Photo courtesy of @sabrina_cunningham in our van Bilbo
From beautiful coastal beaches, stunning mountainous hinterlands and charming inland towns, Queensland’ and NSW's diverse landscape has so much to offer. And what better way to take in all the sights than to go on an epic road trip in one of our uniquely customised vintage campervans. There’s no need for checking in and out of hotels - simply drive and explore the outdoors in one of our cosy and fully equipped cabins on wheels.
With Brisbane as the starting point for all the routes below, we have put together a list of must see places and included some of the amazing spots that our guests have visited with our vans. For our interstate and international guests, we offer airport delivery and our location is 15 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
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NORTH ALONG THE COAST
Photo courtesy of @peteroleary9 in our van Samson
1. BRISBANE --> SUNSHINE COAST & NOOSA
1 HR 45 MINS | 120KM
There are so many wonderful beaches on the Sunshine coast including Coolum, Marcoola, Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headlands. One of our favourites is the relaxing and chic beachside town of Noosa! Enjoy the great restaurants and cafes, wonderful headland walks within Noosa National Park (make sure you also check out the Fairy Pools) and pristine beaches.
Stay at Coolum Beach Holiday Park, Noosa River Holiday Park, Noosa Northshore Beach Campground, Boreen Point Campground
Photo courtesy of @cate_campbell in our van Bilbo
Photo courtesy of @hannahmarienew in our van Jean
2. SUNSHINE COAST --> RAINBOW BEACH 1 HR 45 MINS | 150KM
This small coastal town is surrounded by the Great Sandy National Park and is a stunning location to visit. Toboggan down the steep sandy slopes at Carlo Sand Blow - an impressive 15 hectare sandscape with great views of Tin Can Bay and Double Island Point. Enjoy the beautiful Rainbow beach featuring coloured sands (72 different colours) and the towering sand dunes beyond. Visit the famous Rainbow Stairs and take in all the spectacular views at Inskip Point and Double Island Point Lighthouse (made even more picturesque at sunrise and sunset).
Stay at Inskip Peninsula Recreation Areas (multiple camping areas to choose from), BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Rainbow Beach,Tin Can Bay Tourist Park
Photo courtesy of @rockulittlej in our van Bilbo 3. RAINBOW BEACH --> HERVEY BAY & FRASER ISLAND 1 HR 30 MINS | 123KM
Harvey Bay is famous for being a coastal sanctuary for Humpback whales, with the best whale watching period taking place from July through to November. A guided boat tour into the bay to witness Humback mothers and calves up close is highly recommended! Hervey Bay is also the perfect spot to park the van and catch the 50 minute ferry across to visit the UNESCO world heritage listed Fraser Island - the world's largest sand island. Whilst at Fraser Island, make sure to float down Eli Creek, have a dip at the Champagne pools and swim in the bluest and most crystal clear water you will ever experience at Lake Mackenzie.
* Note - As Fraser Island is 4WD accessible only, you will not be able to take the van across with you on the ferry.
Stay at Fraser Coast Beachfront Tourist Park(3 locations along esplanade), Hipcamp Carlton Farm Camping, Hipcamp Organic Farm
Photo courtesy of @dinga_89 in our van Bilbo
4. HERVEY BAY --> BUNDABERG & ELLIOT HEADS
1 HR 20 MINS | 111KM
Bundaberg is a fantastic launching point for plenty of coastal adventures. A day trip to Lady Musgrave Island to experience the southern Great Barrier Reef is a bucket list adventure. Snorkel or scuba dive in the sun soaked water with an island tour and explore up close the amazing marine life on the reef. On the mainland, hit up the beach at Elliot Heads or Woodgate beach or enjoy a hike up Mt Walsh National Park with a refreshing dip at Utopia falls (an easy day trip from Bundaberg). If you are a rum lover, you must visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery to trial the pride of Queensland distilling.
Stay at Elliott Heads Holiday Park, Glenlodge Caravan Village
Photo courtesy of @alana_rw in our van Samson 5. BUNDABERG --> AGNES WATERS & TOWN OF 1770 1 HR 30 MINS | 130KM A welcoming beach side town, Agnes Waters and the Town of 1770 is a great place to visit and unwind. The Discovery Coast Markets are held every second and fourth Sunday of the month and are a great place to browse the stalls selling clothes, little knick knacks, food and groceries.
