Self Drive Tours

9 Day Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Adventure

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Experience the bustling metropolis of Brisbane and the awe-inspiring Sunshine Coast on a remarkable adventure. Discover Australia’s third-largest city, cruise along the scenic Brisbane River to the famous Koala Sanctuary, and explore the magnificent Sunshine Coast with its stunning beaches, rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Unforgettable highlights include a day trip to Fraser Island, home to the pristine lake Mackenzie and the iconic Maheno Shipwreck. Make sure to visit Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin, renowned for his dedication to wildlife preservation. Dive into this extraordinary journey and uncover the natural wonders of Brisbane and the breathtaking Sunshine Coast.

Everything we do is custom and bespoke to your needs and desires. Enquire about your options for a custom Brisbane and Sunshine Coast tour today.

Build your own Brisbane and Sunshine Coast tour
The activities listed above are just a glimpse of what’s possible! We pride ourselves on creating bespoke experiences tailored to your interests and desires. If you have specific activities or destinations in mind, let us know, and we’ll craft a personalized itinerary just for you. Every journey is unique, and we’re here to make yours perfect. Dream big – your adventure is waiting to be customized!
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Brisbane City

Your 9-day Sunshine Coast road trip itinerary

Check out this sample road trip through Queensland.
  1. DAY 1
    1. Brisbane Arrival
  2. DAY 2
    1. Brisbane River Cruise + Koala Sanctuary
  3. DAY 3
    1. Brisbane Whale Watching
  4. DAY 4
    1. Brisbane to Noosa Heads Via Australia Zoo
  5. DAY 5
    1. Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise
  6. DAY 6
    1. Fraser Island Day Tour
  7. DAY 7
    1. Noosa Free Day
  8. DAY 8
    1. Noosa to Brisbane
  9. DAY 9
    1. Brisbane Departure Day
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 1
Brisbane Arrival

Welcome to the incredible city of Brisbane, gateway to the region of Queensland.

Today you will be met at the airport by private shuttle and transferred to the inner city. From here the afternoon is free to explore Brisbane at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities on offer.

Perhaps take a stroll in a museum or art gallery or simply find a perch at a local bar or restaurant and relax the day away with spectacular views of the city. We will have some great suggestions in your interactive travel app including boat trips, view-points and other great things to explore in the city.

Full Itinerary
DAY 2
Brisbane River Cruise + Koala Sanctuary

YOUR DAY

Koalas and an incredible cruise on the Brisbane River. Today is your chance to experience both of these magical activities.

Your river cruise takes you from the bustling waterfront of Southbank to the lush parklands of Lone Pine, with the chance to see iconic sights as you glide along the water. At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary you can get up close to koalas, kangaroos and watch platypus, sheepdogs and birds of prey in action.

Following your visit you will return by river to downtown Brisbane where the rest of the day is free to explore at leisure. Perhaps take a visit to the town’s bustling lagoon and enjoy a drink or maybe a walk around the spectacular kangaroo Cliffs? We will have some fantastic suggestions in your interactive travel app.

Full Itinerary
DAY 3
Brisbane Whale Watching

YOUR DAY

Today you will jump on board the magnificent ‘Eye Spy’ for an encounter with whales on this memorable experience.

Of all the great whales, the Humpback is the most surface active displaying behaviour that will not only inspire you but leave you in awe. There quite clearly is no better place to observe the mighty Humpback Whale than Brisbane’s Moreton Bay, recognised as one of the world’s best whale watching destinations.

This tour offers an increased awareness of the beauty of nature and the need to nurture our precious wildlife.

Upon return to Brisbane the rest of the day is free to explore at leisure.

Full Itinerary
DAY 4
Brisbane to Noosa Heads Via Australia Zoo

YOUR DAY

140 km, 2 hours 4 minutes driving

Time to head north to the Incredible Sunshine Coast.

After collecting your rental car head North along the Sunshine Coast, toward Noosa Heads. You will stop at Australia Zoo along the way, the ultimate wildlife adventure and conservation destination!

Australia Zoo was taken over by the famous Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter in 1991. Their mission was to make this zoo the very best in Australia, if not the world! Extensive efforts were made to create habitats, so that all zoo animals could be exhibited in natural environments.

See Crocodile, Cassowary, Dingo, Echidna and kangaroo among several other species in this incredible animal encounter.

Following your trip to Australia Zoo we recommend a trip to the Tamborine Mountains for a hike in some majestic Australian Rainforest. Some great suggestions will be at your fingertips in your interactive travel app.

The rest of the day and night upon arrival in Noosa are free to spend at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the incredible beach and admire the spectacular Pacific Ocean.

