Ready to hit the road for a proper escape? If you’ve got a week up your sleeve and a caravan itching to see more than the inside of your driveway, we’ve got you sorted. Whether you’re a grey nomad chasing some winter sun, a family making the most of the school holidays, or a couple looking for a getaway from the grind, here are a few caravan trips that start from Brisbane, but are still close enough to home.
1. Brisbane to Carnarvon Gorge (via Roma and Injune)
Why it’s great: Bush walks, towering sandstone cliffs, Aboriginal rock art, and starry outback skies. Carnarvon Gorge is a Queensland favourite for a reason.
The route: Brisbane > Toowoomba > Roma > Injune > Carnarvon Gorge > Return via Miles or the Bunya Mountains.
Highlights:
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- Spend a night in Roma and check out the Big Rig and its oil and gas history.
- Camp at Takarakka Bush Resort or Sandstone Park near the gorge – both are caravan-friendly.
- Don’t miss the Moss Garden walk or Mickey Creek – wear decent shoes, there’s a bit of scrambling.
Time to allow: 2 days getting there and exploring, then meander home with a few extra stops. Total of 7-10 days.
Tip: Mobile reception is patchy in the gorge, so download your maps and bring your UHF if you’ve got one.
2. The Sunshine Coast to Fraser Island Loop
Why it’s great: A mix of beach, hinterland and island adventure. A top pick for families or anyone wanting a bit of everything.
The route: Brisbane > Caloundra > Noosa > Rainbow Beach > Fraser Island (K’gari) > Hervey Bay > Bundaberg > Burnett Highway back to Brisbane.
Highlights:
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- Stay a night or two in Noosa North Shore before heading up to Rainbow.
- Book a 4WD day trip or bring your own rig to Fraser (permits required).
- Stop in Bundy for rum, of course – the Bundaberg Distillery Tour is a crowd pleaser.
Time to allow: About 7–9 days total if you want to slow down and enjoy each stop.
Tip: If towing a van onto Fraser isn’t your thing, there are great holiday parks in Rainbow and Hervey Bay while you duck off for a day tour.
3. The Outback Way (Brisbane to Longreach and Back)
Why it’s great: Big skies, road trains, and quaint Aussie outback towns. Perfect for stretching the legs on your van and getting a good dose of country charm.
The route: Brisbane > Roma > Charleville > Barcaldine > Longreach > Winton > Return via Emerald and Carnarvon Gorge.
Highlights:
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- Longreach: Qantas Founders Museum and Stockman’s Hall of Fame are must-dos.
- Winton: Home of Banjo Patterson and a cracking dinosaur museum (check out the Australian Age of Dinosaurs). Catch a flick at the historic Royal Theatre outdoor cinema.
- Charleville: Don’t miss the Cosmos Centre for stargazing and the Bilby Experience if it’s in season.
- Barcaldine: Snap a photo at the Tree of Knowledge and swing by one of the classic outback pubs.
- Emerald: Visit the Botanic Gardens and the giant Van Gogh sunflower painting.
- Optional detour: Spend a couple of nights at Carnarvon Gorge on the way home if you didn’t already tick it off earlier.
Time to allow: Give yourself 10–12 days and you’ll still wish you had more.
Tip: Stock up when you can – fuel stops can be far between, and it never hurts to carry a jerry can.
A Few Handy Tips Before You Go:
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- Service your van and tow rig before heading out. Bush mechanics are legends, but best not to need one.
- Check road conditions regularly – especially if you’re heading off the bitumen.
- Pack for all weather – Queensland can go from scorching to freezing quick smart out west.
- Book ahead during school holidays or peak season – popular spots fill fast.
So, what are you waiting for? Hook up the van, throw in the camp chairs, and hit the road. Queensland’s calling – and a couple of weeks out bush might be exactly what you need to recharge and come back with a few cracking yarns.
