Queensland Road Trip - 11 Best Driving Routes [2023] (2023)

We've driven all over the Sunshine State to bring you this epic guide to the best road trips in Queensland! If you want to know the must-see road trips in Queensland, this article is for you!

If you're the type of person who likes to pack up your car and hit the road on an epic road trip, chances are you've already driven around.Australiaon your wish list.

We've traveled the world in search of the most iconic rides, but for some reason we've never had the chance to explore most of our homeland.

That all changed in 2020 when we were lucky enough to arrive in Queensland on Australia's northeast coast and travel in our campervan.

After more than ten years of travel, it takes a lot to impress us. But what we found in the Sunshine State was nothing short of spectacular!

We start in the south and explore the inland hills and forests before heading along the coast to Cooktown.

The further north and west you go, the more opportunities you have for a Queensland 4WD road trip, and if you have the right vehicle and are up for an adventure, these opportunities are not to be missed.

If you're ready to find the best road trips in Queensland, load up and dive into our latest guide to the epic!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! we recommendrent a car, which has the widest selection of vehicles at the best price on the market.

The best road trips in Queensland - routes, highlights, conditions and distances

Here is a list of road trips in Queensland that we can all enjoy.

We start in the south and go north as most people fly to Brisbane or the Gold Coast before moving on.

Let's hit the road!

Road trip through the Gold Coast countryside

• rotation -Surfers Paradise til O'Reilly's Rainforest Getaway
• distance -109 kilometer
• during -2 hours and 30 minutes
• vehicle -anyone
• road condition -completely sealed
• emphasizing -Lush rainforest, waterfalls, lakes, valleys and headlands, Mount Tamborine, Lamington National Park, Springbrook National Park

The Gold Coast Hinterland is an area of ​​outstanding natural beauty with ancient national parks dotted throughout the region.

Here you will find plenty of activities for the traveler who wants a breath of fresh air, but still prefers to travel lightly to a city only an hour away.

The Gold Coast Hinterland Tourist Drive has many magnificent viewpoints overlooking the mountains and active volcanic streams, waterfalls and rock pools.

This is a short and easy ride across Queensland from Surfers Paradise to Toowoomba, perfect forbrisbane day tripOr the Gold Coast, or the possibility of a weekend away.

After checking off all the cool stuffWhat to do on the Gold Coast, your itinerary will take you to Mount Tamborine before returning to Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park.

Beautiful Tamborine Mountain offers a range of hikes through the national park as well as hang gliding from the launch site overlooking the unearthly valley!

If you're more into local produce, there are many wineries, distilleries and fruit and vegetable farms dotted around this picturesque mountain town.

After walking, eating and drinking your way through the national park, head toGondwana Rainforest, Australia's World Heritage Area.

Here you will find the beautiful Springbrook National Park, home to the country's most iconic attraction, the Natural Bridge.

This amazing waterfall cascades through an archway into a basalt cave and is a great place to walk around and practice photography.

Then take the Lamington National Park Road, where you can stroll among the flowering treetops and look out over the falls.

Complete your journey in legendary locationsO'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, where you can take part in a number of different activities or spend the night pampering yourself.

Big Red Bash roadtrip

• rotation -Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Warwick, Barcaldine, Winton og Birdsville
• distance -1892 km
• during -5 dias
• vehicle -4WD (Can be done in 2WD. Route below.)
• road condition -Sealed at the start, will be sealed at the end. You can go the other way, see below.
• emphasizing -Nindigully Pub, Artesian Mud Baths, Dig Tree History, Cooper Creek, Birdsville Pub

The Big Red Bash Road Trip is popular with those looking for a South Queensland adventure.

If you want to experience some of Australia's best and most authentic experiences, Outback Queensland is the place for you.

Rolling hills, sweeping skylines and picturesque towns make for an unforgettable trip with the potential to see more wildlife than any other tourist!

From Brisbane and head inlandby ipswich, via Toowoomba to Warwick and Barcaldine.

If you can, plan your visit on a Saturday when there is a great market in Pittsworth. So remember to stop by for a delicious coffee and home-baked cake.

