Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip with Kids: A 14-Day Itinerary

Have you been contemplating doing a Cairns to Brisbane road trip?

We spent two weeks with our little girls on Queensland’s east coast and it was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had.

So stop putting off that plan with the little ones and read on to find out how we did it, survived, and had the best time of our lives!

Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip Distance

The distance between Cairns and Brisbane is approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles), which translates to about 20 hours of driving time.

For those going on this road trip with young kids, we highly recommend a one-way itinerary. This means flying to Cairns and then driving back to Brisbane, or doing so in reverse, whichever is more convenient.

Given the one-way drive, we preferred to rent a Campervan for this entire Cairns to Brisbane road trip as this has been on our bucket list for quite a while. Click here to read our full guide on Renting a Campervan in Australia for Beginners.

How many days does it take to drive from Cairns to Brisbane?

The duration of the drive from Cairns to Brisbane can vary depending on various factors, including your preferred route, driving speed, and the number of stops you make along the way.

We highly recommend breaking up the trip over several days to make the most of the scenic route and enjoy the attractions along the way. For us with two small kids, we decided to do a 14-day Cairns to Brisbane road trip.

This allows for a more relaxed pace, with opportunities to explore notable destinations and attractions along the Queensland coast, without rushing or getting overtired from the long drive.

Is it Worth Driving from Cairns to Brisbane?

A visit to Queensland is never complete without doing the ultimate Cairns to Brisbane road trip (or vice versa).

The coastal drive along the Pacific Coast Way is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. You can enjoy stunning beaches, national parks, rainforests, and charming coastal towns along the way.

With so many things to do and see, this road trip with the kids has definitely been one of the best experiences we had as a family.

Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary

Here is our very detailed 14-day Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip itinerary with kids:

Day 1: Fly to Cairns

As we are based in Brisbane, we decided to fly from Brisbane and start our road trip from Cairns, mainly because of the availability of the campervan on our preferred dates. A non-stop flight from Brisbane to Cairns takes approximately 2.5 hours.

You can always do a Brisbane to Cairns drive, whichever suits you best.

Things to Do:

Swim at the Cairns Lagoon

It is common knowledge in far north Queensland to never swim along the beaches due to the risk of having a nasty encounter with crocodiles, or jellyfish during the stinger season.

Kids can still stay entertained by swimming at the lagoon.

Visit Rusty’s Market

If you love trying a plethora of cuisines, then this is the place to be. This place is vibrant and colorful, with a variety of food, drinks, and fresh produce. The prices are reasonable too.

Take note though that Rusty’s Market is only open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Enjoy Pancakes at Helga’s Pancake House

A perfect place for brunch or quiet early morning breakfasts. Their pancake meals are not only so good but also come in huge sizes. Make sure you get here as soon as they open to avoid the long queue.

In addition, the menu is very kid-friendly. The girls were very much impressed when their pancake meals arrived in a shape of a bunny and a puppy.

Overnight Stay: Hides Hotel

We booked our stay at Hides Hotel. It is reasonably priced. The rooms are clean and spacious but a bit worn out. It is a fairly decent place to stay for only two nights, especially if you will be out most of the day.

The best thing about staying here is its prime location. Woolworths is just across the road. The hotel is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Cairns Lagoon is just a short walk away. Everything is within walking distance.

Day 2: Day Trip to Kuranda

You have to spend at least a day in Kuranda to be able to enjoy what this peaceful and lovely little town has to offer.

We booked a round-trip journey to Kuranda through the official Skyrail Website. They also have a hotel pickup option which is very convenient if you have kids.

Things to Do:

Drift on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

We took the Skyrail on our way to Kuranda. There are 2 optional stops you can make en route, wherein you can just hop back on the Skyrail anytime you want.

We highly recommend making these stops as the short rainforest walks and views of Barron Falls are just beautiful.

