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Brisbane to Cairns: the whole Queensland coast

Short answer

About 1,700 km up the Bruce Highway, roughly 20 hours behind the wheel if you drove it straight, which nobody should. Give it two weeks or more: Noosa, K'gari, the Whitsundays, Magnetic Island and the reef are all on the way.

Distance · about 1,700 km Driving · around 20 hours Tours from · $2,599
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Tours along the route

The day trips and short tours worth stopping for between Brisbane and Cairns.

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Ways to do Brisbane to Cairns

Option How it works Price Link
Bus Greyhound East Coast Pass (Create Your Own), 7 to 45 Days The pass covers the whole run. Pick how many travel days you need and reserve each leg as you go. Compare current bus pass prices. from $319 Choose your pass →
Campervan Self-drive van Our day-by-day plan with the stops worth making. Brisbane to Cairns road trip plan (10–21 days, ≈ 2,000 km with detours). Cheapest van on the hire companies' own sites: $759 all-in for 10 nights (8–18 Jun 2027, checked 26 October 2026), for the van, not per person. Every date and van type. van from $759 Get a van quote →
Fly Flights Direct flights run between Brisbane and Cairns. Fine if you're short on time, but you skip the whole coast. Search fares Flight tips →
Semi-guided · 14 days East Coast Australia: 14-Day Semi-Guided Adventure Brisbane to Cairns in two weeks: Noosa, K'gari, the Whitsundays and a reef day. Beds, transport and the big activities pre-booked in a set order. You pick the start date; guides run the big days. from $2,599 See the trip →
Semi-guided · 17 days Byron to Cairns: 17-Day Semi-Guided Adventure Starts in Byron, then runs Brisbane to Cairns with Magnetic Island on the way. Beds, transport and the big activities pre-booked in a set order. You pick the start date; guides run the big days. from $2,999 See the trip →
Fully guided · 20 days Oz East Coast Adventure, 20 Days Brisbane to Cairns Guided group trip, Brisbane to Cairns: K'gari, a 2-night sail, Magnetic Island and the reef. from $4,099 See the trip →

Prices are per person in AUD. Distances and drive times are rounded and don't include stops. Bus seats are reserved leg by leg once you have your pass. Compare today's prices: today's cheapest K'gari tour prices, Whitsundays sailing prices, Great Barrier Reef tour prices and East Coast tour prices.

On the way

Stops worth making

Brisbane Brisbane South Bank and the river before you start the run north. Noosa Noosa National park walks, the Everglades and gentle surf. K'gari (Fraser Island) K'gari (Fraser Island) Three days of 4WD across the world's largest sand island. The Whitsundays The Whitsundays A night or two on a boat among the islands. Great Barrier Reef Great Barrier Reef A full day on the outer reef out of Cairns. Cairns & Tropical North Cairns & Tropical North The lagoon, Kuranda, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

Agnes Water and 1770, Yeppoon, Magnetic Island and Mission Beach.

Brisbane to Cairns: your questions

How long do you need for Brisbane to Cairns?

Two weeks is enough to hit the big ones: Noosa, K'gari, the Whitsundays and the reef. Three weeks lets you add Magnetic Island, Mission Beach and the Tablelands.

How far is Brisbane to Cairns by road?

About 1,700 km, roughly 20 hours of driving direct. With the usual detours, closer to 2,000 km.

What's the cheapest way from Brisbane to Cairns?

Usually the coach on a hop-on hop-off pass. Our Greyhound East Coast pass starts from $319.

Can I drive Brisbane to Cairns in a campervan?

Yes, it's one of the classic one-way hires. We quote the van and the one-way fee upfront, and our Brisbane to Cairns road trip plan has the stops.

Is there a tour from Brisbane to Cairns?

Yes. We sell a 14-day semi-guided bundle and a 20-day guided group trip that both run Brisbane to Cairns, from $2,599.

Read before you go

Plan the next leg

Sydney to Byron Bay →Byron Bay to Noosa →Brisbane to Noosa →Noosa to Rainbow Beach →Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach →Airlie Beach to Cairns →Sydney to Cairns →Sydney to Melbourne →Melbourne to Adelaide →

Doing the whole coast? See the 21-day East Coast itinerary, compare bus passes or ask us to plan it.