Then on your way south you'll find open pastures where you can see cattle and, if you're lucky, even the occasional horse.

This post is well off the beaten track from South East Queensland. Satisfy your thirst for adventure with one of Australia's most unique activities.

In Queensland's vibrant Red Desert, you'll find The Big Red Bash - the world's most remote music festival.

This is an annual rock concert held in the dunes bordering the Simpson Desert in Birdsville, usually in July.

Getting there is also part of this ultimate Australian experience - you'll travel through incredible scenery before and after you get there.

So take your time and enjoy your surroundings as you walk through the far corners of our country, stopping every now and then to catch your breath and take it all in.

If you have 2WD, go through Rome and Windorah. For those with a 2WD vehicle, there is another way to get from Brisbane to Birdsville. You can travel through Rome and Windola.

route error

• De Brisbane a Nindigully, 501 km
• Nindigully a Cunnamulla, 340 km
• Cunnamulla a Noccundra, 340 km
• Nocunda a Innamincka, 311 km
• Innamincka para Birdsville, 400 km

Roadtrip langs Pacific Coast Highway

• rotation -Brisbane Coast to Cairns
• distance -1874 km
• during -10 dias.
• vehicle -anyone
• road condition -The road is completely closed for the entire route.
• emphasizing -Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Ingham, Mission Beach, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, Atherton Tablelands, Cairns

The Pacific Coast Highway is a highway that connects towns and cities on Australia's east coast.

The route starts in Sydney and goes toCairnson the north east coast of Queensland.

Along the way you'll find many coastal paradises, as well as inland with beautiful farmland - perfect for anyone looking to escape city life!

keep your eyes open. There are many hidden gems outside the main population centers waiting to be discovered on this famous tour (and they are worth every mile!).

Our favorite trip took us to Magnetic Island and we fell in love with it instantly! it is oursDay trip to Magnetic Islandguide.

Read more - Do you want to know more about this trip? see our articlesItinerary from Brisbane to Cairns.

(Video) Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip Stops | 20+ Things to see and do along the Queensland Coast, Australia

Grand Beach Drive tur

• rotation -Maroochydore, Noosa Heads, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay
• distance -419 kilometer
• during -3 – 7 dias
• vehicle -4x4 only
• road conditions– Sand pipe. Necessary rescue equipment
• emphasizing -Noosa Heads, Double Island Point, Great Sandy 国家公园, Rainbow Beach, Carlo Sandblow, Fraser Island, 75 Mile Beach, Marcoola Beach

Queensland has an endless coastline, World Heritage-listed landscapes and quirky and colorful towns, plus plenty of great road trips, none better than the Great Beach Drive.

This off-the-beaten-track 3- to 7-day trip will take you 380 km fromNoosaGo to Hervey Bay via Fraser Island!

This tour includes Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island's 75 Mile Beach andHervey's Bay.The Great Beach Drive is full of beautiful beaches.

This is 4WD only, so bring your own or hire. The 4WD track is scenic and worth a visit on a sunny day.

They also lead to the beach where the waves crash against them in the morning before sunrise. But for those looking for relaxation or adventure in their everyday life, the same goes for the sunset after leaving work.

The area is home to many lovely residents such as koalas and kookaburras, which also live with migratory birds such as pelicans, cormorants and terns which can be seen fishing on either side!

Drive on some of the most stunning beaches in the world and through idyllic national parks, this tour also connects to World Heritage sitesFraser Island(K'gari) in the Australian Natural Coast region of Queensland.

There are many reasons why people love the scenic drive along Fraser Island's famous 75-mile beach. Another stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters in Queensland, this adventure is like no other.

• De Noosa a Rainbow Beach – 70 km
• Rainbow Beach til Fraser Island – 157 km
• Fraser Island til Hervey Bay - 44 km

Matilda Way Road Trip

• rotation -Cunnamulla, Blackall, Longreach, Winton, Cloncurry, Karumba
• distance -1812 km
• during -5 – 8 dias
• vehicle -anyone
• road condition -The road is completely closed for the entire route.
• emphasizing -Charleville Cosmos Centre, Longreach Museum, Age of Dinosaurs og Lark Quarry Stampede, Karumba.

