Beach Road Trip Australia: 5 days Byron Bay to Noosa heads

Greer Ransom
Dec 31, 2023
4 min read

First things first, I absolutely love being near the water and if that is you too Australia is the place to go. After spending my first three months there I came up with my itinerary of place you have got to visit. This one is where you will need to hire a car!

Day 1: Byron Bay

Byron Bay is an amazing day trip and definitely the first place to start! Your first destination is to the Light House! Here you can look across the ocean and see the beautiful clifs it stands on. Truly an incredible sight to see. You might even see some whales and dolphins! Then as you start to get hungry head on over to The Farm for lunch. This is a farm where you get to see all the different animals and walk through the pecan tree forrest. They serve fresh organic food that is to DIE for! After you have had your fill then head on over for a quick happy hour at Stone and Wood brewing! This is a very popular beer in Aus and has may different options from light beers, IPAs and sours! This was one of my favorite days in Queensland Australia!

Byron Bay Lighthouse

Day 2: Gold Coast: Broadbeach & Surfers Paradise

Drive from Byron Bay and check into your hotel in Broadbeach. We suggest staying somewhere like Peppers Broadbeach, The Star Casino or Meriton Suites Broadbeach. (we do have an AirBNB there too is anyone is interested ;)

Spend the day at Broadbeach, a popular beach destination with great surf and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Its usually not too crowded and is equiped with lime bikes if you want to take a bike ride alond the long path stretching the coast. Go to NoName Lane or the Broadbeach Tavern for lunch. They have many fresh options filled with meats and veggies even one of my favorite Acai Bowls.

Walk or rent a lime bike ($14) from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise and check out the markets along the esplanade there you will find sweet treats, fried delights and all sorts of things in between. After all of that excitement, head back to Broadbeach and have dinner at Hideaway and then drinks at the Star Casino. Hide away is a cute asian fusion place with a Hawaiian vibe. tons of crafty options and amazing atmosphere.

Day 3: Gold Coast: Theme Parks

Spend a day checking out the theme parks and attractions, such as Dreamworld, Movie World, and Wet'n'Wild or Top Golf

Day 4: Gold Coast: Burleigh Heads

Head down to the famous Burleigh Heads beach. Walk around James Street Shops

Take a hike up Burleigh Hill around the National Park to Tallebudgera Creek for a swim

Walk back to Burleigh Heads for some drinks at Burleigh Pavilion and grab some pizzas at Justin Lane for Dinner

Day 5: Brisbane: Brisbane City & South Bank

Drive up to Brisbane and spend the day exploring the city. Visit attractions like South Bank, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, and the Queensland Museum.

Story Bridge, Brisbane

Day 6: Brisbane - Fortitude Valley & New Farm

Spend the day in the hip neighborhoods of Fortitude Valley and New Farm, checking out the cafes, bars, and shops.

Ride the free KittyCat ferry along the Brisbane River and stop at Howard Smith Wharf for some beers at Felons Brewery

Day 7: Sunshine Coast - Caloundra & Mooloolaba

Spend the day exploring the laid-back towns of Mooloolaba and Caloundra, both of which offer great beaches and waterfront dining.

Stay at a hotel in Mooloolaba near the Esplanade where you can take several day trips from.

Day 8: Sunshine Coast: Maleny, Montville, Mapleton

Drive to Maleny, Montville & Mapleton to explore the hinterland region of the Sunshine Coast, which is known for its natural beauty, quaint towns, and local markets.

Day 9: Sunshine Coast: Australia Zoo

Drive to Australia Zoo and spend a day with all the animals you could think of and honoring the good work Steve Irwin and his family have done for animal conservation. Truly an amazing way of handling a zoo where the animal are free and have an amazing play ground. It is interactive and very informative where you are taught about each species. This is a BUCKET list place and for only $40 a person there is no way you should miss an opportunity to see this astonishing place.

Day 10: Sunshine Coast: Glass House Mountains

Drive to the Glass House Mountains National Park and spend the day hiking and exploring the area's stunning landscapes.

Day 11: Fraser Island

Take a day trip to Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island, and explore its stunning beaches, freshwater lakes, and rainforests.

Day 12-14: Noosa Heads

Drive up to Noosa Heads and check into a hotel near Hastings street and spend your last few nights in this amazing location. Explore the town's beaches, national park, and Hastings Street, which is filled with shops and restaurants. YOu can also kayak or stand-up paddle board on the Noosa River or taking a whale watching tour. And after all that excitement take some time and relax on the beach, checking out local markets, or taking a scenic hike in the national park.