Exploring Queensland: Brisbane to Coolum beach Road Trip – Day 1

This past month, I ventured on a fascinating road trip through the diverse landscapes of Queensland, Australia’s Sunshine State.  My destination? The sun, surf and sand of Coolum Beach on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, a few days of blissful escape beckoning. But this wasn’t going to be a direct highway dash north from Brisbane. Oh no, this was a Queensland road trip adventure, a chance to meander through charming country towns and soak in the diverse history and landscapes of this beautiful state. Here’s how the journey unfolded, one unforgettable stop at a time.

DAY 1

Leaving Brisbane early, my first leg took me west, my first stop was the tranquil waters of Wivenhoe Dam. Lake Wivenhoe is the largest lake in Southeast Queensland providing more than half of the region’s drinking water. The lake has several recreation areas: Cormorant Bay, Logan’s Inlet, and the Spillway Lookout. The lake and parks are open to the public during daylight hours, seven days a week.

The sheer size of the dam is impressive, and the views from several lookouts are breathtaking. It’s also a fantastic spot for a picnic, swimming, sailing and fishing and a great place to take the boat out. 🔥Tip: Don’t forget to get a fishing permit if you intend on a dropping a line in Lake Wivenhoe. Stopping for a quick breather, we had our early coffee break here and then opted for a walk to the spillway, unfortunately no water was spilling on the day, but the views were absolutely sensational. The Dam is a hub for picknickers and offers plenty of spots to take in the surreal surroundings.

Next up, we rolled into the historic town of Esk, best known for its stunning back drop of Mount Glen Rock on the Brisbane Valley Highway. Stroll down the main street and enjoy boutique cafes, gift and antique shops, country pubs and more. We made this our second “pit stop”. With a good variety of cafes and restaurants to investigate, do what I did and enjoy a delicious coffee and pastry from the bakery. Then head off for a quick stroll along the main street, taking a peek in the antique shops, browsing for hidden treasures before continuing onward to Blackbutt. 🔥Tip: Clean public toilets are available in Esk

The scent of fresh country air and the open road, along the way roadside fresh fruit & vegetable stalls selling the latest in-season produce direct from the farm, there is nothing like it. We were travelling mid-week, and the traffic was very light, these where all reminders of why rural Queensland is so special.

Continuing Northwest, Blackbutt often referred to as the “Timber Town” of the South Burnett soon appeared on the horizon, welcoming me with its friendly locals and country-town charm. The town is named after “eucalyptus pilularis” trees commonly known as ‘blackbutt”, a common term for various species of dark barked eucalypt trees which were logged and milled there for generations. Situated on the D’Aguilar Highway, at the entrance to the South Burnett, Blackbutt is an attractive small town surrounded by native forests that has a strong agricultural history and is abundant with crops of avocadoes and olives, all showcased each year with the Blackbutt Avocado Festival (More information – Click Here).

Blackbutt is a great place for a stopover, as are most of the country towns that we are passing through. A stroll down the main street we found cafes and great little park with clean public toilets, undercover seating, and a top spot to stretch your legs. We sampled some local pies from the bakery; it has a reputation as arguably one of the best country bakeries around.

Next, only short drive from town, situated at the head of the Blackbutt Rail Trail, we discovered the Roy Emerson Museum. We spent ages exploring the rich history of the South Burnett Region, the museum showcasing countless stories and historical photographs spanning back to the year 1842.  

Continuing North, the road wound its way to the peanut capital of Australia, Kingaroy. Renowned for its peanuts, you can’t miss the towering silos in the town centre, I made a quick detour to a local shop where I stocked up on some freshly roasted peanuts – a quintessential Kingaroy souvenir. If you have the time, there is much more to see and do in Kingaroy.

To get a good vantage point of the township, take a drive-up Mt Wooroolin. The lookout provides views of the heritage-listed peanut silos as well as commanding vistas of the surrounding farmlands. On a clear day you’ll be capable of catching the beautiful Bunya mountains looming in the distance. The Kingaroy Heritage Museum, South Burnett Visitor Information Centre and Regional Art gallery are all worth a visit and will give the whole family a fascinating peanut and pioneering history.

Onwards to Wondai, where the town’s rich timber history is showcased at the South Burnett Timber Industry Museum and Wondai Visitor Information Centre. With plenty of car parking available and a great little park next door (🔥Tip: Clean public toilets are also located here), this offered an opportunity to stretch the legs and check out the town’s local history.

It never ceases to amaze me, some of these wonderful museums that are tucked away in these tiny country towns. Very little advertising, but very welcoming and helpful staff that are more than happy to fill you in on all the information on these displays. We spent an age meandering through this traditional timber structure set against authentic wooden labs and shingles, marveling at the history of the South Burnett, artifacts and photos.

 Inside, a wagon camp diorama finished with restored bullock wagon, a life size sculpture of a bullock and his head bullocks, an old water well, and a huge collection of axes and saws that were used to carve out their place in the region’s history.

Must-Visit Spots in Wondai

• Enjoy a round of golf at the Wondai Golf Course & Country Club
• Visit Coronation Park to see the Musical Tractor and artistic installations
• Visit Wondai Heritage Museum
• Visit Wondai regional Art gallery
• Let your dog run free at Sunstrup Park off-leash area

As the afternoon sun starts to cast long shadows, I arrive in Murgon at my overnight stop. The Murgon Motor Inn ( More Info – Click here) provided a comfortable and convenient haven, the motel, a cozy spot for a well-earned break, it was the perfect spot to recharge for the next leg of our adventure. After a long day on the road, there’s nothing like putting your feet up and reflecting on the day’s journey. A delicious country meal of huge proportions in the Motel restaurant that night, a few quiet “beverages” topped off what was a sensational Day 1 of our bush to beach road trip. 🍻

• This itenary can be adapted to fit your interests and time frame.
• Be sure to check the opening hours of attractions and book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season (carry some cash).
• Pack for all types of weather, Queensland can be unpredictable.

To Be Continued: Day 2 – The Road To The Coast – Exploring Queensland: Brisbane to Coolum Beach Road Trip