The Matilda Way is a great way to experience the Australian outback, starting at the New South Wales border at Tamworth and covering 1,812 kilometers via St George's, Charleville, Kannamurra, Blackleigh, Mitchell Creek National Park (with over 250 waterfalls), Talum and finally Gulf of Karumba in Carpentaria.

So grab some friends and embark on this incredible journey with your trusty vehicle.

The Matilda Way road trip is a 1,812 kilometer road that runs from Cunnamulla on the NSW border tocarpenter bathroom.

This road will take you on an adventure with a different experience every day!

Here is a rough guide

• Cunnamulla to Charleville – 200 km
• Charleville til Blackall – 300 km
• Blackall para Longreach - 214 km
• Longridge til Winton - 180 km
• Winton to Cloncurry - 350 km
• Cloncurry to Karumba - 445 km

Overland Way itinerary

• rotation -Townsville, Chartres, Hugendon, Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry, Monte Isa, Camooweal
• distance -1097 km
• during -5 – 8 dias
• vehicle -anyone
• road condition -The road is completely closed for the entire route.
• emphasizing -Torres históricas da Carta, Porcupine Canyon, Crown Dragon Point, Hard Times Mine, Underground Hospital og Camooweal Caverns

On your Overland Way journey, you'll explore unspoiled natural beauty and dinosaur discoveries as you take in breathtaking scenery and interact with rich Aboriginal history - all non-stop!

Previously only accessible to 4×4 vehicles, it is now closed to anyone to explore this part of Queensland.

In addition to seeing some fantastic natural landscapes, such asGreat Barrier Reefand the unspoiled beaches of North Queensland, your journey will also include a number of fascinating historic sites, such as architecturally rich towns that showcase Australia's past.

The road starts near the city of Townsville (see all our directionsgod ting i Townsville) and head west where the real adventure begins.

From Charters Towers, where you'll learn all about the gold mining town, to the dinosaurs at Flinders Discovery Center (Hughenden), home to some incredible ancient fossil beds that have been preserved through time. Over time, natural forces preserved the footprints of the dinosaurs!

You can learn about the cattle farmers at the Drovers' Camp Museum atCamooweal Caves National Park, which also has incredible holes dating back 500 million years.

Earth is moving full speed towards a new future and shows no signs of slowing down – not even without paving the way!

The Overlander's Way road trip is a Queensland itinerary that will make you fall in love with the country all over again.

This is the internal route for any vehicular journey. Here are the directions.

• Townsville para Chartres Towers - 137 km
• Charters Towers para Hughenden – 248 km
• Hughenden to Richmond - 115 km
• Richmond a Julia Creek - 149 km
• Julia Creek til Cloncurry - 137 km
• Cloncurry ao Monte Isa – 121 km
• Monte Isa a Camooweal – 190 km

Savannah Road Travel - Queensland Sektion

• rotation -凯恩斯, Ravenshoe, Undara, Forsayth, Cobbold Gorge, Karumba, Boodjamulla
• distance -1493 km
• during -5 days (2 weeks to complete all of Western Australia)
• vehicle -Available for 4WD and 2WD vehicles depending on route chosen
• road condition -Fully enclosed but often flooded during the rainy season. During this time the roads may be washed away.
• emphasizing -Cachoeiras em Ravenshoe, Rainforest Walks em Atherton, Undara Volcanic National Park, Mt Surprise, Talaroo Hot Springs, Cobbold Gorge, Innot Hot Springs,

The Savannah Way is a great route to explore Australia's northern savannahs.

The route runs from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia, offering a unique opportunity to see some incredible scenery along the way, including ancient petroglyphs and Australian wildlife.

The Queensland section of the Savannah Way runs from Cairns to Hell's Gate and back.

Your Savannah Way safari starts in Cairns, a jewel on the Queensland coast. Look south towards Millaa Millaa, about 1.5 hours drive and you will findamazing waterfallIn vibrant green forests and waterways, it is perfect for swimming all year round!

