Bruce Highway Road Trip – Brisbane to Cape Tribulation, QLD

by | Last updated Apr 28, 2024 | Queensland, Road Trips | 34 comments

Snorkelling on The Great Barrier Reef during A Bruce Highway road trip

 

This road trip of the Bruce Highway Brisbane to Cape Tribulation, and vice versa, is one of my favourite road trips. It is also one of the most popular road trips in Australia.

The Bruce Highway runs parallel to the Queensland coast making the trip very scenic. You pass through many seaside towns with plenty of beaches to enjoy. Along with lush rainforests to walk through, great food to eat and a world-heritage listed reef to explore. This road trip appeals to couples, singles and families of all ages with the warm weather being one of the biggest attractions. And now you can find out for yourself just what a great road trip this route, Brisbane to Cape Tribulation is. Read on.

 

TIP: Before any road trip do some quick vehicle checks

 

Queensland Map Road Trip Brisbane to Cape Tribulation

How Long to Drive The Bruce Highway?

 

If you are wondering how long the Bruce Highway is and how long it would take to drive it? Well, the Bruce Highway from Brisbane to Cape Tribulation is 1,820 kms (1,130 miles) long. The drive time if you drove direct without stops would take around 21 hours. Unless you had somewhere to be in a hurry, my biggest tip for driving this road trip is to take your time. Because the Bruce Highway takes you to some of the most iconic beaches and islands in Australia. I would suggest, if you have the time to take at least 7, 14 or even 21 days, or longer to drive the Bruce Highway as there is so much to see, do and enjoy.

 

Transport Needed To Travel The Bruce Highway

 

This is a road trip so you will need a vehicle to undertake it. Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to stop wherever and whenever you want ensuring you have a great road trip. If you don’t have a vehicle then choose one that will suit your expectations, budget and number of people travelling. You could take your accommodation with you and do some car camping, drive a motorhome, van, campervan or tow a caravan. Maybe drive a 4×4 with a roof tent. A car will be just fine also as there is plenty of accommodation you can stay at and book along the way. More on accommodation coming up.

If you don’t have your own vehicle you can rent one. Get pricing and availability through DiscoverCars to rent one here.

Another option could be to travel by train as Queensland Rail has quite a good service. Check the map out here.

 

Accommodation Options along the Bruce Highway

 

There are many accommodation options along the Bruce Highway. Ranging from free camps, camp grounds to hostels, hotels, motels to luxury resorts. And you will find accommodation in the major cities, near beaches, in rainforests and on islands off the coast. Under each stop in this Bruce Highway road trip itinerary, there are accommodation options mentioned along with links to book your stay. In general, you can find accommodation through apps such as Wikicamps, Facebook Groups or through accommodation websites such as Booking.com.

 

Best Time to Drive Brisbane to Cairns on Bruce Highway?

 

Of course you can drive from Brisbane to Cape Tribulation and vice versa anytime however, you might want to consider the weather if you are driving this road for a holiday. Because the best time to drive along the Queensland coast can be influenced by the best weather conditions.

Most say Queensland weather is always beautiful with hot summers and mild warm winters. if you want to travel during the best weather, the Queensland winter months of May to October is when the weather is warm, pleasant and with plenty of sunshine. The summer months in Queensland does see lots of sunny hot days but there is high humidity, lots of rain and a cyclone or two. Christmas, New Year and January are busy times in Queensland. This is school holiday time and many people are visiting family plus, many go on their annual vacation at this time and accommodation prices can skyrocket. But hey, as I said, anytime is a good time to visit Queensland for a holiday.

 

Who is this Bruce Highway road trip for?

 

A road trip along the Bruce Highway is for anyone and everyone. No matter if you are a solo backpacker to Queensland, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a group of friends ready for a good time or a family visiting Queensland with kids, there is plenty to see and do in Queensland. From spending time at the many beaches, exploring unique museums, seeing ‘big things’ like the Big Pineapple or Big Mango, enjoying the local produce or just chilling, a Bruce Highway road trip can be whatever you want it to be.

 

The Bruce Highway Road Trip

 

For the purposes of writing this post we are starting this journey driving the Bruce Highway from Brisbane heading north, but of course, you can start the journey in Cairns and travel south.

