posted on June 18, 2023
The Brisbane to Noosa drive is a one-of-a-kind experience. From watching stunning sunsets off the ocean horizon to popping into unique Aussie museums on the way, there’s a lot to enjoy on the drive from Brisbane to Noosa.
So what are you waiting for? Discover how to maximise your trip with the perfect itinerary and the right wheels to get you there.
An overview of the trip from Brisbane to Noosa
Spanning 160km, the drive from Brisbane to Noosa is a must-try coastal journey. While it’s easy to zip from A to B in just two hours on the M1, there’s so much to stop and see along the way.
From family-friendly zoos to iconic landmarks and pristine beaches, this guide is here to help you curate the perfect road trip from Brissy to the Sunshine Coast.
- Brisbane to Noosa drive time: Two hours and five minutes direct, or four hours if you follow our leisurely itinerary.
- Number of days recommended: One to seven days, depending on how many stops and top sights you see along the way.
Brisbane to Noosa drive distance
Looking for a road trip itinerary from Brisbane to Noosa? From the riverside city of Brissy to the popular beachside shores of Noosa, this journey takes you right into the heart of the Sunshine Coast area.
How far is Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast hinterland area is approximately 117.4km from Brisbane, with a travelling time of around one-and-a-half hours.
How long is the drive from Brisbane to Noosa?
The estimated distance for a drive from Brisbane to Noosa (through the Sunshine Coast region) is approximately 160.4km via the M1 (with a drive time of around two hours and five minutes)
Drive time Brisbane to Noosa
The driving time from Brisbane to Noosa is approximately two hours and five minutes, although this time may vary depending on where you stop and when you’re travelling (as roads can get congested during the peak summer season of December to February).
How to get from Brisbane to Noosa
The best way to reach Noosa from Brisbane is by car. Not only can you stop at the top landmarks on the way and enjoy a packed road trip itinerary, but you can also save time waiting for public transport. By booking your own car on Turo, you’ll have the freedom to explore Noosa Headland’s famed quiet beaches and the surrounding national park at your own pace.
Brisbane to Noosa: Drive
The two-hour drive from Brisbane to Noosa is a fairly easy one, with sealed freeways and clear road signs. Along the way, you’ll pass small beach towns such as Maleny, Caloundra, and Mooloolaba.
Driving is one of the best ways to experience Australia’s northeastern coastline, and the drive along the M1 from Brisbane to Noosa is no exception. From crossing the trails in the Glass House Mountains to passing the towering cliffs in the Great Sandy National Park, the drive from Brisbane to Noosa is one to remember.
Brisbane to Noosa: Bus
There’s one direct shuttle bus from Brisbane to Noosa daily, departing from Brisbane Station and arriving at Noosa Junction. Unfortunately, if you miss the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast bus service, you’ll need to stay overnight in Brisbane before beginning your journey to Noosa (which can add unwanted time to your trip).
Brisbane to Noosa: Train
Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct train route from Brisbane to Noosa. If you plan on travelling by train, you’ll need to take the train from Brisbane Station to Nambour Station and then jump on a bus for the remainder of the way up to Noosa.
A Brisbane to Noosa scenic drive itinerary
Looking for the perfect road trip itinerary from Brisbane to Noosa? Skip the highway and take in the scenic sights and must-see highlights from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast with this curated itinerary.
- Road trip duration: One to seven days, depending on where you want to visit and how many nights you want to stay.
- Total drive time: Four hours.
Top stops along the way:
- Bribie Island
- Glass House Mountains
- Australia Zoo
- Noosa National Park
- Great Sandy National Park
- Noosa Everglades
Stop 1: Bribie Island (2 hours from Brisbane)
Bribie Island is a small sand island located just off the coast of Moreton Bay. A beautiful paradise known for its quiet camping grounds and unique animal parks, you won’t regret stopping by Bribie Island on your way to Noosa from Brisbane.
Moreton Bay Marine Park
The Moreton Bay Marine Park extends three nautical miles from the rocky shores surrounding Moreton Island and protects coral reefs, wetlands, seagrass meadows and much more of mother nature’s wonders. It’s a haven for sea animals such as dolphins, dugongs, and grey nurse sharks, and if you’re lucky, you might catch one swimming to shore when you visit.
Woorim Ocean Beach
Woorim Ocean Beach is just an hour’s drive north of Brisbane and stretches along the eastern coast of Bribie Island. It’s a surf beach known for its seasonal waves and clean, smooth sand. This beach is perfect for families looking to play by the sea and experienced surfers keen to take on big waves.
Bribie Island Butterfly House
If admiring sea creatures isn’t enough, make a short pit stop at Bribie Island Butterfly House to explore the small sanctuary of winged insects. Complete with informative tours and fun activities for children, spend time learning about butterflies while checking out Bribie Island.
Stop 2: The Sunshine Coast (1 hour and 30 minutes from Bribie Island)
The Sunshine Coast in Northern Queensland boasts beautiful beaches, rural hinterlands, and exceptional surf spots. You’ll find a wide range of activities here, from sandboarding and water sports to shopping and fine dining. Pull off the highway and experience the best of the Sunshine Coast for yourself.
Glass House Mountains
Glass House Mountains is a rural hinterland town in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, known for its walking tracks, waterholes, and coastal plains.
A tip from the author: Glass House Mountains is the perfect place to visit for both amateur and avid bush-walkers and anyone in between who wants to enjoy the scenery!
