Five epic Queensland road trips to take in 2023

At 1.85 million square kilometres in size, there are no shortages of road trips in Queensland. From sandy coastlines to waterfalls through to the epic sunsets of the outback, there really is a journey to suit everyone here.

So tell the boss you’ve come down with a bad case of workitis, pack your gear and hit the road for one of these five epic Queensland road trips to take in 2023. 

The Pacific Coast Way

Distance: 1,800 kilometres

Suitable for: 2WD/4WD

From the Gold Coast to Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, the Pacific Coast Way is one epic road trip. Sometimes described as the Queensland version of Route 66, this road trip will see you drive the length of the Great Barrier Reef.

Highlights include kayaking through the Noosa Everglades, the secluded beaches at Agnes Water, sunrise on the beach with wallabies at Cape Hillsborough, Airlie Beach and the beautiful Whitsundays, crystal clear creeks and waterfalls, the wet tropics and the islands surrounding Cairns.

This trip can be done in eight days but it’s more fun to have a few weeks up your sleeve. This way you can linger longer in all the good spots.

The Gulf Savannah

Distance: 1,300 kilometres

Suitable for: 2WD/4WD (depending on which route you take)

From Cairns to the Northern Territory border, the Gulf Savannah is chock full of natural wonders. December to March sees the countryside green with epic birdwatching but for the rest of the year, much of the Gulf Savannah is dry.

Regardless of the season, this is one fascinating Queensland road trip. Highlights include the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Atherton Tableland’s waterfalls, lava tubes in the Undara Volcanic National Park, Cobbold Gorge, fossicking at Mount Surprise, Talaroo Hot Springs, Burketown and Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. 

This trip can be done in seven days but like all Queensland road trips, the more time the better. 

The Great Beach Drive

Distance: 420 kilometres (depending on how much you explore K’gari)

Suitable for: 4WD only

Swap traffic lights and bitumen for sand, sun and an awe-inspiring coastline on the Great Beach Drive road trip in Queensland. Starting in Noosa, you’ll cover Rainbow Beach, K’gari and Hervey Bay before making your way back to Noosa via bitumen. 

Highlights include the multi-coloured cliffs at Rainbow Beach, a picnic at Teewah Beach, cruising 75-mile beach and all the wild swimming opportunities on K’gari’s many lakes. Try to time this Queensland road trip between July and November. Why? You’ll catch the migrating humpback whales in Hervey Bay.

Although some take four days to do this sandy Queensland road trip, the more time spend on K’gari the better.

The Matilda Way

Distance: 1,980 kilometres 

Suitable for: 2WD/4WD 

Starting in Cunnamulla near the New South Wales border and finishing in the ‘outback by the sea’ town of Karumba, the Matilda Way is the real deal of Outback Queensland. Sealed the entire way, this route is filled with unspoiled natural sites and unique attractions.

Highlights include the outback night sky, historic Charleville, Tambo Teddies, Ben’s Chicken Racing at the Royal Carrangarra Hotel, Ilfracombe’s old machinery, the Dinosaur Stampede and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs at Winton, giant termite mounts and eating fresh prawns once you arrive at Karumba.   

This Queensland road trip can be done in four to five days but given the length involved, this feels very rushed. Allow ten days to enjoy yourself.

Brisbane to Winton

Distance: 1,400 kilometres

Suitable for: 2WD/4WD

With the Winton Outback Festival and its iconic Dunny Derby being held in September 2023, now is a great time to make plans for this epic Queensland road trip. The route from Brisbane to Winton is full of captivating scenery, natural attractions and dinosaur relics.

Highlights include the Granite Belt food and wine scene, artesian springs and Eulo mud baths, Girraween National Park, Eromanga Natural History Museum and of course, Winton itself, the small town that packs a huge punch when it comes to things to do. 

Many road trippers do this Queensland route in three to five days but if you take seven, you won’t have to rush and will enjoy it a lot more.