11-Day Loop from Brisbane: Hinterland and Coastal Views

Morning: Pick up your motorhome in Brisbane and get stocked up with groceries and supplies at a major supermarket (e.g. Woolworths Cannon Hill or Coles Annerley). Hit the road heading southwest towards the Scenic Rim region.

Afternoon:  Arrive in Boonah, a charming country town surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Enjoy lunch at a local café like Flavours Café or Arthur Clive’s Bakery Cafe. In the afternoon, head to Mount French for a short scenic walk and panoramic views from the Logan’s Lookout.

Evening: Settle in at the caravan park, cook a relaxed dinner in your motorhome, and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars. If you’re up for it, walk into town for a drink at a local country pub.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Boonah Caravan Park Caretakers, 12 Melbourne St, Boonah QLD 4310. Powered site.

Image: Crusin’ Brisbane Branch

Morning: Depart Boonah and enjoy a scenic drive south through rolling farmland and small country towns. Stop in the town of Warwick for a coffee or to pick up any last-minute supplies. Continue towards Killarney, a quaint township nestled near the Great Dividing Range.

Afternoon: Arrive at Queen Mary Falls in Main Range National Park. Stretch your legs on the easy Queen Mary Falls Circuit (a 2 km return loop) and admire the spectacular 40-metre waterfall plunging into the gorge below. Watch for rosellas, wallabies, and other local wildlife along the track.

Evening: Settle into your peaceful campsite surrounded by bushland. Take in the fresh mountain air, enjoy a campfire dinner (season permitting), and listen to the soothing sounds of the falls nearby.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park & Café, 676 Spring Creek Rd, Killarney QLD 4373. Powered site.

Image: Great Dividing Range, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Wake up to birdsong and a peaceful bush setting before heading back on the road. Make your way southwest through rolling farmland towards Stanthorpe, passing through the heart of the Granite Belt region. Stop in Stanthorpe for morning tea or to visit a local winery or fruit stall.

Afternoon: Continue on to Girraween National Park, known for its massive granite boulders, clear creeks, and spectacular walking tracks. Upon arrival, check in to your campsite and set out on a short walk—try The Pyramid track (3.6 km return) for a rewarding view, or start easy with Bald Rock Creek Circuit (2.2 km return).

Evening: Enjoy a quiet night under the stars in one of Queensland’s most scenic national parks. If you’re visiting in spring, you may catch the region’s famous wildflower displays.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Sommerville Valley Tourist Park, 63 Sommerville Ln, Stanthorpe QLD 4380. Powered site.

Image: Girraween National Park, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: After breakfast, enjoy one last walk in Girraween—Castle Rock or Dr Roberts Waterhole offer great early morning options with beautiful light and fewer crowds. Then, pack up and take a short, scenic drive north to Stanthorpe, the heart of the Granite Belt wine region.

Afternoon: Explore Stanthorpe’s local charm. Visit the Granite Belt Brewery, take a stroll through the Heritage Museum, or do a wine tasting at one of the region’s many cellar doors, such as Ballandean Estate Wines or Ridgemill Estate. You can also pick your own apples (in season) or grab fresh local produce from one of the roadside stalls.

Evening: Park up at a friendly country caravan park and cook dinner in your motorhome, or head to a cosy local restaurant like Varias Restaurant for something special.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Top of the Town Tourist Park, 10 High St, Stanthorpe QLD 4380. Powered site.

Image: Ballandean Estate Wines, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: Enjoy a slow morning in Stanthorpe. Grab breakfast at Zest Pastries or Brinx Deli & Café, then hit the road south toward Tenterfield, crossing into New South Wales. Along the way, consider a stop at Bald Rock National Park for a short walk or scenic lookout—the area features Australia’s largest exposed granite rock.

Afternoon: Arrive in Tenterfield, a historic town with a rich heritage and charming colonial architecture. Visit the Tenterfield Saddler (made famous by Peter Allen’s song), stroll through the main street shops, or explore the Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum. If you’re travelling with kids, the Tenterfield Railway Museum is also worth a stop.

Evening: Relax at your campsite nestled near the countryside. Enjoy a BBQ or head to the Commercial Boutique Hotel for a classic pub meal with a modern twist.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Tenterfield Lodge Caravan Park, 2 Manners St, Tenterfield NSW 2372. Powered site.

Image: Tenterfield Railway Museum, Destination NSW

Morning: Leave the highlands behind as you descend toward the lush Northern Rivers region. Enjoy a leisurely drive through scenic countryside and rural farmland. Stop in the small town of Drake for a coffee or stretch before continuing on to Casino, known as the “Beef Capital” of New South Wales.

