From Brisbane to Noosa – Approximately 160 km
Pick-up your electric vehicle and embark on a journey from Brisbane to Cairns in an eco-friendly way to explore one of Australia’s most scenic routes.
As you leave Brisbane behind, the landscape transitions from urban sprawl to the rolling green hills and forests of eucalyptus and acacias of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Along the way, consider a stop at the Glass House Mountains, a series of ancient volcanic peaks offering hiking trails and panoramic views. These iconic mountains provide an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and take in the natural beauty that characterizes this region.
Continuing north, you’ll pass through small towns and coastal landscapes, gradually approaching Noosa, one of Queensland’s most beloved holiday destinations. As you arrive in Noosa, you’ll notice the shift to a more laid-back, beachy atmosphere.
Your accommodation for the night, Habitat Noosa, offers an eco-friendly stay, nestled within 65 acres of National Park bushland.
Noosa is renowned for its pristine beaches, national parks, and vibrant dining scene. Noosa Main Beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the sand, thanks to its calm, protected waters. A short walk away, Noosa National Park offers coastal trails with stunning ocean views and opportunities to spot local wildlife, including koalas.
For dining and shopping, Hastings Street is the hub of Noosa’s social scene, lined with boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re enjoying a meal or just strolling, this area encapsulates the relaxed charm that makes Noosa so popular.
This first leg of your electric vehicle journey, from Brisbane to Noosa, sets the tone for a sustainable and scenic exploration of Queensland. It’s a perfect start to your adventure, blending convenience with the natural allure of the Sunshine Coast.
Overnight at Habitat Noosa (or similar)
Habitat Noosa provide an EV charging station for its guests’ electric vehicles
IMPORTANT: Not all accommodation providers have their own EV Charging stations. Please plan your trips ahead of time to ensure you have enough charge to reach your next destination or nearest charging station.
Accessing the Queensland Electric Super Highway
To access the Queensland Electric Super Highway charging stations you will need to have a Chargefox account. The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
You can also check the status of charging site locations through the Chargefox App.
More charging locations
As well as Queensland Electric Super Highway charging stations, there are many public charging stations available in Queensland along your itinerary.
Visit PlugShare, a world-wide electric vehicle charging station app and online tool for more charging locations.
Your Everglades Ecosafaris tour "Everglades Explorer" offers today a rare opportunity to explore the Noosa Everglades, often referred to as one of the most pristine and untouched wilderness areas in the country.
Departing early morning from Habitat Noosa, you’ll board a specially designed eco-friendly boat that allows for a smooth and quiet journey through the serene waterways of the Everglades. The cruise offer two uniquely different experiences on the same tour : choose to canoe through the mirrored waterways or remain onboard with knowledgeable skippers, who will share fascinating information as meandering through the ancient lands and waterways, rich with biodiversity. For those who opt for the canoe experience, get ready for an up-close encounter with the unique environment—one of the most spectacular canoeing adventures in Australia.
As you glide through the mirrored waters, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation.
One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to explore the "River of Mirrors," a stunning section of the Everglades where the calm waters reflect the surrounding landscape with crystal clarity. This area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 44% of Australia’s bird species.
The tour also includes a guided walk through the rainforest, where you’ll learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the ecological significance of this area, which is part of the Great Sandy National Park and plays a crucial role in preserving local ecosystems.
Included in the tour is a delicious morning tea served on the boat and a gourmet picnic lunch enjoyed in a peaceful riverside setting. Both meals feature fresh, local produce, adding a touch of luxury to your wilderness adventure.
The Everglades Ecosafaris tour is an all-inclusive experience that provides a deeper understanding of the natural world while ensuring minimal environmental impact. It’s a perfect addition to your journey, offering a day of relaxation, education, and exploration in one of Australia’s most beautiful and untouched natural areas.
Overnight at Habitat Noosa (or similar)
Noosa to Bundaberg/Mon Repos – Approximately 250 km
As you leave behind Noosa’s pristine beaches and head into the hinterland, the landscape shifts to a patchwork of farmlands, with sugar cane fields stretching towards the horizon.
