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There’s nothing quite as exhilarating and fun as going on a road trip, and Queensland – all 1,723,000 square kilometers of it – is one of the best Australian backdrops to sightsee and accumulate some serious mileage.
Being one of the biggest territories in Australia isn’t all Queensland has going for it. This territory has a healthy mix of scenic coasts, bustling cities, national parks, and lush rainforests that can fill any adventurer’s heart.
Whether you want to see the coast, cities, or mountains, this road trip guide will present some of Queensland’s most iconic landmarks and road trip routes.Â
So buckle up; here are some tips and tricks and some routes to help you make the most of your road trip in and around Queensland. Let’s turn on the ignition and get started!
4 Top Road Trip Destinations in Queensland
Here are some of the most iconic road trip routes you can consider on your next holiday in Queensland.
1. Central Queensland Outback Drive
Queensland has a wide stretch of desert roads that are often overlooked by its arguably more scenic coastal and mountainous counterparts.
But don’t let its hidden side fool you: Queensland’s outback is steeped in history and sights that many tourists fail to see in their Queensland journey.
You can easily tackle a good chunk of the beauty of Queensland’s outback by going on a central Queensland Outback drive, an approximately 2,000-kilometre road trip that stretches from the coast to Longreach in the middle of Queensland.
During that drive, you can go on underground mining tours in Sapphire, visit ancient rock art galleries in Carnarvon National Park, and venture inside hidden caves and swimming holes between these spots.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even consider hiking along Mt. Scoria, a 25 million-year-old volcanic formation. The local Gangulu people revere this mountain, so approach it with the respect it deserves.
This road trip can take anywhere between 7 to 9 days, depending on how many stops you want to make along the way. So if you’re keen on entering the inner core of Australia, then consider this road trip destination.
2. Pacific Coast Way From Brisbane to Cairns
If you have only one road trip to choose from in Queensland, many enthusiastic travelers will choose driving along the Pacific Coast Way, and for a good reason.
Spanning over 1,800 kilometers, this road trip route passes along two of Australia’s most iconic attractions: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. You may even find yourself sandwiched between these two attractions along the route at some points!
This route starts at the bustling river city of Brisbane. From there, you traverse through the Sunshine Coast and slowly transition from coastal towns to pristine beaches.
Amidst the trip, you can do a plethora of beach activities like surfing, scuba diving, and soaking up some sun in the Whitsunday Islands, Agnes Water, and other beaches along this coastal drive.
You can also do more things inland, like looking at platypuses and wallabies in National Parks.
The drive from in between makes you pass through winding coastal roads, with many scenic cliffs and rock formations along the way. Once you’ve passed by Cairns, take a glance on your right, and you can see the Great Barrier Reef in all its glory—the world’s largest reef formation.Â
Stepping foot into the Daintree Rainforest is also a highly anticipated activity and a ton of fun for many who enjoy camping in natural spots. The trip ends in Port Douglas, where you can eat and visit museums to immerse yourself in the local culture.
3. Savannah Way
If you’re craving an adventure brimming with wilderness and adventure, Northern Queensland has you covered. Specifically, the Savannah Way road trip route along the north of Queensland (and Australia, at large) is an exceptional choice for a 1 to 2-week-long excursion.
The Savannah Way brings you close to the red-ochre roads of Australia’s iconic outback setting. It’s the longest road trip route as far as Queensland road trip destinations go—stretching 3,700 kilometres—but it’s also one of the best ones to take on if you intend to truly capture the untouched heart of Australia’s wilderness.
This route traverses through Atherton Tableland, a gorgeous, fertile plateau in the Great Dividing Range. You can also pass through old natural formations such as a nearly 200,000-year-old volcano in Undara Volcanic National Park and 65-million-year-old hot springs in Talaroo.
If you enjoy trains and locomotives, you can ride the Gulflander for a change of pace from miles of driving. You can also explore the lands of the Riversleigh Fossil Fields, a hub where many fossils have been previously excavated.
4. The Scenic Rim Way
Queensland is home to one of Australia’s most lush rainforests, and if you want to explore its best spots, then the Scenic Rim Way drive is among the best ways to do it.
This 600-kilometer journey is fairly short compared to the other road trip destinations on the list, but it’s filled with quaint towns, hiking trails, and gorgeous lookouts that make it more than worth your consideration.
You can start your journey in either Brisbane or the Gold Coast, as this drive is a loop. Along the route, you’ll pass by the towns of Boonah and Canungra, all quaint towns with their own distinct charm and a stone’s throw away from majestic lakes and national parks.
You can also pass by the Tambourine Mountains and Lamington National Park, home to many eucalyptus trees and Australian wildlife. You can also pass by Springbrook and its majestic waterfalls and caves.
A few hours’ drive east of Springbrook can bring you to the Gold Coast, a vibrant city with amusement parks, beaches, and a youthful atmosphere. This itinerary’s road trip will take less than a week to complete, making it an excellent choice for travellers with a time limit!
4 Tips on Going on a Queensland Road Trip
Now that you’re aware of some of Queensland’s most iconic road trip destinations, you’re probably itching to prepare for it. You need ample preparation to ensure the smoothness and success of the journey ahead—and we’ll lay it all out to you with these four tips below.
1. Plan an Itinerary Ahead of Time
Queensland is vast, and many parts of the state won’t have immediate access to data signals. As such, it’s crucial to plan out an itinerary (at least a skeletal one) before you initiate the road trip.
Don’t just consider the spots and landmarks. Also consider when and where you’ll stop, as well as refuelling stations you’ll hit up along the way. Doing this ensures that your trip goes smoothly and that you won’t be stressing out about fuel.
2. Pack Appropriately
Research the weather and places you’re visiting and pack the appropriate clothing and gear to prepare for it. Many parts of Queensland have strikingly different weather, so it’s important to prepare for all events and have enough clothing to combat it all.
Besides clothes, be sure to pack everything else you need for the trip. You can use a packing checklist to help you track what to bring. Consider your activities and the number of passengers you’re bringing too—and ensure there’s enough space in the car to fit all of your belongings.
For instance, if you plan to work a little while on your trip, you should bring a laptop and some power banks to power your digital nomad setup. If you plan to hike, bring tents, poles, and hiking shoes to ensure you’re well-prepared for it.
3. Tune Up Your Vehicle
Before heading out, be sure that your car can manage the mileage during the road trip. Inspect all the relevant car parts such as the tyres, brakes, and engines to ensure that they’re all working optimally.
If there are problems in the rig, have it repaired by a car specialist before you head out on the drive. The last thing you’d want is for your car to break down in the middle of nowhere amidst your trip, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Speaking of safety, be sure to have ample insurance coverage for your upcoming trip. Be sure to seek out QLD-specific insurance policies like what you can find in ROLLiN’ Insurance to ensure that you get covered in case of accidents within the territory.
4. Drive Properly
If you’re renting a car in Australia, then you’ll need to be extra careful when driving Australian roads—especially if you’re used to driving on the other side of the road. You should also follow road signs and learn how to navigate roundabouts when in the country.
Besides re-learning the road structure, practise general precautions when driving. Many wild animals can station themselves in the middle of the road in rural areas. Drive slow at night and be sure not to provoke them (especially the kangaroos).Â
Your destination isn’t going anywhere, so if you’re driving in less-than-ideal driving conditions, drive slow and cautiously. Best of luck in your upcoming Queensland road trip!
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