Brisbane Vineyards Road Trip in a Motorhome Rental

Toowoomba Town Hall Photo by Laserforce (Wikimedia Commons)

Taking your campervan rental through the winding roads and scenic landscape of the Golden Coast’s Scenic Rim is something you won’t soon forget. If you decide on this 7-day road trip you will come across rainforests, clear blue skies dotted with cotton candy clouds, and panoramas that will take your breath away on your voyage from Brisbane and back again. On this trip check out the Granite Belt and Queensland’s lush valleys and agricultural areas before stopping at art galleries and natural wonders like Bunya Mountains. With so much to see and do you just might want to stretch seven days into a few more!

Brisbane to Mount Tamborine: Day 1

Brisbane is one of those places that are problematic as starting points go, only because it’s not a city that people are very eager to leave. The joy of a motorhome rental vacation is that you can decide to stay as long as you want in beautiful Brisbane before venturing off on the rest of you trip, or tack on some days when you return to fully explore this wonderful place. Sixty-nine kilometers south east will bring you to Surfer’s Paradise, which is exactly what the name implies. Not eager to Hang 10? You can also people watch and enjoy an endless variety of great dining options.

Just a half hour away from Surfers’ Paradise is the green haven of Mount Tamborine and one of Queenland’s oldest national parks. Enjoy walks along winding paths and past waterfalls—two of the most popular trails are the Curtis Falls Rainforest Track and the Knoll—or head to Gallery Walk and Main Street where you can sample local wines at cafes or shop for souvenirs. If you like outdoor shopping the Tamborine Showground Market is held on every second Sunday. (Total Driving Time – 2 hours and 10 minutes; 115 kilometres).


Mount Tamborine to Boonah: Day 2

When you wake up in Mount Tamborine, surrounded by wildlife and rainforest, you will surely feel like you're on vacation. Step out of your motorhome rental and enjoy the sunshine and natural beauty along with your morning coffee. While in this area, and in nearby Canungra, take the time to tour vineyards or what is left of Lahey's Canungra Tramway Tunnel. In Canungra you can also stop at Killowen homestead, built in 1858 it is now nestled among beautiful vineyards along the edge of Canungra Creek.

Next, you can stop at roadside stalls to replenish your campervan rental's food supplies along the way to charming Boonah. This quaint town is at the centre of the area's gorgeous Scenic Rim, around which you will find no less than seven national parks. Activities here range from hiking and horseback riding to sky diving--the only hard part is choosing what you'd like to do! If water sports are more your speed then check out Lake Moogerah or Lake Maroon where you can skim along the water on a paraglider or enjoy a lazy afternoon of fishing. (Total Driving Time – 1 hour and 10 minutes; 75 kilometres).


Boonah to Stanthorpe: Day 3


The total driving distance between Boonah and Stanthorpe is about 1 hour and 45 minutes (144 km) of good, sealed roads that will be kind to your motorhome rental. Relax as you drive through nature’s bounty and think about making a stop at Queen Mary Falls where you can witness fresh water plummeting 40 metres in what is quite a dramatic fashion. This point is also the beginning of Australia’s longest river system, which stretches all the way to the Southern Ocean in the southern part of the country. If you’re a bird watcher—or lover—you’re also in luck. Diverse species like King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas are often spotted in these parts.

Once leaving the Falls we’d recommend checking out the town of Warwick, with its beautiful Leslie Park (home to the City of Warwick rose) as well as many interesting sandstone buildings. The Roman Catholic Church is especially deserving of a stop, but you can also check out a variety of cottages, schools and the train station. Once you hop back in your campervan rental to head to Stanthorpe you’ll find yourself passing orchards and vineyards where a myriad of delicious fruit (think peaches, apricots and apples, just to name a few) are grown. Wine lovers rejoice! This area is also the heart of Queensland’s wine industry.

Once you park for the evening in Stanthorpe you can enjoy a delicious dinner of local produce and gather around to admire the beautiful night sky.


Stanthorpe to Warwick: Day 4

The heart of Queensland’s Granite Belt, Stanthorpe is a place where you can admire rock formations as well as gorgeous panoramic views. If you time your trip right you can enjoy the festivities that go along with the town’s Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, or just take a tour of a local winery instead. Sample the delicious wines on offer, have a meal, learn more about the actual process, or get a chance to chat with winemakers for some great local flavor.

It’s up to you whether you would like to spend the day and another night in Stanthrope or if you’d like to make the 62 kilometre drive to Warwick before nightfall.

Warwick to Toowoomba: Day 5

If you’d like to stop for a morning coffee, tea or snack a great place to do it on the road is the quaint town of Allora, which was where Mary Poppins creator Pamela Travers once made her home. The town’s heritage trail is a great place for a mid-morning stroll or tour the Allora Museum instead where you can catch a glimpse of a replica Talgai Skull (the original was found here). Like a good ghost story? Check out Ghost Gate Road and see if you spot the farm gate opening and closing on its own before check out the miraculously well preserved sandstone Glengallan Homestead.

If you choose your next stop can be Nobby, where we’d recommend some grub at Rudd’s Pub where you will be regaled with stories of Steele Rudd. Also of note, Sister Elizabeth Kenny (known for her groundbreaking work with treating those who had polio) is buried in the town’s cemetery.

The full drive from Warwick to Toowoomba will probably take you about an hour. From Nobby to Toowoomba and Darling Downs is only about 40 kilometres. Grab some sleep on the top of the Great Divide before some more exploration in the morning!

Toowoomba to Noosa: Day 6

The weather varies in Toowoomba, which locals call the Garden City, depending on which season you visit in. In spring you’ll be treated to a riot of natural blooms as well as the area’s Carnival of Flowers when you can tour a variety of usually private gardens. Want a great view? Think about laying out a spread at Picnic Point. If you’re a shopper, especially one interested in antiques or vintage finds, then Toowoomba will be a welcome change with many bargains on offer.

Once you’re ready to get back into your motorhome rental just head towards Noosa. On your drive you’ll pass through small towns with streets lined with beautiful trees and small shops. If you choose you can take back roads through Maley, Montville and Mapleton. Just some of the stops you can make along this route include Mary Cairncross National Park, Konadilla Falls, a variety of shops and galleries, and Obi Obi Gorge. More outdoor shopping can be had on Wednesdays and Saturdays when the Eumundi markets are on. Not only are there some great quality products to be found, but you’ll also be charmed by the local musicians serenading you.

The drive to Noosa may take about four hours but you won’t be disappointed upon arrival. This high-end vacation spot is all about class and sophistication paired with the kind of laidback attitude that most vacationers are looking for. Having your motorhome rental with you will ensure that you can enjoy the seaside town’s many charms without having to shell out for the expensive hotel room.

Noosa to Brisbane: Day 7

Waking up in Noosa is not exactly a chore. Your morning decisions will consist of deciding on whether you’d prefer a walk along the boardwalk or enjoying breakfast at a quaint café where Laguna Bay’s waters can be heard on the background. For good cafés and shops try Hastings Street. If you’re up to it you can also walk to the National Park to enjoy some gorgeous views or spend the day relaxing on a number of the beaches within the park. (Note: Alexandria Bay is a nudist beach). Laguna Lookout is a surefire winner for unforgettable views that you will remember for some time to come.

Drive past gorgeous beaches as you head back to Brisbane. The entire drive takes just over two hours (about 135 kilometres), although you may like to stop about an hour outside the city at Bribie Island, which can only be reached by bridge and is a great place to stop and fish. Whether you stay on here for a night or head back to Brisbane is totally up to you!