The best stops on a Brisbane to Bowen road trip
Brisbane to Bowen drive: Gympie and Rainbow Beach
On the way out of the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane to Airlie Beach road trip stops worth a look include the Noosa Botanic Gardens in Cooroy and the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum in Gympie.
Well reviewed Gympie accommodation includes the Gympie Muster Inn and the Shady Rest Motel.
Gympie is also home to the Mary Valley Rattler steam train and the worthwhile turn-off for Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach.
There’s more to Rainbow Beach than just getting the barge to Fraser Island. You might also opt for a two hour surfing lesson, kayaking with dolphins or stand-up paddleboarding.
5 brilliant Rainbow Beach experiences you should book in advance
- Kayaking with dolphins – including a 4WD beach driving adventure.
- Beginner surfing lessons – you’ll be standing on the board by the end.
- Stand-up paddleboarding and 4WD tour combo – great value day out.
- Fraser Island day tour – visiting the island’s main highlights.
- Fraser Island three day tour – covering parts of the island most visitors miss.
If Fraser Island is the target, there are multiple tours on offer. Decide between a one day Fraser Island coach tour, a two day bus trip or a three day tagalong trip where you drive your own 4WD vehicle.
Rainbow Beach accommodation picks include backpacker favourite Pippies Beach House, the more deluxe Plantation Resort and sea view balconies at the Ocean Palms Resort.
Pick the best K’gari/ Fraser Island tour for you
- HIGHLIGHTS PACKAGE: One day coach tour from Hervey Bay.
- FROM THE SOUTH: One day 4WD tour from Rainbow Beach.
- PACK MORE IN: Two day tour, staying at K’gari Beach Resort.
- BEACHY: Boat cruise with west coast beach stops.
- BACKPACKERS: Three day, drive-yourself camping adventure from Hervey Bay. Or similar from Rainbow Beach.
- MORE LUXURIOUS: Three day adventure, staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Sunshine Coast to Maryborough
Keep going along the Fraser Coast, however, and you’ll reach history-drenched Maryborough.
Things to do in Maryborough include the Bond Store Museum, which looks at the town’s river port heritage, and the Story Bank. This celebrates Mary Poppins, whose creator PL Travers, was from the town.
For decent value Maryborough accommodation, try the Mineral Sands Motel and McNevins.
Click through to the next section: Fraser Island and Bundaberg.