Queensland | Brisbane to Byron Bay Road Trip Itinerary

Discover local breweries and wineries across Queensland's Scenic Rim and Northern New South Wales

Day 1: Brisbane Apollo Branch to Tamborine Mountain - Scenic Rim taster

Distance: 80km

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Pick up your Apollo campervan at the Brisbane Apollo Branch, get familiar with the vehicle and roll south towards the Scenic Rim. The climb up to Tamborine Mountain is short but scenic, with glimpses of valleys and forested slopes.

Things to do

• Stretch your legs on the Curtis Falls rainforest walk, a shaded track through eucalypts and palms to a small waterfall, perfect for resetting after the city.

• Drive up to Rotary Lookout in time for sunset over the valleys below.

• Wander Gallery Walk for local art, fudge, distilleries and tasting rooms – an easy first evening “graze” along one main street.

Where to stay

Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain – a large bushland property with powered sites for campervans, access to walking tracks and on-site activities, around 15 minutes from the main village.

Day 2: Tamborine Mountain – wineries, brews & local produce

Distance: Local driving only

Today is all about long tastings and short drives.

Things to do 

• Visit Witches Falls Winery and Cellar Door for small-batch wines and relaxed tastings among the trees. Book ahead if you’re travelling on a weekend or public holiday.

• Mix it up with a distillery or brewery stop – Tamborine Mountain has several options for gin, liqueurs and craft beer that pair nicely with shared plates.

• Pick up local cheese, bread and olives from farm shops and delis to build an easy campervan platter later.

• In the afternoon, choose another short rainforest walk or linger over a multi-course lunch with mountain views.

Where to stay

Stay a second night at Thunderbird Park (or another Tamborine caravan / holiday park of your choice), so you can enjoy the tastings without moving the van every day.

Day 3: Tamborine Mountain to Stanthorpe - Granite Belt wine country

Distance: 214km

Travel time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Leave the mountain and head south-west towards Stanthorpe, the heart of the Granite Belt. The landscape shifts from lush valleys to granite boulders, orchards and vineyards as you approach.

Stops on the way

• Pause in small towns like Boonah or Warwick for fuel, a bakery lunch and a quick wander of their heritage main streets.

Roll into Stanthorpe by mid-afternoon, and get ready for your first round of cool-climate wines!

Things to do

• Drop into one or two Granite Belt wineries for tastings – this region is known for alternative varieties and small, family-run cellar doors.

• Book a long lunch at a cellar door with a proper food offering, such as Balancing Heart Vineyard. Expect share plates, local cheeses and seasonal dishes alongside their wines.

Where To Stay

Country Style Caravan Park, Glen Aplin: a peaceful, riverside caravan park a short drive south of Stanthorpe with powered sites and a relaxed country feel, well-placed for visiting both town and wineries.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 4: Stanthorpe to Byron Bay - one more feast, then to the coast

Distance: 261km

Travel time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Finish the Granite Belt on a high before you point the camper towards the seat. Today, you cross the border into Northern New South Wales and trade vineyards for surf beaches.

Things to do (Granite Belt morning)

Apple indulgence stop: Swing by Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cidery & Shed Café just north of Stanthorpe for their famous hot apple pie with cider ice-cream, plus juices, ciders and preserves made from Granite Belt apples. This is full-on “treat yourself” territory and an easy story to tell later.

Once you’ve had your fill, start the drive east towards Byron Bay. The drive takes you from high-country vineyards into rolling hills and then coastal forest. Break it up with a coffee or soft drink at a small-town café if you need to reset before hitting the coast and arriving in Byron Bay.

Things to do (late afternoon/evening)

• You can head straight to the main beach or Clarkes Beach for a swim or shoreline stroll.

• Find an early dinner spot- Byron Bay is known for its fresh seafood, and is also called the Avocado Capital of Australia. It’s a foodie’s paradise, and you would be spoiled for choice here.

Where To Stay

Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay: a large, well-equipped holiday park with powered sites, direct beach access and good facilities. This one’s a solid base when you want both comfort and nature.

Image: Destination NSW

Day 5: Byron Bay - lighthouse, farm to table lunch & wine-bar dinner

Distance: Local driving only

A full Byron day means you can balance iconic sights with long, lazy meals.

Things to do in Byron Bay

• Start with a visit to Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point of mainland Australia. Walk a section of the coastal track if the weather is kind, and you feel like stretching your legs.

• Head out to The Farm Byron Bay, an 80-acre working farm that houses a cluster of food-focused businesses. It is an easy place to wander, eat and pick up treats for the van.
   

• Book a table at Three Blue Ducks for a long brunch or lunch – think woodfired meats, seasonal veg, house-made condiments and a solid wine list built around Australian producers.

• Retreat to Wategos or The Pass for a lazy afternoon on the sand, or drive into the hinterland for a slower village vibe. Bangalow works well for boutiques and a drink at a historic pub.

For the evening, Byron Bay has excellent options for dining, whether you are in the mood for something special or keeping things more low-key. A few spots to consider trying:

• Bar Heather: A cosy wine bar in central Byron with thoughtful small plates and an ever-changing by-the-glass list. Great if you love trying new wines and sharing a few dishes rather than doing a big, formal dinner.

