Gin Gin to Brisbane drive: Distance, time & road trip stops

Gin Gin to Brisbane drive: Maryborough to Gympie

Things to do in Maryborough include learning about the town’s river port backstory at the Bond Store Museum and celebrating all things Mary Poppins at the Story Bank.

For Maryborough accommodation offering value for money, try the Mineral Sands Motel and McNevins.

From Maryborough, you can head through the Tuan State Forest towards Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach.

Rainbow Beach has grown considerably in recent years, and now offers much more than the barge to Fraser Island. Activities on offer include 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 going to Fraser Island, there are multiple tour options. Pick between a one day Fraser Island coach tour, a two day bus trip or a three day tagalong trip. The latter allows you to drive your own 4WD vehicle behind a guide vehicle.

Rainbow Beach accommodation favourites include backpacker joint Pippies Beach House, the swisher Plantation Resort and the Ocean Palms Resort, with its sea view balconies.

If staying on the highway, the next town is Gympie. Here, you can visit the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum and ride the Mary Valley Rattler steam train.

Well reviewed Gympie accommodation includes the Gympie Muster Inn and the Shady Rest Motel.

Click through to the next section: Sunshine Coast.