The drive from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast is one of the easiest and most rewarding short campervan trips in Australia — barely 90 minutes of sealed highway separates the Queensland capital from Noosa, yet the change in pace is complete. This guide covers the best route north, where to stop, how long to allow, and where to camp once you arrive.
Why do this trip by campervan
The Sunshine Coast rewards travellers who can move between the beaches and the hinterland at their own pace. With a campervan you can wake up beside the surf at Coolum, spend the afternoon in the cool green hills around Maleny, and not worry about checking in and out of hotels. Distances are short, the roads are gentle, and the network of holiday parks is dense — it is an ideal first campervan trip.
The route: Brisbane to Noosa
From a Brisbane depot, join the Bruce Highway (M1) heading north. The drive is straightforward dual carriageway, and you will reach the coast in a little over an hour. The classic run is:
- Brisbane → Glass House Mountains (60 km): Pull off for the Glass House Mountains Lookout — a dramatic panorama of ancient volcanic peaks and the perfect first stretch of the legs.
- Glass House Mountains → Caloundra (35 km): Drop down to the coast at Caloundra, the southern gateway to the Sunshine Coast, with calm swimming beaches ideal for families.
- Caloundra → Mooloolaba & Maroochydore (25 km): The busy heart of the coast, with the Underwater World aquarium, a superb esplanade and plenty of powered sites.
- Maroochydore → Noosa (35 km): Finish at Noosa — Hastings Street, the national park headland walk and the calm Noosa River.
Don't skip the hinterland
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is only 30–40 minutes inland but feels a world away. Loop up through Maleny and Montville for mountain views, boutique produce and rainforest walks, and detour to the Kondalilla and Gardners Falls for a swim. Roads are narrow and winding in places but well within the capability of a standard campervan — just take the hills slowly.
Where to camp
Holiday parks line the coast at Caloundra, Dicky Beach, Cotton Tree (Maroochydore), Coolum, Mudjimba and Noosa. In the hinterland there are quieter parks near Maleny. Free camping is scarce close to the beaches and overnight parking is restricted in many beachside zones, so book powered sites in peak periods and always follow local signage.
How long to allow
You can taste the coast in a long weekend, but 4–5 days lets you split your time between the beaches and the hinterland without rushing. If you have longer, this trip pairs naturally with a continued run north up the Bruce Highway toward the Whitsundays and Cairns.
Ready to plan it? Compare campervan hire in Brisbane and read our full Sunshine Coast campervan guide for depot options, prices and camping detail.
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