You may want to spend a few days in Brisbane. You can read my post on what to see and do in Brisbane that includes where to stay in Brisbane in my 2 day Brisbane itinerary. But of course, you can start in Cairns and drive south.

 

Brisbane to Sunshine Coast

 

Road Distance Brisbane to Sunshine Coast: 120km
Time to Drive: 1-2 hours drive
Days on Sunshine Coast: 2-4

 

Caloundra Beach White Sand Blue Sky and Clear Water

Caloundra, Sunshine Coast

 

Leave the hustle and bustle of Brisbane behind and drive north up the Bruce Highway to the Sunshine Coast.

 

What to See and Do on The Sunshine Coast

 

The Sunshine Coast is made up of a number of pristine beaches and rocky outcrops. You can spend your days lazing on the golden sands, strolling along the coastal paths or relaxing with a good meal in one of the cafes. It stretches some 55km from Caloundra to north of Noose Heads or ‘Noosa’ as most call it. And you are spoilt for choice as to which beach to visit.

As well as spending your time at the beach, shop in one of the many boutiques or sit in a cafe or restaurant – there are a number of other places to discover. One of the most popular things to do is visit Australia Zoo, home of the Crocodile Hunter. Walk around the grounds, maybe cuddle a koala, watch crocodile feeding and other wildlife shows. You could spend all day here if you like and end the day with a dip in the ocean followed by a nice meal.

You can book your ticket to Australia Zoo online here. 

A visit to Sea Life Aquarium, the largest aquarium and oceanarium in Queensland is always a good time. The Big Pineapple is another top tourist attraction on the Sunshine Coast where you can have a tour of the pineapple farm and follow it up with a pineapple delicacy in the coffee shop. You can book your ticket to the Big Pineapple here. Continue from the Big Pineapple for a drive into the hinterland and through the Glass House Mountains National Park. Visit charming townships of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton and get fabulous views from the hinterland over the Sunshine Coast.

Definitely spend some time in Noosa Heads. Walk along Hastings Street and sit in an alfresco cafe and watch the world and people go by. There is plenty of shopping in the local boutiques. Maybe take a hike into the Noosa National Park or simply lie on the golden sands. 

 

If wondering where to stay on the Sunshine Coast, well, there are literally thousands of places to stay. Ranging from free camps, camp grounds, caravan parks, hostels, motels and inclusive resorts. Check out accommodation on the Sunshine Coast here.

 

Hervey Bay & Fraser Island

 

Road Distance Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay: 199km
Time to Drive: 2.5 hours
Days to spend here: 2-4

 

Shipwreck On Fraser Island

As well as whales, golden sands and clear blue water you may see a shipwreck on Fraser Island

 

Next stop on your Bruce Highway road trip is Hervey Bay.

 

What to See and Do in Hervey Bay & Fraser Island

 

Hervey Bay is a coastal city in southern Queensland on the Fraser Coast. It is protected by Fraser Island and is known as the stepping off point where people go whale watching in the calm Hervey Bay waters. Whale watching boats operate out of Urangan Harbour during July to November. So if you want to see the whales you should time you visit to coincide.

There are many boats able to take you out into the Great Sandy Strait to Platypus Bay near the tip of Fraser Island where the whales like to put on displays of breaching and tail and fin slapping. Hopefully they might be so interested in the boat they will come up for a closer look. Half day and full day tours are offered on various sized boats. I went on a full-day tour whale watching, you can read about it here Whale Watching in Hervey Bay.

You can buy a ticket for a whale watching tour online here.

Many people pass through Hervey Bay on their way to visit Fraser Island or K’Gari as it is now known. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. It is 123 km long and about 14 km wide. It is a World Heritage-listed area and is a nature lover’s paradise. Four-wheel drives are the only vehicles allowed on the island. These can be rented if you want to explore the island yourself, or you could take one of the available tours. These include day tours or camping tours of 2-3 days duration and are a great way to experience the island.

You can book a ticket for a full-day tour to Fraser Island from Hervey Bay here.

 

If wondering where to stay in Hervey Bay, well, there are many places to stay. Ranging from free camps, camp grounds, caravan parks, hostels, motels and inclusive resorts. Check out accommodation in Hervey Bay here.

