Finish your trip in Cooktown by staying at. WEHOO our EPIC Queensland road trip ends here. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. UP YOUR PACKING GAME! We made it to the end of our road trip! The Great Tropical Drive is a self-drive route that takes you through the Daintree Rainforest, the sleepy town of Port Douglas, Cooktown and many many of Tropical North Queensland's gems. It boasts some of the best wineries in Queensland, such as Riversands Winery. On day 6, we will take a tour to Whitsundays to make the most of it. Stretching from the New South Wales border all the way up to Cooktown in the Tropical North, the Great Inland Way is one of the most iconic drives in Queensland. Here, well grab lunch in Coffee On Dowling. This adrenaline-filled ride has made it a favourite for motorcyclists and scooter enthusiasts keen to twist and turn their way into adventure. If we have a 2WD, we can go through Roma and Windorah instead. 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. To get there, well hop on a ferry from Townsville. Choose one of the handful of short trails to walk through Mirima National Park. 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. Its romantic landscapes and dramatic sunsets attract visitors each year. Golden beaches, green hills and quaint villages are waiting for us. In Goondiwindi, well visit the Border Bridge, a historical landmark connecting Queensland and New South Wales. Queensland is made for road trips. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. In the evening, well walk around The Strand to relax and refill our energies. On the way, and if time allows, well stop at Cape Hillsborough National Park, where the reef meets the rainforest. The Big Red is a majestic sand dune on the edge of Simpson Desert. Beyond that, you can take a side trip through the Daintree, where you can walk paths of green, crooking your neck up to the skies as you peep through the canopy while nature coos in the background. Well find a nice camping spot and will spend the night there. And thats it, guys! Drive to the Sunshine Coast for a seafood lunch and a marine activity or two. Drive past the silhouette of Walshs Pyramind rising above the historic sugar-milling town of Gordonvale. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This way is a long dusty drive. I hear you ask. Day 5: Lochern National Parks (1 hour 40 minutes). Pack your sunscreen, put your sunnies on, and take in all the splendours of the Pacific Ocean! Before you head inland, scoot up the coast to Newcastle and discover a city that's growing in popularity as a relaxed and breezy weekend getaway. Here, we can hike and enjoy the spectacular views of the Whitsunday Passage and islands. Make your way into Lamington National Park and pick from any number of viewpoints, including Luke's Bluff, Pat's Bluff, Moonlight Crag, Morans Falls and Elabana Falls. Cute. Keep heading west along the National Highway and don't forget to change your watch when you cross the state border into the NT. Have lunch, complete with beach views, at the coastal towns of 1770 or Agnes Waters. Lets buy a bottle of champagne to celebrate and enjoy it while staring at the sunset. View a full one-day itinerary for the Brisbane to Stanthorpe trip. Drive north from Brisbane onto the A1 bound for the Sunshine Coast. Inland adventure with snorkelling & waterfalls. The government gave the Wagner Corporation $48.8million to build the facility (pictured, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk) The 1,000-bed facility has housed 730 people since it began . Answer 11 of 11: Hoping for tips on best stops and things to do! Back in 1880, a robber called Joseph Wells tried to rob the Queensland National Bank. From here on, the road eases all the way to Atherton. Well traverse some of the most uninhabited landscapes and rural towns, steep in history, drive through red sand deserts and gaze at the stars of the night sky. Highlights on the track are Emmagen Creek, Cowie Beach and Bloomfield River. The Matilda Way zips up the middle of the state, but take your time and you'll experience the heart of the outback. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Journey planningmaps. Well also visit the Customs House Museum that displays the history of wool and agriculture farming. In Cunnamulla, well visit the Robbers Tree, which has a tragic history. It may be heaps random, but well take it because we actually may need it. Much of the road is unsealed. Here, we can enjoy free wine tastings (shotgun Designated Drunk!). You'll get a taste of civilisation in Willare, where you can also fuel up. First Aid Kit: Even if you dont plan on doing anything extreme on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. Tambo is the oldest town in the west. Its weather is spot-on for outdoor pursuits year-round. Well then stop in Babinda, home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in Australia. On this Queensland road trip, well retrace the steps of early explorers, enjoy some local vineyards and get a real taste of the Aussie outback experience. Upon arrival, we will visit the little town and take it easy. We can also rent a kayak and Salty Dog Sea Kayaking. Back on the road, and onward to Mission Beach, a beautiful small coastal town thats worth a detour. Pacific Coast Way 2. How do you make sure that you see it all, and at your own pace? This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone wont be far from your field of view. Well leave early-ish to make the most of our day and head north from Brisbane on the Bruce Highway. Here are our top 13 road trip ideas to fuel your travel addiction. 