A great place to take a break is in Gympie, a town rich in gold mining history, where you can explore heritage sites or enjoy a coffee in one of the charming local cafes. Further along the journey, you’ll pass through Bundaberg, a city known for its rum distillery and as the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Your destination for the day is Mon Repos, a small coastal area just outside Bundaberg, renowned for its vital role in marine turtle conservation. Mon Repos Beach is the largest loggerhead turtle nesting site in the South Pacific, making it a significant location for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
You’ll be staying at the brand new Turtle Sands Resort, an eco-friendly accommodation only steps away from the beach. The resort is designed to provide comfort while minimizing environmental impact.
One of the highlights of Mon Repos is your Evening Turtle Encounter tour (November to March). This guided tour, operated by experienced rangers, provides a unique opportunity to witness the remarkable lifecycle of loggerhead turtles. Depending on the season, you might see adult turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs or witness the magical moment when hatchlings emerge from their nests and make their perilous journey to the ocean. The tour is not only an unforgettable experience but also an educational one, offering insights into the conservation efforts that protect these endangered creatures.
Overnight at Turtle Sands (or similar)
Turtle Sands Resort there is an EV charger at every second Studio Room and one fast charger at the reception car park
You embark today on your Lady Musgrave Tour, a full-day excursion offering an immersive experience of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
Your day begins with a comfortable transfer to Bundaberg Port Marina, where you’ll board a modern, eco-friendly vessel designed to ensure a smooth journey to Lady Musgrave Island. The cruise to the island takes approximately two hours, during which you can enjoy stunning ocean views and the possibility of spotting dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales during the migration season.
This tour immerses you in a protected island and a reef lagoon with pristine, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, attracting the rich wildlife of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. A guided snorkelling session gives the opportunity to explore an underwater world with hundreds of tropical fish, manta rays and turtles. For those who prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat tour is available, providing a window into the reef’s rich biodiversity. A new zero-carbon footprint pontoon, nestled in the sheltered waters of the lagoon and powered by wind and solar energy, features also an underwater observatory.
The tour offers also a guided island walk, where you’ll learn about the island’s unique ecosystem, including its birdlife and plant species.
A gourmet buffet lunch is served featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Overnight at Turtle Sands (or similar)
Mon Repos to Byfield National Park- Approximately 380 km
The journey takes you today through Rockhampton, known as the "Beef Capital of Australia," where you might consider a brief stop to explore its heritage buildings and the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Rockhampton also offers the last major charging point before reaching the more remote areas of Byfield.
Continuing north, you’ll reach Byfield National Park, a hidden treasure of Queensland’s wilderness. This park is renowned for its rugged landscapes, expansive sand dunes, and pristine rainforest. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking through lush rainforests to exploring the towering sand dunes at Five Rocks. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare species found only in this region.
Your accommodation for the night will be at Castle Rock Farm, a secluded retreat nestled within the Byfield area. This eco-friendly farm stay offers a peaceful setting where you can unwind after a day of exploration, surrounded by natural beauty and the sounds of the Australian bush.
Overnight at Castle Rock Farm (or similar)
Castle Rock Farm have a 240v outlet that the guests are welcome to use to recharge the batteries of their vehicle.
Day at leisure to explore Byfield National Park and surrounding
Overnight at Castle Rock Farm (or similar)
Byfield National Park to Cape Hillsborough- Approximately 440 km
As you drive, you’ll pass today through the coastal town of Yeppoon, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Consider a brief stop here to enjoy the stunning ocean views or take a walk along the town’s well-maintained esplanade.
As you continue north, the road offers glimpses of Queensland’s diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to rolling farmland. The journey to Cape Hillsborough takes you off the beaten path, providing a chance to explore one of Queensland’s lesser known but most striking natural areas.
Arriving at Cape Hillsborough, you’ll find yourself immersed in a unique coastal environment where the rainforest meets the sea. This area is renowned for its stunning beaches, dramatic headlands, and, most famously, its sunrise encounters with kangaroos. Every morning, kangaroos and wallabies come down to the beach at dawn, offering a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Your accommodation at Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort provides direct access to this natural wonder, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the diverse wildlife. The resort is a perfect base for exploring the national park’s walking trails, which wind through the rainforest and offer panoramic views of the coastline.
Cape Hillsborough is also an excellent spot for those interested in marine life, with opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and observing the tidal flats’ unique ecosystems. The contrast between the dense rainforest and the open ocean creates a landscape that is both dramatic and serene.
Overnight at Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort (or similar)
Day at leisure to explore Cape Hillsborough and surrounding
Overnight at Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort (or similar)
Cape Hillsborough to Airlie Beach – Approximately 130 km
As you leave Cape Hillsborough, you’ll rejoin the Bruce Highway, heading further north. The journey offers today stunning views of the Coral Sea and lush hinterland, making it a visually rewarding drive.
