7 days in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast & Hervey Bay Itinerary

Queensland’s biggest town and state capital, Brisbane has an attractive, manicured image based around its riverside aesthetic as well as the contrast between its high-rise center and extensive urban greenery.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Brisbane: Surfers Paradise Beach (in Surfers Paradise) and Warner Bros. Movie World (in Oxenford). There's still lots to do: identify plant and animal life at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, stroll around South Bank Parklands, explore the activities along The Brisbane River, and admire the natural beauty at Roma Street Parkland.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, use the Brisbane day trip website.

Melbourne to Brisbane is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Melbourne in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Brisbane, with lows of 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Noosa.

Known for its "green" development and north-facing beach, Noosa is a natural getaway.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Fri): explore the striking landscape of Noosa National Park.

For ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Noosa trip planner.

Traveling by car from Brisbane to Noosa takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can drive to Hervey Bay.

With the largest population in the Fraser Coast Region, Hervey Bay is a hub of activity.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Sat): stop by Le Petit Chocolatier, then grab your bike and head to Esplanade, then see majestic marine mammals with Blue Dolphin Marine Tours, and finally take a leisurely stroll along The Pier. Keep things going the next day: take a memorable tour with Tours, then cool off at WetSide Water Park, and then appreciate the history behind Duncan Chapman Statue.

To find where to stay, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Hervey Bay online holiday planner.

Getting from Noosa to Hervey Bay by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. December in Hervey Bay sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 23°C at night. You'll have a few hours on the 28th (Mon) to wrap things up before traveling home.