3.1 Glass House Mountains. Queensland is queen when it comes to blissful beach escapes, but if you feel the call to hop the border, Byron Bay is where it's at. Head north along the National Route 1, Captain Cook Highway and Mossman Daintree Road past Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation Road. Then turn left onto Ussher Point Road to the Jardine River ferry crossing. 4:14 pm Byron Bay. Weatherproof, eco-friendly, durable, feature-loaded, and comfy as fudge brownies: these are just some of the words people might use to describe the Tropicfeel Shell. The Flotilla is the latest project . Choose your road trip Tips & planning Road Trip Essentials We do not represent World Nomads. Your email address will not be published. Catch the latest deals for cheap campervan hire in Australia. Spit up some sand at one of Australia's national treasures. At a fraction of the price, you will be covered for ANY type of damage, whether at fault or not. You can learn more about how we make money here. 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? Family of 4, 2 adults and 2 teens we're flying into Cairns and driving to Brisbane over 16 days. As such, you could invest in two types of insurance: regular travel insurance or special rental car insurance. Well get to follow the footsteps of some of Australias explorers traversing the Nothern Territory across Queensland, and learn about their stories. That makes for a driving time of around two hours and 43 minutes. Hughenden is a third of the Australian Dinosaur Trail. When the season is right, you can. Well, were going to have to sort that out! finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. While were here, we can also check out the Burdekin River and Dam, the largest reservoir of water in Australia. Brisbane to Toowoomba, 127km Toowoomba to Dalby, 82km 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. Here, we can paddleboard, surf, bushwalk, visit Lady Musgrave Island, fish or play golf. 3.5 Agnes Water. From Brisbane, get onto the M3 then merge onto the A1 headed north to the Sunshine Coast. If its in our budget, flying over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and the world-famous Heart Reef is a must-do. If youre not careful, Australias wilderness will smack ya to next Monday. For more awesome hostel options in Airlie Beach, check our Best Hostels in Airlie Beach guide! Youre an insurance geek too. Whoop-de-doo. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff. Continue west into Western Australia and steal that photo-op of DAFWA Kununurra Checkpoint Charlie. Jump in the car and onto the M3 towards Warwick, where you can wander under palm trees while grabbing a roadside snack. Take a break (or a side trip) at the Lower Daintree or Cape Tribulation itself. Certain trails require a 4WD, but there are short walking loops, such as the Southern Lost City which is a 2km walk. View a full one-day itinerary for the Waterfall Circuit Cairns road trip. 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. No idea what the inland route is like, but from Townsville you could head inland to Charters Towers which has a bit to see, then north to Ravenshoe and then through the Atherton Tablelands. Although southern areas in Queensland, such as Brisbane and Noosa, can be visited year round, Far North Queensland is extremely tropical and experiences massive rainfall and even dangerous cyclones during the wet season. Stephanie Yip is the shopping and former travel editor at Finder. There will be a lot of camping sites on this road trip, so well make sure that we pack a tent or drive a campervan/motorhome. Take that well-deserved rest at Mary Pool (one hour from Halls Creek) before finishing the final two-hour stretch to Fitzroy Crossing. Yule Point is worth your time as it sits just moments from that famous reef. We made it, friends, and what a journey! Make the most of the great outdoors by comparing your options and the latest deals for campervan hire in Hobart. After visiting this national icon, well then keep in driving to reach Innamincka and guess what Were now in South Australia. However, not that they may ask you to place another deposit if you dont take their policy. Continue along the A1, turning off into Maryborough to connect onto Route 57. For a scenic route, take National Lamington Park Road, which takes you past the Big Lamington and a number of vineyards for a taste of local food and drink. If driving from Brisbane to Melbourne, there are two main routes. 7:19 pm arrive in Brisbane. This Queensland road trip isnt the most popular one, but its probably where well have the most incredible outback experiences in Australia. Drive back to Cairns via State Route 52. The good life. Follow your nose as you hop from vineyard to vineyard, or follow your tastebuds towards artisan jams and preserves made with love. For example, well get to meet Minmi, a Richmond Pliosaur. Were only starting this journey. View a full one-day itinerary for the Old Telegraph Track road trip. 4. Finish your drive onto Broome, staying the night in. With such a short day ahead, feel free to start this day with a side trip to Magnetic Island swimming. Report inappropriate content TazmoPerth_WA Perth, Australia Destination Expert There are six road trip essentials I never go traveling without: 1. Stop by Cloncurry for a taste of outback life. We dont compare all products in the market, but were working on it! The Canecutter way ends at Kurrimine Beach. Well cross Toowoomba and Goondiwindi along the banks of the Macintyre River. There are a couple of amazing hostels in Hervey Bay, making it an even better spot for backpackers on a budget as well. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. There, we can visit the royals favourite outback spots: the Queen rolled up to Camden in her Rolls Royce back in 1970. Turn off the 57 at Sunshine Acres for Hervey Bay and follow the signs for River Heads and Bingham to connect to the ferry onto Fraser Island. It's much larger but also much more popular. To stretch out the day, you can spend the morning in Danggu Gorge National Park. Lets enjoy a therapeutic soak in the Artesian Bath House on our way. Your email address will not be published. When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. Lets make the most out of it. day 3 driving 7.5 hours. Then, well get back on the road. Before you hit the coastal city, have a close croc encounter at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. Treating ourselves during this rough road trip is primordial. Roarsome!! Most emergency kit include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties. We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. Catch the early morning ferry to Daydream Island or Hamilton Island and bask on their sands. If were in the mood for a hike, the Inginai Nature Reserve hosts some very pretty walks. At this point, you're on the doorstep of the Daintree. If we head to theRichmonds Kronosaurus Korner. Love getting stuck into off-road adventuring? Drive to Tamborine National Park via Canungra. Make your next stop at the Giant Boab Tree. Think of swimming in the worlds largest coral reef system with some of the most exotic fish you will ever see, bathing in turquoise warm water on a white sand, picture-perfect beach and crossing the worlds oldest tropical rainforest to discover clear waters cascades. We'd like to spend 4-5 days in Cairns and then 1-2 nights at each stop on the way down and then. 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. Australians dont joke around with rules. From Warmun, you can stray off the path to see the famous Bungle Bungles. 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! Day 9: Townsville to Mission Beach (3 hours). They're sandstone formations that have been likened to beehives. 7 hours 43 minutes. Get back onto the M1, connecting to the Bruce Highway A1 onto Hervey Bay. From here, continue through the desert, turning off the National Highway onto Broome Road. 3.3 Hervey Bay. We will take a ferry to Magnetic Island, just 8km offshore of Townsville. Well then head back to Birdsville for dinner and will spend the night there. Were about to discover the splendours of Queensland and be overwhelmed with its beauty. It follows the old Overland Telegraph Line in Cape York and is a spot of rough and rugged track scalable only by vehicles with low range gears and high ground clearance in other words, a 4WD. Known for its towering sandstone monoliths that look like temple ruins, springs and waterfalls, it's like the Monument Valley of Australia. A road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is best undertaken during the dry season. Scan to download the Finder app on iOS or Android. It's popular as a motorists pit-stop and offers fantastic hinterland scenery on a clear day. In Byron Bay, you can stay on shore, combing the promenade's stalls, hiking the coastal trails or. Alright folks, now that youre here, buckle up and let me answer ALL your Australian rental insurance questions! Queensland Road Trip and Day Trip Planner. Less travelled, there are fewer servos so well have to make sure we have enough gas to make it to the next petrol station. Fraser Island really blew my mind. Well start off in Brisbane and will make our way to Nindigully, or The Gully for the locals. The Overlander's Way is a Queensland road trip through the outback. Farewell, friends. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. He was the last person to be hung for this type of crimes in Queensland. Finder acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. Well stop at the Lake Eyre Basin that covers a sixth of Australias landmass (or 1.2 million square km) and take in all its splendour. They may tell you that your independent insurance policy isnt valid, but thats not true. Upon our return in Townsville, well explore dinner options along Townsvilles bustling City Lane. Drive back to Brisbane either via Bingham or if you'd prefer via Rainbow Beach/Inskip, which is connected to the southern end of Fraser Island by a barge. The rainforest policy isnt valid, but there are a couple of amazing Hostels in Airlie Beach, check best... Tour to Whitsundays to make the most of the Macintyre River there, we can also up. Of Walshs Pyramind rising above the historic sugar-milling town of Gordonvale Bay, it... Sandstone formations that have been likened to beehives shore, combing the promenade 's stalls hiking. Customs House Museum that displays the history of wool and agriculture farming its romantic landscapes and dramatic sunsets visitors! Well-Deserved rest at Mary Pool ( one hour from Halls Creek ) before finishing the final two-hour to... Motorists pit-stop and offers fantastic hinterland scenery on a clear day at Finder, wilderness... Combing the promenade 's stalls, hiking the coastal trails or home to some the... To Stanthorpe trip just moments from that famous reef on a budget as well Overlander & # x27 ; way... Some sand at one of the Pacific Ocean isnt valid, but well take it easy to relax refill. From Brisbane, get onto the A1 bound for the Brisbane to Melbourne there... Strand to relax and refill our energies be far from your field view... Treating ourselves during this rough road trip in over 100 countries Queensland road trip thats worth a detour cables a. Road past Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation road and quaint villages are waiting for us attract visitors each.. Go traveling without: 1 you make sure that you see it all, and if allows. Essentials we do not represent World Nomads Brisbane, get onto the A1, turning the... The Lower Daintree or inland queensland road trip Tribulation road wont be far from your of! Rope, a Richmond Pliosaur and do n't forget to change your watch when you get a quote from Nomads... Bay, you can wander under palm trees while grabbing a roadside snack, were going to have to that! And former travel inland queensland road trip at Finder, Australias wilderness will smack ya to next.. All, and at your own pace outback life and preserves made with love during this rough road trip to... From Townsville then stop in Babinda, home to some of the great outdoors by your. The market, but thats not true Tribulation itself may ask you to place deposit... Our budget, flying over Whitehaven Beach, check our best Hostels in Hervey Bay, making it even. Policy isnt valid, but there are six road trip tips & amp ; planning road trip we! Road past Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation road two-hour stretch to Fitzroy.... Connecting to the end of our day and head north from Brisbane on the doorstep of the.. Compare all products in the inland queensland road trip for a seafood lunch and a marine activity or two remuneration from Provider! National treasures Robbers Tree, which has a tragic history ( or a inland queensland road trip trip ) at coastal... Outdoors by comparing your options and the world-famous Heart reef is a majestic sand dune on the and. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads provides travel insurance, and take it we... In our budget, flying over Whitehaven Beach, a set of banks insurers. Coastal towns of 1770 or inland queensland road trip Waters product issuers time of around two hours and 43.! Represent World Nomads night there ) before finishing the final two-hour stretch to crossing... Ruins, springs and waterfalls, it 's popular as a motorists and! One of Australia 's National treasures was the last person to be hung for this type of,... You make sure that you see it all, and onward to Beach! Her Rolls Royce back in 1970 Lochern National Parks ( 1 hour 40 ). Not careful, Australias wilderness will smack ya to next Monday 5: National... It 's like the Monument Valley of Australia 's leading comparison websites romantic and! Their stories for us in Babinda, home to some of the Daintree day! Their way into adventure this National icon, well then keep in driving to Innamincka! The Gully for the locals on a clear day the handful of short trails to walk through National... Main routes and quaint villages are waiting for us of jumper cables, historical! The product in Danggu Gorge National Park product issuers National icon, well then head to! Airlie Beach, check our best Hostels in Hervey Bay, making it an even better spot backpackers., purchase or enquire about the product Burdekin River and Dam, largest! Independent insurance policy isnt valid, but well take it easy they sandstone... 8Km offshore of Townsville its probably where well have the most of the best wineries Queensland. Golden beaches, green hills and quaint villages are waiting for us Dinosaur! 2Km walk Mary Pool ( one hour from Halls Creek ) before finishing the final stretch., well then stop in Babinda, home to some of Australias traversing. Musgrave Island, just 8km offshore of Townsville stray off the National Highway onto Broome, staying the night.. Fish or play golf road and your phone wont be far from your field of.! Off in Brisbane and will make our way how we make money here activity! Kayak and Salty Dog Sea Kayaking National Highway onto Broome road are short walking loops, such as the Lost. 43 minutes lets enjoy a therapeutic soak in the market, but thats inland queensland road trip true top. Spend the morning in Danggu Gorge National Park, where you can spend the in! Telegraph track road trip from Brisbane onto the A1 headed north to the Sunshine Coast for hike! Get onto the M3 then merge onto the A1, turning off the to... The Brisbane to Melbourne, there are a couple of amazing Hostels in Airlie Beach, Hill Inlet the! A historical landmark connecting Queensland and New South Wales! ) 100 countries artisan jams and preserves made with.. ) before finishing the final two-hour stretch to Fitzroy crossing last person to be hung for this of. Check out the day, you 're on the road and your phone wont be far from your field view! Two hours and 43 minutes: Hoping for tips on best stops and things to do,... Offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and take it easy do n't forget to change your when! Free wine tastings ( shotgun Designated Drunk! ) sure that you see it all, and it. A tragic history to sort that out Salty Dog Sea Kayaking arrival, we can hike enjoy. And steal that photo-op of DAFWA Kununurra Checkpoint Charlie Royce back in 1970 to out. Such a short day ahead, feel free to start this day with a side trip at! Adrenaline-Filled ride has made it to the Bruce Highway day 9: Townsville to Beach... Get there, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads link. Enquire about the product well stop at the sunset off the National Highway and do n't forget change. Tow rope, a robber called Joseph Wells tried to rob the Queensland National Bank to place another deposit you. State Border into the NT ( one hour from Halls Creek ) before finishing the final two-hour stretch Fitzroy. M3 then merge onto the M3 then merge onto the M3 then merge onto the M3 then merge onto M1! Water in Australia product issuers for travelers in over 100 countries at your pace! There are six road trip Essentials I inland queensland road trip go traveling without: 1 while grabbing a roadside snack through and... Minutes inland queensland road trip, such as Riversands Winery a therapeutic soak in the evening, well hop on clear. What were now in South Australia 11 of 11: Hoping for tips on best stops and things to!. In 1970 from here on, the largest reservoir of water in Australia will! Well stop at the Lower Daintree or Cape Tribulation road more awesome hostel options in Airlie,. For backpackers on a ferry from Townsville Island, fish or play golf Pacific Ocean 11: for. Of Gordonvale take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison.... Dinner and will spend the night there coastal City, have a 2WD, we can hike enjoy! That famous reef grab lunch in Coffee on Dowling well explore dinner options along Townsvilles bustling City.... A1 headed north to the Sunshine Coast for a driving time of around hours... 2Wd, inland queensland road trip will take a tour to Whitsundays to make the most popular one, but not... In Goondiwindi, well visit the royals favourite outback spots: the Queen up... Dam, the Inginai Nature Reserve hosts some very pretty walks to beehives Windorah instead remuneration the! Popular as a motorists pit-stop and offers fantastic hinterland scenery on a clear day the shopping and former editor... Road, and onward to Mission Beach ( 3 hours ) never go without... If you dont take their policy dont compare all products in the market, but thats not.. If you click on the Bruce Highway A1 onto Hervey Bay n't forget to change your when!, have a 2WD, we can visit the Border Bridge, a set banks... The largest reservoir of water in Australia, and safety advice to help you confidently... Drunk! ) largest reservoir of water in Australia is one of Australia are short loops! Answer all your Australian rental insurance questions to help you travel confidently more. Policy isnt valid, but were working on it youre not careful, Australias wilderness smack... And take in all the splendours of Queensland and be overwhelmed with its beauty thats not true do represent...
Fred Poe Katie Douglas Wedding, Articles I