On the way to Airlie Beach, you’ll pass through small coastal towns and sugar cane fields, providing a glimpse into the agricultural heart of Queensland. The route is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the changing landscapes as you approach one of Australia’s most famous coastal destinations.
Airlie Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning ocean views, and proximity to the Whitsunday Islands. As you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by the vibrant energy of this seaside town, a favorite spot for travelers looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays.
Your accommodation at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins offers a perfect blend of comfort and sustainability, set amidst lush greenery and designed with eco-friendly practices in mind. This retreat allows you to unwind in a peaceful setting while still being close to the action in Airlie Beach.
Overnight at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins (or similar)
Your Whitehaven Beach Tour offers today an unforgettable way to explore one of Australia’s most famous beaches and the stunning surrounding areas of the Whitsundays.
The journey to Whitehaven Beach on a semi-rigid inflatable boat - designed for minimal environmental impact - is a nice ride, with the boat skimming across the crystal-clear waters of the Coral Sea, offering stunning views of the Whitsunday Islands along the way.
The first stop is at Hill Inlet, located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach. Here, you’ll disembark for a short guided bushwalk to the Hill Inlet Lookout, one of the most photographed spots in Australia. From the top, you’ll have a panoramic view of the swirling sands and turquoise waters below—a breathtaking sight that perfectly captures the natural beauty of the Whitsundays.
Next, you’ll spend time at Whitehaven Beach itself, consistently ranked as one of the world’s best beaches. The beach’s pure white silica sand and clear, warm waters provide the perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing. You’ll have ample time to enjoy the beach at your leisure, with the tour’s flexible schedule allowing you to make the most of this idyllic location.
The tour also includes a snorkeling adventure at one of the fringing reefs around the Whitsunday Islands. Here, you can explore the vibrant coral gardens and encounter a diverse range of marine life, from colorful fish to graceful manta rays. All necessary snorkeling equipment is provided, and the crew offers guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
A gourmet lunch is included in the tour, served on the beach or on board, depending on the day’s itinerary. The lunch features fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Overnight at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins (or similar)
Airlie Beach to Paluma National Park- Approximately 380 km
Departing from Airlie Beach, you’ll head back onto the Bruce Highway, traveling north through a landscape characterized by rolling hills, sugar cane fields, and the distant Coral Sea.
As you travel inland, the terrain begins to change, leading you towards the cool, misty peaks of the Paluma Range. Along the way, you might consider a brief stop in the town of Bowen, known for its beaches and as the "Mango Capital of Australia," where you can enjoy a coastal view before continuing into the hinterland.
Arriving at Paluma National Park, you’ll find a region rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. The park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and offers a stark contrast to the coastal environments of your previous stops. Paluma is known for its cool climate, dense rainforests, and an array of birdlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
Your stay at Hidden Valley Cabins provides an eco-friendly retreat nestled within the forest. This accommodation is off-grid, powered entirely by renewable energy, aligning perfectly with the sustainable nature of your journey. Here, you can relax in comfort while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Paluma National Park itself offers a range of activities. The park’s walking trails, such as the Paluma Range Great Walk, guide you through ancient forests, past waterfalls, and to lookout points with breathtaking views over the landscape below. The park is also home to several pristine waterholes, like Little Crystal Creek, where you can take a refreshing swim.
Overnight at Hidden Valley Cabins (or similar)
Hidden Valley Cabins don’t offer EV charging stations, but the closest one is Frosty Mango Ice Creamery (45 km from Hidden Valley Cabins) at 1 Bruce Highway, Mutarnee QLD which is a usual pit stop for guests when visiting the Cabins.
Day at leisure to explore Paluma national park and surrounding
Overnight at Hidden Valley Cabins (or similar)
Paluma National Park to Atherton Tablelands – Approximately 320 km
Leaving Paluma National Park, you’ll descend from the misty highlands back onto the Bruce Highway, heading further north. The journey transitions from dense rainforests to open farmland, with the landscape gradually rising as you approach the Atherton Tablelands.
As you drive, you’ll pass through the rural towns of Ingham and Innisfail, known for their sugar cane production and rich agricultural history. These towns offer a glimpse into the region’s farming heritage and provide convenient stops to recharge your vehicle and enjoy some local produce.
