Brisbane to Rainbow Beach road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time
The Brisbane to Rainbow Beach drive covers a 237km distance with a driving time of 2h47m. Possible road trip stops include the Glasshouse Mountains, the Big Pineapple and Noosa.
Most people driving from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach will be looking to hop on the Inskip Point barge to Fraser Island. But Rainbow Beach has become a holiday town in its own right, and is well worth a couple of nights’ stay. In fact, you can turn the Brisbane to Rainbow Beach drive into an enjoyable mini-road trip.
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.
Brisbane to Rainbow Beach distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach is 237km. You can expect a driving time of around two hours and 47 minutes.
6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday
- Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
- Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
- Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
- North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
- Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
- Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.
The drive is largely along the Bruce Highway, which passes through Brisbane’s northern suburbs and Caboolture before reaching the Wild Horse Mountain scenic lookout.
Brisbane to Rainbow Beach road trip stops: Sunshine Coast
Around here, you may wish to branch off towards Australia Zoo, the Glasshouse Mountains including Mount Ngungun and Mount Tibrogargan. All are close enough to add to a road trip itinerary.
The Bruce Highway skirts around the western side of key Sunshine Coast beach towns like Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Mudjimba Beach and Marcoola.
However, if you’re plotting on diverting east for an overnight stay, Noosa is the most attractive option.
Click through for the next section: A stop in Noosa?