The best stops on a Brisbane to Bowen road trip
The best stops on a Brisbane to Bowen road trip itinerary include Noosa, Fraser Island, Bundaberg and Airlie Beach. The distance from Brisbane to Airlie Beach is 1,159km, with a driving time of around 13 hours.
A Brisbane to Bowen road trip takes you from Queensland’s capital to the north of the Whitsundays region. More importantly, it’s an excellent opportunity to string together several highlights of the Queensland coast.
The quickest driving route from Brisbane to Bowen heads along the Bruce Highway, but most of the road trip highlights require a detour.
Brisbane to Bowen distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Brisbane to Bowen by car is 1,159km. This makes for a driving time of around 13 hours. Clearly, you’re going to need to make a stop or two along the way, and there are several good options.
9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
- Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
- Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
- Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
- Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
- XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
- Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
- See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.
Departing north from Brisbane, the Brisbane to Bowen drive goes through underwhelming Burpengary and Caboolture. There are some impressive views to be had from the Wild Horse Mountain scenic lookout next to the highway. But those with time will be rewarded by a short detour towards Mount Ngungun and Mount Tibrogargan in the Glass House Mountains. You can visit Australia Zoo while you’re at it.
Brisbane to Bowen road trips: Best stops on the Sunshine Coast
The Brisbane to Bowen road trip continues through the Sunshine Coast region. Here, the beach towns such as Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Noosa have most appeal. Click through for separate guides, although if picking just one, go for visually stunning Noosa.
12 fantastic Sunshine Coast experiences to book now
- Taste coffee and ginger, do rainforest walks, and visit the best lookouts on a highlight-packed hinterland tour.
- Take a serene Noosa Everglades cruise along the mirror-like waterways – or canoe through the Everglades.
- Learn to surf at a Sunshine Coast surf school – or try paddleboarding instead.
- Combine sight-seeing and thrills on a fast boat tour.
- Go e-mountain biking on the downhill trails of Tewantin National Park.
- Kayak with dolphins as part of a beach 4WD tour.
- Explore the Sunshine Coast from above on a seaplane flight.
- Take an indigenous cultural tour – with bush tucker tasting.
- Visit the region’s best craft breweries and distilleries on a drinks tasting tour.
- Go jetskiing through the gorgeous Pumicestone Passage.
- Taste wines, cheeses and chocolates on a hinterland food tour.
- Watch migrating humpbacks on a whale-watching cruise.
Things to do in Noosa include surfing at Little Cove, shopping on Hastings Street, or finding koalas in Noosa National Park.
For other activities, try going on a cruise through the Noosa Everglades, a whale-watching tour, a surfing lesson or marine life-viewing from a speedboat.
Top Noosa accommodation choices include Seahaven Noosa, Habitat Noosa and Sofitel Noosa.
Get the best out of Noosa – 6 sensational experiences to look into
- Cruise the mirror-like waterways of the Noosa Everglades – a glorious glide through stunning natural landscapes.
- 4WD along the beaches – AND kayak with dolphins on a day tour full of easy adventure.
- Take a dolphin-watching safari down the Noosa River.
- Have a go at kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or waterbiking.
- Take a tasting tour of the local craft breweries and distilleries – find out how the locals have devoted themselves to quality.
- Get standing on your board by the end of a beginners’ surfing lesson.
Sunshine Coast attractions near the Bruce Highway
Stay close to the highway, however, there are still a handful of attractions. Such as the Aussie World theme park near Caloundra and Buderim Falls in Buderim.
Meanwhile, Yandina rustles up Asian cooking classes at Spirit House, walking tracks on Mount Ninderry, produce-tasting at the Ginger Factory and a photo-perfect swim at Wappa Falls.
The Yandina Markets are also here, but the Eumundi Markets are a better experience.
Click through for the next section: Sunshine Coast to Maryborough.