Gold Coast to Rockhampton road trip: Distance, drive time & stops

Gold Coast to Rockhampton drive: Gympie and Rainbow Beach

Further north, you might enjoy the gorgeously-designed Noosa Botanic Gardens in Cooroy. Gympie, meanwhile, is home to the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum and Mary Valley Rattler steam train.

Top Gympie accommodation picks include the Gympie Muster Inn and the Shady Rest Motel.

Gympie is also where you reach the turn-off for Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach.

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 is primarily known for being where you catch the barge to Fraser Island. However, it has grown into a proper holiday town with plenty to do. Activities include a two hour surfing lesson, kayaking with dolphins or stand-up paddleboarding.

There are multiple tour options if going to Fraser Island. Pick between a one day Fraser Island coach tour, a two day bus trip or a three day tagalong trip. Go for the latter if you want to drive a 4WD behind a guide vehicle.

Rainbow Beach accommodation tempters include backpacker joint Pippies Beach House, the more swish Plantation Resort and the Ocean Palms Resort, which has sea view balconies.

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.

Click through for the next section: Maryborough and Hervey Bay

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