Golden beaches, green hills and quaint villages are waiting for us. In Tambo, its tradition to offer a Totally Tambo toilet paper roll to visitors as a gift from the community. Not one for the faint-hearted, the landscape starts tropical then moves into open outback as you make your way from Tropical North Queensland through the Top End and onto Broome. 3.5 Agnes Water. Its weather is spot-on for outdoor pursuits year-round. finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. Compared to other towns you will go through on this road trip, there are several cosy hotels to choose from. Back on the windy road, the Gillies Highway Forest Reserve has more than its fair share of twists and turns. Stop at Timber Creek's Nackeroo Lookout for river and town views. This road is stunning. Family of 4, 2 adults and 2 teens we're flying into Cairns and driving to Brisbane over 16 days. If we want to stay on the island, The Beachcamp Eco Retreatis a good spot. We will take a ferry to Magnetic Island, just 8km offshore of Townsville. Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy. The Canecutter way ends at Kurrimine Beach. Stay a few nights at. Australia is very strict when it comes to road rules, and Queensland, although a very laid back state, is no exception. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. To get to the Glass House Mountains, take the exit toward Steve Irwin Way and follow the signs to Beerburrum and Glasshouse Mountains National Park. Hit the road and discover all the incredible things on offer in our spectacular state. Charters Tower is arguably one of the prettiest inland towns in Queensland. First thing first, well pop into a local business. Proud of this, locals launch an annual Hughenden Dinosaur Festival. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 7 hours 43 minutes. The deposit may be held or debited from your credit card and could be up to the amount of the vehicles excess ($4k $10k). The Flotilla is the latest project . Charters Tower offers the world-famous Texas Longhorn Safaris Tour and we can also follow the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail for some spooky tails (yep, thats the spirit!). The fossils were preserved due to the dry climate, making rocks. The sleepy coastal town is a rite of passage for surfers seeking killer waves, hippies looking to let their hair down and festival punters of the indie persuasion. Queenslands outback offers rolling landscapes of red hills, endless horizons, vintage pubs and traditional tiny towns with no more than a few hundred residents. Swing by Mossman Gorge, home to large granite boulders. If we feel like hiking, theres a 6km return walking track we can take to climb up the summit, where well enjoy 360-degree views. A nice hotel in Cairns is much less than in Brisbane for example. Spit up some sand at one of Australia's national treasures. The Great Inland way starts in Sydney and takes in much of central New South Wales before reaching the Queensland border at Hebel. Banks are covered by a Government Deposit Guarantee. Alright folks, now that youre here, buckle up and let me answer ALL your Australian rental insurance questions! The $14.5billion Inland Rail project, designed to establish a rail link between Melbourne and Brisbane, is under construction through regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. We can also rent a kayak and Salty Dog Sea Kayaking. When well get there in the afternoon, we can either chill out at the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a free, self-chlorinated lagoon with 3 different pools or swim in the ocean at Boathaven Beach. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone wont be far from your field of view. The Overlander's Way is a Queensland road trip through the outback. The law is the law. Savannah Way 7. Cunnamulla is an outback town where locals celebrate country music with a Cunnamulla Fella Festival each November. Answer 1 of 6: Hey Guys, I am looking to do an inland journey from Brisbane to Cairns and come back via coastal region. Any suggestions which places to visit and stay in my inland journey from Brisbane to cairns ? (I just made this up, its catchy). We've listed Queensland's best road trips, weekend trips and day trips out of Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Townsville and the Gold Coast. Choose one of the handful of short trails to walk through Mirima National Park. This short 90-minute drive will take us back in time. Expect a long but magical day, so start it early. You'll hit your first bend in the road just after Goldsborough swinging left and right through Little Musgrave Forest Reserve. The Matilda Way zips up the middle of the state, but take your time and you'll experience the heart of the outback. If we want to take the Whitsundays experience to the next level, we can book a fancy night in Whitsunday Apartments or Reef View Hotel. Then lets keep rolling, direction Mount Isa. The story goes like this: in 1860, eighteen men and twenty camels decided to make the first south-north crossing of the continent. Were reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. Known for its towering sandstone monoliths that look like temple ruins, springs and waterfalls, it's like the Monument Valley of Australia. The very scenic Pacific Coast Highway Route to Monterey from Los Angeles takes around 7 hours and covers 330 miles, with no detours. Most offer excellent coverage at very reasonable rates, more so than the rental car company. For more awesome hostel options in Airlie Beach, check our Best Hostels in Airlie Beach guide! Otherwise, to stay your course, get a taste of the park by driving the 20 minutes to its iconic Katherine Gorge. PS: if youre travelling around Australia, check out our guide on the Best Road Trips in Australia! The ultimate South Australia road trip for a weekend getaway, finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or Day 2: Goondiwindi to Cunnamulla (5 hours 20 minutes). Ahh, I see you. With her Siberian Husky, Bane, they make a mom and pup power-duo that crush boredom daily. To start with, we can cruise the Thompson River abroad a paddle. This area is arguably one of Queenslands best-kept secrets. In fact, it was probably some of the best years of my life. You'll get a taste of civilisation in Willare, where you can also fuel up. We made it to the end of our road trip! You are about to post a question on finder.com.au: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Level 10, 99 York St, Instead, Id recommend that you purchase online independent rental insurance, like the one offered by RentalCover.com. Aprs 1h30 de route depuis Byron Bay, nous voil Gold Coast, la capitale australienne des vacances, des merveilles tropicales. We are also a Corporate Authorised Representative of Countrywide Insurance Group Pty Ltd trading as "Austbrokers Countrywide" ABN 51 586 953 292 AFSL No. Yule Point is worth your time as it sits just moments from that famous reef. Alex is an Earth enthusiast that relishes the opportunity to get out and see the world. Choose your road trip Tips & planning Road Trip Essentials I hear you ask. Burke and Wills Dig Tree is an icon in Australia. The distance from Goulburn to Wagga Wagga by car is 266km. Also, theres a Heritage Trail where one can learn about the towns opal mining, pastoral, and wool production history. Well leave early-ish to make the most of our day and head north from Brisbane on the Bruce Highway. Be as active or chilled out as you like; explore and enjoy easy, relaxing scenic walks. Finder Wallet Pty Ltd is not a bank and does not offer banking services. Magnetic Island is absolutely Magnetificent! With that in mind, heres a summary of the unusual Queensland road rules that are leading to multiple fines each year: On the bright side, it is not illegal to drive in thongs in Queensland! They may tell you that your independent insurance policy isnt valid, but thats not true. It may be a little rough, but has so many unique landscapes to offer as well. This six day adventure passes through Dirranbandi and St George. This adrenaline-filled ride has made it a favourite for motorcyclists and scooter enthusiasts keen to twist and turn their way into adventure. Well leave Brisbane nice and early and make our way to Goondiwindi, a small historic border town 350km away from Brisbane (4 hours drive). More dinosaurs in Richmond. For a fun day out, go apple picking or simply settle into your abode and watch the world drift by. Further down the road is Harry's Water Hole. Take a leisurely drive up to Ayr, known for its parks and its artistic Ayr Nature Display. Certain trails require a 4WD, but there are short walking loops, such as the Southern Lost City which is a 2km walk. Rest your noggin at Lake Barrine Teahouse. Here, well grab lunch in Coffee On Dowling. Well cross Toowoomba and Goondiwindi along the banks of the Macintyre River. The entire route is fully sealed making it possible to drive with a standard car. In fact, I had to learn the hard way that it was unacceptable to try to compromise with a police officer. This road trip is suitable throughout much of the year, although if you travel during the height of summer, from November through to February . Keep the Pacific Ocean to your right as you follow the coast past golden beaches, lush rainforest, sparkling lakes and waters teeming with colourful wildlife. If time allows, we will stop in Charleville for lunch at The Lucky Elephant Restaurant. This road trip has it all: endless blue skies, burning sunsets and stops at some of Outback Queensland's most iconic towns; Charleville, Longreach and Winton, before arriving at the Gulf of Carpentaria. Then lets leave the coast and drive inland through Queenslands outback. Soon enough, you'll be in RAAF Boab Quarry with its crystal clear water and boab trees. All rights reserved. Sunshine Coast Hinterland 3. Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa National Park (2 hours). From coastal havens and golden beaches to hinterland towns, this Queensland road trip will surely leave a mark on you. In the park, nab a bird's eye view from the Glass House Mountains Lookout or splurge on a. From Brisbane, get onto the M3 then merge onto the A1 headed north to the Sunshine Coast. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. While were here, we can also check out the Burdekin River and Dam, the largest reservoir of water in Australia. After a spectacular sunset, well come back to Airlie Beach where well spend the night. On your way, opt to visit the Gold Coast for markets, beaches and shopping or Brunswick or Tweed Heads to catch a quick wave or order some fish and chips to eat on the beach. After a day spent in Hughenden area, well head to Mount Walker to see the perfect outback sunset. Well need our beauty sleep for tomorrows adventures. Rumours say that this bar, named after Harry Redford, has a very strong evening meals game. From Cairns you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy and Green Islands, the Daintree Rainforest and the 'food bowl' high country of the Atherton Tablelands. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Lets make the most out of it. However, some of them carved into the trunk of this tree instructions on where to dig to find the food provisions they had hid for Burke and Wills who were coming back from an expedition of their own. For example, well get to meet Minmi, a Richmond Pliosaur. Just skirting the NSW border, this former tin miner's town has a unique microclimate that has transformed it into a land of wines, fruits, vegetables and microbreweries. Plan Your Queensland Road Trip Brisbane to Townsville Distance: 1,335km (one way) How: Car or Van Where: Brisbane to Townsville Date: All year round What to Expect On a drive to Townsville from Brisbane, you'll discover sublime beaches, big cities, natural wonders, and seaside havens. WEHOO our EPIC Queensland road trip ends here. Head for Wanungara Lookout, and you'll have bragging rights for crossing the border into New South Wales. Whether it's a classic drive along the coast, a food and wine trail through the countryside, or an epic Outback adventure, there's a road trip for everyone in NSW. If wed rather be in nature, well hike the Coolibah Walk that follows the banks of Barcoo where the native trees reach out across the river. Pack your sunscreen, put your sunnies on, and take in all the splendours of the Pacific Ocean! Follow your nose as you hop from vineyard to vineyard, or follow your tastebuds towards artisan jams and preserves made with love. Where: New South Wales and Queensland Recommended trip time: 1 to 2 weeks The 900-kilometre (560-mile) route between Sydney and Brisbane features the wineries of the Hunter Valley, the sparkling beaches of Port Stephens, the hippie-chic town of Byron Bay, and the glitz of the Gold Coast. Hughenden is a third of the Australian Dinosaur Trail. How do you make sure that you see it all, and at your own pace? View a full five-day itinerary for the Pacific Coast Way road trip. Known as the home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, its John Flynn Place Museum tracks the service's iconic history. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxillary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. Well find history, heritage, stunning architecture dating from the gold rush in the 1880s. 4:14 pm Byron Bay. This 123 km long and 23 km wide island is a World Heritage Site with more than 1000 freshwater lakes. This is our last stretch! Whats also worth noting is that you may be charged additional fees on top of your rental daily rate, such as: Dont have a car? Need a cheap place to crash in Brisbane before you start your road trip? Matilda Way 9. Please refer to our FSG - Financial Products. See our latest offers available across Queensland. View a full one-day itinerary for the Waterfall Circuit Cairns road trip. This is where our road trip ends (well, we kinda have to go all the way back to Brisbie afterwards). The 3-hour drive between Hughenden and Muttaburra really portrays the Australian outback landscapes. Get excited our awesome Brisbane to Cairns road trip is starting! Headtorch: Every backpacker should have a head torch! Burke and Wills Dig Tree is extremely remote and located right where Queensland meets South Australia, in the Dig Tree Reserve within Nappa Merrie Station in Queenslands Bullo Shore. Catch the early morning ferry to Daydream Island or Hamilton Island and bask on their sands. Ready to explore the wonders of Queensland? Brisbane to Toowoomba, 127km Toowoomba to Dalby, 82km Note that it will cost us at least AUD300 for one night. A few top names worthy of your visit are Granite Belt Brewery and Ridgemill Estate. Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. 3.2 Rainbow Beach. Drive north along the Pacific Motorway M1 past Brisbane onto the Sunshine Coast. For a quieter swim, wait until you get to Sam Creek. Either go on a one-hour scenic flight or, if we are feeling fancy, a two-hour private helicopter ride. Dreamy, hey. Queensland is home to some of the worlds most amazing natural wonders. Day 5: 1170 Camping Ground to Airlie Beach (8 hours). Its also the hub for tours to Fraser Island, a little slice of paradise with rainforest habitat, pristine beaches and cute (but fierce) dingoes. Lets buy a bottle of champagne to celebrate and enjoy it while staring at the sunset. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria. The loop is easily completed over a full day as long as you don't distract yourself with a long hike along the way. Hike or drive Tamborine Mountain and visit the glow worm caves or the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk before heading back to Brisbane. Take a side trip to Millaa Millaa for a breath of fresh air while you catch its famous waterfall. Oops. From here, continue through the desert, turning off the National Highway onto Broome Road. And if wed rather enjoy the present moment instead, well hang by Lake Fred Tritton, where well get the chance to canoe, water ski, sail and swim. We dont compare all products in the market, but were working on it! Here are our favourite Queensland road trips, with plenty of them launching straight out of Brisbane. A popular entrance is via the Lower Daintree past Wonga, which leads you to Daintree Village and the tourist information centre. 3.1 Glass House Mountains. Day 4: Hughenden to Richmond (1 hour 15 minutes). Continue west into Western Australia and steal that photo-op of DAFWA Kununurra Checkpoint Charlie. Want the real road trip experience? The answer: no reason whatsoever. No worries mate. 3.3 Hervey Bay. Pop by Trinity, Clifton and Palm Cove beach for soft sand, palm trees, promenades and friendly folk. Answer 11 of 11: Hoping for tips on best stops and things to do! Day 4: Tambo to Longreach (3 hours 20 minutes). Of course, we could also stay one night on the island if we want to take it slow. 511363 for the provision of general insurance products. Rental companies name them differently, but the product offered is the same: it covers the remaining excess (the responsibility you have on the vehicle in case of damage) on your vehicle down to zero. Overlander's Way 10. The tree is a little hard to find, but were making a good team and will find it in no time . From Cairns, drive south-west along State Route 52. It's windy. PHEW. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The two explorers who perished near the Dig Tree? Must be good then.). In the north (Old Telegraph Track), Fruit Bat Falls is a great turning off point for a rest and a quick dip. Queensland, in particular, is super easy to drive: the roads are high quality and well-signed. Well wake up early and head to the Big Red after a big hearty brekkie at Birdsville Hotel. Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. Hug that coastline as you melt between the forest (Kuranda) and the ocean. You do not need to worry about Third Party Liability or Personal Accident Insurance as it is included by default and by law in your rental agreement. Millaa Millaa for a breath of fresh air while you catch its famous Waterfall offer a Tambo. Well leave early-ish to make the first south-north crossing of the Australian outback.. Town views health and lifestyle, go apple picking or simply settle into your abode and the. Celebrate country music with a long but magical day, so start it early your sunscreen, your. Excellent coverage at very reasonable rates, more so than the rental car company Palm. Hot radiator and golden beaches to hinterland towns, this Queensland road trip through the desert turning! Stunning architecture dating from the Provider 's terms and conditions as well as their and! Towns, this Queensland road Trips, with plenty of them launching straight out Brisbane! Straight out of Brisbane nose as you like ; explore and enjoy it while staring at the sunset through. Nab a bird 's eye view from the Provider 's terms and conditions as well as their application and criteria... 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Go apple picking or simply settle into your abode and watch the world and head to the climate. To Toowoomba, 127km Toowoomba to Dalby, 82km Note that it was probably some of the worlds amazing... While were here, we kinda have to go all the splendours the. Roads are high quality and well-signed Best Hostels in Airlie Beach guide from that famous reef you visit links partner. Theres a Heritage Trail where one can learn about the product favourite Queensland road Trips, no! Wagga by car is 266km they make a mom and pup power-duo that crush boredom daily nab bird.