Queensland | Brisbane to Yeppoon Road Trip Itinerary

Discover the path less travelled on your 10 day Brisbane to Tropic of Capricorn Queensland road trip.

Day 1 - Brisbane → Gympie

DISTANCE 170KM - DRIVING TIME 2 HOURS 

Leaving Brisbane, you’ll head north along the Bruce Highway, passing the Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast hinterland. The drive blends city bustle fading into lush green fields and small hinterland towns. Arriving in Gympie, you’ll find a gold-rush heritage town full of character.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve – Take a rainforest boardwalk with sweeping Glass House Mountain views and spot local birdlife along the trails. A cafe on site makes it a perfect morning tea stop.

2. Explore Gympie’s Mary Street – Stroll past preserved 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, and cafes. It’s a great way to step back into the region’s gold-rush past.

Where To Stay

Cobb & Co Nine Mile Camping Grounds – 50 acres of unpowered camping space available to choose from on arrival. All areas are flat and grassy and there are no concrete slabs or marked out sites, you choose where to camp on arrival. Camp fires are permitted at all camping areas.

Day 2 - Gympie → Miriam Vale Star Roadhouse

DISTANCE 310KM - DRIVING TIME 3.5 HOURS

Today’s journey carries you north through rolling farmland and cane fields dotted with small towns. The highway is straightforward, with plenty of roadside stops to stretch your legs. Arriving at Miriam Vale, you’ll experience a classic Aussie roadhouse atmosphere.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Stop in Childers – Wander its historic main street lined with heritage-listed buildings and grab a coffee or bakery treat. Childers also has a great historical museum to explore.

2. Calliope River Rest Area – A riverside spot popular with travellers where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. It’s also known for birdlife and fishing opportunities.

Where To Stay

Star Roadhouse and Campground – Simple but comfortable, with powered sites, hot showers, and a family-friendly roadhouse serving hearty meals. It’s a convenient overnight stop right on the highway.

Day 3 - Miriam Vale Star Roadhouse → Byfield National Park

DISTANCE 250KM - DRIVING TIME 3 HOURS

The Bruce Highway carries you further into Central Queensland today, transitioning from farmland into wilder scenery. You’ll notice pine plantations and wide open skies as you near Byfield. By the afternoon you’ll arrive in a national park of rainforests, dunes, and beaches.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Waterpark Creek Picnic Area – A serene swimming and picnic spot fringed by rainforest, perfect for a refreshing break. The creek is shallow and family-friendly.

2. Five Rocks Lookout – A short walk offers panoramic views over the remote coast, dunes, and ocean beyond. It’s a fantastic photo stop.

Where To Stay

Byfield National Park Campgrounds – Choose from bush settings like Five Rocks or Waterpark Creek, with basic facilities. These campgrounds offer seclusion, starry skies, and immersion in nature.

Day 4 - Byfield (Explore & Rest)

DISTANCE 0KM - DRIVING TIME 0 HOURS

Take a break from driving and enjoy a full day in Byfield National Park. Its mix of rainforest, rugged coast, and sand dunes makes it one of Queensland’s hidden treasures. Relax, swim, and explore at your own pace.

Things To Do In The Park

1. Birdwatching – Byfield is home to kookaburras, honeyeaters, and eagles. Take binoculars and enjoy spotting wildlife in the treetops.

2. Upper Stony Creek – A natural swimming hole surrounded by shady bushland, with calm waters and picnic facilities. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon.

Where To Stay 

Remain at Byfield National Park Campground – Staying another night means more time to soak in the park’s tranquility. With few distractions, it’s camping at its purest.

Day 5 - Byfield → Yeppoon

DISTANCE 45KM - DRIVING TIME 40 MINUTES

A short, easy drive today brings you out of the forest and into Yeppoon, the lively hub of the Capricorn Coast. This gives you a relaxed pace and extra time to explore. With cafes, beaches, and a laid-back vibe, Yeppoon is a refreshing change after the wilderness.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Swim at Yeppoon Lagoon – A huge infinity-style pool overlooking the ocean, great for families or cooling off. Lifeguards and café facilities make it stress-free.

2. Stroll the Foreshore and Keppel Kraken – Interactive fountains and water play sculptures keep the kids happy. The boardwalk also offers great sea views.

Where To Stay 

NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park – Family-friendly with powered sites, a pool, and modern facilities. It’s close to the beach and perfect for campervans.

