Rich in history and (quite literally) stuffed with breathtaking scenery, swap the popular coastal road for a route less travelled next time you're journeying north. We also provide general advice on credit products under our own Credit Licence ACL 385509. Queensland, in particular, is super easy to drive: the roads are high quality and well-signed. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service. Just skirting the NSW border, this former tin miner's town has a unique microclimate that has transformed it into a land of wines, fruits, vegetables and microbreweries. Alright folks, now that youre here, buckle up and let me answer ALL your Australian rental insurance questions! Finish your trip in Cooktown by staying at. There are a couple of amazing hostels in Hervey Bay, making it an even better spot for backpackers on a budget as well. If we havent maxed out on museums, well visit the Gunsynd Museum and Statue museum too, a statue to commemorate Gunsynd, a Melbourne Cup champion thoroughbred racehorse and one of Queenslands top icons. Day 6: Lochern National Parks to Hughenden (5 hours 20 minutes). Soon enough, you'll be in RAAF Boab Quarry with its crystal clear water and boab trees. Visit Porcupine Gorge National Park for cliffs and canyons, Blackbraes National Park for birdwatching, White Mountains National Park for challenging hikes among its unique sandstone formations and Moorinya National Park for desert and grassland settings. I travelled all around the different states, and Im still here today. Optional, only if you want us to follow up with you. You will meet heaps of backpackers on the Australian East Coast. Well leave early and make our ways to Innamincka, a town with a population of fewer than 50 residents. Plan Your Queensland Road Trip Brisbane to Townsville Distance: 1,335km (one way) How: Car or Van Where: Brisbane to Townsville Date: All year round What to Expect On a drive to Townsville from Brisbane, you'll discover sublime beaches, big cities, natural wonders, and seaside havens. Keep on north to Port Douglas for lunch with a view. PS: if youre travelling around Australia, check out our guide on the Best Road Trips in Australia! We can also kayak in Broadwater Waterhole, fish or cycle along the parks habitat drive. Pacific Coast Way 2. Think of swimming in the worlds largest coral reef system with some of the most exotic fish you will ever see, bathing in turquoise warm water on a white sand, picture-perfect beach and crossing the worlds oldest tropical rainforest to discover clear waters cascades. If youre travelling on a budget, youll be pleased to know that there are a couple of great and affordable hostels in Noosa. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. Hughenden locals are blessed to be surrounded by four national parks: Lets pick one, and spend the day exploring the region. Be as active or chilled out as you like; explore and enjoy easy, relaxing scenic walks. The mountains loom in the distance and even though the drive follows the coast, you'll be so lost in the forest that you'll hardly realise it as you meander through the Hinterland Region and out to the beach. Ahhh Queensland. No worries mate. Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy. Day 5: Innamincka to Birdsville (7 hours). The National Park has 20 km of Thomson River frontage. To start with, we can cruise the Thompson River abroad a paddle. So what is there to do in Cunnamulla besides having a boogie to some Aussie country music? 2023, The Broke Backpacker. To stretch out the day, you can spend the morning in Danggu Gorge National Park. Cruise Whitsundays is an eco-certified tour operator in Airlie Beach offering day trips on Hardy Reef in the Great Barrier Reef. Scan to download the Finder app on iOS or Android. But we just call itbloody beautiful. Waterfall-filled rainforests, creek crossings and sandy coastal landscapes are what you've signed yourself up for when taking on the Bloomfield Track from Cairns. For example, well get to meet Minmi, a Richmond Pliosaur. If we want to stay in the Townsville region instead, we can head to the Town Common Conservation Park that boasts a natural showcase of wildlife. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. On our way to Noccundra, near the Wilson River where we can fish. Well leave Brisbane nice and early and make our way to Goondiwindi, a small historic border town 350km away from Brisbane (4 hours drive). Eat your fill in Yungaburra gorging on award-winning cheese, exceptionally brewed coffee and local tucker. Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. Family of 4, 2 adults and 2 teens we're flying into Cairns and driving to Brisbane over 16 days. However, with so much to see, it may be hard to plan a road trip itinerary. Answer 1 of 6: Hey Guys, I am looking to do an inland journey from Brisbane to Cairns and come back via coastal region. Route: Cairns-Broome via Katherine. Get out and explore Tropical North Queensland with our guide to campervan hire in Cairns. From Brisbane, get onto the M3 then merge onto the A1 headed north to the Sunshine Coast. Inland adventure with snorkelling & waterfalls. How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague? Love getting stuck into off-road adventuring? Take a side trip to Millaa Millaa for a breath of fresh air while you catch its famous waterfall. Ready for our last stretch? We also don't recommend specific products, services or providers. Then turn left onto Ussher Point Road to the Jardine River ferry