 

Rockhampton via Bundaberg

 

Road Distance Hervey Bay to Bundaberg: 383 km
Time to Drive: 4 hour 20 minutes
Days to spend here: 2-3

 

Sugarcane Train Bundaberg

Sugarcane Train somewhere near Bundaberg

 

Leave Hervey Bay and head to Bundaberg. You will be driving through sugarcane country and home of Bundaberg Rum (Bundy Rum). Why not visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery during your stay in the area.  Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands are accessed from Bundaberg and are good places to swim, fish and dive. So if you wanted to deviate from this road trip up the Bruce Highway, now is your chance.

After the morning spent in Bundaberg you have about a 3 hour and 20 minute drive to Rockhampton. Rockhampton is the beef capital of Australia and has a number of cattle statues around the city. You might wish to visit the Capricorn Caverns with 16 caverns to explore, or the crocodile farm and the Spire which marks the Tropic of Capricorn. You could also head out to the resort town of Yeppoon, the step-off point for those wishing to visit Great Keppel Island. This is also where the Great Barrier Reef begins.

 

Check out accommodation options in Bundaberg here.

 

Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands via Mackay

 

Road Distance Rockhampton to Airlie Beach: 481km
Time To Drive: 5 hours 20 minutes
Days to spend here: 3-5 or longer if you have the time

 

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach

 

This drive is quite long so break up the trip at Mackay. Mackay itself is known for its Harbour Beach, marina and Bluewater Lagoon, a city water park. It’s also the place to access Brampton Island, Lindeman and Hamilton Islands if you need an island holiday. A rest stop here will see you arriving in Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays not so ‘jet lagged’ after a long trip.

 

What to See and Do in the Whitsundays

 

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. It is a popular resort town with fabulous views over Airlie Bay. There are over 70 islands in this group of islands with resorts located on Lindeman, Daydream, North Molle, South Molle, Hayman, Hook, Long and Hamilton Islands. The resorts offer standby rates if you feel like experiencing a little luxury. Stays can only be booked a couple of days in advance. Ask at one of the many tourist shops along the main strip.

Relaxing here for a few days is well worth your while. You might wish to learn to dive or take a sailing trip around the islands. There are many boats cruising the islands, from smaller party boats to larger, more luxurious and quieter boats. Most vessels will drop anchor for you to swim and snorkel. Some may even have barbecues on a deserted beach.

Book a sail around the Whitsunday Islands to Whitehaven Beach online here.

For accommodation in and around Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays check out these options.

 

Townsville via Bowen

 

Distance Airlie Beach to Bowen: 80kms
Time to drive: about 1 hour
Distance Bowen to Townsville: 200km
Time to drive: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Days to spend here: 2-4

 

Castle Hill Townsville Is A Big Red Rock Overlooking Townsville

Castle Hill overlooking Townsville

 

Leave The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach and continue heading up the Bruce Highway and take a stop in Bowen. Bowen is known for the numerous murals in the town centre. With a look before continuing on to Townsville.

 

What to See and Do in Townsville

 

Townsville is the third largest city in Queensland and is home to an army base and James Cook University. It is also the financial capital of North Queensland. It is the step-off point for those going to Magnetic Island. This island is often referred to as the koala capital of Australia as there are thousands of koalas roaming the island. It is also the sunniest spot on the coast with an average of 320 fine days a year. So Magnetic Island makes a great day trip from Townsville or you could stay longer.

One thing you must do in Townsville is drive or walk to the top of Castle Hill providing panoramic views over Townsville.

Book a trip b ferry to Magnetic Island online here.

For places where to stay in Townsville check out accommodation options here.

 

Cairns via Cardwell and Mission Beach

 

Distance from Townsville to Cairns: 350km
Time to Drive: Just over 4 hours
Days to spend in Cairns: 3-5

 

Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon With Big Silver Fish

Walk the Esplanade and take a dip in the lagoon

 

Many travellers stop at Cardwell and, or Mission Beach on the drive up the Bruce Highway to Cairns. Mostly to break up the four hour journey. But they are also the major hop off points for Hinchinbrook Island, Bedarra Island and Dunk Islands. Dunk Island is home to the Ulysses Butterfly.

Before reaching Cairns visit the Boulder National Park. You could walk the rainforest circuit and see the boulders. Be careful when you’re walking as there have been many deaths along this path.

