4-day road trip along Australia's East Coast

Women sitting on the sandy rocky Noosa beach looking out to the sun setting

Discover the pristine beaches, tropical islands, and plentiful national parks of Australia’s “Sunshine State” on this 4-day tour along Australia's East Coast. On the way, you'll enjoy some amazing scenery and wildlife and end at the southern gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. And don't fret if you're in Sydney and want to experience the Great Barrier Reef - you can take a trip up Australia's Pacific Highway! After the Great Ocean Road, it's probably the most popular road trip in the country!

Australia’s East Coast itinerary

Brisbane to Noosa (Stops in: Glass House Mountains Lookout, Australia Zoo)
Noosa to Hervey Bay (Stops in: Rainbow Beach)
Hervey Bay to Seventeen Seventy (Stops in: Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Mon Repos Turtle Centre)
Seventeen Seventy to Yeppoon (Stops in: Rockhampton, Capricorn Caves)

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Once you’ve experienced the cultural sights and bustling energy of the green Queensland capital, continue on from Brisbane to Noosa to delve into Australia’s Nature Coast.

Glass House Mountains Lookout

Stop for 45 minutes to take in the stunning view of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic mountain range. Rising above a forested plain, these conical peaks are the dramatic remnants of prehistoric volcanic activity. They are also central to indigenous creation myths and remain of important spiritual significance to this day. The short trail is only a 45-minute return hike, but passing through gum trees and a wet eucalypt forest gully makes it feel like a real natural escape.

Australia Zoo

Welcome to the home of The Crocodile Hunter. Founded by Steve’s parents, the Crocodile Hunter and his wife Terri expanded the attraction after the success of their TV show. Now, thousands of animals thrive in natural enclosures. On your 3-hour visit, you’ll not only see and learn about the many creatures here. You can even get up close and personal and feed a kangaroo, cuddle a koala, and even pet a rhino! For more information or to make reservations, visit australiazoo.com.au.

Arrival in Noosa

Hell's Gates Noosa, with its clear waters, sandy beach and bright sky — Hell's Gates, Noosa through the lens of Dillon Hunt

Dripping in natural beauty, the resort town of Noosa is complete with its own stunning national park, miles of beaches where the forest meets the sand, and the country’s only Everglade ecosystem - one of only two in the world. You may not want to leave! The turquoise waters of Noosa Main Beach sparkle in the year-round sunshine, and they’re a stone’s throw from plenty of independent boutiques, cafes, and bars on the neighboring high street.

Noosa's other beaches are a haven for keen surfers. It’s also a great place for diving and much quieter than you’d at the Great Barrier Reef. Between July and November, swim in Noosa with humpback whales for a truly magical experience. There’s every water activity you can imagine available in this spectacular seaside town. If you want to feel at home with nature, head to Noosa National Park.

Book a ride from Brisbane to Noosa

Day 2: Noosa to Hervey Bay

Once you’ve enjoyed the nature and beauty in Noosa and the surrounding national parks, it’s time for adventure as you move on to Hervey Bay.

Rainbow Beach

Take an hour to enjoy the multi-colored sand dunes surrounding this coastal town. The psychedelic sandstone cliffs make for a magical backdrop to the Coral Sea waves that crash gently onto the sandy beach. A main attraction is Carlo Sand Blow, a unique moonscape sand mass that bisects the clifftop native bush and provides unrivaled views. You can get to Fraser Island from here, but we recommend hopping on a ferry from Hervey Bay.

Arrival in Hervey Bay

Hervey bay kids playing in the background in the sand — Hervey Bay is known as one of the best places in the world for whale watching

Welcome to the whale-watching capital of the world! Hervey Bay is a natural bay between mainland Queensland and Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Between July and November, thousands of humpback whales visit Hervey Bay. Widely regarded as the best place in the world to see these majestic mammals, Hervey Bay is home to the humpbacks for almost half a year. Plenty of tours are available to get up close and personal - remember your camera to capture the moment!

Regardless of when you visit, take the ferry to Kingfisher Bay on the breathtaking Fraser Island. UNESCO recognized the largest sand island in the world for its “exceptional natural beauty,” and you’ll see why when you arrive. Swim in the fresh, crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie and take a dip in nature's jacuzzi, The Champagne Pools. Relax on the white sandy beaches and take a four-wheel drive tour of the whole island. The possibilities are endless, and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with Fraser Island.

Book a ride from Noosa to Hervey Bay

Day 3: Hervey Bay to Seventeen Seventy

After watching the whales and adventuring on the dunes of fantastic Fraser Island, keep going up the coast from Hervey Bay to Seventeen Seventy.

Bundaberg Rum Distillery

The Bundaberg region is home to rich volcanic soil and is extremely fertile - prime grounds for growing sugarcane. On your 90-minute visit, take a self-guided tour of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery museum, or pre-book a guided tour to learn the history and production of Australia’s favorite rum. For a hands-on experience, book “Blend Your Own Rum”! Click here to check tour times and book in advance.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre

Turtle swimming in clear pool — Mon Repos Turtle Centre is renowned for its conservation efforts and guided turtle nesting tours

The Mon Repos Turtle Centre is dedicated to marine turtle research, protection, and education. They have the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the Eastern Australian mainland, and you’ll hear tales of the little creatures that take a big journey. During your 2-hour visit, you'll learn about the conservation of these beautiful creatures through film, interactive displays, and educational programs. If you’re visiting between November and March, you’ll witness the rare sight of endangered marine turtles emerging from the sea to lay their eggs.

Arrival in Seventeen Seventy

The unusually named town of Seventeen Seventy is built on the site of the second landing in Australia by Captain Cook. In May, the local community reenacts Cook’s historic landing to commemorate his first encounters in Australia. The town is filled with cafes and restaurants, tourist accommodations, and endless supplies of nature to explore. Go sailing or dolphin watching in the Coral Sea, relax on the golden sandy beaches, or hike through the Red Rock Walking Trail. Seventeen Seventy is also the southern starting point of the Great Barrier Reef.

Book a ride from Hervey Bay to Seventeen Seventy

Day 4: Seventeen Seventy to Yeppoon

After whiling some time away, head from Seventeen Seventy to Yeppoon, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is known as “The Beef City” and Australia’s beef capital. It has a thriving (and massive) cattle industry, celebrated every three years during “Beef Week” as the city hosts an epic industry event. Throughout the city are six bull statues commemorating its main trade. During your 90-minute visit, grab a steak! Aside from beef, there’s an art gallery, a heritage village, and plenty of great parks to enjoy, including the free-entry zoo in the heart of the city.

Capricorn Caves

Discover the natural wonders of one of Queensland’s oldest attractions. Take a guided walk through these spectacular caves. You can hike off the beaten track, rock climb, or abseil if you dare. The Capricorn Caves are so magical that the limestone Cathedral Chamber even hosts weddings! Click here to view the available tours and pre-book to secure your place.

Arrival in Yeppoon

Yeppoon is the stunning gateway to the Capricorn Coast and one of the best locations to begin exploring the Great Barrier Reef! Lined with tropical beaches, Yeppoon is perfect for swimming and day trips to the Keppel Islands. Head to the Capricorn Coast National Park, Yeppoon Main Beach, and the Spring Head Lookout for stunning views of the natural landscape. The town is dotted with independent cafes and boutiques, and regular festivals and events are held there. It’s charming! From Yeppoon, hop on a boat tour to see the Southern Great Barrier Reef. You might even want to plan multiple trips! While the Great Barrier Reef is the most famous, don't forget that Western Australia has its own UNESCO-listed reef, which you can visit on a 6-day trip up Australia's Coral Coast.

Book a ride from Seventeen Seventy to Yeppoon

Ready to tour Australia’s East Coast?

Here’s each leg of the trip up Australia’s East Coast so you can swim with whales and dive the Great Barrier Reef! If you ever need any help, just contact Daytrip’s customer service department.