From Sandy Beaches to Lush Rainforests: A Road Trip Adventure from Fraser Island to Byron Bay

If you're in search of a scenic Australian road trip but aren't quite ready to commit to the long drives of Western Australia or the hot tropics of North Queensland, then the journey from Harvey Bay to Byron Bay is the perfect option for you. With a wide range of accommodation options available, from camping to boutique hotels, you can easily tailor your trip to suit your style and budget. Along the way, you'll find plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars to stop at and explore, making this a truly unforgettable vacation. We embarked on this road trip in late January, which is a beautiful time to experience the Australian summer.

Day 1 Brisbane - Harvey Bay

Once you land in Brisbane airport collect your hire car and pick up some lunch before hitting the road. The airport has a good variety of food options, so there is plenty to choose from to power you through the first day of this road trip. It is a relatively long 3.5-hour drive so make sure to book a flight that arrives mid-afternoon at the latest. The small town of Harvey Bay itself isn't the most exciting, but it is a necessary gateway for most travellers heading to Fraser Island. I recommend opting for a more affordable night's stay as you will be spending little time in the room. There are plenty of restaurant options as the town is used to tourists, but we chose to grab a takeaway pizza before calling it an early night.

Drive Time: 3.5 Hours

Accommodation: Harvey Bay Flashpackers £ The Beach Motel Hervey Bay ££ Quarterdecks Retreat £££

Day 2 Fraser Island Day Trip

Most tours start early departing at around 7:30 am from Harvey Bay. The ferry ride to Fraser Island is quick only taking 10 minutes and once on the island you will board a 4x4 coach or smaller 4WD. We chose a small group tour with a limit of 17 people to make the day run smoothly, efficiently and at a more energetic pace.

Day tours, regardless of their group size, tend to follow a well-trodden path that includes several popular destinations such as Lake MacKenzie, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and Maheno Shipwreck. The highlight of my trip to Fraser Island was definitely the tranquil and pristine waters of Lake MacKenzie. The sand here is breathtakingly silky-smooth, thanks to its high silica content of 98%, and the lake's low pH levels prevent any marine life from thriving, making it a truly unique and serene experience. Most day tours return from 6 pm onwards making it a long day, however, the time absolutely flies by.

To Do: Fraser Island Day Trip I would recommend paying extra for the smaller group tour for a more comfortable van and smoother runner day

Tip

While it is possible to self-drive around the island with your own 4WD, I would only recommend this if you are confident with the terrain and familiar with the area. Exploring independently can be more stressful and dangerous if you don't know the island well.

Day 3 Harvey Bay - Noosa

If you happen to visit Harvy Bay outside of July-November, there may not be much for you to do in the area. But fear not, because just a short drive south will take you to the charming seaside town of Noosa, a beloved holiday destination among locals. Noosa boasts a picturesque coastline dotted with stunning vacation homes, a quaint high street, and a small yet enchanting national park.

While you'll find plenty of chain restaurants and stores in the town centre, if you're looking for a more authentic experience, consider staying in the Sunshine Coast area. This stretch of beach is absolutely pristine, and we were lucky enough to find an Airbnb with a balcony overlooking a lush garden and stunning ocean views. After arriving around midday from Harvey Bay, we highly recommend grabbing some Rice and Raw for a beachside lunch.

One of the most iconic attractions in Noosa is the fairy pools, which are small rock pools that sit atop the rocky edge of the park. The walk to reach them takes about an hour each way from the main beach, along a winding path that hugs the coastline. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the breathtaking blue water bays scattered throughout the area, and cap off your day with a casual dinner and drinks.

Drive Time: 2.5 Hours

Accommodation: Netanya Noosa £££ Abode Mooloolaba ££ Bounce Noosa £ House Rental Large £££ House Rental Small ££

To Eat: Betty’s Burgers + Rice and Raw

To Do: Fairy Pools (Noosa National Park) + Whale Watching Tour (Seasonal)

Day 4 Noosa - Brisbane

I highly recommend starting your day with an early morning swim and an Oakberry Acai bowl. If you're staying on the Sunshine Coast, it's definitely worth the short drive to pick up this delicious and healthy breakfast or it's a short walk from most accommodation options within town. After breakfast take a shorter walk in the National Park while it's quiet before heading off for your next leg of the trip.

The drive to Brisbane is only 1.5 hours south, into the heart of the city. Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia and faces inland, consisting of high-rise buildings split by a central river. For a luxurious stay, I recommend checking into the Calile Hotel on the glamorous St James Street. This development offers a mixture of restaurants, a boutique hotel with stunning poolside rooms, and luxury shopping supporting Australia's best designers such as Zimmerman, Sir the Lable, and Bec + Bridge. Spend the rest of the afternoon by the pool and enjoy the onside Greek restaurant Hellenika as the sun turns a golden hue in the evening.

