Hi
we are driving from cairns to brisbane in january and wanted to know if there is anywhere on route we should definatley stop or any great places to stay?

If you don't mind my asking, how long have you set aside for this trip?

It's a long drive, a lot to see depending on how much time you have, how far you're willing to go off the main drag (the Bruce Hwy), and whether or not you'll consider visiting an island or two. Some stretches are pretty long without many real options (e.g. Rockhampton-Mackay). Prepare for seeing a lot of sugar cane!

A few suggestions:

Glasshouse Mts
Montville
Noosa
Fraser Island
Lady Elliott Island
Heron Island
Yeppoon
Eungella Nat'l Park
Cape Hillsborough
Airlie Beach
The Whitsunday Islands
Magnetic Island
Wallaman Falls
Casual Cassowary Cafe (nr Ingham)
Hinchinbrook Island
Murray Falls
Mission Beach
Dunk Island
Tully River
The Boulders National Park
Josephine Falls
Atherton Tablelands

I'd say the most beautiful stretch along the main hwy is that between Ingham and Cairns, in the far north.

Hi Carter - just watch the road conditions in January. It is officially wet season in the far north, although in recent years the "wet" has started later and sometimes we don't get one at all. Parts of the road floods between Townsville and Cairns and you can get held up for several days. RACQ gives up to date road conditions all over Queensland. Try to get over to Hinchinbrook Island - it's close to the coast at Cardwell - between Townsville and Cairns. It's resort is closed at that time of year, but the island is well worth a look at.

very very good ralph. Very Good.

And Carty, you will not have to worry about the roads in January as the federal government has just awarded several million for up grades to the track. Enjoy.
fsg

sorry should have said we have 10 days for trip.