Brisbane to Byron Bay: A self-drive itinerary

Just over an hour’s drive south of Brisbane and you’ll arrive at the iconic Gold Coast. Wander along magnificent beaches, enjoy superb drinks and dining, get stuck into surf lessons – or just watch the skills of surfers on big swells. From peaceful to fast-paced, there’s a bounty of experiences: paddleboard on beautiful Currumbin Creek, enjoy Main Beach’s restaurants, bars and boutiques, soak in the ‘heart’ of Surfers Paradise, Cavill Avenue, or enjoy a beer perched above the ocean at the breathtaking Currumbin Surf Club.

Inspiration:

• Surf lessons
• SUP at Currumbin Creek
• Old-style fun in Currumbin Rock Pools
• Explore Burleigh Heads National Park
• Dining and shopping at Main Beach
• Explore bustling Cavill Avenue

Another easy drive south is Byron Bay: but there’s lots to see on the way. Why not take a detour to the ancient rainforest of Mount Warning? The 8.8 km, five hour return walk through the rainforest culminates in breathtaking 360-degree views. Not feeling that energetic? Enjoy the shorter Lyrebird Track through lush tropical rainforest. Otherwise simply drop into the gorgeous seaside towns of Kingscliff or Potsville for a dip in pristine waters and a bit to eat!

Inspiration:

• Visit Mt Warning National Park
• Visit Potsville
• Visit Kingscliff

Spend your day exploring this relaxed, hip town with its own touch of luxury. Take your pick from natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, great surf, fine food, boutique shopping, vibrant markets, and an array of marine animals. Snorkel in crystal clear waters, kayak close to dolphins or just relish in magnificent strolls and views. Don’t miss the Cape Byron Lighthouse: the last of the great 19th-century Victorian era lighthouses, standing on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.

Inspiration:

• Visit Cape Byron Headland
• Enjoy the beaches: Main Beach, Clarkes, Wategos, Little Wategos
• Snorkelling at Julian Rocks
• Explore, eat and learn at The Farm
• Delicious cafes and restaurants, and vibrant markets
• Hot-air ballooning, tandem skydiving, hang-gliding

So many short drives to explore the area: all within an hour of Byron Bay. Minyon Falls lookout offers stunning views of the waterfall and rainforest, with a natural swimming pool at the base. Just 20 minutes from Byron Bay is Bangalow – a charming village with elegant federation buildings, beautiful parks, cafes, galleries and boutiques. Further south is Nimbin, a colourful, alternative town surrounded by a tapestry of farms and a vibrant arts community. At the end of the day, consider camping in Ballina – a popular holiday destination with plenty of waterside attractions – or Lennox Head, with its smaller coastal town feel.

Inspiration:

• Explore Minyon Falls
• Visit Nimbin Artists Gallery and Blue Knob Gallery
• Enjoy a drink at the Bangalow Hotel
• Eat in one of Bangalow’s cafes
• Surf at Ballina’s gorgeous beaches
• Kayak in gorgeous Lake Ainsworth (Lennox Head)

Make the most of your return journey with a side-trip to paradise: the Gold Coast Hinterland. Jaw-dropping scenery, beautiful walking tracks, lush greenery, wildlife and waterfalls: it’s all here. A new suspension bridge below Purling Brook Falls gives walkers a superb view upstream to 110-metre falls. Further north, there’s also Mt Tamborine: 12 short walking tracks, wineries, a brewery and even a distillery up on the mountain. After that, it’s time to drop your Cosy Camper in Brisbane – and enjoy the memories.

Inspiration:

• Beautiful lookouts: Best of All Lookout, Canyon Lookout
• Springbrook walking tracks
• Visit Purling Brook Falls
• Visit Mt Tamborine
• Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
• Visit amazing glow worm caves