The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland's easiest and most rewarding campervan destinations — a 60-plus kilometre run of surf beaches, a lush green hinterland, and famously laid-back towns like Noosa, all just north of Brisbane. This guide covers how to hire a campervan for the region, where to pick it up, what it costs, and the best way to plan a short coastal escape or a longer road trip up the coast.
Where to Pick Up Your Campervan
The Sunshine Coast sits about 100 km north of Brisbane, and that proximity shapes how most people hire. Rather than searching for a depot on the coast itself, the smart move is usually to compare Sunshine Coast campervans that are collected from Brisbane and driven north.
- From Brisbane: The largest fleet and best prices in the region. Drive 1–1.5 hours up the Bruce Highway (M1) to Caloundra, Maroochydore or Noosa.
- Brisbane Airport pickup: Convenient if you are flying in — several brands have depots close to the airport, then it is a straightforward drive north.
- Local pickup: Availability directly on the coast is limited and seasonal, so book early if you need it.
Sunshine Coast Highlights by Campervan
Noosa & the Northern Beaches
Noosa is the coast's crown jewel — Hastings Street, Main Beach, and the walking trails of Noosa National Park where you can spot koalas and reach Tea Tree Bay and the Fairy Pools. Base yourself in a Noosaville or Noosa holiday park and explore on foot.
Maroochydore, Mooloolaba & Coolum
The central coast is family-friendly and van-friendly, with patrolled beaches, the Mooloolaba esplanade, SEA LIFE aquarium and easy parking. Great for a mid-trip base.
The Hinterland: Maleny & Montville
Just 30–40 minutes inland, the Blackall Range delivers rainforest, waterfalls (Kondalilla and Gardners Falls), the Glass House Mountains lookouts, and the artsy villages of Maleny and Montville. A brilliant overnight contrast to the beach.
Suggested Itineraries
Long Weekend (3–4 days)
Brisbane → Glass House Mountains → Maleny/Montville → Noosa → Brisbane. A relaxed loop mixing hinterland and beach without long drives.
One Week (5–7 days)
Add Coolum, Mooloolaba and a couple of nights in Noosa, then continue north toward Rainbow Beach and the gateway to K'gari (Fraser Island) if you have a 4WD-capable plan. The Sunshine Coast also makes a perfect first leg of the longer Brisbane to Cairns road trip.
What It Costs
As a rough all-in daily budget for a couple — van hire, fuel, food and a powered site — plan on around $130–$220 per day. Van hire itself runs from roughly $70/day for a budget 2-berth up to $220/day for a larger motorhome in peak season. Fuel is modest here because distances are short. See our full breakdown of how much campervan hire costs in Australia.
Camping & Overnight Tips
- Book powered sites at Noosa, Coolum, Mudjimba and Caloundra in school holidays — they fill fast.
- Beachfront overnight parking is heavily restricted; use signed holiday parks rather than risking a fine.
- The hinterland has quieter, cheaper parks near Maleny if the coast is booked out.
- Read our free camping in Australia guide before relying on free sites in South East Queensland — they are limited near the coast.
Best Time to Visit
April to November is ideal — warm, dry and less humid than the summer. December to March is hot and can bring afternoon storms, but the beaches are at their best. The winter dry season (June–August) is peak for southern visitors escaping the cold, so book vans and sites early.
Ready to plan? Compare campervan hire for the Sunshine Coast and find the best rate across leading brands, or start a Brisbane pickup search to see the full fleet.
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