The ultimate Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip

Day 1: Sunshine Coast

Escape Brisbane (here’s what to do if you have a few days in the city first) and cruise two hours north to the legendary Sunshine Coast. Noosa's calling your name, and trust us, you'll want to answer.

Start with a splash at Little Cove Beach – it's postcard-perfect but better because you're actually there. Then lose yourself wandering through Noosa National Park, where coastal walks meet epic ocean views. Come evening, treat yourself at Bistro C, Sails, or keep it local at Noosa Surf Club. Take your pick of luxurious spots to spend tonight. 

Day 2: Fraser Coast

After your morning ritual at Noosa Main Beach, it's whale o'clock. Drive two hours north to Hervey Bay, the world's whale watching headquarters, where humpbacks put on a show from July to November.

Fuel up at a beachside cafe, then prepare to be blown away as these ocean giants cruise past your boat. End your day at Oaks Resort & Spa Hervey Bay, perfectly positioned on the esplanade for a sunset stroll along historic Urangan Pier. 

Day 3: K'gari (Formerly Fraser Island)

Today's the day you step onto K'gari, the world's largest sand island stretching 123 kilometres of pure wonder. This World Heritage beauty serves up Lake McKenzie's impossible blues, the haunting Maheno Shipwreck, and beach highways made for 4WD adventures.

Go solo or join the experts on a day tour: Tasman Venture's Remote Experience or K'gari Explorer Tours’ overnight adventure both deliver the goods.

Day 4: Bundaberg

Buckle up for today's four-hour drive to Bundaberg, Queensland's sugar cane heartland. Pack snacks – you'll need them.

Once you arrive, there's only one way to celebrate: the Bundaberg Distillery tour, where you can taste signature and rare drops, or sign up to craft your own signature rum. Travelling with kids? Hit up Tinaberries strawberry fields or Bundaberg Barrel for that famous ginger beer instead. Then unwind at Mon Repos or Bargara Beach – both known for their quiet beauty. 

Day 5: Lady Musgrave Island

The Southern Great Barrier Reef awaits, and Lady Musgrave Island’s 3000-acre lagoon is your gateway to underwater paradise. Lady Musgrave Experience whisks you away on a luxury 35-metre catamaran – less than two hours cruise time from Bundaberg to this coral cay wonderland.

Snorkel, swim, or dive among Australia's most famous coral playground and count how many of the resident turtles and marine life you spot along the way. Take a glass bottom boat tour, a guided island walk, or get hands-on with reef research. This is the reef experience you've been dreaming about – especially if you book to stay overnight on the Lady Musgrave HQ pontoon. 

Day 6: Gladstone

Your Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip continues to Gladstone region, but you're basing yourself in the laid-back coastal gems of Agnes Water and 1770. These neighbouring towns are known as Queensland's northernmost surf destination, drawing wave riders from everywhere.

Never surfed? Lazy Lizard or Gnarly Surf School will sort you out. Prefer to stay dry? The coastal hike to Red Rock Beach is calling. Camp in style at beachside Agnes Water Holiday Park or nature-focused Traveller’s Rest, or embrace backpacker vibes at one of the many hostels in the area.

Day 7: Yeppoon

Welcome to Yeppoon, your road trip’s official destination. This family-friendly waterside town sits close to Rockhampton (Queensland's beef capital) but totally holds its own. Nothing’s rushed here, and the pace will make you feel like you’re truly on holiday.

Cool off at Yeppoon Lagoon on the foreshore, hunt down the incredible street art and galleries scattered throughout town, then feast at everything from focaccia sandwiches at Drapes Deli to fancier bites at Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant. Here’s where to spend the night (or longer).

Day 8-10: Pumpkin Island