Australia Road Trip - Part 2: From Airlie Beach to the Tropical North

🌏 Destination Overview

After exploring the magical Whitsundays, we continued our East Coast adventure north — from Airlie Beach all the way to the lush, tropical landscapes of Cairns.This stretch of the journey felt completely different — more wild, more green, and full of encounters with Australia’s most iconic wildlife.

From kangaroos hopping on the beach at sunrise to cassowaries crossing the rainforest roads, every day here felt like a scene from a nature documentary — only this time, we were part of it.We paused the van-life rhythm for a couple of days to explore islands, waterfalls, and the heart of tropical Queensland — and it became one of the most unforgettable chapters of our journey.

🏝️ Magnetic Island — Paradise Just 20 Minutes Away

We started this part of the trip in Townsville, where we parked our camper for two nights and took the Sealink Ferry to Magnetic Island.

It’s a short and easy 20-minute crossing, and as soon as the island appears on the horizon — surrounded by turquoise water and granite cliffs — you know you’re in for something special.

We stayed at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, right by the marina. The atmosphere was calm yet lively — a perfect mix of tropical island energy and complete relaxation.

🚗 Exploring the Island

We rented a small car and spent two days discovering Magnetic’s hidden bays.Our first stop was Arthur Bay, a peaceful cove framed by lush hills and crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling.From there, we continued to Florence Bay and Radical Bay — both offering golden sand, coral reefs, and that feeling of having paradise almost all to yourself.

In the afternoon, we headed to Horseshoe Bay, the island’s main beach lined with local cafés and shops.Don’t miss the Horseshoe Bay Lookout — a short 20-minute hike that rewards you with panoramic views of the entire coastline.We stayed for sunset and dinner at Scallywags Café, a cozy spot known for its fresh seafood and chilled island vibe.

🌅 Sunrise & Wildlife Encounters

The next morning started with one of our favorite memories — feeding wallabies at Geoffrey Bay.They’re gentle, curious, and incredibly cute — just bring a few carrots and be patient. 🦘

After breakfast, we headed to the famous Forts Walk, the island’s most popular trail. It winds through the forest, past World War II bunkers, and offers a real chance to see wild koalas napping in eucalyptus trees.Go early in the morning — that’s when they’re most active and the light is soft and magical.

We ended the day swimming at Nelly Bay and had dinner at Granite Magnetic Island, a stylish bistro serving creative Australian dishes with a tropical twist.It was the perfect way to end two days of pure island bliss.

🌿 Atherton Tablelands — The Waterfall Circuit

After returning to Townsville, we reunited with our camper and began our drive north into the Atherton Tablelands — a region of rolling mountains, rainforests, and endless waterfalls.This part of Queensland is pure green magic — cooler in temperature, full of winding roads, and packed with natural wonders waiting around every bend.

The drive itself was breathtaking, climbing through misty rainforest roads and small mountain towns.

We stopped at Crystal Cascades, a chain of emerald pools perfect for swimming, before heading to Wallaman Falls — Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall at 268 meters.Standing at the lookout and watching the water plunge into the valley below felt humbling and awe-inspiring.For those up for adventure, the hike to the base takes about an hour — steep but unforgettable.

💦 The Waterfall Day

This region is famous for its Waterfall Circuit, a scenic route connecting some of the most beautiful falls in all of Australia.

We started at Josephine Falls, where smooth rocks create a natural water slide — the kind of spot where you can easily spend half a day.Next, we stopped at Millaa Millaa Falls, perhaps the most photographed waterfall in Queensland, surrounded by lush rainforest and ideal for swimming.Nearby, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls are just a short 10-minute walk each — both spectacular, each with its own personality.To finish the loop, we stopped at Mungalli Falls, a peaceful hidden gem where we cooked lunch in the van and just listened to the sound of nature.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring your swimsuit, camera, and something warm for the drive — the air up here gets cooler, especially in the late afternoon.

🌴 Mission Beach — Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef

Driving further north, we arrived at Mission Beach — a quiet coastal town that feels like the meeting point of heaven and earth.This is one of the few places in Australia where the rainforest literally meets the Great Barrier Reef — and it’s also home to the rare cassowary, the prehistoric bird you’ll never forget once you see it.

We woke up early and wandered along the beach at sunrise — and there it was: a cassowary walking between the palm trees.

It was one of those moments that make you realize just how wild and raw northern Queensland really is.

Mission Beach also has some beautiful trails, calm lagoons, and cozy beach cafés.We cooked dinner by the shore as the sky turned pink and gold, ending the day with that quiet feeling of gratitude only a road trip can give.

📸 Best Photo Spots

📍 Horseshoe Bay Lookout – Panoramic view over Magnetic Island’s coastline, best at sunset 🌅

📍 Geoffrey Bay – Gentle wallabies (small kangaroos) roaming freely by the beach — a heart-melting photo opportunity 🦘

📍 The Forts Walk, Magnetic Island – Spot wild koalas resting in eucalyptus trees high above the trail 🌿🐨

📍 Florence Bay – Crystal-clear turquoise water framed by jungle cliffs📍 Wallaman Falls – Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall (268 m) — dramatic and powerful

📍 Millaa Millaa Falls – Iconic, lush, and perfect for swimming or that postcard shot 💦📍 Mission Beach Sunrise – Cassowaries, palm trees, and soft golden light — pure tropical magic 🌴

☀️ Best Time to Visit

The best time to explore Northern Queensland is during the dry season (May–October).You’ll have clear skies, calm seas, and perfect conditions for snorkeling, hiking, and waterfall chasing.Between July and September, it’s also whale season, when humpbacks migrate along the coast — an unforgettable sight if you’re lucky enough to catch it. 🐋

💡 Travel Tips

🚐 Book your caravan parks in advance — especially in Airlie Beach & Townsville. 🐨 Visit Forts Walk early in the morning for the best chance to spot koalas. 📷 Bring a drone for unbeatable aerial shots of bays and waterfalls. ☀️ Use reef-safe sunscreen and always carry mosquito spray in the tropics. 🦘 Drive carefully at dusk — kangaroos love crossing roads at sunset.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This part of the journey captured everything we love about travel — freedom, nature, and discovery.We found ourselves slowing down, taking deep breaths, and realizing that some of the most beautiful moments happen far away from the crowds.

From wallabies on the beach to the thunder of waterfalls in the forest, this stretch of Queensland reminded us why we fell in love with adventure in the first place.

And just when we thought we had seen it all — the road north had one last surprise waiting.

Next stop: Cairns and the Daintree Rainforest, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the oldest jungle on Earth. 🌿🐠