• Raes on Wategos: If you are in the mood to really spoil yourself, Raes pairs Mediterranean-style dishes with a strong wine list and ocean views at Wategos Beach. It is a classic “special occasion” spot, so worth booking ahead.

• No Bones: A fun, plant-based option with bold cocktails and a fully vegan menu. Good if you want something a bit playful and modern.

• Pixie: Coastal Italian in town, with pasta, seafood and a lively atmosphere. A nice middle ground if you want something polished but not too formal.

Pick whatever matches your energy (and budget) on the night, you can’t really go wrong with any of these.

Where to stay:

After a day of thorough feasting, spend a second night at the Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay park so you can sleep off the day.

Image: Destination NSW

Day 6: Byron Bay to Burleigh Heads - wine at lunch, cocktails at sunset

Distance: 82km

Travel time: 1 hour 5 minutes

After a couple of Byron days, you are only moving a little way up the coast today, so there is no rush to leave. Have a slow breakfast, pack up the camper at a comfortable pace and then roll north towards the Gold Coast.

Stops on the way

• If you feel like breaking the short drive into two, Kingscliff or Currumbin make easy stops for a beach walk and a mid-morning coffee. Both have laid back seaside strips and good bakeries

Arrive in Burleigh Heads late morning and settle into one of the most loved corners of the coast.

Things to do in Burleigh Heads

• Walk the Burleigh Head National Park track around the headland or up to Tumgun Lookout. It is a short, scenic way to stretch your legs and soak up views north to Surfers Paradise and south towards the NSW border.

• Spend some time relaxing in John Laws Park or on Burleigh Beach. The grassy hill and the point are classic spots for an afternoon laze.

Things to do in the evening: 

Burleigh Heads has an incredible food scene, and you have many options depending on what you feel like. Some of the well-known ones include:

• Rick Shores – Beachfront dining with modern Asian-inspired share plates (including the well-known bug roll) and a strong wine and cocktail list. Ideal if you want a long lunch or early dinner with waves almost beneath your feet.

• The Tropic at Burleigh Pavilion – A bright, Mediterranean-leaning restaurant right on the water with seafood, wood-fired dishes and a good drinks menu. Great for groups or anyone who wants that “holiday by the sea” feel.

If you are travelling with kids or just want something more casual, you can just as easily grab fish and chips and eat in the park, and save one of the restaurants above for another visit.

Where To Stay

Burleigh Beach Tourist Park: Powered sites almost opposite the beach, walking distance to the headland, village and dining. Once you are parked up, you can comfortably explore Burleigh on foot and leave the camper where it is for the night.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 7: Burleigh Heads to Brisbane - one last slow morning

Distance: 95km

Travel time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Your final day is deliberately relaxed. You have a short drive back to Brisbane, so you can enjoy a bit more coast time before turning the wheels towards the city.

Morning in Burleigh

• Take an early swim or one last walk around Burleigh Headland if you did not fit it in yesterday, or simply enjoy a slow breakfast at one of the cafés near the beach.

• Pick up any last supplies or treats you want to take home – local coffee beans, small-batch spirits or pantry items from the delis and bottle shops around the village.

Back to Brisbane

Drive north along the motorway to Brisbane, return your Apollo campervan at the Brisbane Apollo Branch, and, if you have a bit of time up your sleeve, wander the South Bank or riverfront precinct for one final drink or meal before you head home.

FAQs and quick answers

1. How many days do I need for this trip?
   Seven days is a comfortable amount for Brisbane → Tamborine → Stanthorpe → Byron → Burleigh → Brisbane, with time to enjoy tastings, long lunches and resting without rushing the drives.

2. When is the best time to go?
   Autumn and spring are ideal – cooler nights in Tamborine and Stanthorpe, pleasant days on the coast. Summer works too if you like it warm and book key venues ahead.

3. Is the Brisbane to Byron Bay route suitable for a campervan or motorhome?
   Yes. All driving is on sealed roads in normal conditions. Just take the climbs and descents to Tamborine steadily and book holiday parks early in popular periods.

4. How do I enjoy tastings and still drive safely?
   Plan “driving-light” days (e.g. Tamborine, Byron), share tastings, and consider local tours or taxis if you are planning a bigger wine or cocktail session.

5. How many overnight stops are there?
   There are four main stops on this itinerary: Tamborine Mountain, Stanthorpe, Byron Bay and Burleigh Heads, with Brisbane as your start and finish point.

Ready to plan your Ultimate Indulgence Trail campervan holiday?

In seven days, you’ll move from Tamborine Mountain’s cellar doors and rainforest, through the Granite Belt’s cool-climate wines and apple pie, to Byron Bay’s farm-to-table menus and Burleigh’s beachfront restaurants, with short, easy driving days in between.

Hire an Apollo campervan from Brisbane, book your powered sites in Tamborine, Stanthorpe, Byron Bay and Burleigh, and build in a few must-do lunches or dinners. The rest can stay flexible so you can follow your nose to whatever smells best on the day!