 

What to See and Do in Cairns

 

Cairns is where the rainforest meets the reef. Like the Gold Coast, there is plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets. If you want that something extra a hostel can’t give you, you may wish to upgrade. Like Townsville, Cairns is a popular place to learn to dive. Once you’ve learnt to dive, or if you are already an experienced diver, you may wish to undertake other dives in the Great Barrier Reef including to the popular spot, the Cod Hole.

While in Cairns, walk the Esplanade, go shopping or take a sail in Cairns harbour and Everglades to spot estuarine crocodiles, or visit a crocodile farm. Maybe you would like to go game fishing. One of the things many do is learn to scuba dive. You can organise your course in Cairns or check out this 4 day learn to scuba dive open water course here.

 

Day Trips from Cairns

 

And go further afield around Cairns.

  • You may wish to have a beach holiday at one of the beaches just north of Cairns, my favourite is Trinity Beach.
  • Drive up the mountains to Kuranda taking in the Crater Lakes, the Barron Falls and the Curtain Fig Tree. Or take the scenic railway winding its way up the mountains offering some wonderful views. You could also take the Skyrail Cableway to Kuranda.
  • Or maybe leave the tropical far north and head in to the Gulf Savannah for a trip to the Undarra Lave Caves, which are the longest in the world and stretch for some 16km. On the way you could have a drink at the highest pub in Queensland, in the town of Tully. Take note of the signs advising of various battalions which were stationed in the area during WWII.
  • Catch a boat to Green Island for some snorkelling.
  • Learn to scuba dive on a 4 day learn to dive open water course.

 

Book a trip on the Kuranda Railway here to Kuranda and return by Skyrail online here.

Book a full-day trip to Green Island online here.

Full day trip from Cairns to the Daintree with a cruise can be purchased online here.

Cairns has many accommodation options so if looking for a place to stay in Cairns, check out these options.

 

Daintree Forest and Cape Tribulation

 

Distance from Cairns to Cape Tribulation: 142km
Time to Drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation: 2.5 hours
Days to spend here: 1-3

 

Daintree Forest

Tropical Rainforests to Explore

 

Some prefer to visit the Daintree and Cape Tribulation on a day trip from Cairns.

You can book a day trip here.

From Cairns head to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Here is where the rainforest meets the beach, literally, you can step from the rainforest onto the beach. You can enjoy empty beaches, taste tropical fruits, eat locally made ice cream and soar through the rainforest canopy on a flying fox. The area is a bushwalking paradise with short and long hikes to undertake while taking in spectacular beach and rainforest scenery with diverse flora and fauna. You can easily disconnect from society here if you wish however, it is a popular region with backpackers who come to enjoy the party atmosphere of many of the rainforest set hostels. You can head further on from Cape Tribulation, say up to Cooktown however, the sealed road ends and you will need a 4WD to travel further.

For places to stay in Cape Tribulation check out these options.

 

End of the Road

 

And so ends a wonderful Bruce Highway road trip from Brisbane to Cape Tribulation. I hope you have or had a good time. If you can recommend any other things to do and see while on this road trip please leave a comment below.

 

Where to from here: perhaps a road trip of the Northern Territory or into New South Wales as part of a big lap of Australia.

 

lots of beaches to see along the Bruce Highway from Brisbane to Cairns.

My Favourite Travel Resources that help me discover Australia now.

* For accommodation I book a bed in a hostel through HostelWorld or a hotel room via Booking.com. For free accommodation I house sit through Trusted Housesitters.
* I purchase camping & caravanning gear through Caravan RV Camping, Amazon and Anaconda.
* I power up my gear and electronics with a Bluetti Powerbank.
* For clothing and travel gear I like North Face  (particularly their jackets and their hybrid backpack/suitcase) and Anaconda. For bags (I take my messenger bag everywhere) I like Bagsmart.
* If I need to rent a car I check out options at DiscoverCars.
* When I need travel insurance I get a policy through World Nomads or SafetyWing.

 

34 Comments

  1. Rachael Brown

    Hoping to do this very road trip as soon as the borders open! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Excellent. I hope you have the best time on this road trip. It is a good one.

      Reply
  2. Shannon

    Wow, that’s quite the roadtrip! Looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Yes, it is quite the road trip. It is a long one, not just the distance, but because there is so much to see and do you need to spend a long time enjoying the whole region.

