Sunshine Coast Escapade: A Dreamy Road Trip from Brisbane to Noosa
Join me on a sun-kissed journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sunshine Coast, an Australian region in the state of Queensland where urban lifestyle seamlessly merges with nature's wonders. From the bustling streets of Brisbane to the pristine beaches of Noosa and the unique nature of Moreton Island and K’gari, this itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure. You’ll want to make sure to secure a rental car or a campervan from Brisbane to have as much freedom as possible during this trip. There are buses between those major destinations, however without a vehicle, chances are you will miss out on a lot of scenic locations.
Sunshine Coast
An itinerary from Brisbane to Noosa
Brisbane
Begin your exploration by immersing yourself in Brisbane’s beautiful parks. I’d suggest visiting those three: Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane City Botanic Garden, and the vibrant South Bank Parklands.
The Howard Smith Wharves area and Story Bridge, steeped in history, offer panoramic views of the city. Make sure to check it out and have either dinner, drinks or both whilst in the area.
Ascend Mount Coot-Tha for a spectacular vista and explore the Tropical Display Dome.
Some restaurants you absolutely have to check out are Hellenika at The Calile, Greca, Maya Mexican, Ciao Papi, and Iris Rooftop. The latter offers stunning views of the city!
Enjoy Brisbane's coffee culture at Andonis Cafe & Bar, Byron Moonshine Coffee, and Morning After, and savour the craft beers at Sea Legs Brewing Co.
Moreton Island
Embark on a 2-day trip to Moreton Island, a pristine paradise just a boat ride away from Brisbane. I booked my trip with Sunset Safaris and had an awesome time. Note that if you have a 4WD vehicle, you’re allowed on the island, but I wouldn’t recommend doing that unless you’re experienced driving in sand dunes.
Dive into the intriguing history of Tangalooma Wrecks, where sunken ships have become an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Traverse the vast Moreton Island Desert and discover the Blue Lagoon's clear waters. Honeymoon Bay's romantic setting and the Champagne Pools' natural spa experience make for perfect stop for a swim.
Conclude your day with a soul-stirring sunset at Bulwer Beach and a BBQ at your campground!
Noosa
As you head north towards the Sunny Coast, Noosa awaits you with its vibrant markets. The Eumundi Market is a hub of creativity and showcases local artistry, whilst Noosa Farmers Market offers fresh produce.
The most popular place to visit whilst in Noosa is Noosa National Park. Some of my favourite locations include: Boiling Pot Lookout, Tea Tree Bay, Dolphin Point Lookout, Fairy Pools, Paradise Caves and the Laguna Lookout for sunset.
For the beach bums, there are 4 beaches I would recommend checking out: Sunshine Beach, Little Cove Beach, and Noosa Main Beach and Noosa Spit. The latter offers incredible aerial views if you have a drone. It is usually crystal clear, but at the time of my visit, there had been a storm and the water was entirely yellow, which I found fascinating.
When it comes to food, Noosa has TONS of incredible options to choose from. Let’s start with the cafés, my favourites are Moonstruck, Jungle & Co, and VanillaFood. Indulge in sumptuous meals at Sum Yung Guys, Village Bicycle, El Capitano, Season, Bistro C (best beach view), Bang Bang, and Locale. On a hot summer day, treat yourself to a gelato from Amo Gelato.
Don't miss Yandina on your journey – a charming town with a historical touch. Pause for breakfast at Gun Cotton Coffee Roasters and soak in the quaint atmosphere.
K'gari (Fraser Island)
Last but not least, for an extra dose of adventure, set your course for K’gari, the largest sand island in the world (120km by 15km).
Plan ahead with a guided tour to fully appreciate the magic of this place. I booked the Day Tour to K'gari "Fraser Island" From Rainbow Beach from Fraser Tours.
Seventy-Five Mile Beach, the pristine Lake McKenzie, the flowing Wanggoolba Creek, the refreshing Eli Creek, and the surreal Pinnacles.
Marvel at the historic S.S. Maheno Shipwreck and cap off your Fraser Island escapade with a scenic flight, taking off and landing on the beach, soaring over a heart-shaped lake – an experience that defines once-in-a-lifetime.
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