Australia Road Trip – Part 1: From Brisbane to Airlie Beach Freedom, sunshine, and the road that leads to paradise

🚐 Overview

After months of dreaming, we finally picked up our campervan in Brisbane — ready to begin our 28-day road trip along Australia’s legendary East Coast.We chose this route because it perfectly balances adventure, beaches, wildlife, and tropical beauty — and because it was whale season 🐋 (June to October), the time when the ocean comes

alive.

Traveling by campervan gave us something priceless — freedom.Freedom to chase sunsets, cook breakfast by the beach, stop wherever our hearts led us, and truly live the journey together.From vibrant surf towns to remote national parks, this first stretch of our East Coast adventure was all about joy, nature, and connection.

🦘 Brisbane — Where It All Begins

Our journey started in the laid-back capital of Queensland — Brisbane. Before hitting the road, we stopped at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, one of Australia’s oldest and most ethical wildlife centers. Holding a koala and feeding kangaroos felt like the perfect way to start the trip.

After stocking up on groceries and essentials for the van, we headed south toward our first big stop — Byron Bay.

🌊 Byron Bay — The Spirit of Surf and Freedom

Byron Bay is one of those places that instantly makes you smile — surfboards on every corner, barefoot locals, and the smell of coffee and ocean salt in the air.

We spent two days here soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.Don’t miss a walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Australia — especially at sunrise, when the cliffs glow pink and gold. In town, the Main Beach is perfect for swimming, while Wategos Beach is ideal for watching surfers catch the morning waves.

For dinner, we loved the vibe at The Mez Club (Mediterranean fusion with sea views) and Bayleaf Café for breakfast — their coffee and smoothie bowls are divine.

Byron Bay is more than a destination — it’s a feeling. Leaving was harder than we expected.

🏖️ Noosa — Nature’s Playground

From Byron, we drove north — about six hours — to reach Noosa, one of Australia’s most charming coastal towns.

Noosa has everything: lush national parks, beautiful beaches, and that special, laid-back vibe that makes you slow down.We started at Noosa National Park, hiking the Coastal Track — a stunning trail where the forest meets the ocean. Keep an eye out for wild koalas napping in the treetops.Even though we didn’t spot any that day, the views and the turquoise coves more than made up for it.

We ended the hike with a picnic dinner at Tea Tree Bay, watching the sunset over the ocean — just us, our campervan, and the sound of waves.

For accommodation, we spent one night at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp, surrounded by kangaroos and the calm of nature, and two nights at a local holiday park near town.Noosa’s Main Beach is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while Noosa Heads offers trendy cafés and boutiques.

Our favorites:

• Betty’s Burgers for an easy lunch 🍔

• Aromas Noosa for coffee and people-watching ☕

• Locale Noosa for an elegant dinner with wine under the palms 🍷

🌅 Cape Hillsborough — Sunrise with Kangaroos

On our way north, we stopped for a night in the small coastal town of 1770 (Seventeen Seventy) — a quiet gem with ocean views and golden sunsets. It’s worth the detour for a picnic or a peaceful swim.

From there, we drove about three more hours to Cape Hillsborough National Park, one of the most magical places in Queensland. At dawn, kangaroos and wallabies gather on the beach — silhouetted against the rising sun. It’s one of those surreal moments that feel almost cinematic.

We camped inside the national park and booked a premium powered site right by the water — highly recommended!After the sunrise, we enjoyed breakfast by the sea and explored the nearby Diversity Boardwalk, an easy trail through mangroves and forest filled with birdsong.

⚓ Airlie Beach — Gateway to the Whitsundays

Next came Airlie Beach, the vibrant heart of the Whitsundays — and one of our favorite stops on the trip.The drive took about five hours, but it was worth every minute.

Airlie is the jumping-off point for two bucket-list experiences:

1. Whitehaven Beach — the whitest sand you’ll ever see.

2. Heart Reef — a natural coral formation shaped like a heart, visible from the air.

We booked both through Ocean Rafting, and the tours were unforgettable.If you choose a Whitehaven tour, make sure it includes the Hill Inlet Lookout — the famous view where turquoise swirls blend into white sand.

For food, our top picks were:

• The Garden Bar Bistro — perfect for sunset drinks by the marina 🍹

• Sorrento Restaurant & Bar — great Italian food and ocean views 🍝

• The Deck Airlie Beach — for brunch and smoothie bowls 🥥

At night, the atmosphere in Airlie is lively — music, cocktails, and travelers from all over the world sharing stories under the stars.

We stayed at Nomads Airlie Beach, a fun, well-located campground close to everything.

📸 Best Photo Spots

• Sunrise with kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough 🦘

• Hill Inlet lookout at Whitehaven Beach 🏝️

• Sunset over Airlie Marina 🌅

• Cape Byron Lighthouse trail 🌊

• Everglades campground with kangaroos at dusk 🌿

☀️ Best Time to Visit

May to October is perfect for this section of the coast — warm, dry days and cooler nights.If you’re lucky, you’ll spot humpback whales migrating north between June and September.

💡 Travel Tips

• Always book campgrounds and national park sites in advance.

• Rent your camper early — prices rise fast in whale season.

• Fuel stops can be far apart — plan ahead!

• Bring a drone for epic coastline shots (check local rules).

• Stay flexible — some of the best moments happen off the plan.

❤️ Final Thoughts

From Brisbane’s koalas to Airlie’s coral lagoons, this stretch of the East Coast is everything we dreamed of and more.It’s a road trip of freedom, simplicity, and awe — the kind of journey that stays with you long after the wheels stop turning.

📍 Continue the Journey → From Airlie Beach to the Atherton Tablelands 🌿