12 Days of Sunshine: A Spring Campervan Adventure on Australia’s East Coast

Spring is the perfect season to hit the road, with warm days, blooming landscapes, and plenty of sunshine to enjoy along the way. This 12-day campervan itinerary takes you from Brisbane to Cairns, stopping at coastal towns, national parks, tropical islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. From morning hikes through wildflower trails to lazy afternoons on the beach and unforgettable evenings watching the sunset, this guide covers the best spring highlights and experiences for the ultimate East Coast Road trip.

Activities On Your Spring Campervan Adventure

This 12-day itinerary along Australia’s East Coast is the ultimate spring escape —stunning beaches, vibrant cities, cascading waterfalls, and everything in between for a road trip that has it all.

Here are just some of the things you can expect from your trip:

  • Stroll through beautiful gardens bursting with spring blooms
  • Relax on stunning golden beaches
  • Cool off in sparkling lagoons and cascading waterfalls
  • Snorkel or scuba dive the iconic Great Barrier Reef
  • Explore Queensland’s vibrant national parks alive with wildflowers
  • Kayak through the tranquil Noosa Everglades
  • Discover breathtaking islands along the coast
  • Experience an unforgettable whale-watching tour
  • Indulge in delicious meals at local restaurants and cafés
12 Days of Sunshine: A Spring Campervan Adventure on Australia’s East Coast

ITINERARY

  • Day 1

    Brisbane

    Distance : 27 Kms

    Time : 25 Minutes

    Morning: Pick up your campervan hire from the GoCheap Brisbane branch and kick off your adventure with a visit to the City Botanic Gardens. This is the perfect way to enjoy spring, with blooming flowers, lush greenery, and winding paths that invite you to slow down and reconnect with nature.

    Afternoon: Spring breathes new life into Brisbane’s vibrant South Bank precinct, making it the ideal spot for an afternoon wander. Stroll along the colourful parklands or hire a bike for a breezy ride. When hunger strikes, grab lunch at one of the riverside cafés or restaurants, many of which showcase seasonal menus inspired by fresh local produce.

    Evening: Wrap up your first day with dinner at Lina Rooftop, where you’ll head 12 storeys up for unforgettable panoramic views of the Brisbane skyline. With good food, city lights, and that warm spring breeze, it’s the perfect way to start your campervan adventure.

    Where to stay: Brisbane Holiday Village, 10 Holmead Rd, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113. Powered Site.

    Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

    Image: Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 2

    Sunshine Coast

    Distance : 156 Kms

    Time : 1 Hour 50 Minutes

    Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast cooked right in your fully equipped campervan — the perfect fuel for the drive north to the Sunshine Coast.

    Afternoon: Once you’ve arrived, slow things down with a relaxed brunch at Bistro C, for beachfront views and fresh local flavours.

    Evening: As the day winds down, wander along Noosa Main Beach and watch the sky turn shades of pink and gold. After your sunset stroll, retreat to your campsite to relax and recharge, ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

    Where to stay: Ingenia Holidays Noosa, 141 Cooroy Noosa Rd, Tewantin QLD 4565. Powered Site.

    Noosa Main Beach

    Image: Noosa Main Beach, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 3

    Sunshine Coast

    Distance : 0 Kms

    Time : 0 Hours

    Morning: Start your day with a hike in Noosa National Park, where spring explodes in colour. The tracks lined with wildflowers and the sound of native birds make the perfect atmosphere for ocean-view walks — and some Insta-worthy snaps

    Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the lively Eumundi Markets, the largest outdoor market in Australia. Browse handmade treasures, sample international street eats, and soak up the vibrant energy from local performers and artisans

    Evening: Enjoy your evening at Noosa Everglades. Hire a kayak or join a guided kayak tour, then glide along calm, reflective waterways through ancient forests, spotting birds as the sun sets.

    Where to stay: Ingenia Holidays Noosa, 141 Cooroy Noosa Rd, Tewantin QLD 4565. Powered Site.

