Brisbane to Cairns by Campervan: The Whitsundays at the Heart of the Coast

Quick summary: Brisbane to Cairns is Queensland’s classic campervan road trip: around 1,700 km of coast, from surf beaches and sand islands in the south to rainforest and the reef in the north. The Whitsundays sit roughly in the middle, which makes Airlie Beach the natural place to pause, park the campervan or motorhome, and spend a few days on the water. Allow at least two weeks to enjoy the whole journey.

At a glance
Distance	Around 1,700 km
Driving time	Around 20 hours, spread over at least several days
Recommended	Two weeks or more, including the Whitsundays
Pickup and drop-off	Brisbane or the Gold Coast, and Cairns, on a one-way hire
Centrepiece	Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands
Tours	All Whitsundays tours

Compare campervan and motorhome hire in Brisbane

How long does the drive take?

Around 20 hours of driving in total. You could cover it in three to five days of steady driving, but that leaves little time to see anything. Two weeks gives you time for beaches, a few tours and the Whitsundays, and three weeks lets you slow right down.

What does a two-week plan look like?

Days	Section	Highlights
1 to 5	Brisbane to Mackay	Noosa, Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Rockhampton
6 to 10	The Whitsundays	Whitehaven Beach, the reef, Cape Hillsborough
11 to 14	Airlie Beach to Cairns	Bowen, Townsville, Mission Beach

See Brisbane to Airlie Beach and Airlie Beach to Cairns for each half.

Which direction should you drive?

Either works. Driving north means the landscape grows more tropical as you go, ending in the rainforest and reef around Cairns. Driving south means finishing with the beaches of the Sunshine Coast. Compare prices and availability in both directions, as one-way hires vary. If you’d prefer hotels and a car, see campervan or car?.

What does a one-way RV rental along the coast involve?

Pick up in one city and drop off in another, choosing both locations when you search. Many suppliers allow it between Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Airlie Beach and Cairns. A relocation fee may apply, and one-way hires often have a longer minimum period. Unlimited kilometres are offered on some listings, which matters on a trip this long.

Why make the Whitsundays the centrepiece?

Because it’s where the coast trip changes pace. After days of driving, Airlie Beach lets you stay put for several nights, with the islands, the reef and Whitehaven Beach all reached by tour. Browse all tours and see the week itinerary.

What should you know about driving such a long distance?

Plan days of 300 km or less where you can, take breaks every two hours, and avoid driving at dusk. See driving the Bruce Highway.

Compare campervan and motorhome hire at Cairns Airport

Frequently Asked Questions