After our first Queensland chapter ended at Rainbow Beach, we knew one thing right away. We were not done yet. So this journey marked our first real step further north, deeper into Queensland, and closer to that wide-open road-trip feeling we love so much.
Our next target was Airlie Beach. However, to make that work without rushing our highlights, we decided to split the distance into two long driving days. The first one took us straight from Brisbane to Yeppoon – around 680 kilometers in one go. To be honest, this was not about sightseeing at first. Instead, it was all about getting through. Highway after highway, long stretches, few stops, and a clear focus on reaching our destination. And yet, this is exactly where road trips love to surprise you. Because somewhere along the way, without planning it, those spontaneous moments appeared again. Moments you simply can’t schedule.
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Quick Peek
For our busy travelers, here is the Fact-sheet about our 3-day Queensland Road Trip from Brisbane to Yeppoon.
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Travel Time
Early May
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Travel Mode
Road-trip stop (3 days)
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Our Must-Sees
Cooberrie Park, Yeppoon Lagoon
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Where to stay
AirBnb
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Plant-Based Food
Self-catering
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Mobility
Rental car
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Travel Budget
€1,200/ AUD2,087
without air fare
Our Must-See Highlights Along the Brisbane to Yeppoon Drive
Even though this driving day was all about covering distance, the Brisbane to Yeppoon route surprised us in the best possible way. A few spontaneous stops, zero expectations, and suddenly we found ourselves right in the middle of moments that turned this long drive into one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Wildlife Sanctuary
We honestly went back and forth for quite a while on this one. The idea of “holding a koala” sounds touristy at first. Still, the wish for this once-in-a-lifetime experience was strong. In the end, one of us went for it – and we’re so glad we did. What really mattered to us was one thing. We didn’t want a zoo. We wanted a rescue-focused sanctuary, run by people who genuinely care. That’s exactly what we found at Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary. The staff felt authentic, the stories behind the animals were real, and nothing felt staged or rushed.
Yeppoon Lagoon
In Queensland, many coastal towns have created artificial lagoon pools, and once you’ve experienced one, you understand why. The ocean here is beautiful, but it also comes with real risks. Jellyfish and crocodiles are part of life, especially the further north you travel. The Yeppoon Lagoon is a perfect example of how well this concept works. The area is clean, spacious, and designed for families. There are shaded spots, sun loungers, and even a cozy café nearby. With the heat picking up during the day, this felt like the perfect balance between safety and fun. Our kids had hours of fun here, and we actually managed to relax. Even better, like many lagoons in Queensland, entry is completely free. It’s an easy add-on that fits perfectly into a Yeppoon stay.
Cape-Hillsborough-Nationalpark
This stop is a little special. Cape Hillsborough National Park is about 433 kilometers away, so technically it’s not “near” Yeppoon and has not much to do with driving from Brisbane to Yeppoon. Still, it sat right along our Queensland road-trip route, and that made all the difference.
The moment we arrived, everything changed. The beach felt wild, untouched, and almost unreal. No crowds. No noise. Just endless sand, dramatic coastline, and the feeling of being very far away from everything else. We had the entire beach to ourselves, and that rarely happens anymore. This was one of those places where you suddenly realize you’re on a completely different part of the planet. It worked perfectly as a road-trip highlight and could easily fit into a Yeppoon journey or later as part of an Airlie Beach route. For us, it was pure magic – unplanned, quiet, and unforgettable.
Where We Stayed After the Long Drive from Brisbane to Yeppoon
Originally, we planned to stay directly in Yeppoon. However, once we arrived, there was simply nothing suitable left for our dates. So, quite spontaneously, we shifted our base slightly inland and ended up staying in Rockhampton instead. And honestly, it turned out to be a really good decision. We found a small, cozy Airbnb that felt warm and personal from the first moment. The place was lovingly decorated, and fun fact: we were actually the very first guests ever staying there. Normally, we tend to avoid brand-new listings. Still, this time we trusted our gut – and it paid off.
