A road trip from Brisbane to Mackay is a journey among unspoilt beaches, deserted islands and ancient rainforest.
Highlights include the idyllic beachside village of Noosa, the sweeping shores of K’gari (the biggest sand island in the world) and the spectacular scenery around Rockhampton.
You can complete the 11-hour, 1,000-kilometre drive at your own pace – be that just two or three days, or two or three weeks.
However long you take, here are six stops you shouldn’t miss.
BRIBIE ISLAND: FOR CALM BEACHES AND GREAT FISH AND CHIPS
Located two hours’ drive north of Brisbane, Bribie Island is one of the easiest islands to visit off the Queensland coast.
Start with a swim in the calm waters of Bongaree, before hitting the patrolled surf at Woorim Beach.
Come lunchtime, it’s hard to go past fish and chips with water views at Savige’s Seafood or the Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point Hotel.
Round off your day with a walk along the Bicentennial Trail, which takes in paperbark wetlands and eucalypt forest. You’ll likely spot kangaroos, kookaburras and emus along the way.
NOOSA: FOR MAGNIFICENT COASTAL SCENERY AND EXCELLENT RESTAURANTS
Another two hours’ drive north will land you in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, famous for its spectacular scenery.
Take a dip at Main Beach, then set off on the Coastal Walk, which hugs the coast, passing tranquil coves, small beaches and lovely lookouts – all backdropped by national park.
Back in town, catch a ferry up the river to Tewantin or spend some time dining and shopping on Noosa’s magical main street.
K’GARI: FOR WINDSWEPT BEACHES AND DREAMY LAGOONS
Your next step is K’gari (once known as Fraser Island), the biggest sand island on the planet. It’s a four-hour trip from Noosa, including a ferry ride.
Prepare to leave the ordinary world behind, as you spend a day (or longer) strolling along windswept beaches, hiking among lush rainforest and swimming in magnificent lagoons (including one infused with tea tree oil and another filled with naturally occurring bubbles).
BUNDABERG: FOR TURTLES AND COUNTRY TOWN HOSPITALITY
After another four hours’ travel north (including the return ferry ride from K’Gari), you’ll reach Bundaberg.
Crowds flock here between November and March every year for turtle breeding season. You can experience them in a variety of ways – to guided encounters at night-time on Mon Repos Beach, to snorkelling with them off Lady Musgrave Island.
While you’re in town, be sure to wander among Bundaberg’s pretty streets, enjoying some down-to-earth country town hospitality. Highlights include the rum distillery, the Brewed Drinks Barrel (where Bundaberg’s famous ginger beers are made) and Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
AGNES WATER AND 1770: FOR A CHANGE OF PACE
Head north from Bundaberg for 80 minutes for a change of pace at Agnes Water and 1700. Quieter than most towns on the Queensland coast, these villages offer unspoilt beaches, interesting walking trails and pristine national parks.
Visit Agnes Water Main Beach for great surf, follow the Power Pole Art Trail to see colourful works by local artists, and swing by Eurimbula National Park to wander over headlands overlooking the Great Barrier Reef.
ROCKHAMPTON
Two-and-a-half hours’ drive north of Agnes Water is Rockhampton, also known as ‘the beef and barramundi capital of Australia’.
To try the city’s famous meat, book a table at one of its best steakhouses, such as Cocobrew, the Criterion Hotel or Red Lion Hotel. If it’s barramundi you’re after, consider catching one yourself on a fishing tour.
Other unmissable attractions include the botanic gardens (where there’s a free zoo), Rockhampton Museum of Art, and the Nurim Circuit Elevated Boardwalk (for breathtaking views of the area).
GETTING TO BRISBANE OR MACKAY
Brisbane is ten hours’ drive north of Sydney, and Mackay another 11 hours’ drive north.
To minimise travel time while maximising road trip time, why not fly to Brisbane or Mackay, then jump into a SIXT car rental? We offer great service, a range of comfortable vehicles and a variety of optional extras.
