Savannah Way 7. 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. Home to numerous public parks, a vibrant performing arts scene and several fascinating museums, Providence is among the most influential cities in New England. Relax. Headtorch: Every backpacker should have a head torch! On our way, well stop in Cordillo Downs where we will visit the historic curved woolshed made of stone. Hug that coastline as you melt between the forest (Kuranda) and the ocean. Make the most of the great outdoors by comparing your options and the latest deals for campervan hire in Hobart. Adventure Way 4. Day 9: Townsville to Mission Beach (3 hours). Leaving early, we will drive to Tambo. Here, we can hike and enjoy the spectacular views of the Whitsunday Passage and islands. Then, well get back on the road. 2.3 Brisbane to Airlie Beach Road Trip Map. This short 90-minute drive will take us back in time. The good news is that there aren't any man-eating dinosaurs in your midst; the bad news is there is no Chris Pratt either. Cruise Whitsundays is an eco-certified tour operator in Airlie Beach offering day trips on Hardy Reef in the Great Barrier Reef. Here's one for the bushwalkers and the escapists. Well stop at the Lake Eyre Basin that covers a sixth of Australias landmass (or 1.2 million square km) and take in all its splendour. Queensland, in particular, is super easy to drive: the roads are high quality and well-signed. He was the last person to be hung for this type of crimes in Queensland. drive for about 2 hours. Lets enjoy a therapeutic soak in the Artesian Bath House on our way. In Byron Bay, you can stay on shore, combing the promenade's stalls, hiking the coastal trails or. Queensland is a large state with many different landscapes, including rainforests, beaches and outback. Your email address will not be published. This Queensland road trip isnt the most popular one, but its probably where well have the most incredible outback experiences in Australia. Choose your road trip Tips & planning Road Trip Essentials Leaving in the morning, well go straight to Longreach. On the way, and if time allows, well stop at Cape Hillsborough National Park, where the reef meets the rainforest. Day 10: Mission Beach to Cairns (1 hour 45 minutes). However, with so much to see, it may be hard to plan a road trip itinerary. 3.3 Hervey Bay. Charters Tower offers the world-famous Texas Longhorn Safaris Tour and we can also follow the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail for some spooky tails (yep, thats the spirit!). 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). Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Golden beaches, green hills and quaint villages are waiting for us. Hike or drive Tamborine Mountain and visit the glow worm caves or the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk before heading back to Brisbane. finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Make your way back down the island, popping by the iconic S.S. Maheno shipwreck, which sits right on the beach. Proud of this, locals launch an annual Hughenden Dinosaur Festival. A road trip through the outback Queensland towns you've never heard of. Drive north from Brisbane onto the A1 bound for the Sunshine Coast. Cunnamulla is an outback town where locals celebrate country music with a Cunnamulla Fella Festival each November. Well stop at Flinders Discovery Centre to meet Muttaburrasaurus, a seven-metre tall dinosaur replica whose bones were discovered near Muttaburra in 1963. View a full one-day itinerary for the Old Telegraph Track road trip. View a full one-day itinerary for the Brisbane to Byron Bay trip. 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. A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. Hit the road and discover all the incredible things on offer in our spectacular state. Now, lets go back to Townsville, shall we? Stock up on supplies as you won't be passing through any more towns until Borroloola. And by thongs, Im not referring to knickers, but to flip flops (Aussie lingo). You do not need to worry about Third Party Liability or Personal Accident Insurance as it is included by default and by law in your rental agreement. Also, theres a Heritage Trail where one can learn about the towns opal mining, pastoral, and wool production history. Due to the location of Cairns it is one of the best places to visit in Queensland in winter - it is hot all year round! If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and what-not, buy a mount for it. Drive north along the Pacific Motorway M1 past Brisbane onto the Sunshine Coast. Before you head inland, scoot up the coast to Newcastle and discover a city that's growing in popularity as a relaxed and breezy weekend getaway. The Balonne Shire in Queensland's south-west, about . If driving from Brisbane to Melbourne, there are two main routes. The Big Red is a majestic sand dune on the edge of Simpson