If you prefer a more active afternoon, you can explore the city's modern art gallery, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or hire a motor boat to take down the river. Brisbane has a very 'London' feel, in contrast to the laid-back beach lifestyle of Noosa. If you prefer a city break feel, add an extra night so you can explore all the sites and cultural aspects this city has to offer.

Drive Time: 1.5 Hours

Accommodation: Calile Hotel £££ Ovolo the Valley ££ Breeze Lodge £

To Eat: Oakberry Acai bowl + Hellenika

To Do: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, GoBoat, + Gallery of Modern Art

Read my full review on the Calile Hotel for my full thoughts and more photos!

Day 5 Brisbane - Gold Coast

It's time to get out of the city to explore the hinterlands and Springbrook National Park. This area of Queensland is full of subtropical rainforests that are so lush and green with vines, palms, and large trees like the strangler figs which have beautiful coloured bark and umbrella-shaped canopies. The drive from Brisbane is around 1.5 hours, and you will be amazed at how the scenery changes from concrete high-rises to this beautiful rainforest.

When you arrive at Springbrook, you will find a variety of routes based on your fitness level and length of the track. Most people choose the Purling Brook Falls circuit, which is a 4km which will take you around 2 hours. The highlight of this track is the 108m single-drop Purling Brook Falls, which is one of the best in the National Park. You also have the opportunity to hike deep into the beautiful rainforest so if you are up for a refreshing swim, you can take a short detour to the peaceful Warringa Pool. After your walk, you can grab some lunch at the Springbrook Cafe or pack something with you to have at the falls before the next leg of the journey.

The drive from Springbrook will take just under an hour depending on which area you prefer. We stayed at The Island Hotel which is perfect if you want to be close to all the large attractions and parties but on reflection, I would stay at The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta. If you are looking for complete seclusion Hillview Dairy is a rustic Airbnb out in the Currumbin Valley with outdoor firepits and a plunge pool. If you want to party and be close to the action stay within surfers paradise. Alternatively, Burleigh Heads and palm beach are relaxed with quieter beaches and local coffee shops. After spending most of the day in the national park we opted for an afternoon wandering the streets of Broad Beach enjoying the late afternoon sun before heading to Pacific Fair for Betty's burgers and a movie.

Drive Time: 1.5 Hours then 1 Hour

Accommodation: The Pink Hotel £ The Island Hotel ££ House Rental

To Eat: Betty’s Burgers

To Do: Springbrook National Park

Day 6 - Gold Coast

The Gold Coast isn't short of activities from theme parks to sky diving or a family fun day at the Koala Sanctuary therefore a full day to explore is completely up to personal interests. This 35-mile of coastline is a big tourist hot spot that is continuously expanding offering more affordable coastal living options in comparison to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

I would recommend taking the day slowly to explore the more local south end of the coast. Tallebudgera Creek Beach is the perfect place to swim due to its turquoise-clear waters and gentle currents. It's a family-friendly area with plenty of parking so an easy place to spend a few hours and I preferred this over Broad Beach. A very short walk away is the Burleigh Head National Park which is small but offers some lovely views of the coastline and dramatic high-rise buildings that you will often see in tourist brochures.

Pricey but an absolute must is the pan-Asian restaurant Rick Shores on the ground floor of the Burleigh Pavilion. There is no better location for lunch or dinner to watch the waves roll in with the city's skyline behind. I would highly recommend the Fried Moreton Bay Bug Roll and a spicy marg. If this is not within budget The Tropic restaurant is the floor above with a meditation-sharing style menu.

A 5-minute walk from the beach is James Street where you will find small boutiques, bakeries and cute eateries such as Jimmy Wah's and the Paloma Wine Bar. We picked up a Boysenberry cream post-swim from Scoop Gelati before driving back to the hotel for dinner.

To Eat: Rick Shores, Jimmy Wah's, The Tropic, Paloma Wine Bar + Scoop Gelati

To Do: Movie World, Koala Sanctuary, Tallebudgera Creek Beach + Burleigh Head National Park,

Dont miss the The Ultimate Guide to Sydney’s Bondi Beach

Day 6 Gold Coast - Byron Bay

Just one hour south of Queensland is the charming coastal town of Byron Bay. Byron is one of the most popular destinations in Australia, loved by Aussies and tourists alike. It boasts beautiful beaches, an amazing selection of bars and restaurants with a chilled vibe. Upon arrival, be sure to make a stop at OzyMex for lunch, a favourite for their fresh and delicious Mexican cuisine. While they only offer takeaway, you can enjoy your meal on the beach for the ultimate experience.