Full Itinerary
DAY 5
Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise

YOUR DAY

Discover the sights and delights of Noosa, one of the many jewels in the Sunshine Coast crown during this full-day guided tour.

After being collected from your accommodation, you will drive north to the famous Hastings Street where you will enjoy 45-minutes of free time to explore the shops, grab a coffee or walk along the white sands of Noosa Main Beach.

Next, take a ride on the ferry up the Noosa River to Noosa Marina in Tewantin where you will be treated to an elegant two-course lunch overlooking the Noosa River, paired with a glass of wine or beer. To end the day, experience the amazing Noosa Everglades on a 3-hour Serenity Cruise.

Noosa is one of the many jewels in the Sunshine Coast crown, and with stunning beaches, nature at every turn, and one of the most famous shopping streets in the region (Hastings Street). If you’re a lover of gastronomy, there are several top-quality restaurants in Noosa too, making it a foodie’s delight!

Upon return to Noosa, the rest of the day is free to explore at leisure. We will have some great suggestions in your interactive travel app.

Full Itinerary
DAY 6
Fraser Island Day Tour

YOUR DAY

Today is your chance to enjoy incredible Fraser Island on a guided tour. Some highlights on this fantastic trip include.

  • Early morning departure from the Sunshine Coast.
  • Whenever possible – 40 miles beach, famous “Coloured Sands”/Wide Bay to Rainbow Beach
  • Ferry Crossing (drive on/drive off) over The Great Sandy Strait to the southern tip of “World Heritage” K’gari (Fraser Island).
  • Travel along narrow inland 4WD Sand Tracks through heathlands and towering hardwood forests to our destination… crystal clear Lake McKenzie (Lake Boorangoora).
  • Lake McKenzie – world famous for its turquoise colours and fine dazzling white 92% pure silica sands. Swimming – a refreshing dip…..fantastic. *swim/lunch approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Lunch is a delicious “Aussie Style” bush picnic. Fresh daily – tasty salad rolls – choices of ham, chicken or beef. Vegetarian option – Greek salad wraps. Gluten Free and Vegan on request. Enjoy healthy tropical fruits. All served with complimentary icy cold beer, wine and soft drinks.
  • Explore Central Station, an old Forestry Station surrounded by magnificent rainforests. A multitude of luxuriant palms, cycads, ferns and hanging vine, piccabeen, macrozamia, angiopteris evecta and strangler figs. Stroll along Wanggoolba Creek Boardwalks and marvel at the beauty, variety and lushness.
  • Homeward Bound we pass the pine forests of Toolara and the Cooloola Recreation Area.
  • After a wonderful experience, expect to be back in Noosa at approximately 5.30pm.

Tonight in Noosa you will have the opportunity to enjoy further culinary hot spots. We will have great suggestions on your interactive travel app.

Full Itinerary
DAY 7
Noosa Free Day

YOUR DAY

Today is a free day to explore incredible Noosa and the Sunshine Coast at your leisure. Perhaps take the opportunity to Kayak with dolphins, take a surf lesson, hike in one of the area’s incredible national parks or simply laze the day away in one of the many beachside establishments. The choice is yours. Your interactive travel app will be full of useful top tips to maximise your time in Noosa.

Full Itinerary
DAY 8
Noosa to Brisbane

YOUR DAY

150km- 2 hours driving time

This morning after departing the Sunshine Coast you may wish to make your way through Mooloolaba where you will get the opportunity to check out the renowned ‘Sea-Life Aquarium’.

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is home to thousands of animals, including sharks, seals, turtles, stingrays, otters, sawfish, tropical fish and much, much more. You can explore 11 fun and interactive animal zones spread out across three levels.

Take part in an unforgettable Seal Island seal encounter with the seal show that includes a seal presentation and even offers a seal swim. Visit the only colony of Little Blue Penguins on the Sunshine Coast. Explore the depths of the ocean and marvel at the many species of sharks, rays, reef fish and more floating above you as you walk the 80-metre long Ocean Tunnel. Check out one of Australia’s largest collection of jellyfish in the Jellyfish Kingdom. There’s even a seahorse sanctuary and a Tidal Touch Pool for you to get to know the tropical fish first hand.

From here heading south you may wish to check out the picturesque ‘Glass House Mountains’ with fantastic views.

Driving through and arriving in Brisbane we suggest checking out Mount Coo-Tha for scenic views of the city and hinterland.

Following this we will arrange for you to drop off your rental car in central Brisbane.

Tonight perhaps enjoy dinner on one of the restaurants near Brisbane River at leisure.