Desert. If we head to theRichmonds Kronosaurus Korner. Known as the home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, its John Flynn Place Museum tracks the service's iconic history. We will take a ferry to Magnetic Island, just 8km offshore of Townsville. Note that it will cost us at least AUD300 for one night. View a full one-day itinerary for the Bloomfield Track road trip. Cute. We've listed Queensland's best road trips, weekend trips and day trips out of Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Townsville and the Gold Coast. Drive past the silhouette of Walshs Pyramind rising above the historic sugar-milling town of Gordonvale. If wed rather step back in more recent time, well take a stroll along the Heritage Walk from where well spot some of Richmonds historic buildings, including the Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre. Yay, me too! We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. Keep the beach theme running with a stop on Mission Beach. Finder Wallet's services are not covered by the Australian Government Guarantee on Deposits. Now we definitely have something in common. The track itself is short, taking you along the Bloomfield River but is typically included in a trip from Cairns to Cooktown. Here, well grab lunch in Coffee On Dowling. Here are our top 13 road trip ideas to fuel your travel addiction. For a fun day out, go apple picking or simply settle into your abode and watch the world drift by. After visiting this national icon, well then keep in driving to reach Innamincka and guess what Were now in South Australia. Check out our guide onWhere to Stay in Brisbane! You are about to post a question on finder.com.au: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Level 10, 99 York St, To stretch out the day, you can spend the morning in Danggu Gorge National Park. This outback road trip is an official touring route that journeys from the beach through dramatic rugged landscapes. In the north (Old Telegraph Track), Fruit Bat Falls is a great turning off point for a rest and a quick dip. If we have a 2WD, we can go through Roma and Windorah instead. Queensland offers two types of road trips: the coastal type or the outback type. Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Eat your fill in Yungaburra gorging on award-winning cheese, exceptionally brewed coffee and local tucker. It follows the old Overland Telegraph Line in Cape York and is a spot of rough and rugged track scalable only by vehicles with low range gears and high ground clearance in other words, a 4WD. The explorer William Landsborough was the first European to pass through the Camooweal Area as he was looking for Burke and Wills in 1862. Great Barrier Reef Drive 8. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations. Well also visit the Customs House Museum that displays the history of wool and agriculture farming. For a more relaxing day, you can pop onto a. It's popular as a motorists pit-stop and offers fantastic hinterland scenery on a clear day. View a full three-day itinerary for the Overlander's Way road trip. Follow the signs at Bramwell Junction Roadhouse to the southern end of Old Telegraph Track (Telegraph Road). Well adventure across sand dunes and vast plains. It may be a little rough, but has so many unique landscapes to offer as well. After a day spent in Hughenden area, well head to Mount Walker to see the perfect outback sunset. We also have the option to do white rafting in Tully River, if we feel adventurous. Please refer to our FSG - Financial Products. Locals call this town the heart of the Outback. There are six road trip essentials I never go traveling without: 1. I hear you ask. 3.4 Fraser Island. The Overlander's Way is a Queensland road trip through the outback. Here, well find cultural history and random traditions. No worries mate. Well leave Brisbane nice and early and make our way to Goondiwindi, a small historic border town 350km away from Brisbane (4 hours drive). Ancient trees tower overhead, razorback mountains loom in the distance and the scuttling of creatures hidden among the foliage pricks your ears. Spit up some sand at one of Australia's national treasures. See our latest offers available across Queensland. Well start off in Brisbane and will make our way to Nindigully, or The Gully for the locals. View a full one-day itinerary for the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Hinterland trip. I lived in Australia for six years, despite my ophidiophobia. Magnetic Island is where you will be able to spot koalas or wallabies, bush walk around the National park or enjoy some watersports at Horseshoe Bay. If time allows, well climb up the dune at nighttime to stare at the incredible night sky. Last but not least, we will have dinner at Harrys. Blowing. You'll get a taste of civilisation in Willare, where you can also fuel up. Nomatic products are sleek, durable, and goddamn efficient. Hughenden is a third of the Australian Dinosaur Trail. 