    Noosa Everglades

    Image: Noosa Everglades, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 4

    Hervey Bay

    Distance : 182 Kms

    Time : 2 Hours 16 Minutes

    Morning: Hit the road early for the scenic drive to Hervey Bay, making a quick stop at a local supermarket along the way to top up your supplies for the days ahead.

    Afternoon: Once you arrive, ease into holiday mode with a laid-back lunch at Enzo’s on the Beach, known for its stunning coastal views. Don’t skip their cocktails — they’re a local favourite.

    Evening: As the sun sets, wander down to the historic Urangan Pier. Cast a line, soak in the ocean breeze, and if luck’s on your side, bring your catch back to the campervan for a freshly cooked seafood dinner under the stars.

    Where to stay: Pialba Beach Tourist Park, 267 Esplanade, Pialba QLD 4655. Powered Site.

    Urangan Pier

    Image: Urangan Pier, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 5

    Hervey Bay

    Distance : 0 Kms

    Time : 0 Hours

    Morning: Kick off bright and early with the Fraser Experience Tour, a one-day guided adventure across World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island). From crystal-clear lakes to towering rainforests and sand dunes, this tour ticks off all the must-see island highlights.

    Afternoon: Hervey Bay is Australia’s whale-watching capital, so jump aboard a tour for the chance to lock eyes with these gentle giants for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter you’ll never forget.

    Evening: Wind down with something a little different at the Boat Club Cinema. Sink into comfy chairs, snack on fresh popcorn, and enjoy a cosy movie night — the perfect relaxed end to an adventure-filled day.

    Where to stay: Pialba Beach Tourist Park, 267 Esplanade, Pialba QLD 4655. Powered Site.

    Whale watching tour

    Image: Whale watching tour in Hervey Bay, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 6

    Agnes Water

    Distance : 234 Kms

    Time : 2 Hours 51 Minutes

    Morning: Hit the road for a two-hour drive north to Agnes Water and the historic Town of 1770. Once you arrive, refuel with brunch at the popular Agnes Water Tavern, a local favourite after the journey.

    Afternoon: Dive into the region’s past at the Agnes Water Museum, where you’ll discover stories of the town’s early settlers and rich maritime history.

    Evening: Round off the day with a sunset stroll along Agnes Water Main Beach, where spring’s warmer evenings and vibrant skies make the moment even more special. Then head up to the 1770 Headland Lookout to catch the sunset and take in the costal views.

    Where to stay: Agnes Water Beach Holidays, Jeffery Ct, Agnes Water QLD 4677. Powered Site.

    Agnes Water Main Beach

    Image: Agnes Water Main Beach, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 7

    Clairview

    Distance : 434 Kms

    Time : 4 Hours 48 Minutes

    Morning: Kick off the day with a relaxed breakfast at 1770 Marina Café, the perfect spot to fuel up before hitting the road again.

    Afternoon: Enjoy the scenic drive north towards Airlie Beach, taking in the changing landscapes along the way. Make sure to refuel your campervan and stock up on supplies — it’s a long stretch to your next destination

    Evening: Break up the journey with an overnight stay at BarraCrab Caravan Park, where you can unwind by the water and recharge before setting off early the next morning

    Where to stay: BarraCrab Caravan Park, 1 Colonial Dr, Clairview QLD 474. Powered Site.

    BarraCrab Caravan Park

    Image: BarraCrab Caravan Park, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 8

    Airlie Beach

    Distance : 272 Kms

    Time : 3 Hours 3 Minutes

    Morning: Start the next leg of your road trip towards Airlie Beach. Once you arrive, grab brunch at The Deck Airlie Beach to recharge after the morning drive.

    Afternoon After brunch, take a short walk to the Airlie Beach Lagoon for a relaxing swim. With spring bringing warm, comfortable weather, it’s the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy the outdoors.