Full Itinerary
DAY 9
Brisbane Departure Day

YOUR DAY

This morning after breakfast at your accommodation, be transported by private shuttle to Brisbane Airport and your onward travel arrangements.

Full Itinerary
What’s included?
Your choice of accommodation. Silver (4 star), gold (5 star) or platinum (luxury lodge) options available
Most breakfasts, select lunches and dinners
All travel arrangements, Transfers and flights within Australia
A choice or Mix of self-drive and privately guided transport
In-depth and detailed custom travel guide
Listed activities (the list is fully customisable)
Full insurance coverage on rented vehicles
Custom tour creation with one of our travel experts
What’s not included?
Return international flights
Personal travel insurance
Some lunches and dinners
Individual shopping and souvenirs
Extra, optional activities

Why Book a Bespoke Package With The Road Trip

Freedom to Explore
Tailored Experiences
Driver-Inclusive Tour and Self-Drive Options
Unrivaled Expertise
Prioritizing Wellbeing
Personalized Pricing

Frequently Asked Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Questions:

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Traveller Feedback

READ all testimonials
These guys are good! They put our itinerary together based on a mutual discussion(s) and di a very good job. The highlight was the end of the Trip in Port Douglas, a GREAT hotel-The Peninsula, and two great tours, the Daintree Rain Forest , Far North Escapes, where the guide-Jason was amazing and then The Great Barrier Reef with Wavelength for snorkeling-AMZING and the crew were fantastic. Highly recommend these guys. By the way Yamilla is fantastic as well.
Stephen S
Couple From America.
Our trip was amazing, everything happened just as it was supposed to! I really appreciate Yamila’s efforts to plan our trip just as we asked, everything was well organized. From our transportation arrangements to our private guide Glenn who took us to the Blue mountains, the personnel were excellent. We packed a lot in 3 days each Sydney and Ayers Rock.
C B
A couple from the USA
Dear Yamila & The Road Trip Team Thank you for your making my Sydney-Gold Coast Road Trip a smooth one. I would say there wasn't any hiccup along the trip. Everything well taken care of; from airport transfer to hotel bookings to rental car and some tour bookings. My family really enjoyed the holiday. What I really love was the freedom to drive anywhere with recommendations to go. It was very comprehensive. My kids loved the hotels you booked for us, especially the Anchorage and Pepper Soul! You made our maiden road drive in Australia to a new level. It is definitely an memorable experience. We are already thinking of another road trip in Australia! Thank you once again!
Flyer786747
5 Friends From USA
21-day Australia trip was fabulous. We didn't want to drive the Australian roads, so The Road Trip organized all of the hotels, transportation and guided tours. The Road Trip team, especially Yamila, had everything planned and they even helped make changes as new opportunities came up. The trip itinerary appealed to everyone as there was the perfect combination of beach, sightseeing, tours, downtime, and outdoor activities. Our favorites included: penguin parade, full-day snorkel tour, night walk tour in the rainforest, and the canyon hike through the Blue Mountain National Park. All six of us agreed that we couldn't have seen or done as much as we did if it wasn't for The Road Trip team. We will be contacting you again for our next trip!
Linda E
Singaporean Friends
I want to thank Road Trip Australia for planning and coordinating such a great itinerary. I wouldn’t have known where to start doing it on my own. They made it easy. The packet they provided was full of good information and allowed me to maximize the time that I had to tour. I definitely recommend them to plan your trip.
Elizabeth B
3 couples From USA
The Road Trip put together our recently completed self-driving tour of Australia. They were easy to work with and did an outstanding job of arranging our accommodations and travel in country (both driving and flying). We started in Melbourne with an excellent tour of the central city. We then heading over to the Yarra Valley for two nights. It’s an area known for its vineyards and wine making. Then it was off to the Great Ocean Road for two days of beautiful beaches and great stops recommended by The Road Trip. We spent two days in charming Port Fairy at a great boutique hotel. Then it was back to Melbourne to head to Sydney. Some weather issues prevented us from traveling as planned but we did spend a day and a half in Sydney with the highlight being a climb to the top of the Harbor Bridge. After Sydney we spent two days in the Blue Mountains. Our plans were limited by the recent fires which was disappointing. We spent one day in the Hunter Valley and if you are into wine another day would be appropriate. Then back to Sydney to fly up to the Great Barrier Reef. The rainforests and reef were magical. Wavelength did a great job with the reef snorkeling tour. It was then back to Melbourne for the Australian Open which was a blast. Then finally a trip to Phillip Island to watch the penguins come back to their burrows after a busy day in the sea. Overall a memorable trip and it was logistically very easy with The Road Trip.
JEPAZ

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