How far is it from Brisbane to Cairns by EV?

Via the Bruce Highway, it's approximately 1,700 km. This is one of the longest EV road trips you can do on the Australian mainland. Plan for at least 3–4 days of driving to cover it comfortably, with overnight stops at major regional centres.

Is Queensland's Electric Super Highway good enough for the Brisbane to Cairns drive?

Yes. Queensland's Electric Super Highway (QESH), operated by Evie Networks and Chargefox, has 31 fast-charging stations along the Bruce Highway corridor between Brisbane and Cairns. The gaps between stations are generally 150–200 km, manageable for most modern EVs. That said, always check current availability before each leg, as remote stations can have reliability issues.

What are the main charging stops between Brisbane and Cairns?

The key charging towns along the Bruce Highway are Noosa/Sunshine Coast (~100–130 km), Gympie (~170 km), Maryborough (~260 km), Rockhampton (~640 km), Mackay (~970 km), Townsville (~1,360 km), and Cairns (~1,700 km). Most drivers also stop in Bundaberg and Bowen. Use the journey planner to check current charger locations for your specific vehicle.

How many days does the Brisbane to Cairns EV drive take?

The driving time alone is around 18 hours. Spread over 3–4 days, that's roughly 400–600 km per day, which is manageable with 1–2 charging stops per day. A popular itinerary is: Brisbane–Rockhampton (Day 1), Rockhampton–Townsville (Day 2), Townsville–Cairns (Day 3). Take 4 days if you want to explore towns like Airlie Beach or Mission Beach along the way.

What connector type do I need for the Queensland Electric Super Highway?

Most QESH fast chargers support CCS2 (Combined Charging System). Some also support CHAdeMO. Check your vehicle's DC fast-charging connector type before departing and filter stations accordingly. The Chargefox app and Evie Networks app both show connector availability at each station. RACQ members receive discounted charging rates at Evie and Chargefox stations.

Route Guide

Brisbane to Cairns EV Route Planner: Charging Stops on the Bruce Highway

Published April 2026

Brisbane to Cairns is a proper road trip. At around 1,700 km via the Bruce Highway, it's one of the longest EV drives you can do in Australia. Queensland's Electric Super Highway has 31 fast chargers spaced along the route between Brisbane and Cairns. The gaps are generally 150–200 km, which any modern EV handles without much stress. Spread it over 3–4 days, stop in the regional centres, and you end up with one of the best long drives in the country.

The Queensland Electric Super Highway

The QESH, operated by Evie Networks and Chargefox, is the backbone of this route. It was Australia's first intercity fast-charging network, launched in 2017, and has been expanded significantly since. Each station generally has 2–4 stalls with CCS2 and CHAdeMO connectors. Download both the Evie Networks and Chargefox apps before you leave. RACQ members get discounted rates at both networks.

A few things to know about the QESH: charger reliability varies. Stations in major regional centres like Rockhampton and Townsville are generally well-maintained. More remote stations can have intermittent outages. Always check recent PlugShare check-ins or app status for a station before you commit to it as your only option on a leg.

Key charging towns along the Bruce Highway

Noosa / Sunshine Coast (~100–130 km from Brisbane): A natural first top-up before the longer gaps north begin. Good options on both the coast and the highway.
Gympie (~170 km): A useful stop for smaller-range EVs needing more frequent charges.
Maryborough / Hervey Bay (~260 km): Worth a stop if you're visiting Fraser Island or want a longer break.
Bundaberg (~380 km): Mid-point on the first day if you're heading to Rockhampton. Good charger options in town.
Rockhampton (~640 km): The main end-of-day stop for Day 1. A proper regional city with multiple charging options.
Mackay (~970 km): A good overnight option on Day 2 or a charging stop if pushing to Townsville in one day.
Airlie Beach / Whitsundays (~1,130 km): Worth a detour for a night. Charger access requires a short run off the highway.
Townsville (~1,360 km): The last major city before Cairns, with solid charging infrastructure.
Cairns (~1,700 km): Destination. Well-served for charging once you arrive.

How many days and what to expect

The most popular itinerary for EV drivers:

Day 1: Brisbane to Rockhampton (~640 km, 2 charging stops)
Day 2: Rockhampton to Townsville (~720 km, 2–3 charging stops)
Day 3: Townsville to Cairns (~340 km, 1 charging stop)

Taking 4 days, with a night in Airlie Beach or Mission Beach, is very popular and takes the pressure off the longer driving days. The extra night is usually worth the cost. North of Townsville the landscape gets genuinely tropical and the driving changes character. Don't rush through it.

Charging strategy for a long multi-day drive

Leave Brisbane fully charged each morning. Aim to arrive at each charging stop with 20–25% remaining and charge to 80% before continuing. For a multi-day trip, morning departures with a topped-up battery make every day's planning simpler. Most chargers on this corridor are near food stops, which means charging and eating happen at the same time.

The longest gaps on the route are around 180–200 km, north of Bundaberg and through sections of central Queensland. At highway speeds, smaller-range EVs need to be careful here. Always check the journey planner for your specific vehicle and filter to CCS2 or CHAdeMO as appropriate before starting each day.

Heat and efficiency in tropical Queensland

North of Townsville, temperatures and humidity climb significantly. Air conditioning use increases energy consumption noticeably. Plan for 10–15% less range than you'd get on a mild day. Pre-cooling your car while still plugged in at the charger (if your EV supports it) takes the edge off without costing driving range.