Brisbane to Sunshine Coast: 5 Day Campervan Itinerary

Day 1: Brisbane to Mooloolaba 

Distance: 100 kms 
Travel time: ~1.5 hours 

Ease into your road trip holiday with a short hop north to the Sunshine Coast. Today is about taking the scenic option on your way to the water, skimming past volcanic peaks and calm estuaries before arriving at one of the Coast’s most beloved beach towns. Keep your camera handy and your walking shoes close as you dip between lookouts, rainforest reserves, and waterfront paths. 

Where to stop between Brisbane and Mooloolaba 

Break the drive at Wild Horse Mountain Lookout near the Glass House Mountains for a short, steep paved walk to a 360 degree panorama of jagged peaks and coastline. Continue into the hinterland for a rainforest leg stretch at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, where an elevated boardwalk leads through subtropical greenery to a sweeping Glass House Mountains lookout that is made for a late morning coffee break. If you prefer to stay coastal, slide into Caloundra’s Pumicestone Passage for a gentle kayak or SUP session on glassy waters rich with birdlife and the odd turtle cruising by. Wildlife, green views, and salt air set the tone perfectly for your first afternoon on the Coast. 

Things to do in Mooloolaba 

Stroll the Mooloolaba Esplanade hand in hand, dip your toes in the protected bay, and follow the coastal pathway north toward Alexandra Headland for an easy sunset walk. Cyclists can spin along the flat bikeway linking Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, and Maroochydore with breezy ocean views. If you are travelling during whale season, keep an eye on the horizon or plan ahead for a whale watching cruise departing from the Mooloolaba Wharf during your stay. Round out the evening with fresh seafood or gelato and the soft hush of waves rolling in. 

Where to stay in Mooloolaba 

Park up at Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park for powered sites just steps from the sand and the esplanade. If you prefer a riverfront setting a short drive away, Cotton Tree Holiday Park in Maroochydore offers shady, spacious sites with easy access to coastal paths and cafes. 

Day 2: Mooloolaba to Noosa Heads 

Distance: 40 kms 
Travel time: ~45 minutes 

Day two of your Sunshine Coast road trip is a leisurely coastal cruise north that rewards early risers with a summit view and coffee by the beach. No need to rush. The headlands, coves, and long sweeps of sand along this stretch invite meandering and mid-morning swims before you roll into Noosa for a relaxed afternoon. 

Where to stop between Mooloolaba and Noosa Heads 

Pause at Mount Coolum for a short, steady summit walk that climbs through banksia and brush box to a broad tabletop of ancient lava flows. Fit walkers can reach the top in about 30 minutes, though Queensland Parks recommends allowing up to 1 to 2 hours return for most visitors. On clear winter and spring days you might spot the exhale of migrating whales offshore. Drop back to sea level at Coolum Beach for a coffee overlooking the surf or a barefoot wander along the sand before continuing north past Peregian’s village green and dunes. 

Things to do in Noosa Heads 

Settle into Noosa’s gentle pace with a late lunch in Noosa Junction or along the river in Noosaville. As the afternoon cools, lace up for the coastal track in Noosa National Park. The path hugs sculpted headlands to picture perfect coves and clifftop lookouts like Dolphin Point and Hell’s Gates. Look for turtles in the shallows and, in season, whales breaching farther out. Evening belongs to Hastings Street with its boutique windows, fairy lights, and relaxed bars. Grab a beachside table and let the sea breeze carry you into the night. 

Where to stay in Noosa Heads 

Noosa River Holiday Park places you right on the water with lovely sunset views, easy walking and cycling along the foreshore, and short drives to the National Park and Hastings Street. For a quiet, nature forward option, Habitat Noosa at Elanda Point offers powered sites on the shores of Lake Cootharaba and a convenient base for Everglades adventures. 

Day 3: Noosa Heads 

Distance: 20 kms 
Travel time: ~0.5 hours 

Devote a full day of your itinerary to the natural beauty that makes Noosa so special. With your camper set up, you can travel light and choose between mirrored waterways inland and coastal trails by the sea, then reward yourselves with a slow evening of riverfront or beachside dining. 