After fueling up with a satisfying lunch, why not test your skills on the waves with a surfing lesson from Letsgosurfing? With options for all skill levels, it's the perfect way to spend your afternoon. And when it comes time for dinner, Byron Bay certainly won't disappoint. While there are plenty of options to choose from, we highly recommend trying Lightyears. Their pan-Asian sharing-style dishes are simply irresistible, with their Bao buns being a particular standout. And don't forget to sample their delicious cocktails, too.

If you're looking for some entertainment in the evening, taking a stroll through the main streets of Byron Bay is a great idea. You'll find plenty of live music happening on the streets, from musicians to dancers, and other creative individuals. It's a great way to experience the local atmosphere and immerse yourself in the culture of the town.

Drive Time: 1 Hour

Accommodation: Raes on Watergoes £££ The Bower ££ The Surf House £

To Eat: OzyMex + Lightyears

To Do: Letsgosurfing

Day 7 - Byron

No day in Byron would be complete without an early morning walk to the lighthouse. Be sure to stop by Sunday Sustainable Bakery for a delicious hot chocolate or pastry to enjoy on your journey. Trust me, it will make your walk even more enjoyable. To get there, expect a walk that takes around 45 minutes each way from the town centre. However, I suggest taking the Cape Byron Walking Trail, which offers a scenic route around the Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Along the way, you'll be treated to some stunning views of white houses nestled within lush subtropical vegetation. And for those who are looking for a great spot for brunch or lunch on the way back, Combi is an excellent choice. Their acai bowls and toasties are simply amazing!

Now, if you're looking for the perfect afternoon activity, I suggest snorkelling or diving around Jullian Rocks. It's located about 2.5km off the coast and is home to an amazing array of marine life. From turtles to grey nurse sharks, cod and rays, there's plenty to see and experience. There are several companies that offer snorkelling tours, such as Out of the Blue and Sundive. So, finding one that suits you shouldn't be a problem and these depart multiple times throughout the day.

If you're looking for a peaceful afternoon, I highly recommend checking out Watergoes and Little Watergoes Beach. While it's a bit of a hike to get there, the stunning views and lack of tourists make it well worth it. Just make sure to pack your own food and water as there aren't many facilities available.

Don’t miss out on The Loft’s Happy Hour for later on in the afternoon. They offer some fantastic drink specials and a selection of delicious $2.50 oysters every day between 4pm and 6pm. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it a perfect spot after a day out on the beach. If you're in the mood for some mouth-watering Mexican cuisine, Chihuahua Taqueria is definitely worth a visit. Their menu offers a variety of authentic dishes, but their tacos are particularly noteworthy. With fresh ingredients and bold flavours, they are sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, the restaurant is BYOB with outdoor seating available.

To Eat: Sunday Sustainable Bakery, Combi, The Loft + Chihuahua Taqueria

To Do: Jullian Rocks, Watergoes and Little Watergoes Beach

Day 8 Byron Bay - Home

Byron is known for its slow way of life so make sure to enjoy your last morning. Of course, if you've got a flight to catch, you might need to skip this part - but if you can spare the time, it's well worth it! One of my personal favourite spots to grab brunch is the General Store, which boasts a charming outdoor seating area and a menu full of classic Aussie favourites - I highly recommend the truffle mushroom toast and the buckwheat pancakes. And if you've still got some time to kill after you've had your fill, be sure to check out some of the unique boutiques in Byron - I've got a soft spot for Spell and the Gypsy, Arnham, and Kivari the Label.

If you're heading out of town from Ballina, Gold Coast, or Brisbane, you might want to consider stopping for brunch on the way. One spot that you absolutely can't miss is The Farm in Ewingsdale - it's right on your way back up north. With a farm shop and live animals to visit, it's a truly breathtaking place to take a stroll before you sit down to eat. And the food is simply outstanding - everything is locally sourced and incredibly fresh, with a menu that changes regularly to keep things interesting. From there, it's just a quick 50-minute drive back to the Gold Coast, or 2 hours to Brisbane airport.

For those of you who are flying out of Ballina airport, I highly recommend a quick stop in the charming town of Lennox Head. You'll find a quality brunch menu and stunning ocean views at Sheler, which boasts rustic interiors and a more laid-back vibe than Byron. And best of all, it's just a 10-minute drive from Lennox Head to the airport - so you can enjoy your meal without stressing about making your flight.

To Eat: General Store + The Farm

To Do: Boutique Shopping Spell and the Gypsy, Arnham, + Kivari the Label

Australia truly is an amazing country with endless road trip possibilities! The lush greenery of Harvey Bay and the vibrant energy of Byron Bay are just a couple of examples of the variety of climates you can experience. If you're looking for a more relaxed road trip that doesn't require a 4x4 drive, then this route is perfect for you. You'll be able to enjoy a combination of the country, big city life and small charming beach towns. Whether you're a couple, a group of friends, or a family, this road trip needs to be on everyone's Aussie travel list.