Buckle in and get ready for an adventure-packed family road trip in the Sunshine State of Australia! This is none other than tropical Queensland.
Photo by City of Gold Coast on Unsplash
Our journey starts in Brisbane, the state’s capital city, and includes the famous coastlines both to the north and south. The Sunshine Coast in the north is famous for destinations like Noosa and Australia Zoo, and the southern coastline, the Gold Coast, is known for Surfers Paradise and theme parks galore!
We recommend a campervan hire from Brisbane for your road trip, as it offers numerous benefits, especially when traveling with kids. You will gain the freedom to explore at your own pace, stay close to the action, save money on accommodation, and use the kitchen amenities to make snacks and meals hassle-free. Not having to organize hotel stays is an added bonus, too!
Are you ready to experience the fun and excitement of one of Australia’s most famous holiday destinations? We have outlined some of the top places to experience on your road trip from Brisbane.
Brisbane
Don’t forget to spend some time exploring Brisbane before you hit the road! Brisbane is a vibrant and dynamic city with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Take a stroll along the South Bank Parklands, where you’ll find lush gardens, a man-made beach, and a variety of dining options. Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and see koalas up close.
Take a river cruise along the Brisbane River to see the city from a different perspective, or visit one of the many museums and art galleries to learn more about the local culture. With a campervan, you can park overnight in one of the nearby caravan parks and have easy access to all that Brisbane has to offer.
The Sunshine Coast
The stunning Sunshine Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic hinterland, and bustling towns. With your campervan rental, you have the flexibility to stop and explore the many scenic lookouts and small towns along the way. This region is perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities, as it offers an abundance of walking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas.
The National Parks in the region is worth exploring and include the Glass House Mountains National Park, known for its distinctive peaks that rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape. Take a hike to the summit of one of the peaks for panoramic views of the coast, or explore the park’s lush rainforest on one of the many walking trails.
Another must-visit park is the Noosa National Park, located on the eastern edge of the Sunshine Coast. This park boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from serene beaches to rugged cliffs, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including koalas, wallabies, and a wide range of bird species. Take a walk along the scenic Coastal Track for breathtaking views of the coastline.
With a campervan, you can spend the night at one of the park’s campgrounds and wake up to the sounds of the forest.
Australia Zoo
No Queensland family road trip is complete without a visit to Australia Zoo, located on the Sunshine Coast! The zoo is home to a vast array of native and exotic animals, and the keepers put on exciting shows throughout the day. Your kids will love getting up close and personal with the animals and learning about the conservation efforts to protect them.
Aussie World
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Aussie World is a fun-filled theme park that’s perfect for families. With a campervan, you can park overnight in one of the nearby caravan parks and have easy access to the park.
At Aussie World, you’ll find a wide range of rides and attractions, including thrilling roller coasters, classic carousels, and bumper cars. The park also features live entertainment, including clown shows, animal shows, and magician acts, making it a great place to spend a day with the kids.
Aussie World is known for its uniquely Australian-themed attractions, such as the Redback Ridge, a wild west-style roller coaster, and the Australia Fair, a classic dodgem car ride. With a range of rides and attractions to suit all ages, Aussie World is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Lamington National Park
Take a detour on your way south, and head towards the stunning Lamington National Park, located in the hinterland of the Gold Coast. Take a scenic drive through the park and enjoy breathtaking views of the ancient Gondwanan rainforest, waterfalls, and valleys. Stop at one of the many picnic areas to enjoy a family picnic or go for a hike on one of the many walking trails.
The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, and you might even spot some of the local wildlife, such as wallabies and brightly coloured parrots. Spend the night at one of the park’s campgrounds and wake up to the sounds of the Australian rainforest.
The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a perfect destination for families with kids. This vibrant city is home to some of the best beaches in Australia and is famous for its theme parks, shopping, and dining experiences.
The Gold Coast is also home to a number of popular theme parks, including Movie World, Dreamworld, and Wet’n’Wild, as well as the Australian Outback Spectacular, a show that takes you on a journey through the rugged beauty of the Australian outback.
Movie World Theme Park
Movie World is a must-visit destination for families! Located on the Gold Coast, this theme park offers a fun-filled day of thrills, spills, and laughter.
Movie World is a Hollywood-themed park that offers a range of exciting rides, shows, and attractions based on some of your favorite movies and TV shows. Take a spin on the Superman Escape, a high-speed roller coaster that will have you soaring through the air, or join Batman on the Batwing Spaceshot, a thrilling tower ride that will leave you breathless.
For a more relaxed experience, take a stroll through the park’s Hollywood Stunt Driver show, where you’ll witness some of the most amazing car stunts and chases. Kids will love Looney Tunes Village, where they can meet their favorite cartoon characters and enjoy a range of gentle rides and attractions.
Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island, also known as Straddie, is a beautiful island located just a short ferry ride from the Gold Coast. Vehicles can be taken across, and there are sealed roads on the island to get to the various attractions.
With its stunning beaches, lush national parks, and rich history, Stradbroke Island is a must-visit destination on your family road trip.
Take a stroll along the island’s stunning beaches, such as Cylinder Beach or Main Beach, or go for a swim in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. For a change of pace, visit the Stradbroke Island Historical Museum, where you can learn about the island’s rich history and its indigenous heritage.
One of the biggest draws of Stradbroke Island is its lush national parks, including Point Lookout and Amity Point. Take a hike through the parks and discover the island’s unique flora and fauna, including wallabies, koalas, and rare bird species.
Surfers Paradise
Before you head back to Brisbane, stop at Surfers Paradise, a popular holiday destination located on the Gold Coast.
Start your day with some indoor fun at Timezone, where you can challenge your family to a game of laser tag, mini-golf, or arcade games. For a unique experience, visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not, where you’ll find an eclectic collection of strange and unusual items, including shrunken heads, a real mermaid, and a model of the tallest man in the world.
Surfers Paradise is also a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to street markets. Take a leisurely stroll along Cavill Avenue and enjoy window shopping or grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
After a day of shopping and indoor fun, head to the beach and enjoy a swim in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Surfers Paradise is known for its wide and golden beaches, and you’ll have plenty of space to spread out a towel and soak up the sun.