Mani time your crossing of Brisbane and Townsville carefully, as both are bad in morning or evening rush hours. The highway from the border to Brisbane is terrible in the mornng. Townsville has grown heaps and roadworks north of town are ongoing. Be aware that much of the Bruce Highway is limited to 90kmph north of Gladstone as its a high accident zone.
I have used both routes many times and favour the inland but understand the attractions of the coast especially if you haven't been along the coast before.