7-Day Romantic Road Trip: Cairns to Brisbane Adventure Itinerary for January 2025

Day 1: Exploring Cairns

Cairns, Australia on January 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffiend

Start your day with an artisan coffee and a delicious açai bowl at this popular local café.
Walk or drive to Caffiend from your accommodation.
AUD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the waterfront, appreciating the views of the Coral Sea while exploring the local markets and art installations.
Head towards Cairns Esplanade directly.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Raw Prawn

Indulge in fresh seafood with an incredible view of the lagoon;
A short drive to The Raw Prawn.
AUD 60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Great Barrier Reef Tour

Take a half-day tour to explore the Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and witness vibrant marine life.
Included as part of the tour.
AUD 150, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Experience unique Australian flavors, including kangaroo and barramundi, at this highly acclaimed restaurant.
Drive from the tour drop-off to Ochre Restaurant.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Townsville Travels

Townsville, Australia on January 8, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and coffee at this local favorite before hitting the road.
Drive directly from Cairns to Townsville.
AUD 35, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Magnetic Island

Catch a ferry from Townsville and explore the beautiful Magnetic Island, where you can hike and see koalas in the wild.
Take the ferry at Townsville Ferry Terminal.
AUD 37 (return), 4 hours including ferry ride

1:00PM

Lunch at Picnic Bay Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with a view of the ocean, serving fresh local dishes.
Walk from the ferry landing.
AUD 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Townsville

Make your way back to Townsville to enjoy some local attractions.
Take the ferry back.
Included in earlier cost, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Ville Resort-Casino

Dine at this stunning resort featuring various dining options with beautiful views of the Coral Sea.
A short drive from the ferry terminal to The Ville.
AUD 85, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Airlie Beach Adventure

Airlie Beach, Australia on January 9, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Shute Harbour Road

Grab a quick breakfast and coffee before your journey from Townsville to Airlie Beach.
Drive from Townsville to Airlie Beach.
AUD 25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Whitsunday Islands Tour

Join a day tour to the stunning Whitsunday Islands, which includes snorkeling, swimming, and visiting Whitehaven Beach.
Departure point will be communicated after booking the tour.
AUD 160, 8 hours

5:00PM

Return to Airlie Beach

Relax after an exciting day on the islands, taking in the sunset views.
Inclusive of tour arrangements.
Included in earlier cost, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Fish D’vine

Cap off the day with delicious seafood at this highly regarded restaurant overlooking the marina.
Short drive to Fish D’vine.
AUD 75, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Fraser Island Exploration

Fraser Island, Australia on January 10, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Have a light breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day trip to Fraser Island.
Leave directly from your accommodation.
AUD 10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Fraser Island Day Trip

Join a guided tour to explore the world's largest sand island, discovering its unique landscapes and wildlife.
Meet at the designated tour departure point.
AUD 170, 10 hours

6:00PM

Return to Airlie Beach

Relax after a long day of adventure, soaking in the beautiful views on your return.
Included in earlier cost.
Included in earlier cost, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Sorrento Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful Italian dinner, perfect for a romantic evening after an adventurous day.
Drive to Sorrento from your accommodation.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Sunshine Coast Relaxation

Sunshine Coast, Australia on January 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Acoustic Café

Savor freshly baked pastries and coffee in a relaxed setting before heading out from Airlie Beach.
Drive from Airlie Beach to Sunshine Coast.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Australia Zoo

Discover the iconic Australia Zoo, founded by Steve Irwin, and get close to various animal species.
Drive to Australia Zoo.
AUD 60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Ginger Factory

Delight in a light lunch while exploring this unique venue with ginger-themed attractions.
A short drive to The Ginger Factory.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Mooloolaba Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Mooloolaba Beach, ideal for a sunny afternoon.
Drive to Mooloolaba Beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Surf Club Mooloolaba

Enjoy a casual dinner with stunning ocean views at this popular beachfront venue.
Walk from the beach to The Surf Club.
AUD 70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Brisbane Discovery

Brisbane, Australia on January 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Merlo Coffee

Start your day with artisan coffee and breakfast at this local café known for its quality brews.
Drive from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane.
AUD 25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore South Bank Parklands

Spend time strolling along the beautiful parklands, visiting the markets, and enjoying the culture.
Head directly to South Bank Parklands.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Stanthorpe

Savor delicious pizza made with locally sourced ingredients in a charming setting.
Walk or drive to Stanthorpe.
AUD 40, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Queensland Art Gallery

Immerse yourself in the outstanding collection of contemporary and historical art.
Short drive to the gallery.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at e’cco Bistro

End your day with a delicious meal at this acclaimed bistro known for its modern Australian cuisine.
Drive to the bistro from the gallery.
AUD 90, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Brisbane Relaxation

Brisbane, Australia on January 13, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Single Guys

Enjoy a laidback breakfast at this quirky café known for its fantastic brews and creative meals.
Local drive within Brisbane.
AUD 30, 1 hour

10:30AM

Walk through Botanic Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll through the stunning botanic gardens, perfect for a calm morning.
Head to the Botanic Gardens directly.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fishery

Enjoy a casual lunch with fresh fish and chips, a local favorite.
Short drive to The Fishery.
AUD 50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Get up close with koalas and kangaroos at this famous sanctuary.
Drive from The Fishery to Lone Pine.
AUD 50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Final Dinner at The Boatshed

Celebrate the end of your trip with a romantic dinner overlooking the river.
Drive to The Boatshed.
AUD 100, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability