Brisbane to Airlie Beach by Campervan: A Queensland Coast Road Trip

Quick summary: The drive from Brisbane to Airlie Beach is around 1,120 km, and it’s one of the great campervan road trips on Australia’s east coast. Spread over five to seven days, it takes in the Sunshine Coast, the gateways to K’gari, the reef towns of Agnes Water and Town of 1770, the beef capital of Rockhampton and the sugar country around Mackay. Pick up a campervan or motorhome in Brisbane, or on the Gold Coast, and drop it in Airlie Beach on a one-way hire.

At a glance
Distance	Around 1,120 km direct, more with coastal detours
Time	5 to 7 days, plus time in the Whitsundays
Pickup	Brisbane, Brisbane Airport or the Gold Coast
Drop-off	Airlie Beach, on a one-way hire
Highlights	Noosa, Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Yeppoon, Mackay
Tours	Featured Whitsundays tours

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What is a good route?

Leg	Approx. distance	Highlights
Brisbane to Noosa	140 km	Sunshine Coast beaches, Noosa National Park
Noosa to Hervey Bay	200 km	The gateway to K’gari, seasonal whale watching
Hervey Bay to Agnes Water	240 km	Surf beaches, Town of 1770, reef islands
Agnes Water to Rockhampton	250 km	Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast nearby
Rockhampton to Mackay	330 km	A long day; break it at Clairview or Sarina
Mackay to Airlie Beach	150 km	Cape Hillsborough on the way

Can you take a rental vehicle onto K’gari?

No. Most suppliers restrict driving on sand and beaches, and K’gari’s tracks need a dedicated 4WD. Leave the campervan in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach and visit the island on a tour.

Where should you break the long stretch north of Rockhampton?

The Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Mackay has long gaps between towns. Fill up with fuel, carry water and snacks, and plan a stop at a rest area or a small town on the way. Avoid driving at dusk, when wildlife is most active.

What is involved in a one-way RV hire from Brisbane?

Choose Brisbane as the pickup and Airlie Beach as the drop-off when you search. One-way hires are available with many suppliers, but they can carry a relocation fee and a longer minimum hire period. Starting on the Gold Coast is another option. See campervan hire in Airlie Beach. If you’d rather drive a car and stay in hotels, compare car hire at Brisbane Airport.

How long should you allow in the Whitsundays at the end?

At least three days, to see Whitehaven Beach and the reef. See the 3-day itinerary and browse featured tours.

Can you continue to Cairns?

Yes. Airlie Beach is roughly the halfway point between Brisbane and Cairns. See the Brisbane to Cairns road trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions