Drive Queensland: Bruce Highway from Brisbane to Cairns

Life in Brisbane takes place outdoors. The capital of the state of Queensland, also known as the Sunshine State, invites you to experience the city through food, art, and adventure. A fascinating blue lagoon in the city center? Exactly. Streets Beach, an artificially created beach, offers white sand, crystal-clear water, and refreshing swims. South Bank is Brisbane's cultural district, hosting world-class theater performances. Under the Story Bridge, one of the city's most iconic structures, on the banks of the Brisbane River, there are several places to eat or have a beer: Howard Smith Wharves is the ideal place for a drink and dinner; Felons, a brewery-pub with outdoor seating and river views.

Departure towards the north along the Bruce Highway, following an itinerary that allows access to deserted beaches, virgin forests, tropical islands, and fishing villages. Along the way, stop in Maryborough, known for some rare examples of typical architecture from the past centuries. Arrival in Hervey Bay, a base for excursions to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. (Approximately 290km / 4.5 hours). Hervey Bay si trova a nord di Brisbane, ed offre una spettacolare vista sulle isole di Fraser Island e Lady Elliot Island. É conosciuta soprattutto come il punto di partenza per visitare Fraser Island, la più grande isola di sabbia del mondo. Tra le principali attrazioni di Hervey Bay ci sono le spiagge, il Fraser Coast Cultural Centre, un museo che celebra la cultura aborigena della regione, e per le balene, che visitano le acque intorno ad Hervey Bay ogni anno durante la loro migrazione annuale.

Airlie Beach is a small coastal town on the Whitsunday Coast, adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical climate. It is a hub for water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sailing. The town has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that welcome visitors from all over the world. It is also a starting point for exploring nearby attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Conway National Park.

Townsville is a coastal city in Queensland, it is the largest urban center north of the Sunshine Coast. It has a tropical climate, a beautiful coastline, and is located near some of Queensland's most iconic places, including the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island. The city has a rich history, with a number of protected sites and museums that testify to its past as a strategic military base and port city. Today, it is a vibrant city with a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and water sports.

(350km approx / 5 hours) Heading north, you will cross the Lumholtz National Park and follow along the Wooroonooran National Park. Continue along the Captain Cook Highway until you reach Cairns. Cairns is a pleasant and relaxing tropical town, the perfect starting point for unmissable excursions. From here, you can visit the oldest rainforest in the tropical area, Daintree, a World Heritage Site, or reach the iconic Great Barrier Reef and its islands. Alternatively, you can relax by the pool of a resort and wander around the main trendy bars and restaurants.