Scenic Loop from Ipswich to North Queensland and Back: A 20-Day Australian Adventure

Day 1: Depart Ipswich, Explore Brisbane

Ipswich to Brisbane, Australia on September 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Gunshop Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Gunshop Cafe, known for its innovative dishes and great coffee, located in Brisbane’s CBD.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Visit South Bank Parklands

Explore the vibrant South Bank Parklands with gardens, riverwalks, and the famous Streets Beach. Open daily from 6am to 10pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Eagle Street Pier

Dine at one of the riverfront restaurants, such as Jellyfish Restaurant, offering fresh seafood and scenic river views.
AUD40, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

See contemporary and Indigenous Australian art at GOMA, open 10am to 5pm, with free entry to permanent exhibitions.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check into accommodation in Brisbane

Rest and prepare for next day’s journey north.
Variable, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Gerard’s Bistro

Enjoy a modern Middle Eastern-inspired dinner in one of Brisbane’s top dining spots.
AUD50, 1.5h
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Day 2: Brisbane to Sunshine Coast

Brisbane to Sunshine Coast, Australia on September 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at King Arthur Cafe

Start your morning with great coffee and inventive dishes in Brisbane before departure.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Sunshine Coast (1.5 hours)

Travel north along the Bruce Highway to the scenic Sunshine Coast.
Fuel costs variable, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Noosa National Park

Enjoy coastal hikes with stunning ocean views and native wildlife. Park open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bistro C

Experience fresh, local produce and modern Australian cuisine right in Noosa Heads.
AUD35, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Noosa Main Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming or sunbathing on one of Queensland’s most famous beaches.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Check into Sunshine Coast accommodation

Settle in and refresh for dinner.
Variable, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Locale Noosa

Indulge in Italian-inspired cuisine with a focus on local ingredients in a lively atmosphere.
AUD45, 1.5h
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Day 3: Sunshine Coast to Fraser Island

Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay/Fraser Island, Australia on October 1, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Fuel up early for the journey and ferry to Fraser Island.
AUD15, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Hervey Bay (2.5 hours)

Travel north to Hervey Bay, the gateway to Fraser Island.
Fuel variable, 2h30m

10:30am

Fraser Island 4WD Tour

Join a full-day 4WD guided tour exploring the world’s largest sand island with stunning lakes, rainforests, and beaches. Tours typically run 8am to 5pm.
AUD150, 8h

6:00pm

Return to Hervey Bay, dinner at Ristorante cuccina

Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine overlooking the water, perfect after a day of adventure.
AUD40, 1.5h

8:00pm

Overnight in Hervey Bay

Rest after the day's activities.
Variable, Overnight
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Day 4: Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach

Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach, Australia on October 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Burrum Heads Bakery

Quick, tasty bakery breakfast before a long drive.
AUD15, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Airlie Beach (approx. 10 hours with breaks)

Long scenic drive north along the coast. Plan for stops in towns like Rockhampton and Mackay for rest and refreshment.
Fuel variable, 10h

12:00pm

Lunch stop in Rockhampton at The Coffee Club

Casual lunch with multiple options to refuel during your drive.
AUD20, 1h

6:00pm

Arrive in Airlie Beach, check-in

Relax and unwind at accommodation after the long drive.
Variable, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Fish D’Vine

Enjoy fresh seafood and modern Australian cuisine in a lively atmosphere close to the waterfront.
AUD50, 1.5h
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Day 5: Explore Airlie Beach and Whitsundays

Airlie Beach, Australia on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fat Betty’s Cafe

Start your day with fresh coffee and delicious breakfast options.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Whitsundays Day Cruise

Full-day sailing tour exploring the Whitsunday Islands and the famous Whitehaven Beach, tours operate from 8am to 5pm.
AUD180, 8h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Restaurant & Bar

Relax with casual dining and stunning sunset views over Airlie Beach lagoon.
AUD40, 1.5h
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Day 6: Airlie Beach to Cairns