Eat and Shop Along Kuranda Heritage Markets

The moment you step off the Skyrail, you will be welcomed by a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants along the streets at Kuranda Heritage Markets.

Appreciate Arts and Crafts at Kuranda Original Markets

This market at Kuranda Village is more colourful, entertaining kids and adults alike with different kinds of shops. We found our walk here more enjoyable, probably because of the very chill and relaxing vibe.

The kids enjoyed the Honey House, where they can see bees in their hives.

Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway

On the way home, we took the popular scenic railway, which turned out to be a great idea as we were able to spend lots of time at their Instagram-worthy railway station while waiting for the train to depart.

The station has a pretty cafe beautifully decorated and surrounded by a variety of plants.

For a more detailed itinerary to Kuranda, read our post about our Cairns to Kuranda Day Trip.

Day 3 Campervan Pickup: Cairns to Cowley Beach

A direct drive from Cairns to Cowley Beach takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, but because we decided to take the scenic route via Atherton Tablelands it took us an hour longer.

Things to Do:

Delight on a Scenic Drive at Atherton Tablelands

This was not part of the planned itinerary, however, a few searches online and we found Atherton Tablelands to be a very interesting place. So why not take the longer route?

The moment we left Cairns and drove towards Atherton Tablelands, the never-ending scenic mountain views, and lush green fields took our breath away. It was definitely worth the change in itinerary.

The drive via Atherton Tablelands consists mostly of steep mountains and narrow, winding roads. Extra care is imperative especially when driving a motorhome or caravan.

Chase Waterfalls at Atherton Tablelands

Atherton Tablelands is famous for its Waterfall Circuit. The most popular and easily accessible by kids are Millaa Millaa Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, and Zillie Falls, to name a few.

We did not have the luxury of time to do the Waterfall Circuit altogether but we managed to stop at Millaa Millaa Falls.

We made a mental note to come back to Atherton Tablelands and spend probably a week there as the place itself has so much to offer.

Fishing at Cowley Beach

If you are like my husband who is fond of fishing, then you should include in your itinerary a stopover along the shores of Cowley Beach. It is a popular fishing spot, situated near the town of Cardwell.

Luckily our campsite is just right next to the beach.

Overnight Stay: Cowley Beach Caravan Park

We knew we would be arriving late so we chose this no-frills campsite that has the basic facilities we need for a one-night stay. We booked a beachfront-powered site for only $25 (for 2 adults and 2 children).

Day 4 Cowley Beach to Townsville

Driving to our next stop-Townsville from Cowley Beach takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, sans the stopovers along the way.

Things to Do:

Keep an Eye Out for Cheap Bananas and other Fresh produce

Along the highway, you will never miss signs of fresh produce for sale, at very reasonable prices. Mostly they are displayed on honesty stalls, where you just pick whichever you want to buy and leave your payment in a locked box.

Stop for Coffee at Cardwell

Primo Cafe is a coffee cart right along Cardwell Beach. It is conveniently located along the highway-this and an amazingly good view of the beach made us really enjoy this stopover.

It is a perfect place to stretch your legs as you enjoy the view, sit back and relax with the warm summer breeze blowing through your face.

Take a Dip at the Swimming Pool

I mostly booked campsites with swimming pools for the kids to enjoy. We made this trip on a hot summer season so cooling down for a swim is definitely a must during a stopover.

Overnight Stay: Big4 Tasman Holiday Parks-Rowes Bay

This is a lovely place to spend the night as it has great facilities for kids, with the beach just across the road. The place is equipped with a swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, outdoor games, activities for families, and lots more.

Aside from caravan and camping sites, they also have cabins available for an overnight stay.

Day 5 Townsville to Bowen

Townsville to Bowen is a 2.5- hour drive.

Things to Do:

Enjoy Panoramic Views at Castle Hill Lookout

Castle Hill Lookout is a popular tourist destination located in Townsville. It is a prominent hill that rises 286 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Magnetic Island, and the surrounding coastline.

