1770 Reef.
For a unique beachfront stay, 1770 Beach Shacks offers quirky island-style accommodation overlooking the water. The hammock on the balcony is the perfect spot to watch the world go by.
Great Keppel Island: tropical paradise
Yeppoon is the gateway to Great Keppel Island, where you’ll find sweeping white sandy beaches, bushwalking trails and an abundance of watersport opportunities (some day trips include a voucher for kayak or paddleboard hire).
If you’re short on time, hop over for a quick day out, or stay overnight so you get more time to explore. It feels like you’re in Fiji as you sip cocktails in the beach bar with the sand between your toes.
For ferry schedules and accommodation, see Great Keppel Island Hideaway.
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Wander with wildlife: platypus and kangaroos galore
Two wildlife detours well worth taking – one on the way to Airlie Beach, and the other on the way back – let you see platypus in the wild and kangaroos enjoying their breakfast on the beach.
Just two hours and 20 minutes from Airlie Beach, Eungella National Park is one of the best places in Australia to spot the elusive platypus. Stay in a cabin at Broken River Mountain Resort and you’re just a short stroll from the accessible viewing boardwalk, where you can watch the mammals play and dive at dawn and dusk.
On the coast, one and a half hours from Airlie, you’ll find Cape Hillsborough National Park, famous for kangaroos grazing on the beach at sunrise. If you stay at Cape Hillsborough Tourist Park you’ll be ready for the extremely early start, or base yourself in the quiet coastal town of Seaforth nearby to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this quaint, hidden gem that feels a million miles from the city.
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
Make sure you allow plenty of time to enjoy your road trip destination: Airlie Beach.
Known as the gateway to the Whitsundays, this lively holiday hotspot is home to cafés, bars, shops and a sprawling lagoon, but the real showstopper is the dazzling turquoise water – you really have to see it to believe the colour.
Getting out on the water during your stay is a must. Take a tour to Whitehaven Beach which is
famous for its pure white silica sand and crystal waters. For an extra reward, make sure you choose a tour that includes Hill Inlet, where a hike uphill leads to a lookout with incredible views of the swirling sands.
Even better, if you have the time and budget, book a sailing trip for a few nights to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the islands, so you can discover more snorkelling spots and venture out into the islands. See Cruise Whitsundays to explore the tour options.
Changing landscapes and weather
Brisbane to Airlie Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic road trips. As you leave Brisbane behind, the scenery unfolds, from volcanic peaks to sugarcane fields to lush rainforests and rolling green hills.
The climate changes just as noticeably: Brisbane is hot and subtropical, Eungella brings cooler, misty air, and by the time you reach Airlie Beach, you’re in the tropics and feel the weight of the humidity during the wet season (November to May) the moment you step outside.
These dramatic differences are part of what makes this drive so special - you aren’t travelling far, yet at times you feel like you’ve travelled to a different country. The experience might even inspire you to plan your own Big Lap adventure!
Accommodation and the practical stuff
Accommodation options along the route range from bed-and-breakfasts and motels to resorts and caravan parks, so there’s something for every budget and group size. If you hire a motorhome, you’ll have the flexibility to explore at your own pace. It’s worth booking ahead, especially during peak times as even camp sites can get booked up.
Be sure to pack for Queensland’s climate, including layers for cooler inland mornings, lightweight clothing for tropical days, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent and sturdy walking shoes, as you’ll want to get out and explore.
Slow down and explore
From country pubs, coral reefs, unique wildlife and laid-back islands, this drive is packed with reasons to slow down and explore. Every stop brings a new experience.
If you’re heading to the Whitsundays, take the time to explore along the way and you’ll discover that the journey is just as special as the destination.
Feature Image: View at Hill Inlet courtesy of Karen Bleakley
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