East Coast Road Trip
Brisbane to Cairns
Start in Brisbane and travel north on one of Australia’s most iconic road trips featuring K’gari, Agnes Water, the Whitsundays, and Airlie Beach before arriving in Cairns.
We’re not a tour – we’re a shared rental! So that means it works a little differently to any tour or car rental you’ve done before.
The people joining the trip share the driving, camping, trip planning and experience. This way of travelling offers a more flexible and self-guided trip.
However, you get everything you could need for a camping road trip plus an awesome group of travel mates! Plus, it’s a great option if you are looking for a budget option for backpacking the east coast from Brisbane to Cairns.
about
Brisbane to Cairns
Jump on the Share Bus to travel with a bunch of other backpackers between Brisbane and Cairns to see the biggest highlights of the East Coast. This is the stuff of backpacker dreams! Take the opportunity to do a 4WD tour on K’gari (Fraser Island), kayak in the Whitsundays, see incredible beaches, mountains, rainforest and animals. Think Noosa, Sunshine Coast, and incredible islands, beaches and towns.
This trip goes for 17 days and 16 nights. The destination is set, but the route is not – take control of your own adventure!
See some incredible hinterland, rainforest and beaches as you travel the Sunshine Coast and stop by Noosa. We’ll recommend a great 4WD tour to see K’gari (Fraser Island), so you can head over there to drive along the beach, tube down a creek, or spot the shipwrecks (and dingoes!). Or you can stay on the mainland to chill out at Rainbow Beach. Keep heading north as you explore the coastline and stop at beaches to swim. You could even go for a surf at Agnes Waters or hang out with some kangaroos at a beach at sunrise. Once in Airlie Beach you can look into taking a water taxi to an island in the Whitsundays to camp overnight and explore the area by kayak. Continue further north swimming, surfing, hiking throughout the wonderful nature and beaches. Don’t forget Magnetic Island and Mission beach! Swim by a few waterfalls before heading into Cairns.
Expect to get fit with lots of hiking, snorkelling and exercise as you appreciate the natural sights. This is a no-frills adventure – you’ll be setting up your own tents, sharing the driving, cooking your own dinner and sharing your tent with other 1 or 2 travellers. The target age group is 18-35. It’s a fun and social option for backpacking the east coast from Brisbane to Cairns.
Things to note
inclusions and exclusions
about the bus and trailer
On this trip you will travel in a 12-seater Toyota Hiace Commuter with a custom-built trailer fully equipped with everything you need. All you need to drive the bus is a regular drivers license. You will have the option to sign up as a driver or non-driver when you book, although we do recommend signing up as a driver if you can.
discover the
highlights from
Brisbane to Cairns
noosa
Spot koalas, enjoy the stunning beaches, and visit one of only two everglades' systems in the world.
great barrier reef
Snorkel or dive the breathtaking waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
scenic hinterlands
See the gorgeous hinterland mountains, gorges, and waterfalls.
our recommended itinerary
Glass House Mountains
Meet us in Brisbane for the handover of the Share Bus before heading to the Glass House Mountains. Create a group Spotify playlist and pump tunes while taking the scenic Blackall Range Drive through Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton. Maybe stop at Gardners Falls and check out local lookouts before setting up camp nearby.
Sunshine Coast
If you missed the drive yesterday, finish it up before heading east. Stop at Buderim Falls, then hit Mooloolaba, Marcoola, and Coolum Beaches. Arrive in Noosa for sunset and settle in.
Noosa
Explore Noosa National Park’s coastal trails and keep an eye out for koalas. Swim in the crystal-clear Fairy Pools and, if you’re organised, paddle the Noosa Everglades.
Rainbow Beach
Drive to Rainbow Beach to see the coloured sand cliffs and views. Prepare for a Fraser Island (K’gari) trip the next morning.
K'gari (Fraser Island)
We can recommend some great 4WD tours to explore K’gari. Swim in lakes, drive on sandy beaches, and see the rainforest. Not going? Use the minibus to check out Hervey Bay instead.
Agnes Water
Continue north to Agnes Water—a seaside town partially known for being the cheapest place to learn to surf in Queensland. Walk the paperbark forest, then head to Seventeen Seventy to visit the historic landing spot of Captain Cook.
Cape Hillsborough
It’s a big driving day, so plan breaks or stop overnight partway. If you make it to Cape Hillsborough, you can see kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at sunrise.
Airlie Beach
Arrive in Airlie Beach and choose your adventure—book a Whitsundays tour or grab a water taxi to a nearby island.
Townsville
Here you have the option to ferry to Magnetic Island. Explore beaches, hike, snorkel, or just relax. Leave your trailer locked on the mainland while you enjoy island life. If you don’t want to take the ferry, there are plenty of beaches near Townsville to explore.
Paluma Range
Head into the rainforest at Paluma Range for waterfalls and swimming holes (and the chance to spot turtles!). Then visit the stunning Cardwell Spa Pool before settling in for the night.
Mission Beach
Relax on Mission Beach or take a day trip to Dunk or Bedarra Island. Visit the chocolate factory, wander through town, or explore nearby national parks.
Wooroonooran National Park
Spend two days in lush rainforest. Visit the Mamu Skywalk, Nandroya Falls, and Josephine Falls. Then check out Babinda Boulders, Devil’s Pool, and Walsh’s Pyramid.
Atherton & Cairns
Finish with a scenic detour to the Atherton Tablelands to see the Curtain Fig and Lake Eacham. Then roll into Cairns, clean up the van, and celebrate the end of your east coast road trip.
Access Our Brisbane to Cairns
Early Bird Deals!
Book early (over 6 weeks in advance) to automatically receive an early bird discount.
If you're booking as a group, contact our team for a special group rate.
Book the reverse trip (Cairns to Brisbane) for $150 off. Use these savings towards your flight to Cairns!
Not ready to book yet? Fill out our form to be contacted in your preferred way and ask as many questions as you want!