Brisbane to Yeppoon Road Trip How to Spend the Perfect 10 Days Exploring Queensland’s Capricorn Coast 

We could have just what you’re searching for if seaside adventure is what you’re after. This Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip is a 10-day drive down the Queensland coastline. Before arriving at your ultimate destination on the Capricorn Coast, you spend a week and a half diving the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, and Gladstone, stopping at incredible beaches, islands, reefs, and other locations along the route.

• We’ve written an article about Brisbane to Agnes Waters. If you’re planning a trip, you can also check out our Top 10 Things to do And Brisbane to Agnes Waters Road Trip.

The Ultimate 10 Days on Brisbane to Yeppoon Road Trip

Sunshine Coast on Day 1 

You’ll leave from Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, and sail two hours north to the picturesque Sunshine Coast on day one of this Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip.

Southeast Queensland, Australia’s Sunshine Coast, is a suburb. The region was described as “the area encompassed in the counties of Landsborough, Maroochy, and Noosa, but excluding Bribie Island” in 1967. Its urban area spans around 60 km (37 miles) of beach and hinterland, from Pelican Waters to Tewantin, and is located 100 km (62 miles) north of metropolitan Brisbane in southeast Queensland on the Coral Sea coast.

Papuans who immigrated from northern Australia were the first to colonize the region. After Europeans arrived in the region in the 19th century, growth was gradual before tourism emerged as a significant sector. There are several coastal nodes in the region at Caloundra, Kawana Waters, Maroochydore, and Noosa Heads. However, the principal commerce hubs in the hinterland emerged as Nambur and Maleny.

The Sunshine Coast region and Noosa County, which oversee the southern and northern portions of the Sunshine Coast, respectively, have been separated into two local government regions since 2014.

The Sunshine Coast is the ninth most populated region in the world and the fifth most populous region in Queensland as of June 2021, according to estimates of its urban population of 398,840[2]. In the five years leading up to 2018, the region’s population expanded gradually at an annualized rate of 2.4%.

You’ll spend the night in the tourist destination of Noosa; for couples traveling together, The Sofitel or Peppers Noosa are advised; for groups, The Hastings Beach Houses are suggested. Spend the day seeing the natural beauty of the well-known surf location, swimming at Little Cove Beach, and taking a stroll through Noosa National Park before retiring for the night. Eating options also abound; stop by regional landmarks Sails, Bistro C, or Noosa Surf Club for a meal.

Fraser Coast on Day 2

After a morning swim at Noosa’s main beach and a stroll along the promenade, it’s time to hit the road. 

Located around 250 kilometers (160 miles) north of Brisbane, the state capital, in Queensland, Australia’s Wide Bay-Burnett region, lies the local government area known as the Fraser Coast. Along with Fraser Island, it is focused on the twin cities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough. The cities of Maryborough and Hervey Bay, Vouku county, and most of Tiaro were combined to form it in 2008. Its population was 105,463 as of June 2018.

Today’s destination is the whale-watching capital of the world, Hervey Bay, two hours north. After lunch (or a late brunch) at Dan & Steph, spend a day at sea up close with humpback whales, which takes place during whale season, July through November. After a day of exploring, you can relax at the Oaks Resort & Spa Hervey Bay, located on the esplanade.

Fraser Island on Day 3

Today, you’ll set sail for Fraser Island (K’Gari), the world’s most oversized sand island at 123 kilometers long and a designated World Heritage Site. 

Along with Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, and Uluru, Fraser Island is included as a World Heritage Site. A priceless piece of Australia’s natural and cultural legacy, Fraser Island is preserved for the enjoyment and appreciation of all.

This area has a lot to see and do, from Lake Mackenzie’s crystal blue waters to the Maheno Shipwreck, the Sandy Beach Highway, and unrestricted 4×4 vehicles. While you can go your own way, you could opt to go with the professional and go on a day excursion from Tasman Venture to the secluded Fraser Island or spend the night with Fraser Explorer or Dingo (who tend to appeal to young travelers).

Bundaberg on Day 4

Today’s journey on this Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip will be long – around four hours – so pack your snacks accordingly. Afterward, you will return to the mainland and continue your journey north to the sugar cane capital, Bundaberg.

The tenth most significant city in Queensland, Australia, is Bundaberg, located in the Bundaberg area. With a population of 70,921, the Bundaberg Regional Area is a crucial hub for the Wide Bay-Burnett geographical region. About 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Burnett River’s mouth at Burnett Heads, where it flows into the Coral Sea, the Bundaberg CBD is situated along the river’s south bank. The city is situated in one of the nation’s most fertile agricultural districts, which supports a rich coastal plain. The Taribelang Bunda people reside in the Bundaberg area. Bundaberg is known as “Bundy” and “Rum City” among locals. The name Bundaberg is used as a demonym.

Given that its most famous local creation is Bundaberg rum, it would be a shame to miss a visit to the Bundaberg distillery, where you can craft your signature rum to take home if the heart desires. Children in tow? Instead, head to the Strawberry Fields of Tinaberry. Or the beautiful beaches of the most famous beaches of Bundaberg, Mon Repos and Bargara Beach.

Lady Musgrave Island on Day 5 

As you travel to the picturesque Lady Musgrave Island today, you will come into contact with the southern portion of the Great Barrier Reef. 

On Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave Island is a coral reef of 14 hectares (35 acres), with a 1,192-hectare surrounding reef (2,950 acres). The island is located in the Great Barrier Reef chain, the first (and most southern) island being Lady Elliot Island. Lady Lucinda Musgrave, the wife of Sir Anthony Musgrave, the colonial governor of Queensland, is honored by the name of the island.

From Bundaberg (about 4 hours north of Brisbane) and 1770 City in Queensland, visitors may take a tourist boat to Lady Musgrave Island and its immediate surroundings (located approximately 5 hours north of Brisbane). The Capricornia Cays Important Bird Area includes the island.

The indigenous aboriginal Australian tribes refer to Lady Musgrave Island as Wallaginji. Wallaginji means “beautiful reef” in French.

Join the Lady Musgrave Experience day excursion to view the coral reef’s best natural riches. You will depart Bundaberg onboard an opulent 35-meter catamaran and be transported out to sea in less than two hours. When you arrive, you’ll be allowed to spend the day exploring Australia’s most well-known coral attraction by snorkeling, swimming, or diving.

Gladstone, on Day 6

You’ll leave for Gladstone on the sixth day of our Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip. However, you won’t be based there; instead, you’ll be in Agnes Water and 1770, two well-liked beach towns (as well as their nearby areas), so why not visit Agnes Water for a beach holiday or take in the vibe there?

Australia’s Queensland state includes the seaside town of Gladstone. As of August 2021, Gladstone, Boyne Island, and Tannum Sands have a combined population of 50,317. Gladstone’s urban population is 34,703. This urban area has a 246.1 km2 area (95.0 sq mi).

It is located 108 kilometers (67 miles) southeast of Rockhampton and 517 kilometers (321 miles) by road northwest of Brisbane, the state capital. The Port of Gladstone, located in Gladstone between the Calliope and Boyne Rivers, is the largest cargo port in Queensland.

Gladstone is the biggest town in the Gladstone area and serves as the administrative center for the Gladstone Regional Council. In 2008, three former local government units merged to form the Gladstone region.

This site, the most northerly surf place in Queensland, draws many surfers. It could be a good idea to start surfing at Lazy Lizard Surf School right away if you haven’t done so already. Alternatively, you can continue to stroll down the coast to Red Rock Beach.

Capricorn on Day 7

After a decade of falling visitors, numerous significant resorts have shut their doors on the Capricorn Coast. There are still a ton of different lodging choices available, though. It has been challenging to draw people to the seaside, but recent coastal renovation may be the answer. The recently constructed Yeppoon Lagoon is a 2,500 square meter Balinese-style pool with an infinity edge and panoramic views, a shallow children’s play area, and an unstructured swimming area. In addition, it provides daytime facilities, including BBQ grills for public use.

The Keppel Kracken Hotel is located just a short distance north along the main beach’s edge. On the beachfront in Yeppoon is an accessible water playground called Keppel Kraken. Marine creature sculptures in the wetland with zero depth are shown against the picturesque Keppel Bay. Keppel Kraken is fun for families with little kids since it has many interactive features, including water cannons, jets, and an umbrella bucket.

Moving this Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip will bring you to Yeppoon today. Although it is close to Rockhampton, the meat capital of Queensland, this seaside town has a lot to offer on its own. Visit a wide variety of eateries, from the informal Yogolicious Café to the polished wine bar and Vue restaurant, as you spend the day discovering this family-friendly area. Then, stop for a dip in Yeppoon Lagoon on the coast.

Pumpkin Island on Days 8-10

One of Australia’s best-kept secrets, Pumpkin Island, is situated 14 kilometers off the coast of Yeppoon in the southern Keppel Islands region of the Great Barrier Reef. The island is ideal for couples, families, or large groups planning special events.

Seven self-contained cottages on this six-hectare tiny treasure provide 34 people with environmentally friendly lodging powered by the sun and wind. They all include individual patios with grills and views of the setting sun.

It’s time to unwind as the journey from Brisbane to Yeppoon draws close. Although Sail Capricornia offers day cruises to adjacent islands like Great Keppel from Yeppoon, why not take advantage of the chance to remain offshore while you still have it? Rent one of the 34-person maximum capacity eco cabin groups on Pumpkin Island for complete solitude.