Once there, be sure to visit the famous waterfalls as well as Zillie and Ellinjaa waterfalls before heading to Ravenshoe.

• Cairns para Mareeba, Atherton Tablelands - 62,5 km
• Mareeba a Undara – 229 km
• Undara para Cobbold Gorge - 229 km
• Cobold Gorge to Croydon - 232 km
• Croydon to Karumba - 226 km
• Driving to Burketown – 281 km
• Burketown para Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park – 234 km

Trip from Cairns to Cooktown - Outback route

• rotation -Cairns, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, Mosman, Cooktown
• distance -256 kilometer
• during -35 dias
• vehicle -two wheel drive
• estrada -The road was blocked. you have to take the ferry to Cape Tribulation
• emphasizing -Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Aboriginal rock art, James Cook Museum

If you've ever wanted to see where the coral reef meets the rainforest, the only place where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites actually meet, this is the tour for you!

The 200-mile journey takes four hours and is packed with outback scenery, history and resources to keep you interested for days!

You can explore Cooktownhistorical significanceBe it Australia's first European settlement or enjoy the city's beautiful harbor and many local attractions.

It might not be the most action-packed adventure - so if you're looking for some thrills, pack accordingly.

But it's sure to get your creative juices flowing before you venture out into our great land again!

This is the internal route for any vehicular journey. Here are the directions.

• Cairns to Port Douglas
• Port Douglas til Cape Tribulation
• hardship cap for mosman
• Mosman til Cooktown

Although Cooktown itself is a bit farDay trips from Cairns, if you want to return to Cairns, you can split it into two days.

Bloomfield Raceway Road Trip

• rotation -Cape Tribulation, Bloomfield, Cooktown
• distance -103 kilometer
• during -6-8 timer
• vehicle -4WD only (no caravans or trailers)
• estrada -Most are not sealed. Some areas are closed. Be careful when wet and after heavy rain. There are river crossings, steep ascents and descents and swampy areas.
• emphasizing -Emmagen Creek, Cowie Beach, Bloomfield River and Lookout, Bana Yirriji Arts Centre, Wujal Wujal Falls

The Bloomfield Track is one of Queensland's most scenic 4WD short trips to the coastal town of Wujal-Wujal.

The path goes through arcs of rainforest, filled with majestic flora, unexpected wildlife and history.

It was built by protesters in 1983-84, leading to a major environmental protest known as the "Bloomfield Lockdown".

Today it is a World Heritage Site thanks to the protesters who care about its natural beauty!

Driving south from Cooktown along the border with Australia's Northern Territory, passing Huonbrook Station along the coast, travelers pass stunning scenery, creeks and secluded beaches where they can rest before venturing into remote areas.

Read more: From south of the border? Make the most of our tripSydney to Brisbane Self Drive Tour Itinerary!

Driving can be difficult due to constantly changing road conditions, a mixture of gravel, red dirt or wet weather.

Due to its rough terrain and abundance of natural stream crossings after heavy rain, this driveway can also become impassable at times - so make sure your 4x4 is always ready!

You can do this in one long day or break it up. Here is a rough guide

• Cape Tribulation até Bloomfield - 39 km
• Bloomfield para Cooktown - 64 km

Itinerary from Cairns to Cape York

• rotation -Cairns, Cooktown, Cabo York
• distance -1964 km
• during -14 day right of return
• vehicle -four-wheel drive
• road condition -It can be difficult in some areas. the rainy season will flood
• emphasizing -The white sands of Portland Road, the northernmost point of the continent, and Laura's rock carvings

No one can claim to have seen all of Australia without taking a long and adventurous trip.

The 1,000 kilometer journey from Cairns to Paginka (the traditional name for the northernmost point of the Australian mainland, at the tip of the Cape York Peninsula) is one of the adventures of a lifetime.

The Australian spirit of adventure is ingrained in its culture. In Cairns, hop into a 4WD and embark on an unforgettable journey to the top of Australia, stopping at deli towns along the way.

During this life changing adventure you will experience crossing and wading a stream, meet interesting people from different communities and find remnants of war historycape york!