There are plenty of beautiful walks to discover including the Paperback Boardwalk - a 15 min walk through towering Paperbark trees and the Red Rock Walking Trail - one of the best coastal walks passing amazing beach scenery. It goes without saying that a trip to one of the beaches (Springs Beach, Agnes Water Beach and Chinaman's Beach) is a must. For the best spots to catch the stunning sunrise and sunset views, head up to the 1770 Headlands Lookout on Captain Cook Drive. Stay at 1770 Eco Camp, 1770 Camping Ground, Traveller's Rest 1770, Hipcamp 1770 Southern Cross, Hipcamp The Summit 1770, Hipcamp Agnes Park Enviro Camp
Photo courtesy of @winniethecattledog in our van Jean
Photo courtesy of @luciademello in our van Bilbo
SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND
Photo courtesy of @tahliajadeh in our van Samson
Photo courtesy of @ingridng_ in our van Jean
BRISBANE --> SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND 1.5 HR | 93KM A trip up to the Sunshine Coast hinterland is perfect for both quick weekend getaways and longer relaxing holidays. There are plenty of treks to take in the beautiful hinterland views - climb the Glasshouse Mountains, Mt Ngungun, Mt Tibrogargan, Mt Cooroy or the Conondale Range Great Walk just to name a few! Visit the quaint hinterland towns of Maleny and Montville full of great cafes, wineries, restaurants and breweries. Chase waterfalls at Kondalilla Falls (Montville), Garners Falls (Maleny) or Buderim Forest falls - all have the option for you to enjoy a refreshing swim to cool down. Spend a good morning wandering your way through the very lively Eumundi Markets which are on every Wednesday and Saturday. Finally, stop by Kenilworth and drop in at the Kenilworth Country Bakery for their famous donuts and savoury treats. There are plenty of fantastic camping spots amongst the rolling green hills and bubbling creeks. We would definitely recommend staying out in the countryside, setting up a toasty fire and star gazing the night away. Stay at Cedar Grove Camping Area, Kenilworth Camping, Imbil Camping, Borumba Deer Park, Bluff Creek Kenilworth or plenty of Hipcamps in the hinterland region which provide secluded, picturesque spots.
Photo courtesy of @bronte.shaddock in our van Bilbo
Photo courtesy of @winniethecattledog in our van Jean
NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND
Photo courtesy of @tahliablow in our van Jean
BRISBANE --> NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND
1 HR 20 MIN FERRY FROM CLEVELAND
'Straddie' is a beautiful and relaxing beach getaway easily accessible from Brisbane. There are great coastal walks, you can soak up the sun at one of the many beaches, go swimming and snorkeling or drop a line at Flinders Beach. There is also plenty of native wildlife to spot on the island, including dolphins, turtles, sharks and whale spotting from Amity Point, or the local kangaroos having their dinner at the top of the North Gorge walk. Note our vans are NOT 4WD friendly and cannot be driven on sand*. The island has bitumen roads throughout the island and we recommend staying with Minjerribah Camping where you can choose from multiple different camping locations across the island.
SOUTH ALONG THE COAST
Photo courtesy of @dana_jenai in our van Bilbo
1. BRISBANE --> GOLD COAST 1 HR | 78KM Burleigh Heads is one of the most vibrant spots on the Gold Coast. The Burleigh markets are on every Sunday along the beach front, you can grab a bite and enjoy a picnic on Burleigh Hill, go for a dip at the beach or nearby Tallebudgera creek or dine out at plenty of the amazing local restaurants including Justin Lane and Rick Shores just to name a few. Markeri Marketa markets in Miami is a great place to enjoy some live music with drinks and sample the street food on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you are travelling with pets, there are fantastic off-leash areas at Palm Beach and Tallebudgera Beach.
