Cairns Travel Forum

Couple mid-20's starting in Cairns in early Aug. We plan on traveling south and evenually stopping in Surfer's paradise. How is the best way to travel down the coast of Queensland? Bus or Train? and when I say best I mean cheapest without being a horrible experience. We want to be able to stop in mission beach, airle beach and other beach towns along the way. We don't plan on back tracking. Thanks :)

I have taken the bus in the past from Cairns south stopping off at loads of places. It was a good experience, cost effective and easy. Another option, some people pick up rides from other travelers from the posts in hostels, going in the same direction.

The buses on the East Coast of Australia are very good and reliable, everybody is using them. Greyhound and MacCarthy i think are the main buses on your route but i'm sure their are a few others.

The buses on the East Coast of Australia are very good and reliable, everybody is using them. Greyhound and MacCarthy i think are the main buses on your route but i'm sure their are a few others.

I wouldn't do train. I would consider bus fares and accommodation etc and then think about hiring a campervan.
The Wicked Campervans are very reasonable prices and they have agencies in many places around Aussie land.I think you will be able to hire in Cairns and drop off where you finish.They have an agency in Cairns, give them a ring or email them, you can google there site, I think it's simply wickedcampers.com.au..This way you can stop at many places along the coast from Cairns to Surfers.
You can get different types of campers from Wicked.You will see many of them as you travel.
If you need any info on Cairns area, I am happy to help.

I have taken the bus from Townsville to Mackay and return several times. It is the same one that goes all the way from Brisbane to Cairns.

Buses are generally less expensive, slower but really depending on what you expect they are not that bad. I found the seats comfortable and they have videos to watch. Lots of backpackers though. They use the buses more than most.

You will be able to stop in places like Bowen, Airlie Beach, Mackay etc