Planning your next Queensland coast road trip

While the government is actively planning the road out of restrictions, now is the perfect time to plan your next road trip and be ready to go when the time comes.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, exploration, or relaxation, a road trip can be the best way to experience the coastal beauty of Queensland. A road trip journey allows you the luxury of travelling at your own pace, creating your own route and choosing your sightseeing stops along the way. While there are some definite “must sees” along the Queensland coast, you can easily adapt any of these suggested stops to best suit your own interests.

Pacific Coast Way The Pacific Coast Way, stretching between Cairns and the Gold Coast, is nearly 2,000 km exploring Queensland’s rainforests, farmlands, gorgeous beaches and picturesque small towns, all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Regardless of which direction you’re headed in, there are so many wonderful places to visit along the way as you meander up or down the coast. Here’s what you won’t want to miss along the way!

The Sunshine Coast Known for its beautiful beaches and resorts, this is the place to get in a round of golf, a day at the spa, or drinks on the waterfront. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can explore the mountain villages of the Blackall Range or make your way to Rainbow Beach with its stunning multi-coloured cliffs.

Hervey Bay If you’re travelling between June and October, Hervey Bay is the destination for some whale watching, and as an added bonus, it’s a short distance away from the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island. Continuing up the coast towards Bundaberg is Mon Repos Beach and their famous turtle rookery.

Agnes Water & Town 1770 A little bit off the beaten path, with gorgeous beaches, nature walks through the Paperbark Forest, and guided kayak tours, you won’t want to leave! Don’t forget to take a ride on the LARC, you can’t miss this bright pink amphibious vehicle, the perfect way to cruise the area and learn about the local wildlife.

Rockhampton Known as the “beef capital of Australia”, there is lots to see and do in the Rockhampton area. While away the day in the botanic gardens or the local zoo, then head into town for some rodeo fun on Wednesday and Friday nights. Just outside of Rockhampton, you can take a tour of the spectacular Capricorn Caves.

Airlie Beach You will definitely get into holiday mode at Airlie Beach. With shops, markets, and cafes, along with the gorgeous, lush landscape, this is a “must” stop on any coastal road trip. Known as the gateway to the Whitsundays, you can island hop and explore to your heart’s content!

Townsville With so many things to see and do, plan to spend some quality time in Townsville! Be sure to visit the Reef HQ Aquarium with its sea turtle hospital, the Billabong Sanctuary, home to koalas, crocs, and wombats, and Magnetic Island with coral reefs and wildlife. And don’t miss out on the incredible views from the iconic Castle Hill!

Remember, the best road trips allow time to explore unplanned destinations, so allow some extra time to take the road less travelled, and make it a journey to remember!