Photo courtesy of @linkan.holke in our van Jean
Photo courtesy of @a.j.kerr in our van Bilbo
2. GOLD COAST --> TWEED COAST & NORTHERN RIVERS 2 - 3.5 HRS | 110KM - 280KM The Northern Rivers/ Tweed Coast region is packed full of great seaside towns with beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and trendy cafes. Some of our favourites include Kingscliffe, Cabarita Beach, Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Ballina and Yamba. Some great breweries and food places include Taverna Kingscliffe, Earth Beer Brewery in Cudgen, Harvest Newrybar, Husk Distillers, Paper Daisy in Cabarita Beach, The Farm Byron Bay and Che Bon Restaurant in Ballina. For the hikers - Mount Warning within Wollumbin National Park, Minyon Falls walking track, Cape Byron Lighthouse Loop, the Three Sisters Track at Broken Head and Nightcap National Park. For those who love a refreshing dip - Cudgera Creek, the beaches at Brunswick Heads, Fingal Head and Lennox Head, the Angourie Green & Blue Pools and the Yamba Ocean Pool. Stay at Hipcamp, Tweed Holiday Parks, Blackrocks Campground, Evans Head Holiday Park, Redcliffe Campground
Photo courtesy of @jackaustinham in our van Bilbo
Photo courtesy of @supessy in our van Jean
SCENIC RIM
Photo courtesy of @ventured_campers in our van Jean BRISBANE --> SCENIC RIM 1.5 HRS | 100KM The scenic rim was recently named in Lonely Planet's Top 10 regions to visit in the world! Well known for amazing landscapes, eco-adventures, wineries & cellar doors and award winning local produce (think artisan cheeses, fruits, jams, relishes..etc), this area has so much to explore! If you are a foodie lover, shop an array of gourmet goods at the Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Cafe, dine at the Groom's Cottage Bushwalker's Bar or Outpose Cafe, sample the gelato at Lemon Lovers Gelato or enjoy a meal at Binna Burra Tea house. For the wine lovers, visit O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vinyards, Witches Falls Winery or Cedar Creek Estate Winery just to name a few! For the animal lovers, visit Mountview Alpaca Farm to picnic amongst the alpaca's, Little Bee's Secret garden to learn about the locally sourced honey, Summer Land Camels and Tommerups Dairy Farm for a genuine farm experience. Enjoy the rows and rows of stunning flowers at Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm, the wild flower forest at Pretty Produce, the flower workshops at Elderflower Farm or the Sunflower Farm at Kalbar. The Scenic Rim is home to 6 National Parks - 4 of which form part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. There are fantastic walks through Lamington National Park including the Green Mountains or Binna Burra sections which include spectacular waterfalls. The Purlingbrook Falls trail, Twin Falls circuit and Natural Bridge within Springbrook National Park are also incredible. More challenging hikes include Mount Barney National Park or Moogerah Peaks National park where you can discover the ancient volcanic peaks. Stay at Hipcamp, Spring Gully Stays, Darlington Park, Flanagan Reserve, Lake Moogerah Caravan Park, O'Reilly's Campground
Photo courtesy of @iamwinnielu in our van Samson
Photo courtesy of @dalilahkamal in our van Bilbo
WEST INLAND
Photo courtesy of @han.nah_rose in our van Bilbo 1. BRISBANE --> GORDON COUNTRY 2.5 HRS | 161KM
Gordon country in Goomburra Valley is a great spot to unwind in the outdoors and enjoy the pristine Australian bush landscape. There is no designated camping at Gordon Country so it leaves you the freedom to choose where you want to set up in over 4000 acres of land along side Dalrymple and Banshee Creeks. There are plenty of family and pet friendly activities including bush walks, scenic drives, visiting waterfalls and wild life watching.
Stay at Gordon Country Camping
Photo courtesy of @ebntly in our van Bilbo
2. GORDON COUNTRY --> STANTHORPE
1 HR 20 MINS | 104KM
Situated in the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe is only a 3 hour drive west of Brisbane and a perfect town for a weekend getaway. It sits 1000 metres above sea level, allowing for a unique climate that is perfect for producing amazing food and wine. Go on the Pyramid walk and explore the iconic rock formations at Girraween National Park, take a tour of Stanthorpe's wineries, pick your own strawberries or sample the cheeses, truffles and apples (don't miss the apple pie at Sutton's Juice factory)!
Stay at Hipcamp, Country Style Caravan Park, Sommerville Valley
Photo courtesy of @theo.ashton in our van Jean
1. BRISBANE --> BUNYA MOUNTAINS 3 HRS | 236KM
Named after the ancient bunya pines that form the rain forest, the Bunya Mountains is a lovely spot for a relaxing camping trip away. Expect to be greeted by lots of red-necked wallabies as they eat and lounge in the many open grass areas around Dandabah. There are 9 walking traills at Bunya Mountains with pictureque views of the valley.
Stay at Dandabah Camping Area, Westcott Camping Area, Hipcamp
Photo courtesy of @quah_quah in our van Bilbo
2. BUNYA MOUNTAINS --> CARNAVON GORGE
6.5 HRS | 560KM
Carnavon Gorge is an amazing nature escape featuring the deep carnavon gorge, prehistoric cycads and towering sandstone cliffs. Most of the walking trails start from the Carnavon Gorge Visitor Area and there are four iconic attractions - the Moss Garden, The Amphitheatre, the Rock Pool and the gallery of Aboriginal rock art. Prepare to also see lots of wild life (173 species of birds, 60 different mammals, 90 types of reptiles!). Best time to visit is between April and September when temperatures are a bit cooler.
This drive is a little longer than our usual destinations, so an overnight stay in a classic Queensland outback town such as Roma for pub dinner is a great way to break up the drive.
Stay at Carnavon Gorge camping area, Sandstone Park, Big4 Breeze Holiday Park
Photo courtesy of @trentwillcocks in our van Jean