Brisbane to Airlie Beach road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
The best stops on a Brisbane to Airlie Beach road trip itinerary include Noosa, Mon Repos and Mackay. The distance from Brisbane to Airlie Beach is 1,114km, with a driving time of around 12h36m.
A Brisbane to Airlie Beach road trip takes you from Queensland’s capital to the tourism hub of the Whitsundays region. It’s a fine way to string together several highlights of the Queensland coast. The quickest driving route is along the Bruce Highway, but many of the best places to stay require a detour.
Airlie Beach brings Whitsunday Islands sailing and snorkelling cruises, coral and marine life viewing from a glass-bottom boat and day cruises to the staggering white sands of Whitehaven Beach. To explore the full range of Airlie Beach tours and experiences, investigate here. For Airlie Beach accommodation bargains, look here.
9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit
- Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
- Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
- Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
- Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
- Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
- Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
- Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
- Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
- Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.
Brisbane to Airlie Beach distance and driving time
The distance from Brisbane to Airlie Beach by car is 1,114km. This makes for a driving time of around 12 hours and 36 minutes. Obviously, you’re going to need to make a stop or two along the way, and there are plenty of options.
6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday
- Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
- Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
- Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
- North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
- Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
- Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.
Departing north from Brisbane, the Brisbane to Airlie Beach drive goes through underwhelming Burpengary and Caboolture. There are some impressive views to be had from the Wild Horse Mountain scenic lookout next to the highway. But those with time will be rewarded by a short detour towards Mount Ngungun and Mount Tibrogargan in the Glass House Mountains. You can visit Australia Zoo while you’re at it.
Click for the next section: Top Sunshine Coast attractions.