Road Trip Itinerary: Journey South

Hit the road and explore the southern tip of Queensland and into northern New South Wales. Doable in 5 days, it’s worth taking a bit longer to explore the national park. Alternatively, pick a single destination for a long weekend and take your time enjoying it.

1. Coolum Beach to Burleigh Heads

207km – 2hrs 15mins

Straight down the Bruce Highway will take you from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast, with the option to stop off in Brisbane along the way. There are coastal towns all along the Gold Coast with busier Surfers Paradise to the North and relaxed Burleigh to the South. Try breakfast at the popular Commune before heading to the beach for a swim or surf.

Stay: Burleigh Beach Tourist Park is a holiday park right on the beach or head over the NSW border to Fingal Head Holiday Park close to surf breaks and a walk to the Fingal Head Lighthouse. 

2. Burleigh Heads to Byron Bay

82km – 57mins

Rather than heading straight to the highway, you can follow the coastline past the Northern NSW towns of Coolangatta, Kingscliff and Pottsville and take your pick where to stop off as they all have beautiful beaches and great cafes. Arriving in Byron Bay can be busy at weekends with one main road in, but the famous beach town is worth the hype. Brimming with gourmet cafes, local boutiques and a fabulous beach, Byron has a unique hippie slash hipster vibe and is popular for good reason. Boasting the most Easterly point in Australia, a walk to the Cape Byron and the lighthouse will take you out of the busy town and serves up a magical sunrise if you’re an early bird. 

 Stay: Clarkes Beach Holiday Park overlooks the famous beach but bookings are essential as it’s the only campsite in the main town or Belongil Fields is on the road as you drive into Byron and has nice grassy areas. 

3. Byron Bay to Springbrook National Park

110km – 1hr 45mins

 When leaving Byron, it’s worth stopping off at the little town of Bangalow, just 15-minutes inland, as it retains much of the charm that Byron had before it became so busy (apparently). North from here and into Springbrook National Park, you’ll drive into the world heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest. There are some great lookouts along the drive including Wunburra Lookout and Best of All Lookout plus plenty of walks within the park. 

Stay: The Settlement is the only campsite within Springbrook and you can walk to Purling Brook Falls from here or Mt Nimmel Lodge is nearby and surrounded by nature on 69 acres. 

4. Springbrook National Park to Caloundra

200km – 2hr 30mins

At the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra has some beautiful bays and plenty of cafes to try – some favourites are The Pocket Espresso and One Block Back. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, check out Caloundra Street Fair and take a wander around the market stalls. 

 Stay: In the Beerburrum State Forest at Coochin Creek for secluded bush camping or Dicky Beach Holiday Park for beach access and a swimming pool on site. 

5. Caloundra to Coolum Beach

40km – 35mins

Stop off on the way home at Mooloolaba and take a walk along the coastal pathway or visit The Wharf for lunch and a browse around some great local boutiques.

Ready to head south and explore? Book your campervan and hit the road.