crossing. Any damage cost would then be deducted from this deposit, but you will just need to make a claim with your independent insurer that will refund you the amount. Finder Wallet's services are not covered by the Australian Government Guarantee on Deposits. View a full one-day itinerary for the Gillies Highway road trip. Enjoying a panoramic view of the skyline of Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the things to do on a Boston to New York road trip. To get there, well hop on a ferry from Townsville. Swing by Mossman Gorge, home to large granite boulders. Whether it's a classic drive along the coast, a food and wine trail through the countryside, or an epic Outback adventure, there's a road trip for everyone in NSW. If were in the mood for a hike, the Inginai Nature Reserve hosts some very pretty walks. Well opt for the scenic route onto Canecutter way to pass through sugarcane fields and charming forests, before stopping at Paronella Park. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker. Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. Remember Burke and Wills? If we feel like hiking, theres a 6km return walking track we can take to climb up the summit, where well enjoy 360-degree views. Whether thats a car, 4WD, campervan or motorhome, the below points will apply. Get excited! While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. First Aid Kit: Even if you dont plan on doing anything extreme on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. eat at Alfred & Constance. Continue west into Western Australia and steal that photo-op of DAFWA Kununurra Checkpoint Charlie. Back on the road again. Cheers. Make sure you return via Woodford, known for its folk festival and through Mount Mee for even more spectacular views and forested walks. If youre a visitor, make sure you buy travel insurance to get health insurance. In fact, it was probably some of the best years of my life. Well-travelled Down Under, she has a wide knowledge of the vast Australian continental mass and puts that info to good use writing killer content. Day 5: Lochern National Parks (1 hour 40 minutes). More dinosaurs in Richmond. The good life. Day 3: Cunnamulla to Noccundra (3 hours 40 minutes). If we feel Fancy & Frenchie when we arrive in Cairns, well have dinner at Cest Bon Cairns (literal translation for: Its Good Cairns. Rest your noggin at Lake Barrine Teahouse. In just a few days, well be presented with very different faces of Queensland state. Day 2: Goondiwindi to Cunnamulla (5 hours 20 minutes). If we have a 2WD, we can go through Roma and Windorah instead. Hike or drive Tamborine Mountain and visit the glow worm caves or the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk before heading back to Brisbane. 3.5 Agnes Water. A road trip from Brisbane to Cairns is best undertaken during the dry season. On your way north, make a stop in Gin Gin to visit its historical village. A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. The Balonne Shire in Queensland's south-west, about . This short 90-minute drive will take us back in time. This way is a long dusty drive. Okay, the second part of our Queensland road trip itinerary is to head to Hervey Bay, which is a boat ride away from the popular and idyllic Fraser Island. Drive to Tamborine National Park via Canungra. Before we leave Mount Isa, well visit the underground hospital built during the second world war. We endeavour to ensure that the information on this site is current and accurate but you should confirm any information with the product or service provider and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) or the information they can provide. 4:14 pm Byron Bay. Nomatic products are sleek, durable, and goddamn efficient. Disclaimer - Hive Empire Pty Ltd (trading as finder.com.au, ABN: 18 118 785 121) provides factual information, general advice and services on a range of financial products as a Corporate Authorised Representative (432664) of Centra Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL 422704. If you are unsure you should get independent advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan. This six day adventure passes through Dirranbandi and St George. What puts the Gillies Highway on the map outside of it taking you through a stunning forested road is its shape. Enjoy a local feel in Julia Creek before hitting the A6 again. Some travel insurance providers provide basic vehicular coverage and will cover you in certain circumstances. View a full one-day itinerary for the Great Barrier Reef Drive road trip. Then lets keep rolling, direction Mount Isa. Cool, calm and utterly indulgent, Stanthorpe has all the makings of a romantic weekend getaway particularly if you're a foodie. For a longer trip out from Cairns, chase those waterfalls on the waterfall circuit. Here, well find lots of species from coolibahs, cockatoos, parrots to a new type of turtles, Emmotts short-necked turtle. Day 10: Mission Beach to Cairns (1 hour 45 minutes). 7 hours 43 minutes. First thing first, well pop into a local business. 3. If youre Aussie, Medicare will cover your medical costs. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines. Renting a vehicle in Australia is super easy and thousands of backpackers do it each year. On the way, and if time allows, well stop at Cape Hillsborough National Park, where the reef meets the rainforest. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options. Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. The drive starts off out of Goulburn along the Hume Highway, with the first section being from Goulburn to Yass. You can learn more about how we make money here. Fancy pants. If we want to stay on the island, The Beachcamp Eco Retreatis a good spot. Just stay firm on your position and refuse their policies. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Its also worth stopping by Flinders Discovery Centre to see all the dinosaur bones and fossils on display. It is also one of the best areas to stay in Queensland due to the affordability. Day 9: Townsville to Mission Beach (3 hours). In the park, nab a bird's eye view from the Glass House Mountains Lookout or splurge on a. Never enough. Check out our guide on Where to Stay in Whitsundays! Take a lunch break either here or in Georgetown. When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. For a scenic route, take National Lamington Park Road, which takes you past the Big Lamington and a number of vineyards for a taste of local food and drink. On the way to Townsville, well stop in Bowen, where we will take a coffee and, if time allows, hike the Mother Beddock Walking Track which only takes around an hour to complete. Charters Tower is arguably one of the prettiest inland towns in Queensland. 3.3 Hervey Bay. The ultimate South Australia road trip for a weekend getaway, finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or If you are planning a driving holiday on Queensland roadsor to drive a long distance in Queensland to your holiday destinationyou should plan your journey, including your route and stops, in advance. Most offer excellent coverage at very reasonable rates, more so than the rental car company. 3.4 Fraser Island. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff. This outback road trip is an official touring route that journeys from the beach through dramatic rugged landscapes. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues. Its weather is spot-on for outdoor pursuits year-round. For a thrilling break, drop by Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for a close encounter. Cap your day off with some food and a show at the Mines Rotary Rodeo. Get back onto the M1, connecting to the Bruce Highway A1 onto Hervey Bay. This road trip has it all: endless blue skies, burning sunsets and stops at some of Outback Queensland's most iconic towns; Charleville, Longreach and Winton, before arriving at the Gulf of Carpentaria. It's a rough track though and should only be driven by 4WD. Day 3: Charters Towers to Hughenden (2 hours 30 minutes). Gold Coast Hinterland Road Trip Route - Surfers Paradise to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat Distance - 109km Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes Vehicle - Any Road Conditions - Fully sealed Highlights - Lush rainforest, waterfalls, lakes, valleys and headlands, Tamborine Mountain, Lamington National Park, Springbrook National Park 3.1 Glass House Mountains. For a less-active activity, take the Tree Top Walkway, which is near O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Take a leisurely drive up to Ayr, known for its parks and its artistic Ayr Nature Display. Back on the road, Halls Creek is your next big town and an ideal resting point. Well adventure across sand dunes and vast plains. The Overlanders Way will take us through historic towns, dinosaur centres and unique landscapes. Well find history, heritage, stunning architecture dating from the gold rush in the 1880s. Were only starting this journey. We must stop by the Outback at Isa, where well find a Visitor Information Centre with the experience to book for the Hard Times Mine Tour, an Outback Park, the Isa Experience, the Riversleigh Fossil Centre and a cafe (the last one definitely is the best part). 2. Not for the faint-hearted, you'll need a good set of wheels to let loose on Fraser Island as it only permits 4WDs onto its shores. Thats way older than Minmi, our Richmond Pliosaur mate. Keen for more? Longreach is an outback town with around 3000 residents, which is pretty big for the outback. Highlights: Mt Surprise, Hells Gates, Limmen National Park, Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park, Timber Creek and Gregory National Park, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. On day 6, we will take a tour to Whitsundays to make the most of it. Now we definitely have something in common. Spit up some sand at one of Australia's national treasures. You'll get a taste of civilisation in Willare, where you can also fuel up. 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To download the finder app on iOS or Android all the makings of a weekend... Jardine River ferry crossing Licence ACL 385509 are not covered by the Australian East Coast Gorge National has! Are appropriate for your needs makings of a romantic weekend getaway particularly if you us. Near the Wilson River where we can cruise the Thompson River abroad paddle! Pretty walks to be surrounded by four National parks to Hughenden ( 2 hours 30 minutes.! Of it taking you through a stunning forested road is its shape undertaken during dry! Of Australia 's National treasures that journeys from the Glass House Mountains Lookout or splurge on a,. Highway road trip with our guide on the road, Halls Creek is your next road trip Brisbane! A1 headed north to the Bruce Highway A1 onto Hervey Bay, making it an even better for... Your day off with some food and a show at the Mines Rotary.... 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