We are looking to drive from Brisbane to Port Douglas in 6/7 days. Is this reasonable and what are the must see/dos en route. We had thought to stop at Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Mackay, Airlie Beach, and Mission Beach. Any suggestions welcome. Could we book accomodation as we go (during April 24 to 30)?

That's a long haul along some monotonous stretches - have lots of spare water and other stuff with you just in case.

You should have no trouble finding lodgings along the way - if you're looking to save money, your best bet will be traditional pubs that still have guest rooms. Probably simple, cheap, with beds that sag. Hint: Take the mattress off, upend the bed against the wall, put the mattress on the floor.

Your schedule looks good, play it by ear.

WK

Just in case Wally has scared you off, you'll find plenty of motels with non-saggy beds along the way.

trip's a bit boring, though! - that's why they invented airlines!

Neither will you need to take extra water, Bruce Highway is a busy highway, certainly not an outback road. 6/7 days should be OK, the most monotonous bit is between Rockhampton and Mackay (about 4 hours). From Hervey Bay hop over to Fraser Island (its 4WD only so you'll need to take a tour), and out of Bundaberg you shouldn't miss the town of 1770. Rockhampton appeals to some, it does have some historical buildings and if there's time you could go to Great Keppel Island from nearby Yepoon. I'd give Mackay a miss and go to Whitsundays from Airlie Beach if you have time. Mission Beach is definitely a winner and very close to Dunk Island. There's no shortage of motels and if you're interested in staying in B&B's I can give you a list of some excellent ones on the way.

Thanks Pat, that's really helpful. We would be interested in B&B accommodation so would appreciate your list. Mackay seemed to be a useful stopover but is Rockhampton to Airlie beach a comfortable drive for one day? Would we need to book tours to Fraser and Whitsunday Islands in advance?
Many thanks.

Hi surich, I know Mackay looks the logical spot to stop but I think its worth pushing on a couple of hours to Airlie Beach for more time at Whitsundays.

Brisbane-Hervey Bay: 4 hours - Alexander "Lakeside" B&B - www.herveybaybedandbreakfast.com;
Hervey Bay-Agnes Waters (Town of 1770): 3 and a half hours - Agnes Water Hideaway B&B - www.agneswateraccommodation.com;
Agnes Waters-Yepoon: 3 and a half hours - www.whileawaybandb.com.au
Yepoon-Airlie Beach: 6 and a half hours (an hour less if staying in Rockhampton)www.islandviewbb.com.au
Airlie Beach-Mission Beach: 7 hours- www.honeyeater.com.au
Mission Beach is just over 3 hours from Port Douglas.

It might be a good idea to email Fraser and Whitsundays re tour bookings, 25th April is Anzac Day, a national public holiday. Tours will run but they may be busy.

Surich - Pat's always spot on with information, so take notice. Your planned trip is quite long, and the driving between Rockhampton & Mackay is a bit boring. If you do stay at Bowen, try to stay at one of the granite bays, quite attractive.
Least your not travelling during the Easter period, and accommodation should not be a problem. Plenty of accommodation at Hervey Bay. If you want to book a tour to Fraser Island, you can ring toll free, 1800-072-555 (Kingfisher Resort Reservation Office), they do bookings for island accommodation at Kingfisher, Eurong Resort, barge tickets for 4WDs, 4WD Hire, and also the 1,2 or 3 day island tours.
If you do stay overnight in Hervey Bay after your tour, there are plenty of dining establishments along the Esplanade.

Thanks Pat you have been really helpful. This will be our first visit to Australia from England. Have you similar knowledge of other areas? We will be visiting Perth, Uluru (organised trip) Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney.

Thanks surich, I live in Far North Queensland now, and have driven the route you're taking many times. There are others here with far more up-to-date knowledge of the other areas you mention. As troppo mentions, Bowen is also a good stopover if you stay at its beaches around Horsehoe Bay.

So if you post some specific questions about other areas, you'll get a lot of good advice here.

Actually Pat owns the Lilybank B&B in Cairns, which she's far too modest to mention but which has had very good reviews on this forum...

Surich - you say that you wish to stay in Bed & breakfast establishments, why not stay at Pat's B&B in Cairns, then you will to know her better, and get great local knowledge on what to see & visit.
Pat your right, its Horseshoe Bay, I had forgotten its name.
Surich, if you know the dates you will be in Hervey Bay, I would suggest making a tentative phone booking for your day trip to Fraser Island, mainly, due to the increased jet services we now have from Sydney to Hervey Bay.... with increased visitors, it could have some bearing on whether you get to book on the day in question. (most visitors to H/bay go out to Fraser Island)

Surich - I see Pat has recommended a B&B at Agnes Waters, if you do stay at this lovely coastal town (last surfing beach in Qld as you head north),and you have some spare time, you might consider taking the boat trip out to visit Lady Musgrave Island, on the southern Great Barrier Reef. This island is in the National Park, with no accommodation on the island, only a small number of campers are allowed and they are situated at one corner of the island. The island has prolific birdlife, eg. gannets, frigits, terns etc. Excellent snorkelling or scuba diving around the reefs. You would need to stay 2 nights at Agnes, as the boat trip is a full days outing.

Many thanks to you all for your help. We are getting quite excited as the trip seems to be more real with the replies we have had. If we stay in Cairns then we will definitely be contacting Pat.

Hello Surich,

I have just read this topic and wonder why you have not considered overnighting in Townsville or Magnetic Island from Airlie Beach - it is an easy drive of 4 hours (I have done it often) and there is a lot more to see and do than in Bowen - which is closer to Airlie anyway. You could split the journey Pat suggested from Airlie to Mission Beach (7 hours) about half way. There are great restaurants in Townsville, some good places to stay, the stunning Strand and beach, Castle Hill and Magnetic island is only 20 minutes away by fast cat. There you will find 22 beautiful beaches and a lush national park and laid back lifestyle.

Just a suggestion - to try and maximise your trip.

driving it in one day is boring. two days a little testing but 6 or so days, the only thing you'll get bored of is getting in and out of the car. thats heaps of time to see and do lots of things. you'll rarely drive more than a few hours before getting out again and thats nothing.