If you're keen to take in the highlights of some of the most popular towns across Queensland's Gold, Sunshine and Coral Coasts, look no further. If you have extra time, we highly recommend some additional spots along the way with so much to explore along this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Distance: 3 Stops, 599 km total drive distance
📍 STOP 1: BURLEIGH HEADS (GOLD COAST)
Where to stay in Burleigh Heads?
Directly across the road from the world-famous Burleigh Beach you’ll find Burleigh Beach Tourist Park, one of our favourites on the Gold Coast. It’s a small but modern park, and offers an ideal location close to both the beach and all that Burleigh has to offer on land. Accommodation wise, there’s both Powered Sites and Cabins on offer.
What to do, eat and drink in Burleigh Heads?
Burleigh Beach is ideal for swimming or catching waves at the nearby surf break. If you're new to surfing but keen to learn, Godfathers Of The Ocean Surf School is a great place to start. For nature lovers, the Burleigh National Park's Oceanview and Rainforest Circuit offer a manageable 3.1-km trek. There are some climbs throughout, but you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and wildlife sightings. Burleigh’s bar, cafe and restaurant scene is thriving with new offerings popping up every month. Paddock Bakery is a favourite for brunch, and Rick Shores shines at lunch and dinner with an Asian inspired menu and million-dollar views looking out over Burleigh Beach. For a more casual option, try Burleigh Surf or Bowls Club. The team at Burleigh Beach Tourist Park are always looking to try new things to make their guests stay memorable including rotating on site food carts. At our last stay there was a fantastic coffee cart and we’ve also heard of both a fish and chip van and a pancake van visiting. Check with the team on arrival if there’s going to be anything during your stay.
What's the onward drive?
Just over two and a half hours going directly through the Gold Coast and then Brisbane and you'll find yourself in Noosa. If you have some extra time, Bribie Island is well worth a visit along the way.
📍 STOP 2: NOOSA HEADS (SUNSHINE COAST)
Where to stay in Noosa?
With an unbeatable riverfront location offering spectacular views including one of the better sunsets you’ll see, Noosa River Holiday Park is our go to on the Sunshine Coast. This is a Sites only park with no roofed options. Our favourites are the Unpowered Waterview Sites, which offer incredible views up the famous Noosa River and are so close to the water you could easily fish from your seat.
What to do, eat and drink in Noosa?
This park has such an ideal location that there’s nothing wrong with spending your days perched on a chair taking in the magnificent Noosa River view and taking the occasional dip, but if you are keen to explore this is a town with plenty to do. Noosa Main Beach (also known as Laguna Bay) has a gentle swell and is patrolled on weekends and public holidays from the start of the September school holidays until the May Day long weekend each season. The Noosa Coastal Walk that tracks through Noosa National Park is an iconic path that showcases one of Australia’s most famous coastlines in all its glory. Stretching 10.8km return from Noosa Heads to Sunshine Beach, this glorious walk weaves through the National Park and the surrounding coastline, with breathtaking ocean views and lush nature and if you’re lucky - you’ll even spot a koala or two. There’s no shortage of great spots on Noosa to eat and drink, and thanks to its central location you’re a walk from most of them from the park. A favourite of ours is the Noosa Surf Club, ideally located on Hastings St. with a large bistro and extensive balcony overlooking Noosa Main Beach. For something a little less casual, a very short walk from the park you’ll find Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant, an institution serving up incredible food with uninterrupted views up the river. You’ll need to book and we recommend doing so in daylight hours so you can enjoy all this amazing location has to offer. Within the park you’ll find a Kiosk, Camp Kitchen and BBQ.
What's the onward drive?
It will take approximately four and a half hours to make your way up the 375km route to Agnes Water. A detour to K'Gari (Fraser Island) is always high on our list if we have the tiime.
📍 STOP 3: AGNES WATER (CORAL COAST)
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?
When you hit the Coral Coast of course you should be getting out on the water to explore, and the best way to do so is in a tour group. One of our favourites is the Lady Musgrave Island Tour from 1770 Reef Tours, a full day trip out to Lady Musgrave Island, second southernmost island in the Great Barrier Reef with a 14 hectare coral cay. On the trip you’ll explore the area snorkelling inside Lady Musgrave Lagoon or touring around in a glass bottomed boat and get the chance to swim with turtles. Directly out the front of the park you’ll find Agnes Water Beach which is a relaxing spot to read a book or enjoy a dip and it is patrolled seasonally. When you’re hungry and feel like heading out, make the 15 minute walk from the park to Agnes Water Tavern, a classic Australian coastal pub serving high quality counter meals and plenty of cold beverages. If you’re here Friday to Sunday you’ll also enjoy some live music in the casual atmosphere of their palm tree lined beer garden. In a coastal town like this we find it hard to go past a great fish & chip shop, and Off The Hook Fish and Chips is the perfect spot if you feel like a casual takeaway meal made up of some of the freshest seafood you’ll eat. If you prefer to remain on site, there’s a well stocked, modern camp kitchen with plenty of tables to enjoy your meal and mingle with fellow travellers.
What's the onward drive?
Our itinerary ends here but there's plenty to explore if you want to keep heading north. Yeppoon is a fantastic spot approximately three hours drive north, and you could even continue on to Airlie Beach, well known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, which will take about another four hours.