Upon reaching the Atherton Tablelands, you’ll be greeted by a region of stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The Tablelands are characterized by rolling hills, lush pastures, and a cooler climate due to their elevation. This area is a significant part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, offering a variety of landscapes from rainforests to savannas, and is home to numerous waterfalls, crater lakes, and unique wildlife.
Your stay at Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat provides an immersive experience in the heart of the Tablelands. This eco-friendly retreat offers treehouse accommodations set within a private rainforest, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural surroundings in comfort and sustainability.
The Atherton Tablelands are renowned for their outdoor activities and natural attractions. Highlights include the stunning waterfalls along the Waterfall Circuit, such as Millaa Millaa Falls, the ancient fig trees like the Curtain Fig Tree, and the tranquil crater lakes of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine. The region is also a haven for birdwatching and offers several walking trails that cater to different levels of experience.
Overnight at Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat (or similar)
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat doesn’t have an EV charging station. The nearest is at Yungaburra, about 20km away
Day at leisure to explore Atherton Tablelands national park and surrounding
Overnight at Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat (or similar)
Atherton Tablelands to Thala Beach – Approximately 154 km
Leaving the Atherton Tablelands, you’ll drive eastward through the Gillies Range, a winding road that offers stunning vistas of the rainforest and the coastal plains below. As you descend, the landscape transforms from lush highlands to tropical lowlands, with glimpses of the ocean becoming more frequent as you approach the coast.
Once on the coastal road, the Captain Cook Highway, you’ll be treated to one of Australia’s most scenic drives. This stretch of road hugs the coastline, with the Coral Sea on one side and the rainforest-clad mountains on the other. The drive is well-equipped with charging stations, ensuring your electric vehicle is ready for the journey ahead.
Arriving in the Port Douglas region, you’ll discover a gateway to two of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Port Douglas is known for its relaxed, upscale atmosphere and serves as a perfect base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions.
Your accommodation at Thala Beach Nature Reserve offers a luxurious yet eco-friendly experience nestled between the rainforest and the beach. The reserve’s private bungalows are set within 145 acres of native forest, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying world-class amenities.
The Port Douglas and Cairns region is renowned for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, where you can embark on snorkeling or diving excursions to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life. The Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, is also nearby, offering guided tours, wildlife spotting, and opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture.
The town of Port Douglas itself is charming, with a range of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants along Macrossan Street. Four Mile Beach, a long stretch of golden sand, is perfect for a morning walk or a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
Overnight at Thala Beach Nature Reserve (or similar)
Depart this morning to the Port Douglas Marina for your Low Isles Day cruise. This full-day eco-adventure offers an intimate exploration of the Great Barrier Reef's Low Isles, a small coral cay located just 15 kilometers off the coast, known for its pristine environment and rich marine biodiversity. You’ll board a luxurious sailing catamaran designed for minimal environmental impact. The sail to Low Isles takes about an hour, during which you can relax on deck, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the stunning views of the Coral Sea.
Upon arrival at the Low Isles, you’ll step ashore onto a picture-perfect island surrounded by a coral reef lagoon. The island is a protected Marine National Park Zone, meaning that the area is highly regulated to preserve its delicate ecosystems. This commitment to conservation is reflected in Sailaway’s operations, which include minimizing waste, using eco-friendly products, and educating guests about the importance of protecting the reef.
The Low Isles Cruise includes several activities that allow you to fully immerse yourself in this unique environment. A guided snorkelling tour is one of the highlights, offering you the chance to explore the vibrant coral gardens and encounter a variety of marine life, including turtles, clownfish, and giant clams. All snorkelling equipment is provided, and the tour is led by experienced marine biologists who share their knowledge about the reef and its inhabitants.
For those who prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat tour is also available, providing a clear view of the underwater world. Additionally, a guided heritage walk on the island gives you insight into the cultural history and ecological significance of the Low Isles, including the historic lighthouse that has been in operation since 1878.
The day also includes a delicious buffet lunch served on board the catamaran, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Morning and afternoon tea are also provided.
Overnight at Thala Beach Nature Reserve (or similar)
From Thala Beach to Cairns – Approximately 67 km
Conclude your Australian East coast eco adventure by traveling along the Captain Cook Highway and the Coral Sea to Cairns.
Drop off your rental Electric Vehicle at Hertz.
