The Ultimate Roadtrip from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach, QLD
There’s something about a Roadtrip from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach, QLD. It’s north of Brisbane and it just feels right. The traffic thins, the air tastes saltier, and before you know it you’re trading city chaos for wide open skies and endless coastline. Roadtrip from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach isn’t about rushing, It’s about rolling down the windows, letting the sea breeze whip through your hair, and lapping up every pitstop along the way.
And the best part? At the end of the drive, Rainbow’s coloured cliffs and ocean views are waiting, along with a glass of wine on the balcony at Jemingar’s Place, Rainbow Beach.
First Leg: Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast (Noosa or Coolum)
Distance: 140 km
Time: 1 hr 45 min
The first leg is an easy cruise up the Bruce Highway. Break it up with a stop at Noosa Heads or Coolum Beach. It’s the perfect excuse to grab a piccolo on Hastings Street, dip your toes in at Main Beach, or you could take a bit of a stroll through Noosa National Park (koala spotting never hurt anyone) to stretch the legs. There’s boutique shopping and a range of cafes to grab a gourmet snack or gelato for the road.
If you’ve got a 4WD and a taste for adventure, this is your launchpad for the Great Beach Drive. Just slide your car onto the ferry at Tewantin and suddenly you’re not on a highway anymore… you’re on a beach.
Next Stop: Gympie – Country Charm with a Sweet Side
Distance: 80 km
Driving Time: Approx. 1 hour
Leaving the coast behind, you’ll roll into Gympie. It has gold rush history. Mary Street is dotted with heritage shop fronts, boutique stores and a few cafes and then there’s the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum or the Woodworks Museum & Interpretive Centre. Or the kids will love the steam trains with a journey on the Mary Valley Heritage Railway. Experience the old-world nostalgia as soon as you step into the historic Gympie Station. Afterwards, head for one of Gympie’s old school bakeries like Beefy’s Gympie or The Country Kitchen for a classic steak pie or custard tart.
Scenic Detour: Tin Can Bay – Dolphins and Waterfront Walks
Distance: 55 km
Driving Time: Approx. 45 minutes
A little detour off the highway lands you in Tin Can Bay, famous for its wild dolphins. If you’re up early, the Barnacles Dolphin Centre is your chance to hand-feed these gentle creatures. After that, slow it down with a walk along the mangrove boardwalks or take in the views along the calm waterfront. You’ll get super fresh seafood here, as there’s plenty of local trawlers in sight.
Roadtrip from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach, Qld: Final Stretch: Tin Can Bay to Rainbow Beach
Distance: 30 km
Driving Time: Approx. 30 min
The last half-hour of your journey weaves through coastal bushland before opening up to the spectacular sands of Rainbow Beach. From the kaleidoscope colours of the Coloured Sands cliffs to the sweeping views at Carlo Sand Blow, there’s no shortage of wow moments. Whether you’re keen for a surf, a lazy swim, or just soaking up the relaxed coastal vibes, this final stop is exactly why you came.
And it’s dead easy to enjoy life here.
Where to Stay on your Roadtrip from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach, Qld: Jemingar’s Place 207 Rainbow Beach:
At the end of the drive, Jemingar’s Place 207 Rainbiow Beach is where you can drop your bags, breathe out, and know you’ve landed somewhere special. It’s got that easy coastal style with the kind of place where the outside deck is calling and begs for sunset drinks, a sizzling barbie and plenty of laughter. Stay a few nights and you’ll see why it’s a top pick for Travellarks Getaways and a proper Rainbow Beach escape.
Wrapping Up the Brisbane to Rainbow Beach Road Trip
After the beaches, bakeries and backroads, the Brisbane to Rainbow Beach road trip isn’t just about the drive, it’s the little moments along the way. By the time you’re clinking glasses on the deck at Jemingar’s Place 207 Rainbow Beach, you’ll know you’ve found the good life, Queensland-style.
If you think this are sounds like an amazing spot, then why not check out our Stays with a Wow holiday accommodation.