The Strand

The Strand is another popular attraction in Townsville. It is a picturesque waterfront area that stretches along the coast for about 2.2 kilometers, with stunning views of the Coral Sea and Magnetic Island.

It offers a variety of recreational activities including but not limited to a waterpark, picnic, bbq facilities, pools, walking and cycling paths, cafes, and restaurants.

Buy Cheap Bowen Mangoes During Summer Season

Bowen is well-known for its abundance of sweet mangoes, especially during summer. Keep an eye out for honesty stalls along the roads as you enter Bowen. They cost only A$10 a box.

Or better yet, pick mangoes for free. We were lucky to have a lovely chat with one of the locals at the holiday park and she did mention we can pick mangoes from the mango tree at the public park next to where we were staying.

Keep the Kids Busy at the Kids Hub

Picking kid-friendly holiday parks has its perks. They offer so many activities to keep the kids entertained while the adults can relax. The holiday park we were staying in offers a free kids’ hub for all ages, with everything in it to keep them busy.

Swimming and Fishing

While hubby was busy fishing, I and the girls enjoyed a lovely time at the swimming pool. This is where the kids can use all of those stored energy, and be able to get a good night’s sleep later on.

Savor on that Beachfront View

We booked a beachfront site, and the sound of waves crashing through the shore is just so soothing. A glass of wine at sunset with nothing to do but just stare at the ocean is all that we needed.

Overnight Stay: NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park

There are lots of reasons why we love this place. Beachfront sites, great facilities for kids, well-maintained and clean showers/ toilets to name a few. Their beachfront sites book out quickly so our best advise is to make a booking months in advance.

Day 6 Bowen to Airlie Beach

The rain was pouring on this easy 1-hour drive to Airlie Beach, thus giving us no choice but to do lesser stopovers and just head straight to our campsite.

Things to Do:

Visit Horseshoe Bay

We ran out of luck as the rain never stopped since morning. We drove by Horseshoe Bay, and did some lazy lounging, singing, and chatting with the girls while hopefully waiting for the rain to stop, which never did.

What a bummer as the place really is beautiful. Another mental note to re-visit!

Stroll Along the Shores of Airlie Beach

We arrived at Airlie Beach on a gloomy morning, but it never stopped us from exploring the beach. We escaped the busy and bustling town proper by going for a stroll along the shoreline which was really peaceful and quiet.

Overnight Stay: Tasman Holiday Parks – Airlie Beach

The best thing about this Holiday Park is the ensuite site. Yes, we had our own private bathroom. This cost us A$66 for a powered site, not bad for convenience.

Day 7 Explore the Whitsundays

Things to Do

Whitsundays Half Day Tour

If like us, time is a bit limited for you, then we highly suggest taking the half-day tour to see the Whitsundays. We booked through Cruise Whitsundays and the tour includes morning/ afternoon tea.

The cruise was very relaxing and smooth sailing, the boat was huge with comfortable seats. Morning tea was nice with a variety of choices.

Not to mention, the powdery white sand and turquoise blue waters of Whitehaven Beach are definitely worth it.

Chill at Hamilton Island

On the way back from the cruise, we luckily got to do a short stopover at Hamilton Island for a change of vessel.

This gave us the opportunity to sit back and have some coffee (ice cream for the kids) while people-watching. The beautiful view of the port is an added bonus.

Walk Around Airlie Town

The port of Airlie is just a short walk from the town centre. After the morning cruise, we headed to town for a stroll and a hearty bite. It was lined up with busy shops, cafes and restaurants.

Let the Kids Run Loose at the Playground

Right next to the lagoon is a nice playground for kids to enjoy and run around.

Swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon

After some time at the playground, we let the girls have a quick dip at the lagoon. It was a good time as the place was not crowded.

Enjoy Filipino Food

Given our Filipino roots, we indulged into some really good dishes as we accidentally walked by this great Filo restaurant.

