Sydney to Cairns by the Pacific and Bruce Highways
Australia's east-coast drive, about 2,900 km from Sydney through Coffs Harbour and Brisbane to the tropical north, with Big Things, rum, caves, rainforest and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Distance
- 2,626 km (1,632 mi)
- Driving
- 28 h 38 min
- Suggested days
- 9
- Stops
- 11
- States
- New South Wales, Queensland
- Updated
- April 24, 2026
At a glance: 9-day road trip of about 2,626 km (1,632 mi) with 11 stops, from Sydney to Cairns. About 28 h 38 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New South Wales, Queensland · More road trips from Sydney
Route description
Days 1 and 2: Sydney to Brisbane, about 960 km. Sydney to Coffs Harbour is roughly 540 km on the Pacific Highway, much of it motorway standard, with the Big Banana as an easy photo stop. Coffs Harbour to Brisbane is about 420 km. Heavy truck traffic is normal; leave Sydney early and avoid driving tired after dark, when wildlife is active.
Days 3 and 4: Brisbane to Rockhampton, about 770 km. The Bruce Highway begins north of Brisbane. Bundaberg is about 380 km on, a pleasant stop for the rum distillery tour; choose a designated driver. Bundaberg to Rockhampton is about 390 km. North of Rockhampton, the Capricorn Caves give a cool guided break from the heat, and the Tropic of Capricorn crossing is signposted.
Days 5 and 6: Rockhampton to Townsville, about 720 km via Mackay. Rockhampton to Mackay is roughly 335 km. Cape Hillsborough, about 50 km north of Mackay, is known for kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at sunrise. Mackay to Townsville is about 385 km, passing cane fields and the Bowen turn-off. From here north, estuarine crocodiles and stingers are real risks; heed signs.
Days 7 to 9: Townsville to Cairns, about 350 km. Mission Beach lies off the highway and has rainforest where southern cassowaries cross roads; drive slowly. Paronella Park near Innisfail has the 1930s ruins and waterfall. Swim only in netted areas between roughly October and May, when box jellyfish are present. Cairns is the base for Great Barrier Reef and Daintree trips.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Sydney
New South Wales - 2523 km
Coffs Harbour
New South Wales - 32 km
Big Banana
OdditiesCoffs Harbour, New South WalesOpened in 1964, this giant yellow banana helped start Australia's Big Things craze. It sits beside the Pacific Highway north of Coffs Harbour and has a fun park, but the photo stop is free.
- 4376 km
Brisbane
Queensland - 5355 km
Bundaberg Rum Distillery
FoodBundaberg, QueenslandThe home of Bundaberg Rum, distilled from local sugarcane molasses in the east of town since 1888. Guided distillery tours and tastings are offered; designate a driver if you plan to taste.
- 6323 km
Capricorn Caves
NatureRockhampton, QueenslandLimestone caves about 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton, explored on guided tours that include the large Cathedral Cave. The caves shelter microbats, and cool air underground is a welcome break from the heat.
- 7350 km
Cape Hillsborough National Park
NatureCape Hillsborough, QueenslandA volcanic headland where kangaroos and wallabies come onto the beach around sunrise, a sight few places offer. There are also rainforest and mangrove boardwalks. Obey crocodile and stinger warning signs along this coast.
- 8356 km
Townsville
Queensland - 9206 km
Mission Beach
NatureMission Beach, QueenslandA long palm-fringed beach in the Cassowary Coast, with rainforest where endangered southern cassowaries live. Drive slowly through crossing zones; swim only in stinger-protected areas from about October to May.
- 1035 km
Paronella Park
HistoryInnisfail, QueenslandSpanish-style castle ruins begun by José Paronella in the late 1920s beside a waterfall at Mena Creek. Floods and fire damaged the folly, but the heritage-listed site is a romantic wander among rainforest and tall palms.
- 11101 km
Cairns
Queensland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
9 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Sydney → Coffs Harbour · 523 km · 5 h 42 min
- Day 2: Coffs Harbour → Big Banana · 2 km · 0 h 01 min
- Day 3: Big Banana → Brisbane · 376 km · 4 h 06 min
- Day 4: Brisbane → Bundaberg Rum Distillery · 355 km · 3 h 52 min
- Day 5: Bundaberg Rum Distillery → Capricorn Caves · 323 km · 3 h 31 min
- Day 6: Capricorn Caves → Cape Hillsborough National Park · 350 km · 3 h 49 min
- Day 7: Cape Hillsborough National Park → Townsville · 356 km · 3 h 53 min
- Day 8: Townsville → Mission Beach · 206 km · 2 h 15 min
- Day 9: Mission Beach → Cairns · 136 km · 1 h 29 minOn the way: Paronella Park.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March and November–December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Sydney to Cairns by the Pacific and Bruce Highways?
9-day road trip of about 2,626 km (1,632 mi) with 11 stops, from Sydney to Cairns. About 28 h 38 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Sydney to Cairns by the Pacific and Bruce Highways?
We suggest 9 days: about 28 h 38 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Sydney to Cairns by the Pacific and Bruce Highways start and end?
It starts in Sydney and ends in Cairns.
Which states does Sydney to Cairns by the Pacific and Bruce Highways pass through?
New South Wales and Queensland.
When is the best time for Sydney to Cairns by the Pacific and Bruce Highways?
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
