Kenilworth to Pialba: Underrated Sunshine Coast Gems
Discover southern Queensland's hidden gems in this itinerary featuring serene coasts, tranquil lakes, and picturesque hinterland escapes.
Ready to uncover some hidden gems in southern Queensland? This itinerary takes you off the beaten path to explore some of our favourite lesser-known spots. From serene coastal vibes to tranquil lakeside retreats and picturesque hinterland escapes, these places offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Distance: 3 Stops, 220 km total drive distance, Short
📍 Stop 1: KENILWORTH
Where to stay in Kenilworth?
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland you’ll find Bluff Creek Campground, a simple but well-kept holiday park that is all about letting its location do the talking. You don’t need to think too hard about accommodation choices as there is only one - Unpowered Sites. But, they’re spacious and will easily accommodate most any vehicle.
What to do, eat and drink in Kenilworth?
This is such a beautiful spot that when we visit we like to maximise our time on site and will be doing our own cooking in the caravan (you’ll need to bring your own cooking equipment) or on a grill over fire in one of the fire pits. If you do feel like adventuring out, Flame Hill Vineyard is a 40-minute drive away but well worth it for some wine tasting and a delicious lunch at their deck restaurant looking out over this beautiful property. Just a short walk from the campgrounds, you’ll find the peaceful waters of the beautiful Mary Creek. It’s perfect for a quick swim or to hop on a kayak or canoe and explore this waterway that winds through the hinterland. If you’ve got a bike, there are plenty of trails nearby, just ask the park’s management team for the best routes. Prefer exploring on horseback? The folks at Mary Valley Adventure Trails offer everything from half-day rides to full-day adventures and can even tailor private lessons to suit your needs.
What’s the onward drive to Boreen Point?You’ll wind your way through the Sunshine Coast hinterland for 66 km, popping out at Boreen Point just under an hour later.
📍 Stop 2: BOREEN POINT
Where to stay in Boreen Point?
Boreen Point Caravan & Campground is the place to stay here, situated right on the banks of this large lake and giving a strong sense of nature. Accommodation wise you can choose between Powered or Unpowered Sites but the Unpowered Sites have the benefit of absolute lakefront positioning.
What to do, eat and drink in Boreen Point?
This is a relatively secluded spot but if you haven’t come well stocked with provisions, the General Store has most everything that you need. A short walk away you’ll find The Apollonian Hotel, a local pub with a lot of history. It was first licensed in 1868 but actually started in nearby Gympie before being moved to Boreen point in 1986. You can enjoy a cold drink or counter meal for lunch or dinner 7 days a week here. With an absolute waterfront location on Lake Cootharaba, this is the perfect spot to relax with a book or get out on the water. If you’re eager to paddle but didn’t bring your gear, the park offers kayak and SUP rentals. There’s also plenty of fishing action, especially further out in the lake where you’ll mostly find Bream and Catfish. We highly recommend Everglades Eco Safaris if you are looking for a tour group to explore more of this interesting system of waterways.
What’s the onward drive to Pialba?
An easy drive covering 153 km should take you just over 2 hours to get Pialba.
📍 Stop 3: PIALBA
Where to stay in Pialba?
Pialba Beachfront Tourist Park has an incredible absolute beachfront location and following a similar theme to the rest of this itinerary, accommodation is limited to Sites, in this case both Powered and Unpowered. There is a “Beachfront” site category which will set you back approximately $10 more per night, but these are well worth it with each including a concrete pad for your annex and being located as close to the Hervey Bay foreshore as you can get.
What to do, eat and drink in Pialba?
At or near the top of your to-do list should be a visit to nearby K’Gari (Fraser Island). This island is a natural wonder, rich in history and culture. K’gari Explorer Tours is a great option for learning more, they offer a fantastic full-day tour departing from Hervey Bay, approximately 10 minutes drive away. Whilst the park itself offers an off-the-beaten-track location, it’s Hervey Bay location means you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to cafes, bars and restaurants. Cody’s Coffee Shack is our go to for a morning cuppa, located on Torquay Beach (one beach over or about 25 minutes by foot from the park). Come lunch, dinner or a drink in between, Enzo’s On The Beach is the spot. We can never go past a seafood platter there and our favourite is the cold platter which includes Moreton Bay Bugs, Prawns, Mussels, Oysters and more.
What’s the onward drive?
This is the end of our itinerary but if you want to keep heading north along the coast we’re big fans of Agnes Water which will take just under 3 hours to get to from here.
