Brisbane to cairns or vice versa?

lubie76

Hi. Heading to oz for a month at end of march. Spending a few days with family in Melbourne but hoping to do a bit of travelling up the east coast. We are planning on flying melbourne to cairns and travelling down to Brisbane then flying back to Melbourne from brisbane via 2 day stop at Sydney. I notice all guide books and articles seem to outline trip from brisbane to cairns rather than the way we are doing it. Is there any particular reason for this? Any advice welcome including on our planned itinary. Are we being too ambitious time wise?

Noo

Can't imagine there is any particular reason apart from the majority would probably begin their travels in Sydney and go up the east coast from there, so most guide books would just put it that direction.

Cooperspale

Agree with Noo, most tourists will arrive in Sydney and travel from that direction, hence the guidebooks veering that way.
It's a lot of driving but just prioritise what you want to do.

Cairns should be in wet season until the end of April, but so far this year, it has been unseasonably dry so you may be lucky.
Around Cairns, you should see the Great Barrier Reef and go out to Green or Fitzroy Island on a day trip.
Go north to Port Douglas, nice beach and it is a quicker trip to the reef from here but may be more expensive as tourists are more moneyed here than in Cairns and then head further north to Cape Tribulation. Try and do a night nature tour to see the fireflies.
Take the gondola to Kuranda and ride the steam train back.
See the Atherton tablelands and check Millaa Millaa falls.

Going south, see Mission Beach
If you're stopping in Townsville, get out to Magnetic island

Airlie Beach is gate to Whitsunday islands, you may be better off booking ahead of time if you wish to do a 3-4 day sail, but if it's just a case of a day trip, you should be alright.

There's not a huge amount in Mackay but alright for an overnighter and Bucasia beach
Yepoon is your gateway to Great Keppel island
Bundaberg to check out the ginger and rum if you're interested
Most folk use Hervey Bay as entry point for Fraser island which is a must see, south of here and east of Gympie, there's Rainbow beach which is another great spot for 4WD and beaches and it's very unspoilt.

Noosa and Maroochydore, maybe Caloundra are worthwhile stops for beaches and hanging out and then you're 90mins into Brisbane

lubie76

Thanks Cooperspale, really appreciate the advice and will come in very handy for my itinerary. People always say how big Oz is but when you go to make a travel plan with limited time, it can be overwhelming. Luckily we really enjoy driving so hope to cover a good bit of ground while stopping off to enjoy good spots like the ones you recommended.