Day 6 - Yeppoon → Pumpkin Island (via Keppel Bay Marina)

DISTANCE 10KM - DRIVING TIME 15 min drive + 30 min boat transfer

A short drive to the marina followed by a ferry delivers you to Pumpkin Island, a small, sustainable eco-paradise. The pace slows completely here, with sandy beaches and reef right at your doorstep. It’s an unforgettable off-grid adventure.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Snorkel coral reefs – Step straight into clear waters rich with marine life, right off the beach.

2. Coastal Walks – Gentle island trails take you to secluded lookouts with sweeping views over Keppel Bay.

Where To Stay 

Pumpkin Island Eco-Cottages – Solar and wind-powered cottages nestled by the beach. With minimal impact on the environment, you’ll enjoy seclusion and eco-luxury, and a night away from your campervan.

Day 7 - Pumpkin Island → Great Keppel Island

DISTANCE 0KM - 30 minute ferry ride

Another short ferry takes you across to Great Keppel Island, bigger and more lively than Pumpkin. You’ll find golden beaches, walking tracks, and water activities galore. It’s an idyllic stop for relaxation or adventure.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Hike Leeke’s Beach Track – A gentle walk through bush and coastline that leads to a quiet, pristine beach.

2. Hire a kayak or paddleboard – Explore calm bays and reefs from the water for a different perspective.

Where To Stay 

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village – Offers villas and glamping tents with communal kitchens and beachfront settings. It’s rustic, relaxed, and very laid-back. Another opportunity to take a break from your campervan.

Day 8 - Great Keppel Island (via ferry) → Bundaberg

DISTANCE 300KM - DRIVING TIME 3 HOURS 45 MINUTES

Returning by ferry to Yeppoon, you’ll rejoin the Bruce Highway and head south. Sugarcane fields and coastal breezes mark your arrival in Bundaberg, a city famous for rum, turtles, and fresh produce. It’s a balanced driving day with plenty to enjoy.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Bundaberg Rum Distillery – Tour the distillery, learn the brand’s history, and enjoy a tasting session.

2. Mon Repos Turtle Centre – Seasonal turtle nesting and hatching experiences (Nov–Mar) and educational exhibits year-round.

Where To Stay  

Bundaberg East Holiday Park – Shady powered sites with full amenities, pool, and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s conveniently close to town attractions.

Day 9 - Bundaberg → Sandstone Point

DISTANCE 340KM - DRIVING TIME 3 HOURS 50 MINUTES

Today’s drive brings you further south, past the Fraser Coast and down toward Bribie Island. You can detour to Burrum Heads for a riverside picnic or simply push on to Sandstone Point. The day finishes in a resort-style holiday park.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Stop at Hervey Bay Esplanade – A long waterfront walkway lined with cafes, piers, and play areas. Perfect for a lunch break.

2. Detour to Burrum Heads – A charming fishing town on the Burrum River with picnic areas and calm swimming spots.

Where To Stay  

BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort – Deluxe powered sites with lagoon pools, playgrounds, and modern amenities. It’s a destination in itself and very family-friendly.

Day 10 - Sandstone Point → Brisbane

DISTANCE 60KM - DRIVING TIME 45 MINUTES

A short final drive brings you back to Brisbane, making for an easy end to the journey. Take your time with a relaxed breakfast or a coffee stop along the way. It’s the perfect wind-down to your Queensland adventure.

Where To Stay  

Your trip ends and you can return your campervan to the Apollo Brisbane branch. If you wish to extend your trip, Brisbane Holiday Village offers powered sites close to the city with resort-style facilities.

Timing your trip

Queensland’s subtropical climate makes this Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip enjoyable year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Winter (June - August) is one of the best times to travel, with mild sunny days (around 20–23°C) and low humidity, perfect for exploring national parks and spotting migrating humpback whales in Hervey Bay. Spring (September - November) brings warm, dry weather, wildflowers, and great conditions for swimming and outdoor activities without the peak summer crowds. Summer (December - February) is hot and humid (30°C+), with tropical storms and the start of stinger season in North Queensland waters, although Yeppoon and the islands still sparkle for beach lovers. Autumn (March - May) is a shoulder season with pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors, ideal for those wanting a quieter trip. Overall, the most popular and comfortable months to hit the road are May through October, when driving is easy, the days are warm but not sweltering, and the islands and coast are at their most inviting.

To book an Apollo campervan today, or let us help answer any campervan related questions, contact us today!