Explore some of the very best coastal Queensland has to offer with this itinerary that starts in Brisbane and takes you up to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays. You’ll stop at three of our favourite coastal towns along the way.
Distance: 4 Stops, 1,123 km total drive distance, Long Distance
📍 STOP 1: HERVEY BAY
What’s the drive from Brisbane to Hervey Bay?
It will take roughly 3.5 hours to cover the 300 km distance between Brisbane and Hervey Bay. If you’re looking to make a stop along the way, we can never go past the popular coastal town of Noosa.
Where to stay in Hervey Bay?
Discovery Parks Fraser St. is a favourite of ours, set in beautiful tropical gardens and occupying a perfect location just a short walk from the main street The Esplanade. It’s a very family friendly park, and kids will be kept busy running between the Playground, Jumping Pillow, Games Room and of course the Swimming Pool. Accommodation wise, you can choose from Powered Sites including several with Ensuites, Cabins & Villas and some great Glamping options.
What to do, eat and drink in Hervey Bay?
The Esplanade is the heart of Hervey Bay’s bar, cafe and restaurant scene and is home to few of our favourites including Odyssey Bistro (relaxed, sustainable fine dining) and 19XO (go for sunset cocktails). Enjoy a swim at Torquay Beach's calm waters and don't miss whale watching season (July to October) with Whalesong Cruises. Explore K'Gari (Fraser Island) for cultural tours with K'gari Explorer Tours, offering insights into the Butchulla people's heritage.
What’s the drive from Hervey Bay to Agnes Water?
It will take just under 3 hours to travel the 225 km mainly inland route to Agnes Water. If you’re wanting to stop along the way, you can make a small detour past Bundaberg which is a regional centre and has just about anything you’ll need to pick up. We love the coastal suburb of Bargara and a visit to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre is well worth it if you have the time.
📍STOP 2: AGNES WATER
Where to stay in Agnes Water?
There are several good options along the long stretch that is Queensland’s Coral Coast, but our pick is NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park thanks to its combination of picture-perfect beachfront location and an overall modern construction and feel. For accommodation. there’s Unpowered and Powered Sites, Glamping, Cabins and Villas but we love the “Safari Tent” Glamping option, particularly the Oceanview Category. They have beautiful decks that look out over the ocean with 180 degree views, you can even see the ocean from your bed!
What to do, eat and drink in Agnes Water?
We highly recommend getting out on the water and the best way to do it is with a tour, our pick is the Lady Musgrave Island Tour by 1770 Reef Tours. This full-day excursion takes you to Lady Musgrave Island, the second southernmost island in the Great Barrier Reef, featuring a 14-hectare coral cay. You’ll enjoy snorkelling in Lady Musgrave Lagoon or viewing marine life from a glass-bottom boat, including swimming with turtles. Agnes Water Beach, just steps from the park, offers an ideal spot for reading or swimming and is seasonally patrolled. For dining out, a short 15-minute walk leads to Agnes Water Tavern, a cosy coastal pub serving quality counter meals and cold beverages, with live music on weekends in its palm tree-lined beer garden. Off The Hook Fish and Chips is a top choice for fresh seafood takeaway. On-site, a modern camp kitchen provides ample space to enjoy your meal and connect with fellow travellers.
What’s the drive from Agnes Water to Yeppoon?
Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes on the road covering 265 km and you’ll be in Yeppoon. Both Agnes Water and Yeppoon are well stocked towns, but the route does take you directly through the larger regional centre of Rockhampton if there’s anything more specific you need to pick up.
📍STOP 3: YEPPOON
Where to stay in Yeppoon?
Poinciana Tourist Park is always high on our list of Queensland recommendations. It’s a well maintained park set in beautiful gardens with great facilities. Accommodation options include Unpowered and Powered Sites, Cabins and Glamping. We love the Glamping tents, tucked away in their own corner of the park and including a uniquely designed private pool which was built out of a shipping container and is only accessible for visitors who have booked the Glamping Tents.
What to do, eat and drink in Yeppoon?
This area is known for its stunning beaches and the park is located next to what we believe is the best in Yeppoon, Cooee Bay. It’s a quiet and calm beach and a great spot for swimming or just relaxing with a book in hand. If you’re keen to swim but not so keen on the ocean, head to the Yeppoon Lagoon. This 2500 square-metre resort-style lagoon pool is located right on the beach about a 30 minute walk or 5 minute drive away. It includes a shallow area for the little ones and a swim-up infinity edge with stunning views over the nearby Keppel Islands. Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant is a fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner or simply an afternoon or evening drink. The menu here has a strong lean towards fresh seafood. Located on the outskirts of town you’ll find Yepp Brewing Co. Brewery and Taphouse. Here you can sample this craft brewery’s beers on tap in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.
What’s the drive from Yeppoon to Airlie Beach?
At 5 and a half hours and covering right on 500 km on the road, this is a longer drive and we always recommend breaking it up with a stop or two, whether that is to simply stretch the legs, have a rest or grab a bite to eat. It’s not a route with lots of great options to stop, but the town of Carmila is roughly half way and has a well stocked roadhouse. 100 km further along from there you’ll find Mackay, a larger town which has several beautiful beaches dotted along its coast. Our favourite is Blacks Beach, and we’ll often stop here for a swim before jumping back in the car and covering the final 2 hours on the road to Airlie Beach.
📍STOP 4: AIRLIE BEACH
Where to stay in Airlie Beach?
BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort is our go-to, it is located in Flametree, a quiet spot roughly 10 minutes drive from the main township of Airlie Beach. This slightly more secluded location gives it a distinctly tropical feel. Whilst we love getting out for meals during our trips, there’s something nice about the convenience of something on site and here you’ll find Tropical Treats Cafe, a food truck within the park that offers coffee, breakfast and dinners depending on the season. Accommodation wise there’s Unpowered Sites, Powered Sites, Cabins, Villas and Apartments to choose from.
What to do, eat and drink in Airlie Beach?
A great way to get the day started is with a coffee and pastry from Berry & Maple Patisserie, conveniently located at the Coral Sea Marina meaning you can also take the opportunity to browse some available tours and activities. For an afternoon drink, head to Anchor Bar where you’ll enjoy great views from its elevated location. There’s a pool within the venue which is perfect for those balmy tropical afternoons and evenings where you’re always feeling like a swim. Airlie Beach is known as the gateway to the Whitsundays so plenty of your activities will be focused on the water and visiting the amazing nearby islands. If you head down to the Coral Sea Marina you’ll find a wide variety of activities from tubing or parasailing off the beach here, through to day trips to the islands. We recommend joining a smaller boat and group for the optimal experience and can highly recommend the team at Whitehaven Xpress. You'll find plenty more information on what to do and where to eat and drink in Airlie Beach in our Destination Guide.
What’s the onward drive?
Our itinerary ends here.
