1770 to the Whitsundays and Cairns by Campervan
Quick summary: After Lady Musgrave Island, many campervan travellers keep heading north. The coast road continues past Gladstone to Rockhampton, the base for Capricorn Caves and Great Keppel Island, then on to Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays and up to Cairns and the tropical north. Campervan depots in Airlie Beach and Cairns make a one-way hire from Brisbane practical. The full Brisbane to Cairns drive is around 1,700 km, best spread over several days.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Next stops | Gladstone and Rockhampton |
| Near Rockhampton | Capricorn Caves, Great Keppel Island |
| Whitsundays | Airlie Beach depot |
| Tropical north | Cairns depot |
| Brisbane to Cairns | Around 1,700 km |
| Tours | Whitsundays tours |
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What can you see north of 1770?
| Stop | Why go | Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Gladstone | Southern Great Barrier Reef gateway | Southern Great Barrier Reef tours |
| Rockhampton region | Limestone caves | Capricorn Caves tours |
| Keppel coast | Island beaches by ferry | Great Keppel Island tours |
| Airlie Beach | Whitsunday Islands | Whitsundays tours |
| Cairns | Reef and rainforest | Cairns and the tropical north tours |
Can you drop off a campervan in Cairns?
Many suppliers with depots in several cities allow one-way hires, so you can collect in Brisbane and return in Airlie Beach or Cairns. Specify this when you book, as a relocation fee may apply.
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How long does the drive take?
Brisbane to Cairns takes around 20 hours of driving. Spread it over several days, or longer with stops for tours.
How do you visit Great Keppel Island?
By passenger ferry from the coast near Yeppoon. Leave your campervan on the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Around 1,700 km, or roughly 20 hours of driving.
Yes, many suppliers allow one-way hires; a fee may apply.
Near Rockhampton, north of Gladstone.
No, it’s reached by passenger ferry.