Airlie Beach to Cairns, Australia on October 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Base Camp Bakery

Grab breakfast to-go or dine in before your drive north to Cairns.
AUD15, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Cairns (approx. 7 hours)

Travel north along Bruce Highway. Stop at Townsville for a break and sightseeing.
Fuel variable, 7h

12:00pm

Lunch in Townsville at Jam Corner Cafe

Light and fresh meals in a quaint cafe before continuing your journey.
AUD25, 1h

3:00pm

Optional stop at Paluma Range National Park

Short nature walks and scenic views, park open during daylight hours.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Arrive in Cairns, check-in accommodation

Rest up for the exciting days ahead exploring Cairns and Great Barrier Reef.
Variable, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Experience contemporary Australian cuisine focusing on native ingredients.
AUD55, 1.5h
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Day 7: Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Cairns, Australia on October 5, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Prepare for a full day at the reef with an early breakfast.
AUD15, 30m

7:30am

Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Snorkeling and diving excursions to the reef, tours usually run 7:30am to 5pm with meals included.
AUD200, 9h

6:30pm

Dinner at Dundee's Restaurant on the Waterfront

Casual dining focusing on seafood and local produce along Cairns’ waterfront.
AUD40, 1.5h
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Day 8: Atherton Tablelands Nature Day

Atherton Tablelands, Australia on October 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Tamarind at Malanda

Enjoy a farm-to-table morning meal in the picturesque Tablelands region.
AUD25, 1h

8:30am

Visit Curtain Fig Tree and Malanda Falls

Explore these iconic natural landmarks that showcase unique rainforest ecology. Open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Lunch at the Rusty’s Market in Cairns (en route back)

Try local tropical fruits and fresh regional dishes in this vibrant market, open 6am to 4pm Tue-Sun.
AUD20, 1h

1:00pm

Return to Cairns, visit Cairns Botanic Gardens

See tropical plants and learn about native flora with guided tours available 8am to 5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at accommodation

Prepare to head back south in the following days.
Variable, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Salt House

Fine dining with stunning waterfront views focusing on local seafood and Australian flavors.
AUD60, 1.5h
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Day 9: Begin Southward Journey

Cairns towards Townsville, Australia on October 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Coffee Works Cairns

Enjoy excellent coffee and breakfast pastries before heading south.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive south to Townsville

Leisurely drive back along the Bruce Highway, taking in coastal scenery.
Fuel variable, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Jam Corner Cafe, Townsville

Refuel in this vibrant cafe known for fresh and tasty meals.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Reef HQ Aquarium

Explore the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, open 9am to 5pm.
AUD30, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in and rest in Townsville

Relax for the evening after the day's activities.
Variable, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Brewery Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of local and international dishes in a friendly setting, open till late.
AUD40, 1.5h
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Day 10: Townsville to Rockhampton

Townsville to Rockhampton, Australia on October 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Riverway Cafe

Breakfast overlooking the pond and parklands prior to departure.
AUD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Rockhampton (approx. 5.5 hours)

Travel south and enjoy scenic countryside views.
Fuel variable, 5h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Agrigirls Cafe

Treat yourself to wholesome food made from fresh local produce.
AUD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Rockhampton Botanic Gardens

Beautiful gardens to stroll and relax in, open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check into accommodation

Prepare for the journey further south.
Variable, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Criterion Hotel

Classic Queensland dining in a historic setting.
AUD45, 1.5h
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Day 11: Rockhampton to Ipswich

Rockhampton to Ipswich, Australia on October 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Start early with breakfast before the final leg of your trip home.
AUD15, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Ipswich (approx. 7 hours)

Head south back to Ipswich, making stops for rests and meals as required.
Fuel variable, 7h

12:00pm

Lunch stop at Gympie RSL Bistro

A convenient stop for a relaxed lunch on the way back.
AUD20, 1h

3:30pm

Arrive back in Ipswich

End of your scenic and adventurous North Queensland loop trip.
Free, Rest
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