Sunshine Coast Nature Discovery Package

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Brisbane accommodation.

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, is a city that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with natural beauty. Located along the winding Brisbane River, the city is home to a rich cultural history, having been originally inhabited by the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. These Aboriginal tribes have deep connections to the land, and their heritage is an integral part of the city’s identity. Today, visitors to the city can explore the cultural significance of the area through art, history, and storytelling, gaining insight into the traditional custodians' deep connection to the environment.
Known for its friendly locals and sun-soaked climate, Brisbane boasts a thriving cultural scene, with highlights such as the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Brisbane, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. South Bank is a must-visit, where visitors can enjoy riverside dining, relax in lush parklands, and take in the city’s stunning skyline. The highlight is the Brisbane City Beach—an urban oasis featuring sandy shores, swimming lagoons, and a relaxed, holiday vibe right in the heart of the city. The city also offers a vibrant food scene, from fresh local seafood to international cuisine.
Brisbane is the gateway to both coastal and hinterland adventures, with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and mountain ranges just a short trip away. Its eco-conscious initiatives and numerous green spaces make it a great city for outdoor enthusiasts, while its easy access to nature adds another layer to its charm. Whether you're interested in cultural exploration, natural beauty, or urban sophistication, Brisbane is the perfect place to begin your Queensland adventure.

A South Bank icon, Streets Beach is a must-visit while you’re in Brisbane. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind at Brisbane Street’s Beach, a unique urban oasis located in the heart of South Bank. It is Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, offering a sandy haven right by the river, complete with a refreshing lagoon-style swimming pool, perfect for a dip or a relaxing day in the sun. Surrounded by lush palm trees and scenic views of the Brisbane skyline, the beach is an ideal spot for families, friends, and solo visitors alike to enjoy a taste of tropical paradise without leaving the city. The beach is equipped with comfortable seating, sunshades, and plenty of space to relax or enjoy a picnic, making it the perfect destination for a leisurely day out. Located just a stone’s throw away from cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Queensland Art Gallery and the Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane Street’s Beach is an easy and enjoyable way to experience the laid-back charm of Brisbane's riverside lifestyle.

Discover the beauty of Brisbane from a whole new perspective on a Sightseeing Cruise with River City Cruises. This relaxing river tour offers a stunning journey through the heart of Brisbane, where you'll glide past the city's most iconic landmarks, including the towering Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the bustling South Bank, and the historic Story Bridge. As you cruise along the Brisbane River, take in the vibrant city skyline, lush parklands, and unique riverside architecture, all while enjoying informative commentary that shares fascinating insights into the city's rich history.
This sightseeing cruise provides ample opportunities for photography, and simply soaking in the scenic beauty of the area. With comfortable seating and both indoor and outdoor viewing options, this tour ensures a relaxed, enjoyable experience for all ages. 

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.

Head to the Brisbane CBD depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.

Head north out of Brisbane and through the Glass House Mountains. Passing through Beerburrum State Forest you can take a detour to Beerwah, home of Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, where you can see over one hundred different species including crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, koalas, wombats and dingoes.
Continuing north through the Sunshine Coast, you will turn towards the coast at Eumundi - if you are driving through on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, stop in at the Eumundi markets for local food, arts and crafts.
From Eumundi, it's just 25 minutes to your destination, the beautiful coastal town of Noosa.

Experience it all! Enjoy a guided factory tour, take as many Overboard boat rides as you would like, watch the Bee Show and ride the Ginger Train all day. Hear the story of how ginger is grown, harvested and turned into a delicious range of Buderim Ginger products and finish the day with tasting all the different products The Ginger Factory has to offer. 

Begin the journey by travelling towards Eumundi, famous for its markets which operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From here, you will head North West on a ride through Queensland inland. First stop could be Gympie, the small town known for its gold field. Here you will find a number of historic buildings and the vintage Mary Valley Rattler Train to explore the area. Continue through towards the Fraser Coast and make another stop in Maryborough. The Longtime Botanic Garden by the river with its flower beds and grassy laws is a perfect place to have a snack or if time allows you can head towards the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary before heading to the coast and Hervey Bay. Your final stop is a perfect place for whale watching and boating, but also the perfect gateway to the "well worth a visit"-Island K'gari.

Hervey Bay is the world's first "World Whale Heritage Site" – a recognition awarded for the region’s commitment to conservation and protection. Here, you can witness migratory humpback whales playfully salute with their flippers and nurture their young calves in the calm protected waters from July to October every year. Expect up-close natural encounters and look these gentle giants straight in the eye from the platform of a whale watching tour boat, or while snorkelling. 
The town also serves as the gateway to K'gari / Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, and if you're willing to venture a little further, you can take a day trip to Lady Elliot Island, a true coral cay island located on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef.

Offered from July to October each year, you can enjoy a tranquil cruise through the Great Sandy Strait, along the remote pristine western side of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island to Australia’s ultimate humpback whale playground. Be on the lookout for Humpback whales and experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they frolic in the calm, clear waters off Fraser Island.  Immerse yourself with these gentle giants from the purpose designed vessel’s large decks, including the famous water level viewing platform and underwater viewing windows.

Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll see the island’s iconic sights on a curated itinerary of highlights. You'll be transported on a custom designed 4WD bus, which is airconditioned for your comfort and fitted with panoramic windows.
Highlights include Lake McKenzie, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a revitalising swim in the crystal clear blue waters and relax on the picture-perfect sandy white beaches. You'll also visit 75 Mile Beach, driving along this golden beach highway, you may spot birds of prey flying above or humpback whales as they migrate past (between July – November). Enjoy a photo stop at the rusting wreck of the Maheno Shipwreck, washed ashore during an out-of-season cyclone in 1935 – it’s one of Fraser Island’s most recognisable sites. Drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach.

Today's drive is just over 200 km; take a leisurely approach, as it should take only a couple of hours. From Hervey Bay, drive south via Bruce Hwy towards Maryborough. This town has rich historical roots, which can be seen in its architecture. There are beautiful botanical gardens in Queen's Park, featuring lush lawns, flower beds, and beautiful tall trees. You can also visit Memorial Park and Museum or have a picnic in the park. After your stop, continue towards Gympie. The town is famous for its gold mining history. You can visit the Heritage Museum, which features artefacts from the gold era, or even experience the heritage rail ride with Mary Valley Rattler. After that, continue driving on M1 towards your destination, Mooloolaba. There are plenty of places to shop and dine along the beachfront esplanade, full of outdoor cafes, juice bars, alfresco restaurants, and fashion boutiques. If you're a fan of seafood, Mooloolaba is also one of the busiest seafood ports on the eastern seaboard. The wharf is a hive of daily activity, with trawlers bringing in freshly caught swordfish, Mooloolaba prawns, lobsters, and spanner crabs.

Unlock a full day of wildlife adventure with the Australia Zoo One Day Admission Pass. Set across 110 acres, this iconic zoo, made famous by the late Steve Irwin, offers an unforgettable experience with up-close encounters with Australia’s most iconic animals. Explore the expansive grounds, where you’ll meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and the famous crocodiles in their natural habitats. Enjoy thrilling shows like the Wildlife Warriors demonstration, where saltwater crocodiles leap from the water’s edge in a spectacular display. Visit the Wildlife Hospital, one of the busiest in the world, and witness firsthand the vital care given to endangered animals. Discover the Tiger Temple, home to majestic Sumatran and Bengal tigers, and stroll through Queensland’s only multi-species African exhibit. With a variety of live presentations, animal encounters, and opportunities to learn about conservation efforts, the Australia Zoo One Day Admission Pass offers a full day of fun and education. 

Located in the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba is adorned for its white beaches and sparkling blue waters. During whale migration, Mooloolaba is a popular departure location for scenic humpback experiences. Visit Sea Life Sunshine Coast to get a closer look at the marine mammals that reside in the nearing Pacific Ocean including sharks, jellyfish, turtles, and seals. Cafes, restaurants, and shops dot the esplanade, satisfying the foodies and making for the perfect location to explore after a day spent on the sand.

Today's drive is about 100 km, but with the stops along the way, it might take you a couple of hours. From Mooloolaba, head south and follow the Sunshine Motorway. You will be passing through Beerburrum State Forest. You can take a detour to Beerwah, home of Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, where you can see over one hundred different species, including crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, koalas, wombats, and dingoes. You'll also get a great view of the Glass House Mountains just after Beerwah, and there are plenty of opportunities here to get out and stretch your legs. Your destination, Brisbane, is the largest city and the capital of Queensland and has been built around the Brisbane River, which winds its way through the middle of the city.

Explore more of Brisbane before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Brisbane today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!