If you are looking for the best places to stop on a Brisbane to Hervey Bay road trip, then THIS is the article for you!!
With COVID-19 restricting international travel, Queenslanders have hit the roads to travel domestically and within their own states, as caravan rental platform Camplify reports a 120% increase in winter camping holidays compared to last year, making 2020 without a doubt the year of the road trip.
This breathtaking 6-day road trip from Brisbane to Hervey Bay and return is the perfect way to explore the Sunshine and Fraser Coasts of Queensland. International travel is off the cards for now so with your campervan and kids on school holidays, it’s time to hit the road and get ready for an epic road trip adventure! Camplify have rounded up the best spots to take your caravan or campervan from Brisbane to Hervey Bay and back!
Day 1: Brisbane to Caloundra
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Caloundra is a beautiful coastal town with award-winning beaches, fabulous restaurants and a calendar jam-packed with social happenings year-round.
Soak up the spectacular views of Caloundra by taking the scenic coastal walk. Starting from Golden Beach the entire stretch is 25 kilometres and if you’re lucky you can spot some dolphins playing around on your way!
If craft beer is your thing, grab a frothy a Co, Australia’s only beachside brewery.
Where to park overnight:
- Dicky Beach Holiday Park
- Sunseeker Village
- Golden Beach Holiday Park
Day 2: Caloundra to Noosa Heads
With flawless weather and incredible natural beauty, this holiday gem is a must-see. Whether you’re after lakes, beaches, national parks or the lush hinterlands, this place got you covered. Start your day by stocking up on local organic produce at the Belmondo’s Organic Market in Noosaville, and head to one of their stunning beaches for a picnic.
You only need a day to fall in love with Noosa, but if you decide to extend your stay you won’t run out of things to do. We recommend paying a visit to Noosa Everglade!
Where to park overnight:
- Hidden Valley @ Gro Mad Plantations
- Noosa Caravan Park
Day 3: Noosa Heads to Hervey Bay
Sheltered by the World heritage-listed Fraser Island, Hervey Bay’s beaches are the perfect spot for relaxing and have a dip in calm waters. Hervey Bay is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World”. The season runs from mid-July to early November and it’s the perfect place to get an intimate experience with these gentle giants while they play and nurture their young ones.
Snap your holiday pics on the iconic Urangan Pier during sunset. It’s more than 100 years old and almost one kilometre long, making it one of the longest piers in Australia.
If you’re feeling like fresh fish for dinner, don’t forget to bring your fishing rod.
Where to park overnight:
- Colonial Village Resort & Tours
- Torquay Beachfront Tourist Park
Day 4: Hervey Bay to Rainbow Beach and Cooloola National Park
Nestled between Fraser Island and Cooloola National park you’ll find the gorgeous coastal town of Rainbow Beach. In recent years this idyllic town has seen a boost in ‘eco-tourism’ and it’s also known to be the ‘The Southern Gateway to Fraser Island’. If you’re keen to check out Fraser Island and don’t have a suitable 4WD you can book a day trip and leave your van safely parked on the mainland.
Where to park overnight:
- Rainbow Beach Holiday Village
- MV Beagle
Day 5: Rainbow Beach to Glass house Mountains
Time to stretch your legs and wrap up your trip with spectacular views in the Glass house Mountains. Pack some water and good walking shoes, and get ready for some incredible views. You can go hiking, climbing, biking or even horseback riding! Don’t miss out on the Glass house Mountains lookout on Glass House Woodford Road for an epic Kodak moment during sunrise/sunset.
Make sure you check the trail grade before you start walking and remember there’s no shame in turning around if you’re not up for it.
Where to park overnight:
- Glasshouse Mountains Campground
- Coochin Creek
Day 6: Glass house Mountains to Brisbane
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Time to head back home to Brisbane, rich on experiences. If you’re still good on time, why not make a stop at the legendary Australia Zoo?
So what are you waiting for? Pack your caravan or camper, or if you don’t have your own why not book one for the trip? Then all you need to do is pack your bag and round up the kids!!
Queensland and the open roads await you!
The Ultimate 6-day Brisbane to Hervey Bay Road Trip
Taking a road trip from Brisbane to Hervey Bay is something your kids will never forget, especially if they’re having a whole lot of fun along the way. Be sure to plan your route beforehand, and then sit back and take in the gorgeous coastal views along the way.
There are not many drives that are quite as beautiful as the road from Brisbane to Hervey Bay. We’re quite sure your family will feel the same.
Looking for more fun road trips to do in Queensland with kids?
- Brisbane to Airlie Beach road trip
- Brisbane to Rockhampton road trip
- Brisbane to Byron Bay road trip
- Brisbane to Bundaberg road trip
- Brisbane to Cairns road trip
- Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast road trip
- Road trip from Townsville to the Outback
- Townsville to Porcupine Gorge
- Longreach road trip
- Bundaberg and North Burnett road trip
- South-western Queensland road trip
Check out these day trips from Queensland cities and towns
- Day trips from Bundaberg
- Day trips from Mackay
- Day trips from Toowoomba
- Day trips from Cairns
- Day trips from Townsville
You can find all our Queensland content here.