Australia’s long and breathtaking coastline makes it perfect for a road trip holiday. Insider Guides’ Road Trip series will give you the best itineraries with local tips for your next adventure!
From Noosa to Byron Bay, you will cross the Queensland/New South Wales border and get the perfect mix of small beach towns, big cities and everything in between. You can follow this guide for a great road trip holiday, or use it as a starting point to plan your own trip!
When is the best time to road trip from Noosa to Byron Bay?
Peak season: December/January (school holidays)
Off-season: February and March
Our tip: Go anytime outside school holidays to avoid crowds!
Route
Noosa → Mooloolaba → Brisbane → Surfers Paradise → Byron Bay
Noosa
Noosa is a vibrant beach town at the northernmost point of the Sunshine Coast region. It is famous for its surf beaches, national park and boutique shopping and dining. We recommend spending at least three days here to see all that Noosa has to offer!
What to do: Of course, the most important part of any coastal trip is the beaches and Noosa has some of the most beautiful in Australia. Be sure to check out
- Little Cove beach
- Tea Tree Bay Beach
- Sunshine Beach
Noosa is also famous for its national park, which allows you to take a bushwalk with uninterrupted views of the ocean as it wraps around the coastline. Along the way, you are likely to see dolphins, turtles and even whales during June-October and, if you are lucky, koalas amongst the trees.
On the other side of town, you will find the Noosa River, with plenty more places to eat, drink and swim. We recommend taking a sunset cruise with one of the local tour guides!
Along Hastings street in the town centre you will find some of the best restaurants, bars and cafes in the region as well as boutique shops for both high end fashion and swimwear (or “togs” as we would say in Queensland!)
Local tip: For a cold drink with a picturesque view, go to Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Mooloolaba
The beach town of Mooloolaba is about a 45-minute drive south of Noosa. A one-night stay is enough to see all of Mooloolaba, as it is much smaller than Noosa.
What to do
Mooloolaba’s main beach is well protected by the natural coastline, which makes it a safe and relaxing spot for a swim. At one end, you will find the main esplanade, full of shopping and dining options.
Image by Spencer Samaroo via Unsplash
At the other end, the beach meets the Mooloolah River, which features a beautiful Marina filled with sailing boats and a thriving fishing industry. Head to
The Wharf Mooloolaba for amazing food including fresh, locally sourced seafood and a buzzing nightlife.
Local tip: If you have the time, drive 20 minutes from Mooloolaba across the river and visit the Point Cartwright Lighthouse and reserve for stunning river, ocean and sunset views.
Image by Laetitia Barroux (supplied)
Brisbane
An option for your road trip is to stop in Queensland’s capital city along the way from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast.
What to do: Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city, so your length of stay and activities are endless. Below is a list of links to places you might want to eat, drink, explore or experience while in Brisbane.
We would recommend exploring New Farm Park and The Powerhouse, going for a drink at Howard Smith Wharves, and visiting the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
Helpful guide: What is Brisbane Famous For?
Surfers Paradise
An hour’s drive south of Brisbane, you will find Surfers Paradise, which offers the best of both worlds – stunning beaches and a buzzy city.
Image by MG via Pexels
What to do
Surfers Paradise main beach is a long, open and beautiful stretch of white sand and great waves for surfing. In the city centre, there are endless cultural and dining options and of course in the evening, the city comes alive with its famous nightclubs and bars.
About 45 minutes drive inland of Surfers Paradise you will find Lamington National Park – a beautiful rainforest worth exploring if you have the time.
We recommend a two—or three-day stay in Surfers Paradise (maybe longer if you want to party!).
Local tip: If the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise isn’t what you are looking for – check out Burleigh, Currumbin, Rainbow Bay or Kingscliff for a more relaxed, local beach town vibe.
Byron Bay
Last on your road trip is the “hippy and free” coastal town of Byron Bay. This is one of Australia’s most popular destinations for locals and backpackers alike, thanks to its laidback vibe and breathtaking natural beauty.
What to do
The top of the list is a day at Wategos Beach and a walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Considered one of Australia’s most picturesque walks, this short hike will give you uninterrupted views of the turquoise waters of Byron Bay and sweeping views of the hinterland.
Other beaches to visit in and around Byron Bay include:
In the town itself, you will find an eclectic mix of cultures, cuisines and tours to choose from, as Byron Bay is filled with people from all over the world and a buzzing tourism industry.
We recommend at least three days to enjoy Byron Bay to its fullest, but the truth is, you probably won’t want to leave once you experience this magical town!
Local tips
- The Piano Bar located in the town centre is an amazing place for a dance and a drink on a night out.
- Minyon Falls and Killen Falls are spectacular natural waterfalls a short drive from Byron Bay.