Our host was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuinely cared that we felt comfortable. Everything worked smoothly, and the atmosphere was relaxed from start to finish. For daily supplies, local supermarkets were close by, which made groceries easy and completely stress-free. The drive to Yeppoon took around 45 minutes, which felt very manageable. In return, we enjoyed more space, a calm evening setup, and a great night’s sleep after that long drive from Brisbane. Sometimes, those unplanned stays turn into exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Driving Brisbane to Yeppoon – What the Route Is Really Like
If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you already know our pattern: we love road trips by car. And honestly, for Brisbane to Yeppoon, we’d almost go one step further and say: without a car, it’s tough. Yes, there are buses and some connections. However, once you want freedom for stops, beaches, sunrise moments, and kid-friendly breaks, the car becomes the real key. Even tour platforms don’t overflow with day tours for this route, which tells you a lot: this is a drive-it-yourself kind of trip.
Now let’s talk numbers, because planning matters.
- Distance (Brisbane to Yeppoon): roughly 660 km
- Pure driving time (non-stop): around 7 h 45 min to 8 h 05 min
In real life, though, we’d plan more. Even if you want to “just get through,” you’ll still need fuel, food, toilet stops, and a little leg stretch. So, as a practical rule, we’d recommend planning 9 to 10 hours total for a relaxed drive day – especially if you’re traveling as a family.
What This Part of Our Queensland Road Trip Cost
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Accomodation
€125/night (excl. breakfast) x 2 nights = €250
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Food & Dining
Around €75 per day = €225
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Mobility
Rental Car (Toyota Prado) €120 per day = €360
Petrol & Parking €250 -
Activities
€115 Wildlife Sanctuary
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Total Spent
€1,200/ AUD2,087
Where We Captured Our Favorite Road-Trip Shots
Just like with the highlights above, the most Instagrammable moments on the Brisbane to Yeppoon drive weren’t specific landmarks. Instead, they happened along the route. Quiet stretches of road, changing landscapes, soft morning light, glowing sunsets, or that fresh, clean look right after rain. It was the combination of nature, light, and timing that created those moments
Brisbane to Yeppoon Road Trip – Your Questions Answered
Driving from Brisbane to Yeppoon takes around 7.5 to 8 hours without long stops. Realistically, you should plan 9 to 10 hours including fuel, food, and short breaks, especially when traveling with kids.
Yes, Yeppoon is absolutely worth visiting. It offers a relaxed coastal vibe, family-friendly lagoons, easy beach access, and far fewer crowds than southern Queensland hotspots. It also works perfectly as a stopover when heading further north toward Airlie Beach.
It’s possible to drive Brisbane to Yeppoon in one day if you start early and focus on getting through. However, it’s a long day behind the wheel. If you prefer slower travel, breaking the route into two days can feel more relaxed.
The best time is between May and October. During these months, temperatures are milder, humidity is lower, and driving conditions are more comfortable. Summer can be very hot, and the wet season further north may affect travel plans.
Saltwater crocodiles are rare around Yeppoon itself but do exist further north. Swimming at patrolled beaches or the Yeppoon Lagoon is recommended. Always follow local warning signs and ask locals about current conditions.
Swimming is possible year-round, but conditions vary. In warmer months, marine stingers can appear. That’s why the Yeppoon Lagoon is popular, offering safe swimming regardless of season, tides, or marine risks.
Like most of Queensland, sharks do exist offshore. Shark nets and monitored beaches reduce risk significantly. Swimming in designated areas or the Yeppoon Lagoon is considered the safest option for families and casual swimmers.
Absolutely. Yeppoon works well as a central base for exploring nearby beaches, coastal lookouts, and quieter towns along the Capricorn Coast, all reachable by short drives.
Two to three nights work well as a relaxed road-trip stop. This gives you time for the lagoon, coastal walks, a beach day, and recovery after the long drive from Brisbane.
It feels remote in atmosphere but not in infrastructure. Supermarkets, fuel stations, cafés, and medical services are all available nearby. Rockhampton is close, so supplies and services are never far away.
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