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Rowville to Forrest Beach Road Trip Itinerary January 2026

Day 1 · Sun, Jan 25
Eden, NSW

Departure from Rowville and Coastal Drive to Eden

Morning:

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Rowville, steering through the lush, emerald landscapes of Gippsland as you head toward the coast. Pause in the vibrant regional hub of Bairnsdale to stretch your legs and admire the extraordinary hand-painted murals inside the historic St Mary's Catholic Church.

Afternoon:

Continue your journey eastward to the picturesque Lakes Entrance, stopping to admire the vast waterway where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean. As you cross the border into New South Wales, take a scenic detour through the ancient coastal forests of Beowa National Park to witness the striking red sandstone cliffs at Pinnacles Lookout. Finally, arrive in the historic whaling town of Eden and soak in the panoramic views of Twofold Bay from the iconic Rotary Park Lookout.

Evening:

As the sun sets, head down to the bustling wharf at Snug Cove to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner while watching the local fishing fleet return to harbor. Conclude your first day with a moonlit walk along the shoreline of Aslings Beach before retreating for a restful evening at the historic Hotel Australia.

Day 2 · Mon, Jan 26
Daisy Hill, QLD

Northbound Journey to the Logan Suburbs

Morning:

After an early checkout, travel north along the Princes Highway to witness the mist rising over the lush pastures of the Bega Valley. Celebrate the Australia Day morning with a stop at the iconic Kiama Blowhole, followed by a breathtaking drive across the Sea Cliff Bridge where the engineering marvel curves elegantly over the ocean.

Afternoon:

As you continue north, make a celebratory Australia Day stop at the iconic Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour for a classic photo op and a frozen banana treat. Traverse the scenic Tweed Valley to cross the border into Queensland, finishing the day's drive amidst the tranquil bushland and koala-spotting trails of the Daisy Hill Conservation Park.

Evening:

After settling in, head to the nearby Logan Hyperdome to enjoy a celebratory Australia Day dinner at the vibrant Piazza dining precinct. End your evening with a peaceful stroll around the beautifully lit grounds of the Chung Tian Temple, capturing the serene atmosphere of this architectural landmark before a restful night.

Day 3 · Tue, Jan 27
Caboolture, QLD

Transit through Brisbane to the Moreton Bay Region

Morning:

Begin your morning with a short drive north for panoramic views of the skyline and Moreton Bay from the Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout. Afterward, navigate through the heart of the city to enjoy a refreshing walk along the historic, timber-planked Shorncliffe Pier where you can soak in the coastal breeze of Bramble Bay.

Afternoon:

Head toward the Redcliffe Peninsula to walk the nostalgic Bee Gees Way, an open-air gallery celebrating the musical legends who grew up in the area. Afterward, travel inland to explore the massive [Caboolture Historical Village](https://www.historicalvillage.com.au/), where you can wander through over 70 heritage buildings and vintage machinery displays that showcase the early pioneering life of the Moreton Bay region.

Evening:

Spend a relaxing evening at Centenary Lakes, winding down with a peaceful sunset stroll along the picturesque lagoons and beautifully manicured gardens. Afterward, head to the vibrant Caboolture Sports Club for a delicious dinner and a touch of local hospitality as you prepare for tomorrow's inland journey toward the heart of the North Burnett region.

Day 4 · Wed, Jan 28
Mundubbera, QLD

Heading Inland to the Citrus Capital

Morning:

Your morning begins with a scenic drive west from Caboolture, traveling along the winding D'Aguilar Highway as the coastal plains give way to the rolling hills of the Somerset Region. Stop in the town of Kilcoy to stretch your legs at Yowie Park, where you can grab a local coffee and photograph the famous Yowie Statue. Afterward, continue through the historic landscape to the township of Nanango, one of the oldest settlements in the South Burnett area, to admire its heritage murals.

Afternoon:

Continue the drive into the heart of the citrus-growing region by stopping in Gayndah, Queensland's oldest town, to capture a photo with the iconic Big Orange. Traverse the scenic route to McConnell Lookout for breathtaking views over the Burnett River and fertile orchards before arriving in Mundubbera. Once there, visit the towering Big Mandarin and the vibrant Mundubbera Water Tank Mural, which masterfully illustrates the town's rich agricultural legacy.

Evening:

Wind down with a relaxed evening stroll through the riverside tracks of Bicentennial Park as the sun sets over the quiet waters of the Burnett River. Afterward, enjoy a classic pub meal and a cold drink with the locals at the historic Mundubbera Royal Hotel before settling in for a peaceful night in this agricultural hub.

Day 5 · Thu, Jan 29
Monto, QLD

Exploring the North Burnett Region

Morning:

Start your morning by departing Mundubbera and traveling north along the Burnett Highway, navigating through the heart of Queensland's rugged cattle country. Make a stop in the small township of Mulgildie to photograph the legendary Mulgildie Bunyip Statue before continuing into Monto to admire the towering and colorful Monto Silo Art which overlooks the town's historic rail line.

Afternoon:

After exploring the town's vibrant art, venture into the ancient landscapes of Cania Gorge National Park to hike the scenic trails winding through towering sandstone cliffs. Make your way to the moss-covered sanctuary of Dripping Rock and the nearby The Overhang to witness the unique geological formations of the North Burnett region. Complete your afternoon with a visit to Cania Dam, where you can enjoy the tranquil waters and panoramic views from the Lake Cania Lookout.

Evening:

After a day in the gorge, return to the township for a traditional counter meal and a cold drink among the locals at the historic Monto Grand Hotel. Conclude your evening with a peaceful stroll down the main thoroughfare to admire the creative installations of the Lister Street Art Walk as they are illuminated against the night sky.

Day 6 · Fri, Jan 30
Forrest Beach, QLD

Coastal Arrival at Forrest Beach

Morning:

Begin the final leg of your adventure by departing Monto and traveling north along the scenic Burnett Highway toward the regional hub of Rockhampton. Take a short break to view the historic mining infrastructure at the Mount Morgan Lookout before passing through the lush tropically-landscaped grounds of the [Rockhampton Botanic Gardens](https://www.google.com/search?q=Rockhampton+Botanic+Gardens+from+rowville+vic+to+forrest+beach+qld+via+eden+nsw%2C+daisy+hill%2C+caboolture%2C+mundubbera%2C+monto+official+site) for a quick stretch of the legs.

Afternoon:

Continue your journey north through the tropics, crossing the silver spans of the Burdekin River Bridge at Ayr before enjoying a quick coastal detour to the vibrant waterfront of The Strand in Townsville. Upon reaching your final destination, unwind with a sunset walk along the wide, sandy expanse of the Forrest Beach Esplanade, looking out over the Coral Sea toward the distant silhouettes of Palm Island and Orpheus Island.

Evening:

Celebrate the completion of your road trip with a relaxed dinner at the Forrest Beach Hotel, where you can enjoy fresh local seafood and the salt air on the outdoor deck. After your meal, take a torch-lit stroll along the moonlit sands of the Forrest Beach Foreshore to listen to the gentle waves of the Hinchinbrook region, marking a serene end to your epic journey from Victoria.

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