But see the Whitsundays Australia for more accommodation ideas.

Airlie Beach to Rockhampton – 481km
There is now not much to see until you get to the Sunshine Coast (in my opinion) so its up to you how hard core you want to be. It would take you 14 hours to drive to Noosa from here so you still need to break up the journey a bit more!
I’d try to get to Rockhampton which is approx 481km. Rockhampton isn’t too bad. It’s the place to get a great steak as it’s the capital of Australia’s beef farming industry. But if you are vegetarian, you should find some good Barrumundi as the local Fitzroy river has an abundance of these fish.
This is a chance to get to know the real Australia outside of the fancy cities and tourist routes like Ayers Rock and Cairns Australia. Don't expect anything too exciting and you won't be disappointed!
Places to stay in Rockhampton:
The Edge Luxury Apartments - luxury might be over promising but its probably the best place to stay in Rockhampton. The apartments are big and clean. Location is just outside the main town
Best Western Cattle City Motor Inn - not a bad little stop over place. It has broadband and a restaurant and is right on the main highway (can be a little noisy as a result) But very affordable.
Rockhampton to Hervey Bay (Gateway to Fraser Island) 390km
You need a full day really to drive to Hervey Bay and then a further day or two to do Fraser Island Australia This is one of my favourite places. An island made entirely of sand and a chance to get back to nature. One not to be missed!
Remember, you can’t take your campervan onto the island – 4 wd vehicles only. You'll find plenty of companies willing to hire you a 4WD and camping gear. Or you can take an organised tour. Try to stay overnight and camp on the beach though - it really is a wonderful experience.

Hervey Bay to Noosa 180km
Noosa or Noosa Heads is a fantastic seaside town with fabulous beaches, forest walks, boutique shopping, gourmet restaurants and some nightlife. This is a great place to relax for a few days and enjoy the sunshine. A classic destination for the Sydneysiders to get away from city life.
Find out more by clicking Noosa Australia
Noosa to Brisbane 160km
A chance to get back to civilization and city life! Brisbane Travel experiences are not to be missed. Did you know that Brisbane is now becoming THE centre for the arts? Click on the link above to find out what you should do and where to stay in Brisbane
You should also consider partying in the Gold Coast which is an area about an hour outside of Brisbane. It has fantastic beaches and is a total party town - think an Australian version of Vegas! Infact the locals call it Brisvegas! More details at the link above.

That pretty much concludes your Australia Road trip between Cairns Australia and Brisbane.
If you have more time available you can carry on down the coast all the way to Sydney.
Or for an even longer trip, carry on all the way down to Melbourne.
To find out more, check out East Coast Australia which will tell you about stop offs between Noosa and Sydney
Or go to Sydney to Melbourne for stop offs between these two key cities
Back to Top 10 travel in Australia
Back to Australia Road Trips
Back to the Real Australia Travel Home Page