Driving to Cairns

Driving to Cairns

  • 🛣️ The drive from Brisbane to Cairns covers 1,702 km via the Bruce Highway and takes around 19.5 hours of drive time.
  • 🌴 Scenic highlights include Mission Beach, Magnetic Island, and the Whitsundays—perfect stopovers to break up your journey.
  • 📍 Berowra, Caboolture, and Mt Inkerman Lookout are great spots to stretch your legs and take in the views.
  • 🚗 Car hire is easy in Cairns, with rental companies located at the airport and in the city centre.
  • 🅿️ Free all-day parking is available in the centre of Cairns, with clearly marked zones—just remember to check the signs!
  • 🌉 The Sea Cliff Bridge on the Grand Pacific Drive is a must-see highlight for those travelling from Melbourne.
  • 🏞️ The Gillies Highway to Atherton Tablelands features 263 bends, rainforest views, and epic lookouts along the way.

Take the scenic route and make every kilometre an adventure!

Discover the Sights while Driving to Cairns

When it comes to planning the best holidays, we always take the scenic route—not the fastest one. And trust us, the journey to Cairns is just as spectacular as the destination itself. With lush rainforests, iconic coastlines, charming towns, and natural wonders along the way, a road trip to Cairns is a brilliant way to explore the best of Australia.

Sydney to Cairns

  • Distance: 2,636 km via the Pacific Highway and Bruce Highway

  • Driving Time: Approximately 29 hours
    This iconic drive hugs the east coast, taking you past surfing beaches, national parks, and coastal towns. Stretch it into a multi-day road trip and stop at Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and Airlie Beach.

Brisbane to Cairns

  • Distance: 1,702 km via the Bruce Highway

  • Driving Time: Around 19.5 hours
    This drive is packed with Queensland’s greatest hits—think Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, and tropical beach towns. It’s the perfect way to unwind into holiday mode before you reach Cairns.

Melbourne to Cairns

  • Distance: 4,074 km

  • Driving Time: Around 53 hours
    Our scenic route suggestion: Melbourne → Eden → Kangaroo Valley → Sydney → Coffs Harbour → North Stradbroke Island → Brisbane → Fraser Island → Whitsunday Islands → Cairns. It’s an epic adventure that lets you truly explore Australia’s coastline.

Townsville to Cairns

  • Distance: 349 km

  • Driving Time: Around 4 hours and 45 minutes
    Start in Townsville and head north on the Bruce Highway. Along the way, stop at Hinchinbrook Lookout, grab a snack in Ingham, and dip into the tropical beauty of Mission Beach.

Whitsundays to Cairns

  • Distance: 620 km

  • Driving Time: Approximately 8 hours
    Depart Airlie Beach and travel north on the Bruce Highway. Highlights along the way include Bowen’s beaches, the Cardwell Spa Pool, Josephine Falls, and detours to Magnetic Island or Mission Beach.

Cairns to Port Douglas

  • Distance: 61 km

  • Driving Time: Around 1 hour
    Take the Captain Cook Highway—one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives. With rainforest on one side and the Coral Sea on the other, it’s a breathtaking journey. Simply follow the signs through the roundabouts to reach the heart of Port Douglas.

Cairns to Atherton Tablelands (via Gillies Highway)

  • Distance: 80 km

  • Driving Time: Around 1 hour and 20 minutes
    This winding mountain road climbs through World Heritage rainforest and offers panoramic views from several scenic lookouts. With 263 bends and an 800-metre elevation change, it’s a thrilling and beautiful drive into the cooler Tablelands.

Car Hire in Cairns

You’ll find major car rental companies at Cairns Airport and throughout the city. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace—from waterfalls and rainforests to reef-side towns and mountain villages.

Parking in Cairns

Parking in Cairns is generally easy to find. But do keep an eye on the time limits:

  • P3 signs mean you can park for 3 hours.

  • CBD central bays on Lake and Abbott Streets (in the middle of the road) are often unsigned and allow all-day free parking—a hidden gem for savvy drivers!
    Parking inspectors do patrol regularly, so set a timer to avoid a fine.

❓ 5 FAQs – Driving to Cairns

Is it safe to drive long distances in Australia?
Yes, as long as you plan ahead, take breaks every 2–3 hours, and avoid driving at night in remote areas due to wildlife on the roads.

Can I take a campervan or caravan on the Bruce Highway?
Absolutely! The Bruce Highway is popular with campervan travellers. There are plenty of caravan parks and rest stops along the way.

What’s the best time of year to drive to Cairns?
The dry season (May to October) offers cooler temperatures and safer road conditions, especially in Far North Queensland.

Are there toll roads between Brisbane and Cairns?
There are toll roads in and around Brisbane, but the Bruce Highway north to Cairns is toll-free.

How long should I allow for a road trip from Sydney or Melbourne?
From Sydney, allow 5–7 days with scenic stops. From Melbourne, plan for 10+ days to fully enjoy the coastline and key destinations along the way.

Final Tip

Make your journey part of the adventure. Whether you’re driving from Melbourne or just up the road from Townsville, the road to Cairns is filled with unforgettable stops. Pack your camera, take your time, and enjoy every scenic stretch.

Travel Information