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. 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. Have lunch, complete with beach views, at the coastal towns of 1770 or Agnes Waters. Day 6: Lochern National Parks to Hughenden (5 hours 20 minutes). Day 5: Innamincka to Birdsville (7 hours). Turn off the 57 at Sunshine Acres for Hervey Bay and follow the signs for River Heads and Bingham to connect to the ferry onto Fraser Island. The ferry ride is only 20 minutes. Drive to the Sunshine Coast for a seafood lunch and a marine activity or two. On our way to Noccundra, near the Wilson River where we can fish. Just stay firm on your position and refuse their policies. Theres an art gallery. Keep on north to Port Douglas for lunch with a view. The Queensland leg of the Great Inland Way road trip extends 1863 kilometres from Outback Queensland to the Coral Sea. This six day adventure passes through Dirranbandi and St George. Day 2: Townsville to Charters Towers (1 hour 30 minutes). Be as active or chilled out as you like; explore and enjoy easy, relaxing scenic walks. Plus, anyone looking to jump on a trend can hightail it over for the budding food scene. Well. There will be a lot of camping sites on this road trip, so well make sure that we pack a tent or drive a campervan/motorhome. Come back through Katherine for a bite and to fuel up then get back on the National Highway 1. Love getting stuck into off-road adventuring? The Great Tropical Drive is an amazing experience and takes around 12 days and travels over 2079 kilometres starting from Cairns or Townsville. Heres our guide on hiring a campervan from Brisbane. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options. Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve. Day 1: Brisbane to Nindigully (5 hours 40 minutes). Back in 1880, a robber called Joseph Wells tried to rob the Queensland National Bank. Home Blog Best Road Trips in Queensland, Australia. Certain trails require a 4WD, but there are short walking loops, such as the Southern Lost City which is a 2km walk. Rental companies name them differently, but the product offered is the same: it covers the remaining excess (the responsibility you have on the vehicle in case of damage) on your vehicle down to zero. For instance, this 5 star hotel would be double the price elsewhere. We are also a Corporate Authorised Representative of Countrywide Insurance Group Pty Ltd trading as "Austbrokers Countrywide" ABN 51 586 953 292 AFSL No. Make your way into Lamington National Park and pick from any number of viewpoints, including Luke's Bluff, Pat's Bluff, Moonlight Crag, Morans Falls and Elabana Falls. Highlights on the track are Emmagen Creek, Cowie Beach and Bloomfield River. Its landscapes celebrate the coast, the forest, the mountains and the outback. The road from Mount Isa well be taking was initially built during the Second World War, and was designed as a link between the southern states and the Northern Territory. You can also visit Corella or East Leichhardt Dam for a pic and a spot of kayaking. Scan to download the Finder app on iOS or Android. stay for about 1 hour. Drive west along the A6 to Richmond home to the Kronosaurus Korner and its wide range of dinosaur fossils. Head further south to Girraween National Park, where hiking pursuits and rock climbing adventure await. Day 4: Hervey Bay to 1170 Camping Ground (2 hours 40 minutes). Great news the roads are fully sealed the entire route, so we dont need a 4WD to take this road trip. Pack lots of food and supplies and put on your hiking boots as you follow the coastline to Limmen National Park. The ultimate South Australia road trip for a weekend getaway, finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or This huge sandstone canyon is now a dinosaur graveyard. This is our last stretch! Stop by Cloncurry for a taste of outback life. Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines. Despite its twists and turns, this is a pretty straightforward trip. View a full two-day itinerary for the Brisbane to Fraser Island trip. 5. You dont want to pay a high daily fee + any common damages to your vehicle, do you? The government gave the Wagner Corporation $48.8million to build the facility (pictured, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk) The 1,000-bed facility has housed 730 people since it began . Close, https://www.facebook.com/Alexandria-Zboyovski-758360774509311/. For a less-active activity, take the Tree Top Walkway, which is near O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Here, we can paddleboard, surf, bushwalk, visit Lady Musgrave Island, fish or play golf. View a full one-day itinerary for the Brisbane to Stanthorpe trip. We made it to Townsville! The Old Telegraph Track is legendary. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! The road becomes slightly less windy at the point, and you'll want to keep an eye out for Heales Lookout. Surely not its residents. We gotta be self-sufficient and fill up our fuel, bring road trip snacks and water. From here, continue south to Christmas Creek, where you'll discover local mini markets. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. With that in mind, heres a summary of the unusual Queensland road rules that are leading to multiple fines each year: On the bright side, it is not illegal to drive in thongs in Queensland! Keen for more? Finder's digital asset trading is powered by Finder Wallet Pty Ltd (ABN 11 149 012 653) an AUSTRAC registered Digital Currency Exchange and reporting entity (DCE100735494-001). This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Expect a long but magical day, so start it early. If we want more privacy, well head to Conway National Park that features secluded beaches, lowland tropical rainforest, mangroves and open forest. Located on the highway, you can't miss this gnarled and twisted tree of time. or veer inland to Australia's capital city Canberra and through the Snowy Mountains before rejoining the coast. It's a rough track though and should only be driven by 4WD. Before we leave Mount Isa, well visit the underground hospital built during the second world war. Well leave early-ish to make the most of our day and head north from Brisbane on the Bruce Highway. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. In Hughenden, well go check out the Muttaburrasaurus, a seven meters replica of the first intact dinosaur found in Australia. The law is the law. Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy. From Brisbane, get onto the M3 then merge onto the A1 headed north to the Sunshine Coast. The story goes like this: in 1860, eighteen men and twenty camels decided to make the first south-north crossing of the continent. Well go back on the road early in the morning and make our way to Townsville, a gorgeous town with family-friendly attractions. Cool, calm and utterly indulgent, Stanthorpe has all the makings of a romantic weekend getaway particularly if you're a foodie. 3. As mentioned, renting a vehicle to explore Queensland is the most logical strategy. The Great Inland way starts in Sydney and takes in much of central New South Wales before reaching the Queensland border at Hebel. Make your next stop at the Giant Boab Tree. Personally, I cant choose between both types. And if wed rather enjoy the present moment instead, well hang by Lake Fred Tritton, where well get the chance to canoe, water ski, sail and swim. Back on the road again. Youre an insurance geek too. Farewell, friends. Alright folks, now that youre here, buckle up and let me answer ALL your Australian rental insurance questions! Kayaks can be hired at the Innamincka Hotel. Like something out of the Jurassic Park series, The Lost World trail is a giant step back in time. From here, continue through the desert, turning off the National Highway onto Broome Road. On day 4, we will spend a relaxing morning, either in Fraser Island or in Hervey Bay, depending on where we spent the night. Well then stop in Babinda, home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in Australia. Answer 11 of 11: Hoping for tips on best stops and things to do! Near a peaceful, laid back tiny coastal town, the camping site is located in a secluded bay inside Round Hill Headland and features a white sandy beach. Renting a vehicle in Australia is super easy and thousands of backpackers do it each year. Here you'll experience Australia's largest inland city, a taste of life daily life in the outback in the 1900's and 1800's, the border of three states and much more. Cunnamulla is a town of 1200 residents, with a library, a pool, museums and more. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. Compared to other towns you will go through on this road trip, there are several cosy hotels to choose from. We made it, friends, and what a journey! Mount Isa, also known as the oasis of the outback, is nestled among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges, on the banks of the Leichhardt River. Tambo is the oldest town in the west. Well hop from beach to beach, hike around to discover each corner of the island and make friends with wallabies. Take a lunch break either here or in Georgetown. Keep your wits about you as you drive along the Gillies Highway, known for its dozens of bends. Must be good then.). The distance from Goulburn to Wagga Wagga by car is 266km. Well need to rent a 4WD. Yule Point is worth your time as it sits just moments from that famous reef. Less travelled, there are fewer servos so well have to make sure we have enough gas to make it to the next petrol station. Want the real road trip experience? 4:14 pm Byron Bay. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Continue to Eliot Falls for another swim before giving your wheels a break in Canal Creek, which has camping and toilet facilities.