Road trips
Brisbane road trips: 3 Queensland hidden gems guide
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Are you ready to hit the road and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Queensland? Our guide to the best road trips from Brisbane is tailored specifically for campervan, caravan, and motorhome enthusiasts. Last updated: August 2024
Brisbane is your launchpad to Queensland's most stunning landscapes. From rainforest-clad mountains to sun-kissed beaches, the best way to explore is on wheels.
Discover unforgettable experiences that are perfectly suited to your mobile lifestyle! If you're looking for longer adventures, check out our guides on Adelaide to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary and The Ultimate 6-Day Road Trip From Brisbane.
Why Choose Camplify for Your Brisbane RV Adventure?
Before we get to the exciting routes, let's talk about how to make your journey both affordable and comfortable. Camplify, Australia's largest van-sharing platform, offers the perfect solution for road trip lovers:
Hire directly from local owners in **Brisbane**and everywhere in Queensland
Wide selection of campervans, motorhomes, and caravans to suit your travel style
See more and spend less on your Queensland adventure
Now, let's explore the 3 best road trips from Brisbane that are perfect for RV travellers.
1. Brisbane to Lamington National Park: Rainforests and Mountain Views
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 38 minutes Total Distance: 126 km Route: Brisbane to Lamington National Park via Tamborine Mountain and Gold Coast
Stop 1: Tamborine Mountain
Travel time (from Brisbane): 1 hour 9 minutes As you climb the mountain in your RV, the air cools and the scenery transforms. Gallery Walk is a charming strip of artisan shops and cafes - perfect for stretching your legs. Don't miss the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk for a unique treetop experience.
Camplify tip: The Witches Falls circuit is magical at sunset. Park at the trailhead for an easy evening stroll.
Where to Stay: Thunderbird Park Cost: From $40/night for unpowered sites, $50/night for powered sites
Stop 2: Gold Coast
Travel time (from Tamborine Mountain): 47 minutes The Gold Coast offers a striking contrast of urban skyline and pristine beaches. At Burleigh Heads, park your RV and take the coastal walk for stunning ocean views. The Spit is perfect for a beachside picnic using your RV's kitchen.
Camplify tip: On Sundays, Burleigh Hill comes alive with locals and music - ideal for sunset drinks from your RV.
Where to Stay : NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort Cost: From $50/night for powered sites
Destination: Lamington National Park
Travel time: 42 minutes (from Gold Coast)
The drive to O'Reilly's is an adventure, winding through ancient Gondwana rainforest. Once there, you're surrounded by diverse wildlife and hiking trails. The Border Track offers a true rainforest immersion.
Camplify Tip: Early mornings are best for wildlife spotting - enjoy a coffee from your RV while watching for colorful birds.
Where to Stay
Cost: From $35/night for unpowered sites, $45/night for powered site
2. Brisbane to Fraser Island: Coastal cruising
Total Travel Time: 8 hours 12 minutes Total Distance: 598 km Route: Brisbane to Hervey Bay (Gateway to Fraser Island)
Stop 1: Moreton Bay Region
Travel time (from Brisbane): 56 minutes
Just an hour from Brisbane, the Moreton Bay Region offers a taste of coastal living. Bribie Island is perfect for RVs, with easy beach access and plenty of fishing spots.
Camplify tip: The Bongaree Beach markets (1st and 3rd Sunday) are great for stocking up on local produce for your RV kitchen.
Where to Stay:
Bongaree Caravan Park Cost: From $35/night for powered sites
Stop 2: Glass House Mountains
Travel time (from Moreton Bay Region): 37 minutes
The distinctive peaks of the Glass House Mountains offer a dramatic backdrop for your journey. The lookout provides panoramic views perfect for a picnic lunch from your RV.
Camplify tip: The Lookout Café has RV parking and great coffee - a perfect morning stop.
Where to Stay
Glass House Mountains Tourist Park
Cost: From $35/night for unpowered sites, $40/night for powered site
Stop 3: Sunshine Coast
Travel time (from Glass House Mountains): 1 hour 27 minutes
The Sunshine Coast combines laid-back beach vibes with lush hinterland. Noosa National Park offers walking trails with stunning coastal views, while Eumundi Markets are perfect for unique souvenirs.
Want to break up your beach days? Enjoy a cruise along the Mooloolaba Canal, hike the Hinterlands or visit the local zoo.
Camplify tip: The coastal drive from Coolum to Noosa is stunning - plenty of pull-over spots for ocean views.
Where to Stay
Cost: From $40/night for unpowered sites, $45/night for powered sites
Stop 4: Gympie
Travel time (from Sunshine Coast): 56 minutes
Immerse yourself in sandy beaches, nature and wildlife that you won’t experience in other parts of Brisbane. If you’re seeking out large open spaces and amazing local produce, then it’s time to dive into Gympie and experience the local way of life.
You’ll find unspoiled beaches, including Double Island Point and Tin Can Bay. You can spot koalas, dolphins, dugongs, lungfish, kangaroos and more. You can get lost on one of their many tracks and trails. You can discover their unique heritage. You can taste their amazing local produce. You can immerse yourself in their culture.
There’s a little bit of everything for you to enjoy.
Destination: Fraser Island
Travel time (from Gympie): 4 hours 16 minutes
If you’ve got a little more time on your hands, then put it to good use. Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, stretching over 120 km. Leave your shoes at home and feel the sand between your toes as you explore all the different sites on offer.
Experience panoramic views of Indian Head and the Cathedrals, a cliff famous for sculpted ribbons of coloured sand.
It’s the perfect place to camp out and get out into nature, with plenty of beaches and swimming sites, including Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby and more.
Camplify tip: The Urangan Pier at sunset is spectacular - park nearby and enjoy an evening stroll.
Where to Stay:
Fraser Coast Top Tourist Park Cost: From $38/night for powered sites
3. Brisbane to Queen Mary Falls
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 19 minutes Total Distance: 148 km Route: Brisbane to Queen Mary Falls via Summer Land Camels
Stop 1: Summer Land Camels
Travel time (from Brisbane): 54 minutes
If you’re looking for something a little bit different, then this is the destination for you. This working camel farm is located less than an hour from Brisbane’s CBD and offers the perfect day-trip experience.
You can take part in one of their farm tours and learn about the history of camels and the farm itself, join in on one of their activities, including feeding the camels, taking photos and more.
Rest afterwards in their cosy café and taste the delicious camel milk, the array of tasty cheeses and try their famous camel-cino.
It makes the perfect stop on a bigger road trip, like Brisbane to New England, where you can break up the drive and experience the sites on the way.
Camplify tip: The farm has ample parking for all sizes of RVs - a great spot for a lunch break.
Where to Stay:
Lake Moogerah Caravan Park Cost: From $30/night for unpowered sites, $35/night for powered sites
Destination: Queen Mary Falls
Travel time (from Summer Land Camels): 1 hour 25 minutes
The Queen Mary Falls is one of those sites you don’t want to miss. This plunge waterfall is located in Main Range National Park and is well worth the visit.
Make your way to lookout where the Spring Creek plunges 40 metres over the falls to the valley floor. Rainbows emerge from the mist, as the creek continues to twist and turn below.
You can venture down to the valley floor and cool off in the misty spray. If you’re looking for a dip, head to the nearby Browns Falls, which is just 600 metres away. It’s off the beaten track, but well worth the visit.
Where to Stay:
Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park Cost: From $30/night for unpowered sites, $35/night for powered sites
Plan Your Road Trip From Brisbane Today
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The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.