Ultimate Brisbane to Gladstone Family Adventure Road Trip

Day 1: Explore Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Fuel your day with delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee at The Coffee Emporium, a local favorite.
Head towards South Bank after breakfast, just 10 minutes drive.
AUD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

South Bank Parklands

Stroll through the lush greenery and enjoy the man-made lagoon and beaches, perfect for family photo ops.
Explore the parklands and take a ferry on the Brisbane River from South Bank Ferry Terminal.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Jetty

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with seafood and steak options beside the river.
Easy walk back to the restaurant from the parklands, approx. 5 minutes.
AUD100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Meet native Australian wildlife and cuddle a Koala, an unforgettable experience for the kids.
Take a 30-minute drive from the restaurant to the sanctuary.
AUD120, 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Sunshine Coast

Enjoy the picturesque drive along the coast as you head to the Sunshine Coast.
The drive will take about 1 hour.
AUD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Check into Hotel

Relax and refresh at your hotel in Sunshine Coast, ready for dinner.
Depends on hotel location; 5-10 minutes from the beach.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Boat Shed

Savor hearty meals with a waterfront view to end your first day on a high note.
Short drive or walk depending on hotel location.
AUD120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Sunshine Coast Fun

Sunshine Coast, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast at your hotel to fuel the adventure ahead.
Hotels typically offer breakfast on-site.
Included in hotel price, 1 hour

9:00AM

Australia Zoo

Experience wildlife up close at the iconic Australia Zoo, founded by Steve Irwin.
A short 30-minute drive from Sunshine Coast hotels.
AUD150, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Zoo Café

Refuel with quick and tasty options planned for the entire family.
Located within Australia Zoo, making it super convenient.
AUD80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Mooloolaba Beach

Relax and let the kids play on the sandy beaches or build sandcastles.
A 20-minute drive from the zoo straight to Mooloolaba.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Sunset Kayaking Tour

Paddle through the serene waters at sunset with spectacular views and marine life.
Located near the beach, book a tour in advance.
AUD200, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Mooloolaba Wharf

Choose from a range of restaurants with fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Just a short walk from the beach.
AUD100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Noosa Paradise

Noosa, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Noosa Headlands

Start your day with fresh fruit bowls and smoothies at a café overlooking the ocean.
Take a scenic drive of about 30 minutes from Mooloolaba.
AUD40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Noosa National Park

Explore walking trails and spot koalas in their natural habitat as you hike along the coastal paths.
The park entrance is easily accessible from the café.
Free, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Noosa Main Beach

Enjoy beach time, perfect for swimming and building sandcastles with the kids.
A short drive or walk from the National Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bistro C

Enjoy a stylish beachfront lunch with plenty of menu choices, perfect for families.
Located just off the beach.
AUD120, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Eumundi Markets

Discover local arts, crafts, and fresh produce at one of Australia’s best markets.
Drive of about 20 minutes from Noosa.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel and Relax

Recharge at your hotel for the evening, ready to recharge.
Back to your chosen accommodation in Noosa.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Locale

Savor Italian cuisine with a relaxed vibe while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
A short stroll from your hotel in Noosa.
AUD150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hervey Bay Discovery

Hervey Bay, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading out, with plenty of options to fuel your day.
On-site at your hotel.
Included in hotel price, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Hervey Bay

Enjoy a scenic drive to Hervey Bay, famous for whale watching.
Approximately a 2-hour drive from Noosa.
AUD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hervey Bay Esplanade

Relax at the Esplanade, enjoy the beachfront, and let kids play at the parks.
Right upon arriving to Hervey Bay.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Enzo's on the Beach

Indulge in fresh and delicious meals with incredible ocean views.
Easy walk from the esplanade.
AUD80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a whale watching tour if in season, an unforgettable experience for the family.
Tours available from various operators near the esplanade.
AUD400, 3 hours

5:30PM

Check into Hotel

Relax and unwind at your hotel, recharging after a fun-filled day.
Choose an accommodation close to the beach.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Boat Club

A fantastic family venue right on the waterfront with a variety of meals to choose from.
Short drive or walk from your hotel.
AUD120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Bundaberg Adventure

Bundaberg, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy the buffet breakfast for a great start to the day.
At your hotel before hitting the road.
Included in hotel price, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Bundaberg

Take a short drive to Bundaberg, famous for its rum and sugar cane.
About a 1-hour drive from Hervey Bay.
AUD0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Bundaberg Rum Distillery

Take a family-friendly tour through the Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a taste of the local flavors.
A short drive from the city center; follows tour schedule.
AUD60, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Botanical Gardens

Pack a picnic or enjoy light meals at the café in the gardens, surrounded by nature.
Easy drive from the distillery, approximate 10 minutes.
AUD40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Bundaberg Botanic Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Located within the gardens; easy access.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre

Engage in educational experiences about sea turtles; tours may vary by season.
20 minutes drive from the botanical gardens.
AUD60, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check into Hotel

Relax as you unwind at your Bundaberg accommodation.
Near city center with easy access.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bundaberg RSL

Enjoy affordable family dining with a relaxing atmosphere.
Short drive from your hotel.
AUD80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Journey to Gladstone

Gladstone, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Indulge in breakfast ensuring you have enough energy for the final leg of the journey.
At your hotel in Bundaberg.
Included in hotel price, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Gladstone

Depart towards Gladstone, enjoying the scenic coastal drive.
The route will take approximately 1.5 hours.
AUD0, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Gladstone Marina

Enjoy the views and check out the local boats and yachts, a great spot for photos.
A straightforward drive upon entering Gladstone.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Fish 'n' Chips on William

Sample fresh, local seafood at a casual lunch spot loved by locals.
Located by the marina; just a short walk.
AUD50, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Tondoon Botanic Gardens

Explore the stunning gardens with diverse plant collections and shady walking paths.
A quick 10 minutes drive from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Gladstone Beach

Unwind at the beach where the kids can splash around while adults relax.
Next to the gardens, a 15-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive back to the hotel

Head to your selected hotel in Gladstone to check in and freshen up.
Short drive back to the hotel.
AUD0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Gladstone Yacht Club

Conclude your incredible road trip with a lovely farewell dinner overlooking the water.
A short driving distance from your hotel.
AUD100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability