Brisbane to Noosa Road Trip Scenic Stops & Hidden Gems

Spanning 160 kilometres, the drive from Brisbane to Noosa is a must-do coastal RV journey. But while it’s easy to zip from A to B in just two hours, there’s so much to stop and see along the way, and a range of comfy camping spots to relax in when you finally reach your destination. From solo hikes and iconic landmarks to pristine beaches and family-friendly zoos, here is a guide to help you curate your perfect road trip.

Brisbane to Noosa drive time

The quickest way to drive from Brisbane to Noosa is via the M1. It is a reasonably easy drive with sealed freeways and clear road signs and will take around two hours (not including stop-offs). A tip — in peak seasons, like in summer and on school holidays — there can be more road congestion. In terms of quick stops, fuel is available at Caboolture, near Beerwah, and in Nambour, along with on-the-road food options.

How far is Brisbane to Noosa?

The Brisbane to Noosa distance on the M1 direct route is around 160 kilometres, but there are many more ways to get there! Check out our alternative routes below.

What temperatures can I expect in Noosa?

In winter, the temperatures are the coolest of the year, but by no means cold, with the average daily temperature sitting around 20°C. Temperatures can drop to an average of 10°C at night, but that’s oh-so-bearable compared to other locations! Things are slightly warmer in autumn and spring, with an average of around 24°C during the day and warmer temperatures compared to winter at night. And in summer? This is when the weather in Noosa is truly at its best. A comfortable average temperature of around 27°C allows you to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, including hiking, bike riding and a myriad of water sports. The hottest month is usually January, when temperatures can climb to 30°C or more. January and February can also be humid, which can make temperatures feel warmer than they are.

Brisbane to Noosa drive routes

On the drive from Brisbane to Noosa, there are many road trip options, which can involve one or more stop-offs inland or on the coast. Here are some we highly recommend:

Coastal stop-off - If you’re after a beach swim & fish and chips

Caloundra is located 130 kilometres north of Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast district. Kings Beach is one of the area’s best, with its gentle beach break and oceanfront saltwater swimming pool. Have a quick dip in the morning and some fish and chips at Bulcock Beach for lunch. You can still be in Noosa in around an hour!

Coastal stop-off - If you’re after an Instagrammable waterfall shot

Around an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Buderim Forest Park is set on over 45 lush hectares, where you can walk among winding ferns, towering trees and babbling creeks before discovering stunning Buderim Falls. The easiest walk is located off Lindsey Road, where you can meander through the sub-tropical rainforest on a 600m-long elevated boardwalk. The 350-metre bush track from Quorn Close is steeper and leads directly down to the top of the waterfalls, where the wooden, high arch Serenity Bridge offers spectacular views.

Coastal stop-off - If you’re keen to climb a mountain

It’s not Everest, but still impressive at 200 metres above sea level. A popular attraction in Coolum, Mt. Coolum is an hour and a half from Brisbane and offers moderately fit walkers a climb with a spectacular ending. At the summit, you'll find sweeping panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast, as well as coastal views that stretch from Double Island Point all the way to Caloundra. Allow around 1.5 hours for the return walk.

Inland stop-off - If you’re an animal lover

After passing through the soaring peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains (or stopping off for a bush walk), head to Beerwah, where you’ll find one of the most iconic zoos in the world, Australia Zoo. Set on nearly 300 hectares, it’s home to 1200 mammals, birds, and reptiles. Owned by the Irwin family and continuing the legacy of the legendary Steve Irwin, it offers the ultimate wildlife experience for people of all ages.

The ultimate inland road trip on your way to Noosa

Make your way from Brisbane to Noosa over a few days (or more) while enjoying all the natural beauty and inspiring attractions of this area’s inland gems.

Woodford. A quintessentially Queensland country town with a distinctive bohemian heart, there are lots of cultural and historical things to see and do here. If you love bushwalking, it also offers some of Southeast Queensland’s best walks and hikes. Just 20 minutes south of town, Mount Mee State Forest (part of D'Aguilar National Park) offers many well-signed walking tracks, picnic areas and camping sites. Walk to the summit, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across Caboolture and out to Moreton Bay.
Maleny. Tucked away between Maleny and Montville, Barton Pocket Dam is a picturesque lake with family-friendly features including free BBQs and playgrounds. In the warm summer months, you can kayak the lake and its tributaries, take a dip in the calm waters, or cast your rod and wait for the Australian Bass to bite! The shoreline is also abundant with wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas. If you want to stretch your legs, make your way through open forest ridges and enjoy the beautiful views from the Baroon Lookout.
Montville. With an abundance of rock pools, a magnificent waterfall, and ribbons of bubbling creeks, the natural wonderland of Kondalilla National Park makes it a popular retreat for those who enjoy crisp mountain air and connecting with nature. Take a stroll under the eucalypt forests and rainforest canopies on the numerous walking tracks, enjoy spectacular views of the valley, and then cool off with a swim in one of the sparkling rock pools.
Kenilworth. The Booloumba Falls walk in Conondale National Park showcases the park's stunning surroundings and an incredible variety of wildlife. This park in the rugged Conondale Range features waterfalls, boulder-strewn creeks, tall eucalypt forests, lush rainforests, and spectacular scenery. The Booloumba Falls walk requires average fitness levels and follows a well-defined track. Allow around two hours for this three-kilometre return walk.
Eumundi. You can’t visit Eumundi without stopping by one of its biggest attractions, The Original Eumundi Markets. Held each Wednesday and Saturday morning, this historic gem is one of Australia’s biggest arts and crafts markets.

With dozens of Noosa beaches to explore, what are you waiting for? Contact our expert team to get RV-ready.

References:

Turo (18 June 2023), Brisbane to Noosa drive: A road trip itinerary, Turo blog, accessed 4 July 2024.