    Evening: End the day with a Domino Sunset Sail around the harbour. Watch the sun set down and take in the stunning views on this authentic sailing experience.

    Where to stay: NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park, 234 Shute Harbour Rd, Cannonvale QLD 4802. Powered Site.

    Airlie Beach Lagoon

    Image: Airlie Beach Lagoon, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 9

    Airlie Beach

    Distance : 0 Kms

    Time : 0 Hours

    Morning: Start your day with some adventure by hiring a segway and riding through Conway National Park along the Whitsunday Great Walk. Surrounded by rainforest and streams, your guide will point out local wildlife, unique plants, and spring wildflowers in bloom.

    Afternoon: Cool off with a swim at Cedar Creek Falls, a freshwater swimming hole perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by butterflies, birds, and lush greenery that comes alive in spring.

    Evening: Finish the day with a Whitsunday sunset cruise, watching the sun dip below the horizon before the stars fill the sky. Sip a drink and take in the twinkling lights of Airlie Beach.

    Where to stay: NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park, 234 Shute Harbour Rd, Cannonvale QLD 4802. Powered Site.

    Cedar Creek Falls

    Image: Cedar Creek Falls, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 10

    Townsville

    Distance : 274 Kms

    Time : 3 Hours 13 Minutes

    Morning: Begin your day with breakfast at Fat Frog Beach Café, then get ready for the next stretch of your road trip.

    Afternoon: Take a quick 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island from Townsville, where the island bursts with colour during spring. Spot wild koalas, hike scenic trails, rent a topless car for some fun exploring, or dive into snorkelling spots around the island.

    Evening: Back in Townsville, spend the evening wandering through the city centre for a bit of shopping before enjoying dinner at Shaw & Co, known as one of the best steak restaurants in town.

    Where to stay: BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Rowes Bay, 46 Heatleys Parade, Belgian Gardens QLD 4810. Powered Site.

    Magnetic Island

    Image: Magnetic Island, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 11

    Mission Beach

    Distance : 235 Kms

    Time : 2 Hours 57 Minutes

    Morning: Start the day with a simple breakfast in your motorhome before hitting the road toward Mission Beach. Along the way, stop at one of the local roadside stalls — this region is Australia’s banana capital, so don’t miss the chance to grab a fresh bunch for the trip.

    Afternoon: Once you arrive, set out to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Go snorkelling or scuba diving in some of Queensland’s most pristine reefs, where private moorings give you the chance to enjoy secluded spots away from the crowds.

    Evening: Wrap up the day at Girringun National Park, home to stunning waterfalls and hidden swimming holes. Take a dip in the famous Spa Pool, where a natural rock depression makes the water bubble like a Jacuzzi.

    Where to stay: Mission Beach Camping & Caravan Park, 53 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach QLD 4852. Powered Site.

    Mission Beach

    Image: Mission Beach Scuba Diving, Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Day 12

    Cairns

    Distance : 142 Kms

    Time : 2 Hours

    Morning: Pack up and hit the road for the final leg of your Queensland spring road trip. Enjoy the scenic coastal and ocean views along the way as you take in the last stretches of your journey.

    Afternoon: Once in Cairns, treat yourself to brunch at The Chambers, then spend some time wandering the city centre for a bit of sightseeing or last-minute shopping. Return your campervan to our Cairns branch before 3:30 pm, wrapping up an unforgettable spring coastal adventure.

    Cairns’s city centre

    Image: Cairns’s city centre, Tourism and Events Queensland

Packing tips for a road trip on Australia’s East Coast

  • Appropriate footwear (comfortable shoes)
  • Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Mixture of clothing for different weather/activities
  • Head torches for night beach walks
  • Insect repellent + First aid kit
  • Camera/phone + chargers
  • Board games, Pack of cards
  • Light backpack (to carry food + water bottle)
  • Binoculars for whales and bird watching
  • Picnic rug & thermos
  • Maps, journals

Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!