Get ready for an unforgettable journey as you embark on the ultimate Queensland coastal road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. Take the scenic route, soak up the laid-back vibes, and dive into an unforgettable adventure.

Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach

Ready to strap in and set off? Pick up your Thrifty rental car from one of our branches in Brisbane, grab your keys and you’re good to go. Start your journey toward Noosa, a picturesque coastal town known for its National Parks and laid-back living. Along the way, take the seaside route, pop on your favourite tunes, and enjoy views over stunning Moreton Bay. Spend the afternoon exploring Noosa National Parks, where there are endless opportunities to get out into nature. From hiking and climbing to swimming and koala-spotting, embrace the wilderness and don’t forget to bring along your camera! Stay overnight in Noosa, soaking up the relaxed vibes at Rococo Bistro or settling in with a glass of wine at Theo’s Social Club. Next, head further north to Rainbow Beach, the gateway to K’gari. Here, you can leave your rental vehicle at your accommodation for the day and enjoy a thrilling 4WD adventure across the surf and sand. Explore the rugged cliff faces that line the foreshore and create the ‘coloured sands’, and marvel at the panoramic views of Carlo Sand Blow.

Whale Watching and Ocean Exploration

Next up on your agenda, drive to Hervey Bay, known as the whale-watching capital of Australia. Depending on the season, you can join a tour to see humpback whales in their natural habitat. Tours run daily from July to October, with a wide variety of experiences on offer. Choose from full-day tours, ¾ day tours including a swim with the whales experience and three-hour tours where you can see the fascinating creatures from underwater viewing rooms and water-level platforms. If time allows, consider taking to the seas yourself with a kayaking adventure around the bay, or extend your trip to K’gari for wildlife experiences and a dip in Lake McKenzie. Continuing your tour of coastal towns around Queensland, begin your journey north toward Airlie Beach. Because it’s a considerable distance from Hervey Bay, you’ll want to stop off along the way to rest, stretch your legs and grab a cuppa, and Seventeen Seventy is the perfect place to do so. Yep, that’s right, the town is called Seventeen Seventy, named after the visit of Captain James Cook in May 1770. Take a scenic cruise to explore the pristine coastline and nearby islands before arriving in Airlie Beach in the evening.

Island Escapes

Setting off from Airlie Beach, up the ante of your holiday and embark on a full-day sailing trip to explore the Whitsunday Islands. This action-packed tour sees you cruising past Whitehaven Beach, which is considered by many to be Australia’s best, plus hiking up to the Hill Inlet lookout and swimming and snorkelling amongst beautiful corals and fringing reefs. Perfect for those looking for a day out filled with sun, sand and surf, a day trip to the Whitsundays offers a blend of adventure and relaxation among some of the most picturesque beachside scenes in the country. Want to see it all from a bird’s-eye view? Soar the skies and see the natural beauty from above on a Reef and Island Scenic Flight. After travelling all around the state, drive north to Cairns, your final destination on your epic Queensland Road trip. Along the way, consider a stopover at Townsville for a visit to the Reef HQ Aquarium or a hike up Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city. An Aussie Road trip is incomplete without a visit to one of our ‘big things’, so make sure you stop by Castle Hill’s ‘Big Brolga’ for a fun photo.

Barrier Reef Bliss

Spend your last day in the sunshine state by exploring one the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most beautiful sites in Australia and the entire world. If rainbow-coloured corals, vibrant marine life, and water activities sound like your cup of tea, the Reef is the place to be. With tours departing from Cairns, leave your Thrifty rental vehicle on the mainland and set off on a day of diving, swimming, and soaking up the serene atmosphere just off the coast of Queensland. End your tour across the state with a flavourful farewell feast at one of Cairns’ beachside restaurants, Waterbar and Grill Steakhouse and Piato are local favourites, and say goodbye with a stroll along the Esplanade, ice cream in hand. 

From the tranquil beaches of Noosa to the mesmerising wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the memories made on your Queensland coastal road trip will last a lifetime. Ready to get started? Book your Thrifty rental vehicle now!