Brisbane to Noosa Heads Road Trip Itinerary

To kick off this Australian campervan holiday, pick your motorhome up from the Britz campervan hire branch in Brisbane. Before heading off, familiarise yourself with the Australian road rules, road safety regulations, and your new home for the next seven days. Then, you can choose to spend a few hours exploring the city or begin the journey north to Bribie Island.

Bribie Island is the only island connection to mainland Queensland via a bridge, making exploring here simple and scenic! First up, discover the magic of a butterfly sanctuary at Bribie Island Butterfly House and celebrate this island’s history at the Bribie Seaside Museum. Then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring all the best beaches, including Bongaree and Woorim, before heading to your campsite for the evening.

Where to stay when you arrive: Bribie Island Caravan Park.

Leaving Island time behind, begin the day with a drive inland to explore the magical hinterland town of Maleny. This hinterland country, famous for its dairy production, comes with a unique splash of rugged rainforests spread throughout, making it the perfect place to get up close with the local wildlife. Start your adventure by exploring the beauty of Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. This unique garden consists of over 18 acres of gardens with a backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains. There are plenty of waterfalls, ponds and bird aviaries to explore to keep the whole family entertained.

Then spend the afternoon walking and picnicking at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. This reserve features 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest that serves as a living museum of the Blackall Range. If that doesn't strike your fancy, there is also a wide selection of cafes and restaurants to choose from, especially on Maple Street. So dawdle along the main street and sneak a view of the Glasshouse Mountains looming in the distance.

Where to stay when you arrive: Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park.

Welcome back to the coastal vistas with a short drive to the beachside town of Caloundra. This ‘southern belle’ of the Sunshine Coast is overflowing with mother nature's beauty and a vibrant cultural scene of art, attractions and boutiques. When you arrive, stretch your legs on the Caloundra Coastal Walk. This walk stretches 25 km from Golden Beach to Mooloolaba. You can choose to tackle the entire length or enjoy a leisurely stroll along a section of this stunning coastline. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing at Moffat Beach and finish the day with dinner at Drift Bar. The menu includes classics like burgers, pizzas and salads, as well as fusion mains and an extensive list of wines and cocktails. Voted the best venue on the Sunshine Coast, this is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Where to stay when you arrive: BIG4 Caloundra Holiday Park

Enjoy a short drive this morning as you make your way a little further north towards Mooloolaba. Get acquainted with the local area and get some vitamin D with a stroll along Mooloolaba Beach. Then, when you have had your fill of sun, head to SEA Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium. Previously called Underwater Worlds, this award-winning attraction is a great way to get acquainted with the abundant sea life of the surrounding ocean without getting wet!

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and want to get your toes wet, why not go swimming with the whales? Between July and October, you can get closer than ever before to the world’s largest mammal as they migrate along the coastline. Tours cost around $229 per person and last around 4 hours. With an intimate setting of 15 people per tour, you are bound to get up close with these magical beasts of the sea. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Where to stay when you arrive: Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park.

Make your way a little further north, soaking up the ambience and sunny disposition of the Sunshine Coast. One of the top things to do while on the sunshine coast is to stop by Australia Zoo. With the help of the Irwin family and Steve Irwin’s skills at crocodile catching, this once-humble wildlife park has grown to become one of the top zoos in the country. It is now home to an abundance of Australian wildlife, including crocodiles, snakes, cassowaries, dingos, birdlife, emu, kangaroos, and various international animals.

Next up, grab your hiking boots and climb Mount Coolum. Mount Coolum is a volcanic dome said to be over 25 million years old. The climb itself takes around two hours and includes steep sections. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and pack a water bottle and a few snacks. For your hard work, you will be rewarded with panoramic views stretching from Double Island Point all the way to Caloundra. Then head to Coolum Beach to unwind before heading to your campground for the night.

Where to stay when you arrive: Garden Bay RV Resort.

Noosa is the home of balmy nights, sun-soaked days and endless outdoor exploring. If that wasn’t enough, it is also a hub for incredible dining and world-class chefs. In short - there are plenty of incredible things to do in Noosa, Australia. After enjoying a stroll through town, first up on the agenda is a hike through Noosa National Park. This park offers a refuge for wetlands, vine-strewn rainforests, abundant wildlife, and the coastline that hugs its borders. While in the park, it has become somewhat of a right of passage to swim in the Noosa Fairy Pools. These tucked-away natural rock pools can be found just off the main path. Just be aware that these pools are tidal and so it is best to go in the morning when they are at their fullest and when the tides aren’t shifting.

Another classic Noosa adventure is to Kayak the Noosa Everglades. These everglades are one of only two everglade systems on earth. Stretching over 60 km across pristine waters and vibrant flora and fauna (with over 40% of Australia’s bird species found here!), this is a must-do for wildlife lovers and anyone looking for a unique experience. One of the best ways to experience this all is with a self-guided kayak tour. Kayak rentals start around $110 for a full day.

Where to stay when you arrive: Noosa River Holiday Park.

Enjoy a slower pace for this morning to celebrate this final day of this holiday before embarking on a Brisbane road trip south. Grab a coffee at one of the local cafes and reminisce on your sun-soaked adventure as you make your way south. If you aren’t quite ready to head home, spend a few hours exploring Brisbane. This city is brimming with museums, eateries, and shopping galore. If you just want to kick back and relax, be sure to check out Streets Beach in Southbank Parklands. Then, after seven jam-packed days of beach hopping, campervan meals and exploring this stunning region, it's time to drop your Britz campervan off at the Britz Brisbane branch.

Want to try this road trip itinerary?

Whether you are looking for the best road trips from Brisbane or want to experience your first campervan hire adventure with kids, this itinerary delivers. From cityscapes to sun-soaked beaches, island escapes, classic Australian wildlife and epic natural attractions, this Brisbane road trip is the ultimate way to experience the very best this coastline has to offer. And hands-down, travelling in a camper rental is one of the best ways to experience it all. Want to experience this road trip itinerary for yourself? Book your Britz campervan online today and then pick it up from your nearest Britz branch.

To get the most out of your family road trip, be sure to download the thl Roadtrip app. This is the perfect companion to help you find campgrounds, attractions, freedom campsites, fuel, water, and so much more. For more tips on family campervan travel, including tips for campervan travel with toddlers, young kids, Britz campervan rentals, and choosing the right campervan, check out the Britz blog.