Afternoon: Arrive in Casino and explore its laid-back charm. Visit the Casino Historical Museum, take a walk along the Richmond River, or learn about the region’s cattle heritage at the Beef Industry Centre. If you’re there on a weekday, check out the local shops and grab lunch at a country café.

Evening: Kick back at a riverside caravan park and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by nature. Cook dinner in your motorhome or walk to a local pub for a hearty meal.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Casino Holiday Park, 69 Light St, Casino NSW 2470. Powered site.

Image: Our popular Cruisin’ Sandpiper, ideal for couples travels

Morning: Depart Casino and head east towards Lismore, the unofficial capital of the Northern Rivers. Stop in town to explore the Lismore Regional Gallery, grab a coffee at The Bank Café & Espresso, or wander the Saturday farmers market if you’re there on the weekend.

Afternoon: Continue to Nimbin, the colourful village known for its alternative lifestyle, street art, and laid-back vibe. Explore quirky shops, the Nimbin Candles, and the Nimbin Hemp Embassy for a slice of local culture.

Evening: Spend the evening soaking up the serenity of the surrounding hinterland. The caravan park in Nimbin is peaceful, eco-friendly, and surrounded by forest or farmland.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Nimbin Crystal Tourist Park, 29 Sibley St, Nimbin NSW 2480. Powered site.

Image: Markets at Nimbin, Richard Whitbread; Destination NSW

Morning: Depart Nimbin and head through the lush Byron hinterland towards Minyon Falls, located in Nightcap National Park. The drive is scenic and winding, so take it slow and enjoy the views. Once at Minyon Falls Lookout, soak in the panoramic view of the 100-metre waterfall plunging into the rainforest valley below. If you’re up for a longer walk, there’s also a 4 km return track from the lookout that offers forest views and a closer look at the falls (optional).

Afternoon: Continue your journey to Byron Bay, arriving mid-afternoon. Park up and head straight for the beach for a swim or a walk along the sand. You could also browse the boutiques and galleries in town or grab a smoothie at Combi Byron Bay.

Evening: Watch the sun go down over the ocean—either from Main Beach or Clarkes Beach. Enjoy a casual dinner at The Top Shop or cook in your motorhome at your powered campsite near the town centre.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: First Sun Holiday Park, Lawson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481. Powered site.

Image: Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian, Destination NSW

Morning: Start your day with sunrise at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point of mainland Australia. The Cape Byron walking track is a scenic 3.7 km loop offering ocean views, whale-spotting opportunities (May to Nov), and a stop at Wategos Beach. Afterwards, grab breakfast at Bayleaf Café or The General Store.

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon how you like it—relax on the beach, take a surfing lesson, browse Byron’s boutiques, or treat yourself to a spa session. If you’re into local produce and crafts, check if the Byron Bay Farmers Market or Byron Community Market is on (depending on the day).

Evening: Catch live music at a local bar or head to The Rails Kitchen, a Byron institution with a great pub menu and nightly entertainment. Alternatively, unwind in your motorhome with a beachfront meal and the sound of waves nearby.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: First Sun Holiday Park, Lawson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481. Powered site.

Image: Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay, Destination NSW

Morning: Leave Byron Bay and head north, bypassing the bustling Gold Coast in favour of the peaceful hinterland. If you’d like a stop on the way, consider a quick visit to Burleigh Heads National Park for a short coastal walk with beautiful views over the ocean.

Afternoon: Arrive in Mount Tamborine, nestled in the rainforest-clad Scenic Rim. Explore Gallery Walk, lined with local shops, fudge makers, craft stores, and cafés. Visit Curtis Falls for an easy rainforest walk or take in views from the Hang Glider Lookout.

Evening: Enjoy a tasting paddle at Fortitude Brewing Co. or a wine tasting at Witches Falls Winery (closes by 5pm). Relax at your campsite for the night, surrounded by cool mountain air and bird calls.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Thunderbird Park, Corner Tamborine Mountain Rd &, Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272. Powered site.

Image: Burleigh Hill, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the cool mountain air. Before you leave, stop at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk or grab a few last-minute local goodies from the farmers market (check local opening days). Depart late morning for your return journey to Brisbane.

Afternoon: Cruise back into the city, taking in the final scenic views as you descend from the hinterland. If you have time, stop in Beenleigh for lunch or a quick visit to the Beenleigh Artisan Distillery. Return your motorhome to the Cruisin’ Motorhomes Brisbane branch by 3:30 pm and reflect on the incredible inland and coastal loop you’ve just completed!

Image: Beenleigh Artisan Distillery, Tourism and Events Queensland