Ready for a bucket-list-worthy road trip? Discover how we took a 4-day campervan adventure from Cairns to Brisbane, hitting iconic beaches, staying in budget-friendly campsites, and soaking up coastal Australia—all without breaking the bank.
Living the Aussie Vanlife Dream
Have you ever dreamed of waking up to the sound of waves, driving along sun-drenched roads, and stumbling across hidden beach towns—all from the comfort of your own cozy campervan?
That dream became our reality when we set off on a 4-day, 3-night campervan road trip down Australia’s stunning east coast. Starting in tropical Cairns and ending in Brisbane, we covered over 1,000 miles of coastal magic. We swam in lagoons, surfed, camped just steps from the sand, explored charming surf towns, and discovered just how affordable—and freeing—van life can be.
And yes, you can absolutely do it too. Let us show you how.
The Campervan We Used: Easy, Affordable, and Fully Loaded
We rented our wheels through Camplify—specifically, the Roma campervan from Open Road Campervans. (Check out their amazing Instagram!) It had everything we needed including:
- Comfy bed
- Fridge and kitchen setup with everything we needed including 2 burner cooktop, toaster, kettle, blender and more
- USB charging ports and outlets
- Ceiling fan for warm nights
- Lots of storage
- Solar powered battery that can stay off-grid up to three days
It was easy to drive, easy to park, and more affordable than hotels and rental cars combined. And it was way more adventurous! One-way options were also available, which was perfect for our Cairns-to-Gold Coast route. The campgrounds we stayed in were all super-affordable too; averaging around $25USD a night. They all included power and water hook-ups, wifi, and clean bathrooms and showers.
Day 1: Cairns to Airlie Beach
Distance: 385 miles (7.5 hours)
Campsite: Airlie Beach Whitsunday Coast Holiday Park
Beach Stop: Airlie Beach
We started early from Cairns, ready for a long drive and a big reward at the end. The scenic journey along the Bruce Highway offered diverse experiences like lush rainforests, costa views, and national parks and attractions along the way. We took our time enjoying this stretch of road. It was lush and green, and we loved viewing the sugar cane fields, rolling hills, and roadside fruit stalls.
About Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is the vibrant gateway to the Whitsundays, but it’s also got plenty to offer on its own. The Airlie Beach Lagoon is a man-made saltwater pool with a beachfront feel—free to access and a great place to swim without the worry of stingers. The town of Airlie beach was super cute, with tons of shops, galleries, and places to eat. We could have stayed here for days!
Our Campsite: Airlie Beach Whitsunday Coast Holiday Park
We stayed just a few minutes from town in a beautiful, shaded park with:
- Clean amenities and hot showers
- A camp kitchen and BBQ area
- A saltwater pool and playground
- Powered campervan sites
It was quiet, safe and just what we needed after the long drive.
Day 2: Airlie Beach to Fishermans Beach (Emu Park)
Distance: 310 miles (5.5 hours)
Beach Stop: Arles Beach for a swim
Campsite: Tasman Holiday Parks – Fishermans Beach
Day two took us even deeper into coastal Queensland. We couldn’t resist pulling over at Arles Beach just north of Mackay—a true hidden gem.
Arles Beach: A Quiet Slice of Paradise
Tucked away off the Bruce Highway, Arles Beach is one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” spots. There’s no major signage, which means fewer crowds. The water was calm, the sand powdery white, and we shared the whole beach with just one other couple. It felt like our own private oasis.
Fishermans Beach: History and Charm
By late afternoon, we made it to Fishermans Beach in Emu Park, a quiet coastal town with old-school Queensland vibes. The beach here is flat and family-friendly, with safe swimming and views of Great Keppel Island offshore. True to its name, there were a few people fishing. Next time we might have to try our luck catching something for dinner.
There’s also a slice of history: Emu Park is home to the Singing Ship Memorial, which honors Captain James Cook’s 1770 voyage. The monument literally sings when the sea breeze hits it—a fascinating (and melodic) tribute.
Our Campsite: Tasman Holiday Parks – Fishermans Beach
This beachfront park was one of our favorites:
- Campervan sites just steps from the sand
- Spotless showers and a modern camp kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi (a rare treat on the road!)
- Coastal walking paths right from the park
We watched the sun set from our van with sand still on our feet. Pure magic.
Day 3: Fishermans Beach to Agnes Water
Distance: 170 miles (3hours)
Beach Stop: Agnes Water & 1770
Campsite: Captain Cook Holiday Village
Day three was all about surf town energy and rich history. We headed for Agnes Water, one of the most beloved beach destinations on the east coast—and it did not disappoint.
Agnes Water: The Last Surf Beach Heading North
This beach town is known for its consistent waves, golden sands, and laid-back vibe. Surfers, backpackers, and locals all share the shore. The first order of business was to rent a surfboard and hit the waves. There are great coastal trails here too, like the Paperbark Forest Walk, where you can stroll through a peaceful grove on raised boardwalks.
1770: The Town Where Captain Cook Landed
Just a few minutes from Agnes Water, the tiny town of 1770 marks the site of Cook’s second landing in Australia. It’s a scenic spot for sunsets, and there are lookout points that offer sweeping ocean views and interpretive signs about its historical significance.
Our Campsite: Captain Cook Holiday Village
This quiet, tree-covered campground is perfect for travelers looking for peace and nature:
- Shady powered sites
- Clean bathrooms and laundry
- Wildlife roaming the property (yes, we saw kangaroos!)
Bonus: it’s walking distance to the beach, so you can leave the van behind and enjoy the waves.
Day 4: Agnes Water to Brisbane
Distance: 300 miles (5 hours)
Before starting our final stretch to Brisbane, we hit Agnes Water beach once more where Shayne took one last turn surfing!
By late afternoon, we rolled into Brisbane and said good-bye to our van.
Tips for an Epic East Coast Campervan Trip
1. Choose One-Way Travel for Flexibility
We loved using Camplify because of their one-way rental option. It allowed us to maximize our time and not worry about doubling back. Be sure to filter for Open Road Campervans. They were so friendly and easy to work with.
2. Look for Holiday Parks With Beach Access
Being able to walk to the water makes a big difference. All three parks we stayed in had either beachfront sites or a short walk to the beach.
3. Travel Light, Travel Smart
Pack quick-dry clothes, a headlamp, bug spray, and chargers. Less is more in vanlife.
4. Use Travel Apps
We used Campermate for campsite reviews, Roady to find attractions and places of interest, and FuelMap to find cheap gas. Essential for staying on budget!
5. Go grocery shopping
We stopped at Woolworths in Cairns before setting off on our campervan journey. We planned on making breakfast every morning, so we picked up eggs, bacon, and sourdough bread. Additionally we knew we would be eating lunch on the road, so we grabbed turkey, cheese, tuna, fruit, yogurt, and protein bars. And because it was a road trip we had to have our favorite Australian snacks like licorice, chips, cookies, and nuts. We only cooked dinner one night and made a simple meal of pan roasted chicken, potatoes and asparagus. The van came stocked with olive oil and various spices we put to good use!
The Joy of Vanlife: Simple, Affordable, and Freeing
This trip reminded us why we love full-time travel. There’s something incredible about falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, waking up somewhere new, and deciding the day’s direction over diet coke and a map.
Travel doesn’t need to be luxurious to be amazing. It just needs to be meaningful.
If you’ve ever thought about campervanning through Australia—do it. It’s budget-friendly, unforgettable, and a brilliant way to see the real beauty of the country.
If you’re tempted to visit Australia, be sure read our guide on how to get the most of your PTO and maximize your vacation days!