Along this breathtaking drive, there are many natural treasures along the way, such as national parks with bird-filled swamps and rainforests, as well as waterfalls, beaches and old telegraph paths that will challenge even the most extreme adventurers.

While it's not easy to drive over rough terrain or treacherous waters in the wet season, be warned: the rewards never stop!

Here is a rough guide

• Cairns para Cooktown - 244 km
• Cooktown til Laura - 175 km
• Laura a Cohen - 220 km
• Colne and Rio Lockhart - 210 km
• Lockhart River til Bramwell Station - 154 km
• Bramwell Station til Bamaga - 212 km
• Yes - 35 km

Great Inland Way Road Trip – Queensland sektion

• rotation -Hebel, Rom, Engine, Emerald, Clermont, Charters Tower, Ravenshoe, Atherton, Mareeba, Cairns, Cooktown
• distance -1863 kilometer
• during -Choose 9 days if you choose to start in Hebel or 16 days if you choose to start in Sydney
• vehicle -Two-wheel drive.
• road condition -The road is completely closed.
• emphasizing -Cobb & Co. charging station, Carnarvon Gorge, learn about the gold rush at Charters Towers, rainforest walks in the Atherton Highlands, many waterfalls around Atherton, Mareeba and Cairns, Cooktown Aboriginal experience

Want to get off the beaten track? Then we leave the coast and drive through the outback of Outback Queensland.

You travel through some of the most inhospitable landscapes as well as historic country towns.

Driving here is a completely different experience than driving on the coastal road, as there are fewer gas stations.

But it offers a unique experience for those who want to travel less, with many tourist attractions such as the red sand desert or star gazing under the night sky!

The Great Inland Way is a journey along the Australian coast from Sydney to Brisbane.

The Queensland leg of the journey will pass through Dirranbandi and St. George before heading off on flat closed roads to Surat, Roma and Injune on the way.

Stop for lunch at the Nindigully Pub (if you dare!), Australia's oldest converted hotel restaurant serving 1.2kg burgers called the Road Train!

From the mountains to the coast in outback Queensland. Continue on flat, well-marked roads to Surat, Roma and Injuni, en route to the sandstone cliffs of Caernarfon National Park.

Stop at Emerald for a mining permit, then detour to Capella, Clermont, Charters Towers or Undara, with plenty of stops in between!

Visit Ravenshoe's highest pub or, after exploring the lush rainforest gardens, tuck into a gourmet cheese at a luxury resort in the Atherton Tablelands for a true Aussie experience.

Take time to admire the birds of paradise and other native plants from the perspective of the Kuranda Scenic Cable Car, then visit Cairns to explore nature both above and below sea level!

Stop at the gateway to Queensland's Sapphire Gemstones for a mining permit bypassing Queensland's tropical fruit growing areasatherton plateauShop for fresh local produce before heading inland to Cairns, Queensland's largest protected rainforest.

Travel north to Cooktown to explore the outback and its extraordinary Aboriginal rock art.

Road traffic is completely closed from Sydney to the interior of NSW and Queensland, the central highlands of Queensland and as far north as Cooktown.

Here is a rough guide

• Hebel to São Jorge – 161 km
• Sao Jorge to Rome - 196 km
• Rome and Injuni – 91 km
• Injuno a Esmeralda – 311 km
• From Esmeralda to Clermont – 109 km
• Clermont para Charters Towers - 374 km
• Charters Towers para Ravenshoe - 465 km
• Ravenshoe til Atherton - 51 km
• Atherton to Mareeba - 33 km
• Mareeba to Cairns - 63 km
• Cairns para Cooktown - 326 km

What is your favorite trip to Queensland?

Queensland has great road trips. We hope this list gives you some ideas for your next trip.

There is so much to see and so many activities and attractions to fill your day.

Some adventurous places require four-wheel drive. There are also some we haven't done yet, all of which are four-wheel drive. But we hope to do it later this year!

What is your favorite trip to Queensland? Leave a comment below and let us know!

While you're at it, check out all these other epics.things to do in queensland!