With World Heritage listed national parks, bucket list moments, Aboriginal experiences and the most beautiful white-sand beaches you can imagine, this campervan self-drive allows you the flexibility to enjoy the Sunshine State and is one of the best ways to see Australia, with the flexibility to get off the beaten track and explore this pristine paradise on your own terms.
Read on for details of our carefully-curated 13 night itinerary designed to give you the complete Queensland experience as you travel from Brisbane to Cairns by Campervan.
The first stop is Brisbane, a cosmopolitan hub for culture, arts and food and wine. On arrival at the airport collect your campervan and spend time exploring this vibrant city plus on your second day, you’ll be transported to 1800s Australia to witness history come alive as two cultures meet for the very first time. Spirits of the Red Sand is a world-first Aboriginal live ‘roving theatre’ and dinner experience that is set within a 19th Century Village and completely immerses you through song, dance, chants and powerful storytelling. This award-winning experience will open your eyes to the history, beauty and vibrancy of the Aboriginal people.
Day 3 – Brisbane – Caloundra
Drive along the beautiful Sunshine Coast to Caloundra, a sleepy coastal town known for its relaxed atmosphere and epic surfing conditions and while you are there, we highly recommend picking up some fish and chips and spending the afternoon at the nearby breathtaking Moffat Beach.
Day 4 – Caloundra – Hervey Bay
Leave Caloundra behind and continue north in the direction of Hervey Bay and on the way drop in at Rainbow Beach and take the short walk to Carlo Sand Blow. This sand blow is an accumulation of sand covering 15 or so hectares and is often marvelled at for its out of this World view – an experience not to be missed!
Day 5 – K’gari (Fraser Island)
Head on an adventurous day tour today to K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island. Drive across sand tracks to explore some of the most beautiful, natural spots and listen to fascinating facts about the island’s history. Highlights of the day include swimming in the crystal clear Lake McKenzie, driving along 75 Mile Beach and visiting Maheno Shipwreck, one of K’gari’s (Fraser Island) most recognised sites.
Day 6 – Hervey Bay – Yeppoon
It’s a longer day on the road today but the destination is well worth the drive. Situated just 30 minutes outside of Rockhampton, the coastal Yeppoon is a must do for those exploring the Queensland coast and from Yeppoon you can visit Byfield National Park, Pumpkin Island and Great Keppel Island.
Day 7 – Yeppoon – Mackay
Leave Yeppoon behind and enjoy a four-hour drive to Mackay and while on route, be sure to stop at Sarina for a stroll along their beautiful beach.
Day 8 – Mackay – Airlie Beach
Just north of Mackay you’ll find Cape Hillsborough National Park, famous for its furry locals as each morning Cape Hillsborough beach is dotted with a number of kangaroos and wallabies. You have to be here at sunrise to be in with a chance of seeing them though so we recommend booking in the night before at Cape Hillsborough Tourist Nature Park, where you can practically roll out of your Camper and onto the beach.
Day 9 – Airlie Beach
Spend the day enjoying Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays where you can choose to go island hopping, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, or relax on Whitehaven Beach and taking in the spectacular view that is Hill Inlet.
Day 10 – Airlie Beach – Mission Beach
Say goodbye to Airlie Beach and continue north to Mission Beach, a nature lover’s paradise and on the way to Mission Beach, take a detour to Wallaman Falls (Australia’s tallest single drop permanent waterfall) and the Instagram famous and vibrant blue Cardwell Spa Pools. On arrival in Mission Beach you will be met by palm fringed beaches, tropical rainforest and pristine golden sands.
Day 11 – Mission Beach – Port Douglas
It’s approximately a two-hour drive to Cairns, famous for its wealth of natural wonders including the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. On arrival in Cairns drop off your campervan and transfer to Port Douglas, a laid-back, tropical paradise where you will check-in to your hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 12-13 – Port Douglas
Explore the ancient rainforests of World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation and the Daintree National Park on this full day tour led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Visit Mossman Gorge Centre and enjoy morning tea before boarding your transfer into the gorge. Hop aboard the Daintree River Cruise and learn about the intricate Daintree eco-system. Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch in the rainforest and then walk along the world-famous Cape Tribulation Beach with the following day at your leisure to relax and enjoy the hotels facilities, before returning home the following day from your Australian adventure!