      Reply
  3. Shelbs

    I love that you included a shipwreck on this road trip! We love seeing things like this because it reminds us of pirates!!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Thank you. Fraser Island is more than just beaches and whale watching and I tried to show the things to see and do.

      Reply
  4. SmartBox

    Thanks for sharing this article Sharyn! Now I am excited to hit the road again! It seems Bruce highway makes a perfect route on hitting the road again! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      The Bruce Highway is sealed and is a great way to travel between Brisbane and Cape Trip. Enjoy your trip.

      Reply
  5. Laureen

    this looks amazing. I am planing my third visit to Australia next year. I absolutely love it. Saving this for future reference.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Wonderful. If you like discovering places on road trips then this is one that you really need to do.

      Reply
  6. Natalie

    Great itinerary! I haven’t gotten past Airlie Beach so would love to north of there one day 🙂 I especially want to visit Daintree Rainforest–it sounds amazing!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      The Daintree Rainforest is just amazing. So beautiful to walk through, and then it meets the beach so it is the best of both worlds.

      Reply
  7. Sonia

    Looks like a wonderful road trip–I would love to do some sailing, swim in the lagoon, and head out on some walks/hikes in the area.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I hope you can get to do all those things one day. It really is a great road trip to do and best done over 1-2 weeks or longer.

      Reply
  8. Adventures from where you want to be

    Awesome road trip, I have done this a few times myself, it is really beautiful. The most annoying thing though is when you get stuck on the infamous Bruce highway roadworks 😉

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Unfortunately, road works happen when you really don’t want them to. the Bruce Highway is not alone – there are plenty on the Hume Highway too!

      Reply
  9. Anita

    It sounds like a really epic road trip. Even I have not done it, I have been to Cairns and Kuranda with historic train and I enjoyed that a lot. I see that there are many other places to enjoy on this road trip. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      It is an epic road trip. Australia has many of them. This is one of the best because it is along the coast with plenty to see.

      Reply
  10. Cait

    Loving all the scenic stops on this road trip!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Yes, there are plenty more I could have included. Next trip!

      Reply
  11. Tara

    This puts me in the mood for a road trip! Great guide!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Oh good, I love a good road trip and am doing Australia’s best road trips, one road trip at a time.

      Reply
  12. Terri

    I don’t know if I have one more 24 hour flight to Australia in me but if I did, I would drive the Bruce Highway. It must be like driving Pacific Ocean highway in Southern California.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Very similar – a great coastal road trip with plenty to see. I hope you can undertake the 24 hour flight one or more times!

      Reply
  13. Lisa

    I have done parts of this trip so many times (I’m based in Brissie). It’s a great road trip to take your time and enjoy it. Great tips.

    Reply
  14. Shweta

    I really enjoyed reading this post. I always thought of visiting Australia east coast in Nov / Dec, but good to know that winter months (which is summer for us) is good for a road trip as well.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Yes, you can do a road trip in Australia anytime, but sometimes it can be influenced by the weather. And Queensland weather is great most of the year.

      Reply
  15. Angela Price

    There’s nothing as great as an Aussie road trip, is there? I did several, including Tasmania, when I visited a few years back. Sadly, I only got as high as Brisbane before flying out, but I would have loved to do the one you detailed in your post.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I love road trips, especially Aussie road trips as you get to see so much by staying on the ground. And the Bruce Highway road trip is probably the second best in Australia after the Sydney to Brisbane road trip – but some might argue that!

      Reply
  16. Anja

    This looks great. I have never been to Australia, but the beaches are super attractive. If I were to visit, I would plan to drive this highway

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Queensland beaches are just wonderful – white sand, blue water, you just need to watch out for stingers (jelly fish) in the summer months.

      Reply
  17. Katie

    I have not been to Australia yet, but this road trip looks like a great way to see a lot of wonderful things. Will have to do this when I get there!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      After driving the Sydney to Brisbane road trip, the Brisbane to Cairns road trip is the next best in Australia. You get to see so much of the Australian coastline and visit many coastal towns – just wonderful. I hope you get to do this road trip one day.

      Reply

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About Me

Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve Sign shaped like a big white wave with Sharyn McCullum On the Great Ocean Road.

G’Day! Sharyn here, an Aussie discovering Australia. Let me show you around so you can discover Australia too.  Read my story here.



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