Australia Zoo
Over 700 acres in size, Australia Zoo is one of the most iconic zoos in the world and home to more than 1,200 birds, mammals, and reptiles. Owned by the beloved Irwin family, it’s located near Beerwah in Queensland and offers the ultimate wildlife experience for people of all ages. Meet animals from all over the world, support the zoo’s conservation efforts, and pay it a visit while on your way to Noosa!
Golden Beach and Kings Beach
Two beautiful beaches fit for all the boating, fishing, and swimming activities you can think of, Golden Beach and Kings Beach are conveniently located a few minutes’ drive from the coastal town of Caloundra. Both feature fantastic views and provide a quiet atmosphere to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Stop 3: Noosa Heads (40 minutes drive time from Sunshine Coast)
Finish up the Brisbane to Noosa Heads drive with a few must-visit heritage parks in the area. Noosa Heads features many national parks, all showcasing unique parts of Australian flora and fauna and offer different levels of bushwalking trails for everyone to experience.
Noosa National Park
Featuring spectacular coastal scenery, Noosa National Park is one of the country’s most popular parks, with a network of walking trails ready to explore. Taking you through eucalyptus forests, lush wetlands, and seaside cliffs, there’s much to explore in Noosa National Park.
Great Sandy National Park
Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll or an intense hike, there’s a trail for your whole family to enjoy at Great Sandy National Park. Located in the Fraser Coast region, the park also features towering sand cliffs, botanic gardens, and recreational sea areas.
The Noosa Everglades
Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglade systems on Earth, making it a bewitching natural wonder that absolutely deserves a visit. A low, swampy land surrounded by tall grass and arching waterways, the Noosa Everglades is a unique ecosystem in the Noosa River full of native wildlife and natural phenomena. You can explore the area with a guided cruise or by yourself on a DIY day tour.
Other stops along the way
If three stops aren’t enough, check out some other top tourist attractions below:
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: The world’s largest sanctuary dedicated to Australia’s favourite cuddly marsupials.
- North Stradbroke Island: An island near Moreton Bay, also known by locals as ‘Straddie’.
- Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout: The highest point in Brisbane with a scenic lookout.
- The Big Pineapple: Just that – a massive pineapple.
- One Tree Hill: A famous restaurant on Hamilton Island known for its cocktails and ocean views.
- Coolum Beach: A small beach in the Sunshine Coast region, complete with an aqua park and water obstacle course.
- Double Island Point: A coastal headland with stunning views of the sea near Noosa.
Top stop: Before you head out of Brisbane, consider making a short stop at The Wine Emporium in Newstead. This boutique store boasts an impressive selection of wines, craft beers, and spirits from around the globe, making it the perfect pit stop for both seasoned connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts. With its extensive selection and outstanding customer service, it’s the perfect place to stock up on favourites or discover something new.
Expert tips for the Brisbane to Noosa drive
If you’re planning on driving from Brisbane to Noosa, here are a few insider tips and tricks to maximise your road trip itinerary.
How long should I spend in Noosa?
How long you spend in Noosa is completely up to you, although we recommend spending at least three full days in the town so you can indulge in all the experiences Noosa and its surrounding areas have to offer.
From the Noosa Country Drive to amazing Mount Cooroora and Mount Tinbeerwah day trips, there’s always something to discover in Noosa.
A tip from the author: If you’re keen on exploring beyond the city centre of Noosa, make sure to score the keys to your own ride. Turo’s local hosts can help you find and hire your perfect vehicle and explore everything Noosa has to offer.
Advice if you are leaving from Brisbane Airport to Noosa
If you’re not big on waiting around for public transport, why not get a hire car delivered directly to Brisbane Airport? Turo’s hosts are able to arrange drop off right to the airport, designed to get you on the road to Noosa sooner.
Once on the road, the drive from Brisbane Airport to Noosa takes roughly 1 hour and 46 minutes (spanning 147.4km).
What about the drive back from Noosa to Brisbane Airport?
As with any trip to the airport, make sure you leave yourself a good amount of travel time before your flight. For a domestic flight, it’s recommended that you arrive at the airport at least an hour before boarding and an hour and a half for international flights. Plan your drive around your flight time, keeping in mind the drive from Brisbane Airport to the Sunshine Coast is around one hour and 25 minutes.
Where is the closest airport to Noosa?
Sunshine Coast Airport is the closest airport to Noosa. The Sunshine Coast Airport is only 40 minutes drive away from Noosa, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Noosa to Brisbane best driving roads
Make the most of your road trip between Brisbane and Noosa by taking your hire car along some of the best scenic routes in the Sunshine State.
Take the winding stretch of road between Dayboro and D’Aguilar to glimpse lush green fields and the colossal Glass House Mountains.
A tip from the author: From Montville to Noosa Heads, you’ll drive through a short freeway and encounter sparkling beach views and the pristine coastline of Queensland.
Petrol stations and EV chargers between Brisbane and Noosa
Never fear: there are many petrol stations and EV chargers between Brisbane and Noosa that you can stop by to refuel or for a toilet break if need be. Whether you prefer a standard petrol car or an eco-friendly electric vehicle, you can choose from a variety of car hire options on Turo.
The best way to enjoy your trip from Brisbane to Noosa
Sometimes, a road trip isn’t always about the destination – it’s the journey that counts! Make the most of your sun soaked adventure from Brisbane to Noosa and explore quaint beach towns, impressive national parks, and unforgettable roadside museums along the way. Adventure and travel from one memorable stop to the next behind the wheel of a reliable, stylish ride.
Hire a car in Brisbane from a local Turo host today and fuel your dream travels. Or if you’re local to the area and have a vehicle, list your car and help others explore the wonders of the Sunshine State.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