Day 8 Airlie Beach to Cape Hillsborough

Airlie to Cape Hillsborough drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Things to Do

Up Close with the Kangaroos

After settling into our site, we noticed there are lots of roos walking past without even getting bothered by us or the people around. I guess they are used to it. Next thing we know we are already surrounded by kangaroos and wallabies.

The twins even got to approach a couple of them and was able to give them a nice pat. Oh the excitement and happiness on their faces when they were able to get up close and personal with the kangaroos!

Let Kids Discover Nature

Camping is an opportunity to go back to basics and teach our kids to appreciate and love nature, despite the rapidly changing world we are in nowadays. On this trip, they were amazed by the variety of insects and animals they encountered.

Collect Sea Shells at the Shore

It was a beautiful afternoon at Cape Hillsborough and since our campsite is right at the beachfront, we decided to head out for a stroll. The girls had this great idea to collect colorful and pretty shells along the way. This is a really fun activity for them!

Movie Under the Stars

Right after another dip at the pool and a nice dinner, we headed outside the cafe for the outdoor cinema. It was Ant Man showing which the kids and adults enjoyed.

Star Gazing

It was a very lovely evening with clear skies. We can visibly see thousands of stars in the sky that night which seems within arms reach. This, and the sound of the beach nearby is just perfect to cap the night.

Overnight Stay: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park

Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park has really great amenities for families. They also have cabins for an overnight stay, a water slide, a swimming pool, a diner, and a shop for basic grocery needs in case you have forgotten something.

Day 9 Cape Hillsborough to Yeppoon

Cape Hillsborough to Yeppoon takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. This is one of the longest drives we’ve done in a day on this Cairns to Brisbane road trip.

Things to Do

Sunrise with the Kangaroos

The main reason we decided to spend the night at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park is to tick one of the boxes on our bucket list- that is to experience meeting kangaroos by the beach at sunrise.

Indeed, it did not disappoint. The next morning we woke up very early to witness nature at its finest-sunrise, beach, and wildlife.

A Quick Visit at Mackay Botanic Gardens

Given the long drive, we decided to do a quick stop at Mackay to meet up with an old friend and at the same time stretch our legs. We let the kids run around the lovely botanic gardens before the long drive ahead.

Day 10 Yeppoon

We decided to spend two nights in Yeppoon, as the place really piqued our interest. So far it was our best stopover.

Things to Do

Yeppoon Lagoon

I must say, after traveling throughout the east coast of Queensland, this is the best lagoon we have visited so far. It is huge, sitting right next to a lovely cafe. The lagoon itself is beautifully designed, with a separate swimming area for smaller kids.

There are showers and changing rooms next to it which are clean and pretty impressive as well.

Keppel Bay Marina

Keppel Bay Marina offers access to the stunning Keppel Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, which are renowned for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life.

This marina serves as a hub for boating, yachting, and water-based activities in the region. Not only that, it has waterfront dining options. We came here for lunch and the views are magnificent. We greatly enjoyed the good food as well.

Causeway Lake

Causeway Lake is a picturesque coastal water located in Yeppoon. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists due to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. We stopped by here as it is a popular fishing spot as well.

Overnight Stay: NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park

This place has everything you need in one place to keep the kids up on their feet. They have a huge playground, games room, swimming pool with a large water slide, pedal carts, jumping pillow, and outdoor cinema.

Day 11 Yeppoon: A Day at the Campsite

Things to Do

Enjoy a Hearty Breakfast

On our second day in Yeppoon, we decided to start at a slow pace. We prepared a lovely campsite-cooked brekky, not minding the time and just doing what we love to do best-get lazy.

Kids’ Playground

We decided to let this be a day for the kids. Since our accommodation has everything we need for them, we opted to say at the campsite for the entire day.

The playground is situated around a large area of sand, where they can also build sand castles or just get all messy.

Jumping Pillow and Indoor/Outdoor Games

They offer a large jumping pillow and indoor and outdoor games for the girls to keep themselves busy.

