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.

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

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)

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!

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

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

Drive Time: 1 Hour

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

To Eat: OzyMex + Lightyears

To Do: Letsgosurfing

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

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.