Brisbane to Mackay road trip: Distance, driving time & stops
Brisbane to Mackay drive: Gympie and Rainbow Beach
Continuing north, Brisbane to Mackay 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 motels include the Gympie Muster Inn and the Shady Rest Motel.
Gympie is also where you’ll find the Mary Valley Rattler steam train and the turn-off for Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach.
The latter is one of the two jumping-off points for Fraser Island, with multiple tours on offer. Choose 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.
But there’s more to Rainbow Beach than just getting the barge to Fraser Island. You might also plump 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.
Rainbow Beach accommodation possibilities include backpacker haunt Pippies Beach House, the far swisher Plantation Resort and the balconies with sea views at the Ocean Palms Resort.
Click through for the next section: Maryborough.