Itineraries

Signature Self-Drive Itineraries

Most attractions and experiences within the Gympie Region are accessible with standard vehicles. Wildnerness camping and remote national park areas may be limited to 4WD access only, please check before you go. Most roads are suitable for caravans and motor homes with some restrictions in national parks. The region has regular fuel stops and mechanical services in all major towns.

Visitor information centres can provide local knowledge, current road and access condition updates, and the region has reliable GPS navigation with some limitations within remote areas.

Day 1

Morning:
– Start your regional discovery in Gympie’s historic city centre with a comprehensive exploration of the town that saved Queensland.
– Heritage Walking Trail: Begin at the Visitor Information Centre with trail maps and historical information
– Deep Creek : Iconic landmark and perfect starting point for photographs
– Historic Main Street: Explore heritage buildings housing cafes, galleries, and antique shops
– Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum:  experience gold panning history

12–1PM:
– Historic pub lunch at one of Gympie’s heritage hotels, experiencing traditional Australian hospitality and local cuisine.

Afternoon:
– Mary Valley Rattler Steam Train: Scenic journey to Imbil through beautiful countryside (2.5 hours return)
– Imbil Township: Explore the historic timber town and browse local galleries and craft shops

Evening:
– Traditional country dinner in Gympie featuring local produce, followed by evening stroll through the heritage-lit city centre.

Day 2

Early Morning:
– Drive to Tin Can Bay: Early departure to witness the famous wild dolphin feeding
– Dolphin Encounter: Participate in the daily dolphin feeding experience at the marina
– Morning Tea: Coastal cafe overlooking the bay waters

Mid-Morning to Afternoon:
– Drive to Rainbow Beach: Scenic coastal route (20 minutes)
– Coloured Sand Cliffs: Photography and interpretation of the famous geological formations
– Beach Activities: Swimming, surfing, or beach walking along pristine coastline
– Whale Watching: Seasonal land-based whale watching or professional tour (May-November)
– Late Lunch: Fresh seafood lunch at beachfront restaurant

Late Afternoon:
– Great Sandy National Park: Introduction to wilderness areas with short walks and wildlife observation
– Sunset Photography: Spectacular sunset views from the coloured cliffs

Evening:
– Beachfront accommodation and dinner featuring local seafood and regional produce.

Day 1

Morning:
– Plunge into your holidays with a revitalising dip in the tea-tree coloured Seary’s Creek. Surrounded by paperbark woodlands, keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife and wildflowers.
– Take your first bite of Rainbow Beach with a delicious pastry from Ed’s Beach Bakery – don’t forget to recharge with a nutritious smoothie from Soul Foods.
– Stroll into the Visitor Information Centre to pick up your local maps, a pair of thongs and some local insight. You will be getting around Rainbow Beach like a local in no time.

12-5PM:
– Adventure awaits! Take your pick from adrenaline fuelled tours and experiences to relaxing by the beach and just explore this beautiful part of the world.
– Time to check in to your accommodation for the night and recharge, there’s a large amount of self-contained apartment and holiday house options to choose from in this part of the region catering specifically for travellers enjoying self guided discoveries of Rainbow Beach. Make yourself at home, explore the facilities and kick back and relax

Evening:
– By now your stomach should be rumbling. Only 5 minutes away is the seaside restaurant of Quay Carlo. Try and secure a spot on the deck for a truly tranquil experience. Unwind with sunset views and a delicious menu inspired by fresh and exciting flavours. Give their cocktail list a go, the Lychee Mojito is a local favourite!

Day 2

Morning:
– An early morning fish is a fantastic way of starting the day. We have a great fishing community who are super friendly and knowledgeable; ask around for the best spots – BYO rods! Or maybe a moment of mindfulness is your thing. A meditation session on our viewing platform at Phil Rogers Park is next level serenity.
– Enjoy a stroll down our main street and you will find plenty of choices for breakfast.
– Escape the bitumen and take the road less travelled with a Great Beach Drive 4WD tour. White sandy beaches with the Pacific Ocean on one side and natural bushland on the other. Or, for those wanting to experience the marine world, make sure to join an Epic Ocean Adventure tour.
– Learn to surf on the longest wave in Australia or sea kayak around Double Island Point. Depending on the time of year, you may even spot wild dolphins and whales!

12-3PM:
– Our main street has a variety of choices for lunch one of our picks for a hearty feed at Little Parliament Cafe. A trendy burger bar with a mouth-watering menu and fantastic coffees for that midday pick-meup! Come for the burgers, stay for the vibe.
– Time to relax and unwind. Massage or pedicure salons, retail therapy, surfboard hire or a long walk on the beach; the afternoon is yours to explore.

Evening:
– Sunset is the perfect time to explore one of our towns’ most magical attractions, the Carlo Sand Blow. Created by thousands of years of wind, the sand blow is a sprawling moonscape of golden sand. Hire a sand board and test your skills as you ride the dunes. Just don’t forget your camera, it’s the perfect spot to capture those holiday memories!
– For dinner, head to the Rainbow Beach Surf Club for a fantastic pub-style meal with picturesque views overlooking the ocean.
Just make sure to save some room for dessert! A cone of Gelato from Crème dela Crème is an absolute must!