Where to stop 

Head to the Noosa Everglades for an eco cruise that slips through tannin tinted waters and paperbark forests. The calm channels, bird calls, and reflections create a serene morning to remember. Back in town, wander the Noosa Farmers Market if your visit falls on a Sunday, picking up picnic treats and fresh local produce. As afternoon arrives, return to Noosa National Park to explore quieter side tracks, swim at Little Cove, or simply find a headland bench and watch for dolphins playing in the breakers below. 

Things to do in Noosa Heads 

Mix active time with pure relaxation. Rent bikes and follow the flat paths along the Noosa River to riverside parks that are perfect for a mid ride picnic. Book a gentle tandem kayak session at sunset on the river, then head back to Hastings Street for a shared dessert and a moonlit stroll along Main Beach. If your dates align with whale season, consider a dedicated whale watching cruise from nearby ports, or bring binoculars to the National Park headlands for natural vantage points. 

Where to stay in Noosa Heads 

Stay a second night at Noosa River Holiday Park to keep logistics easy and evenings blissfully simple. If you opted for the lakefront setting at Habitat Noosa, you will enjoy a star filled sky, crackling camp ambience, and the sounds of the bush around you. 

Day 4: Noosa Heads to Montville 

Distance: 55 kms 
Travel time: ~1 hour 

Trade the coast for the Blackall Range as you wind into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Today is all about artisan markets, cool forest air, and tumbling waterfalls, followed by a romantic village evening with sweeping views back to the ocean. The short drive leaves ample time for walks and long lunches. 

Where to stop between Noosa Heads and Montville 

Time your morning to catch the Original Eumundi Markets on Wednesday or Saturday. Ramble under towering figs between stallholders selling handmade crafts, local art, and mouth watering street food. Continue into Kondalilla National Park for a shaded circuit to Kondalilla Falls, where rainforest steps lead to lookouts and rock pools. It is an inviting spot to cool off and share a simple picnic. A final climb brings you to Montville, perched on the range with postcard perfect vistas. 

Things to do in Montville 

Stroll Montville’s main street, dipping into galleries, artisan boutiques, and cosy cafes. Seek out village lookouts for golden hour views that stretch to the coast. If you have a taste for more walking, Mapleton Falls National Park is a short drive away with an easy loop to a dramatic valley outlook. Slow the evening right down with a cheese board and local treats back at camp, the air cooler and fragrant with eucalypt. 

Where to stay in Montville 

Set up at Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park, a peaceful hinterland base with powered sites and quick access to both Kondalilla and Mapleton Falls National Parks. Alternatively, Maleny Showgrounds offers simple, budget friendly powered sites for self contained campers when events are not running, placing you close to Maleny’s cafes and viewpoints. 

Day 5: Montville to Brisbane 

Distance: 105 kms 
Travel time: ~1.5 hours 

Savour a final hinterland morning before you roll back to the city. The route south along the range links charming villages, rainforest lookouts, and an easy waterfall walk, with a chance to pick up picnic supplies for one last alfresco lunch together. 

Where to stop between Montville and Brisbane 

Drift through Maleny for a coffee and a browse at local bakeries and delis, then assemble a picnic from a gourmet grocer in town. Carry it to Gardners Falls for a short, shaded stroll to rock pools framed by lush green, an idyllic place to linger. If you missed it earlier in the trip, call into Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for one more Glass House Mountains panorama and a tranquil rainforest boardwalk. Animal lovers can add Australia Zoo near Beerwah to the return leg, allowing time to meet native wildlife before continuing to Brisbane. 

Things to do in Brisbane 

Arrive with enough time for a riverfront walk at South Bank or a celebratory drink by the water before returning your camper. If your schedule allows, consider lingering an extra evening in the city to reflect on beaches, forests, and all those shared moments on the road. 

Where to stay or finish in Brisbane 

Today you will return your camper to the Apollo Brisbane branch, concluding your Sunshine Coast loop. If you plan to stay on in Brisbane, book a powered site at a city fringe holiday park for easy access to the river and urban attractions. 

Soft sunrises over calm bays, the hush of rainforest tracks, markets alive with local flavours, and the thrill of spotting whales in season all come together on this easygoing loop. With short daily drives and scenic camps, it is a perfect blend of coast and countryside for couples who want to slow down and reconnect. When you are ready, you can easily book your Apollo camper online and pick it up from your closest Apollo branch before hitting the road.