Swimming Pool and Water Slide

This place boasts two swimming pools with one having a tall waterslide. The girls, with a lot of encouragement, tried the slide with me and they just couldn’t stop after their first go! It was one of our most memorable moments on this road trip.

Day 12 Yeppoon to Agnes Water

Yeppoon to Agnes Water takes approximately 3 hours.

Things to Do

Explore the Capricorn Caves

Doing a Cairns to Brisbane road trip is never complete without stopping over at the Capricorn Caves.

Capricorn Caves offers guided tours for visitors, allowing you to explore the stunning cave formations and learn about the geology and history of the caves. There are different tour options, including adventure tours for those seeking a more immersive experience.

One of the main highlights of the Capricorn Caves is the Cathedral Cave, a large chamber with excellent acoustics, making it a popular venue for concerts and weddings. The natural amphitheater-like space creates a unique atmosphere for events.

A Relaxing Walk By the Beach

Our accommodation is right next to the beautiful Agnes Water Beach. We had a relaxing stroll, letting our feet get wet and watching quite a few people ride the waves.

Overnight Stay: Agnes Water Beach Holidays

The best part about this place is the cafe and beachside accommodation. However we noticed amongst all the holiday parks and campsites we’ve stayed at, this is the most cramped and crowded, which we are not really a fan of.

Day 13 Agnes Water to Sunshine Coast

The drive from Agnes Water to Sunshine Coast takes approximately 4.5 hours.

Things to Do

Breakfast at Agnes Water Cafe

The next morning we had a good breakfast by the beach at the campsite’s cafe. It was such a lovely morning, with great views of the ocean.

Bundaberg Botanic Gardens

Almost halfway through our trip, we decided to stop by Bundaberg Botanic Gardens for a picnic. They have picnic tables right across the playground. A good spot for some lunch and keeping an eye on the girls while playing.

Stretch Those Legs at the Playground

Bundaberg Botanic Gardens have such a nice and huge playground for the girls to have a break from all that drive, and prepare them for another long drive ahead.

Devonshire Tea at Lychee Divine

The drive to Sunny Coast was very slow and dragging as there were so many road works along the way. We knew we needed a break and by luck, we passed by a big sign along the road that says “Lychee Divine.”

We were only hoping to get a cup of coffee but instead, we had a lovely Devonshire tea on the patio with a nice view of the orchard surrounding the estate.

A must-try is their lychee ice cream, which the kids devoured.

Delight your Taste Buds with some Asian Fusion

We had dinner at Rice Boi as per a friend’s recommendation. It is a modern Asian fusion restaurant located along Mooloolaba Wharf. The food is superb!

Because of its high demand, the restaurant does not accept online bookings, so word of advise, come early! We arrived before 6 PM and there was already a long queue.

Overnight Stay: Big 4 Maroochy River

We checked in here after our delish dinner and were greeted by a nicely lit fire pit outside the camp kitchen, which was right next to our site. The girls enjoyed some fun marshmallow roasting before we called it a night.

This amazing place offers a swimming pool, playground, jumping pad, barbecue area, and lots more for the family to enjoy.

Day 14 Sunshine Coast to Brisbane and Campervan Dropoff

Things to Do:

Fishing at Mooloolaba River

Before heading home, we stopped by Mooloolaba River for some chill time while hubby took advantage of the tide and good weather to do a bit of fishing. It was a perfect last day for us before we drop off our campervan.

After lunch, we hit the road for the last time and dropped the campervan in Brisbane before arriving safe and sound at our last stopover – home sweet home!

Conclusion: Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip with Kids

Embarking on a Cairns to Brisbane road trip can be an exciting and memorable adventure. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities.

I must say jumping on this long drive was a fantastic way for us to create lasting memories as a family. Every time we remember this trip it just warms our hearts. It made our bond even stronger, not only as a family but as a couple. It was definitely one of the best decisions we have ever made.