

Queensland
From the underwater magic of the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the wide-open Outback, Queensland is where nature turns it on. It’s Australia’s sunshine state, made for road trips, island escapes, and adventures you’ll never forget.
Port Douglas
Brisbane City
Sunshine Coast (Aussie Zoo)
Gold Coast
Great Barrier Reef
Whitsundays Coastal Drive
Welcome to Queensland
Your Gateway to Reef, Rainforest and Red Dirt
Queensland is home to some of Australia’s biggest drawcards – the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, and the Gold Coast – plus countless lesser-known gems that make a road trip unforgettable. You’ll find tropical beaches, waterfalls, ancient rainforests, red dirt roads, and remote country pubs all in one state.
Whether you’re snorkelling with turtles, driving through sugarcane country, or exploring palm-fringed islands, a Queensland road trip delivers that postcard-perfect version of Australia.
Best Time to Visit Queensland
Queensland’s climate varies by region. The south is subtropical (mild winters and hot summers), while the north is tropical with a distinct wet and dry season. The further north you go, the more important it is to plan around the weather.
Season | Temperature (°C) | What to Expect |
Summer (Dec–Feb) | 24–35°C | Hot and humid; tropical rains in the far north |
Autumn (Mar–May) | 20–30°C | Warm and drier; ideal for reef trips and longer drives |
Winter (Jun–Aug) | 16–26°C | Dry, sunny and perfect for road tripping |
Spring (Sep–Nov) | 20–32°C | Warmer weather returns, with blooming wildflowers |
Popular Queensland Regions to Explore
Queensland is big, so the best way to explore is by road. These are just a few regions we love building trips around:
- Cairns & the Tropical North – Snorkel the reef, explore the Daintree, chase waterfalls, and meet the crocs. Tropical, lush, and unforgettable.
- The Whitsundays – Island-hop your way through turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and sailing adventures.
- Outback Queensland – Think dinosaur fossils, red dirt roads, and classic Aussie pubs. Great for those who want to get off the beaten track.
- The Sunshine Coast – Laid-back beaches, national parks, hinterland towns, and some of Queensland’s best coastal drives.
- The Gold Coast – Surf, theme parks, and nightlife—but also lush hinterland with waterfalls and walking trails just inland from the beach.
- Fraser Coast & K’gari (Fraser Island) – World Heritage-listed and full of 4WD adventures, freshwater lakes, and incredible wildlife.
How to Travel Around Queensland
Queensland’s made for road tripping – just choose your route and how you want to roll. At The Road Trip Oz, we help you explore Queensland your way.
- Self-Drive Adventures – Get the freedom to roam, with all the support you need. We’ll provide personalised route notes, maps, and local tips to help you make the most of every stop.
- Private Guided Tours – Sit back and relax while your local guide brings the state to life. From secret swimming holes to the best pie shop in town, you’ll see more than you could on your own.
- Small Group Tours – Join a small group of like-minded travellers and hit the road on a curated route. Great if you want the social side without the stress of planning.
Most Queensland road trips start in Cairns or Brisbane, with easy connections via major airports. From tropical loops to coast-to-outback routes, we’ll help you map out the journey that suits your pace and priorities.
Ready to Plan Your Queensland Road Trip?
There’s no better way to experience Queensland than behind the wheel with the right people, the right route, and no stress.
- Browse our most popular Queensland road trips
- Choose from self-drive, guided, or small group adventures
- Or chat with our team to build a custom itinerary just for you
Let’s make your dream Aussie road trip a reality.