Brisbane to 1770

Pick up your rental campervan in Brisbane and drive an hour north to the glorious Sunshine Coast. Hike to the top of Mt Coolum – a 26-million-year-old volcanic dome – or try a walk with a little less incline by strolling some of the 25km path between Golden Beach and Kawana past cliffs, historic sites and nature reserves.

Then it’s onward to Noosa, where you can enjoy pristine rainforests, crystal-clear waters, river cruises and some of the area’s best bars and restaurants.

Inspiration:

• Hike the rugged peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains
• Explore charming towns like Maleny, Mapleton and Montville
• Admire waterfalls and stunning views at Kondalilla National Park
• Visit the Ginger Factory at Buderim
• Browse the famous Eumundi Markets
• Shop till you drop (and eat till you pop) on sophisticated Hastings Street

After a leisurely breakfast in Noosa, you can either keep exploring this stunning resort town or head straight to Hervey Bay, the gateway to World Heritage–listed Fraser Island.

Although the van cannot be taken onto the island, simply park at Hervey Bay and head over for a day-trip – the 4WD bus tours are well worth it. The world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island offers whale watching, rainforests, enormous white dunes and some of Australia’s best beach fishing. Take an evening dip in the calm waters surrounding Hervey Bay and cool off in one of the town’s breezy beer gardens.

Inspiration:

• Stroll Hervey Bay’s extensive beachfront esplanade
• Watch humpback whales frolic offshore in the winter months
• Swim in Fraser Island’s beautiful freshwater lakes
• Admire the remarkable multi-coloured sands of the Pinnacles

Stop off in Bundaberg for a taste of the town’s legendary rum and ginger beer, or visit some of the charming hamlets that line this stretch of the Queensland coast. Continue to the town of 1770, home to Australia’s northernmost surf beach and the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. We recommend parking your campervan at the 1770 Camping Ground, which overlooks a pretty inlet.

Inspiration:

• Admire the work of local artists at the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
• Meet adorable turtle hatchlings at Mon Repos Turtle Centre
• Cool off in the shade of Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
• Take a rainforest walk in Sharon Gorge National Park

Scuba divers and snorkelers will want to spend the day on Lady Musgrave Island, a coral cay on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the reefs and rich marine life, do a bit of bird watching, or take a swim in the unspoilt coral lagoon.

Alternatively, you can grab a kayak or paddleboard for a tour of the mangroves, try your luck at fishing, or just pull out a couple of camp chairs and soak up the ambience of this sleepy seaside town.

Inspiration:

• Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• Take a surf lesson at Agnes Waters
• Board an amphibious vehicle for a tour to the remote Bustard Head Lighthouse
• Discover secluded beaches and tranquil inlets
• Watch the sun set from the Tea Tree Hotel

It’s a big drive today, but don’t forget to stop at one or two of the places you might have missed on the trip up. Take a walk through the eucalypts and waterholes of Wongi State Forest or channel your inner Steve Irwin with a visit to the world-famous Australia Zoo near Beerwah. Drop your Cosy Camper in Brisbane and enjoy the memories of your drive along one of the world’s great coastlines.

Inspiration:

• Explore Caloundra
• Visit the Maleny Cheese Factory
• Have a picnic at Mary Cane Cross Park
• Meet the animals at Australia Zoo