3 of the Best Road Trip Itineraries from Brisbane

Planning a road trip from Brisbane? Whether you're craving coastal bliss, lush hinterland escapes, or wide-open country roads, Queensland’s southeast corner is packed with unforgettable adventures just a short drive away. Travelling by motorhome gives you the freedom to explore it all at your own pace — from hidden waterfalls to beachside towns and gourmet country markets.

We’ve handpicked three of the best motorhome itineraries from Brisbane to inspire your next getaway. Each one includes scenic highlights, local gems, and practical travel tips to help you make the most of life on the road.

Let’s hit the highway!

Itinerary 1: Brisbane to Noosa via the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Distance: 160 km (approx. 2.5 hours drive, one way)

Best For: A scenic weekend escape combining beaches, rainforest walks, and gourmet delights

Highlights Along the Way:

• Glass House Mountains Lookout
• Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
• Cheese and wine tasting in Montville
• Eumundi Markets (Wednesdays & Saturdays)

About Noosa: A laid-back coastal town known for its pristine beaches, stylish boutiques, and beautiful national park trails. Noosa is a favourite for those wanting the perfect mix of nature and luxury

While You're Here: Stroll the Noosa National Park coastal track for koala spotting and ocean views, paddleboard along the Noosa River, and enjoy a sunset dinner along Hastings Street.

Travel Tip: Skip the Bruce Highway traffic by leaving early in the morning or travelling mid-week. Use your motorhome's kitchen to pack a picnic lunch for the hinterland stops.

Itinerary 2: Brisbane to Bundaberg via the Southern Great Barrier Reef

Distance: 385 km (approx. 5 hours drive, one way)

Best For: Reef explorers, beach campers, and rum lovers

Highlights Along the Way:

• Swim or surf at Agnes Water – the northernmost surf beach in Queensland
• Visit the charming town of Childers for local wine and historic buildings
• Tour the Bundaberg Rum Distillery
• Take a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island from the Town of 1770
• Mon Repos Turtle Encounter (seasonal, Nov–Mar)

About Bundaberg: A gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Bundaberg is known for its laid-back coastal vibe, rich agricultural history, and famous rum. It’s a great base for exploring the reef, local beaches, and nearby national parks.

While You're Here: Snorkel coral lagoons at Lady Musgrave Island, walk the scenic trails of Bargara and Elliot Heads, and enjoy fresh seafood right by the water. Don’t miss the Mon Repos Turtle Centre during nesting and hatching season — it’s a must for wildlife lovers.

Travel Tip: Break up the drive by staying overnight in the Town of 1770 or Agnes Water. From there, you can easily join reef tours and explore the peaceful surroundings before continuing on to Bundaberg. Make sure to book turtle experiences and reef tours ahead of time — they fill up fast!

Itinerary 3: Brisbane to Girraween National Park and Byron Bay (Loop)

Distance: Approx. 650 km total

Best For: Nature lovers, walkers, and travellers who want the best of bush and beach

Highlights Along the Way:

• Granite boulders and hiking trails in Girraween National Park
• Wine, cider, and fresh produce stops in Stanthorpe
• Historic town of Tenterfield and its iconic saddler
• Relaxing coastal detour to Byron Bay for beach, surf, and shopping
• Scenic drive through the hinterland on the way back to Brisbane

About Girraween National Park: Set in Queensland’s Granite Belt, Girraween is home to dramatic granite formations, peaceful forests, and wildflower-filled trails. It’s a refreshing inland escape with cool mountain air and wide open skies.

About Byron Bay: Byron is the kind of place where barefoot mornings turn into lazy afternoons by the ocean. With stunning beaches, boutique stores, markets, and a vibrant food scene, it’s the perfect way to unwind before heading home.

While You’re Here: In Girraween, hike to the top of The Pyramid, stroll through the Granite Arch, and enjoy local tastings in Stanthorpe. In Byron Bay, watch sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse, relax at Wategos Beach, and treat yourself to a long brunch at a coastal café.

Travel Tip: To make the most of this loop, travel clockwise: Brisbane → Girraween → Tenterfield → Byron Bay → Brisbane. This route gives you a relaxing end to your trip, finishing with beach time before heading home. Book national park campsites and Byron stays ahead of time, especially in peak months.

Start Planning Your Trip!

Travelling by motorhome lets you enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. With your home on wheels, you can wake up to ocean views, cook with fresh local produce, and fall asleep under a blanket of stars — all on your own schedule.

So fuel up, plan your route, and hit the road. Your next great adventure is waiting just beyond the city limits.

🌴 Ready To Explore Brisbane & Beyond?

Hire a self-contained motorhome from Cruisin’ Motorhomes and turn your getaway into the ultimate road trip.

Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!

Check out our itineraries page for more travel inspiration!

Don’t hesitate to share your Cruisin’ Motorhomes adventure with us with the #cruisinmoments!