The Great Beach Drive Itinerary | Australian Traveller

Discover a different side to Noosa on board the Great Beach Drive – one of Earth’s longest coastal paths.

The charms of Noosa are no secret, but did you know that just a few minutes north of town lies two UNESCO biospheres and a World Heritage-listed haven? The Great Beach Drive spans 380 kilometres of the most pristine and deserted beaches in Australia. All you’ll need is a 4WD (your own, or a hired variety) to unlock it all…

Great Beach Drive at Noosa — Noosa is the entrypoint of the Great Beach Drive. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

While many visitors to Noosa stick to Hastings Street or the beach, the resort town is built on the edge of a 4000-hectare national park which offers a wonderous escape from civilisation. Twenty minutes north of town, a vehicle ferry from Tewantin takes you into the wilderness, where the bitumen stops and the sand starts.

Queensland’s Great Beach Drive is one of the longest beach drives on Earth. Where it differs from other iconic ocean drives is that this one requires you travel almost entirely on the beach – from Noosa, right along K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), and beyond to Hervey Bay. It takes in two UNESCO biosphere reserves (this is the only place on Earth where two biospheres connect) and the largest sand island in the world.

Reading between the lines, expect to spy extraordinary marine life including sea turtles and whales, unique bird species, ripper surf conditions and natural beauty beyond belief. One thing before you get moving – jump onto the Queensland Government’s Parks and Forests site to secure vehicle and camping permits if you’re winging it away from a guided 4WD tour.

Noosa Epic Ocean Adventures — Explore the sandy wilderness of the Great Beach Drive from Noosa. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Stop 1: Noosa to Rainbow Beach

Noosa North Shore Car Ferries is located at the river end of Moorindil Street in Tewantin, about a 15-minute drive from Hastings Street, and it transports adventure seekers over to the North Shore where the Great Beach Drive kicks off. Once you’ve hopped off the ferry, say hello to Teewah Beach: the entrance to the UNESCO Great Sandy Biosphere. This natural marvel is home to more than 40 per cent of Australia’s bird species and more marine and fish biodiversity than that of the entire Great Barrier Reef. It’s a lush mass of tropical rainforests, beaches, and marine parks.

Teewah Beach: the entrance to the UNESCO Great Sandy Biosphere — Enter the UNESCO Great Sandy Biosphere at Teewah Beach. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland/ Ming Nomchong)

Staying behind the wheel, don’t expect tar roads on the Great Beach Drive. We drive through coastal forest until we reach a wide, deserted beach. Welcome to the highway where the speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour. Watch out for fishermen casting fishing lines by the shore’s edge, and campers crossing the sand highway for a dip. You can camp all along these foreshores.

Driving the Great Beach Drive — No bitumen in sight, just a great sandy expanse. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Pushing on, you’ll reach a rocky headland that Captain Cook named Double Island Point, and this is where you may even find Thor. Locals (and Instagram) reveal Chris Hemsworth holidays here with his family, and the man knows his waves: Double Island Point is one of Australia’s best point surf breaks.

Double Island Point Aerial — Double Island Point is a swirl of creams and blues from above. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

There’s a 150-year-old lighthouse up here and not much else. You can see forever, and come whale season, humpbacks travel just off the cape. There’s a dive site just offshore that’s home to the state’s largest colony of (harmless) grey nurse sharks.

Aerial View of Honeymoon Bay Great Beach Drive — Go for a dip at Honeymoon Bay on the northern side of the tip. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Drive to the northern side of the point and you’ll find one of the country’s top beaches, Honeymoon Bay. We pass thousands of blue soldier crabs beside a beach lagoon. Two old surfers ride waves that break slowly for hundreds of metres. For those of us who ever fancied a beach to ourselves, we’ve died and gone right to heaven.

Rainbow Beach Great Beach Drive — The world-renowned coloured sand dunes of Rainbow Beach are a sight to behold. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

The coloured sand dunes that continue north from here are world-famous. There are 72 visible colours in these enormous dunes that reside in Rainbow Beach, a sleepy coastal hamlet cut off from Queensland’s main highway. It’s a great hideaway for a Hollywood star because it works – we can’t find him.

Red Canyon Walk Rainbow Beach — Take time to explore the Red Canyon at Rainbow Beach. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Don’t miss Carlo Sand Blow while you’re here, too. The 15-hectare sand mass is best explored via its 600-metre nature walk, accessible at Cooloola Drive, which culminates in epic views across Cooloola Cove and the blue beyond.

Carlos Sand Blow Cooloola Cove — The walk is rewarded with pic views across Cooloola Cove. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Stop 2: K’gari (Fraser Island)

Just north of Rainbow Beach, you’ll travel along the Great Beach Drive onto a sandy headland where a barge awaits. This is Inskip Point, the southern gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island), where its original inhabitants, the Butchulla community, gave it its name because K’gari means ‘paradise’. That it certainly is.

Inskip Point Queensland — A barge at Inskip Point will deliver you and your car to K’gari to continue the drive.

Once you’re off the barge, you’ll find a 4WD enthusiast’s fantasy. There are 123 kilometres of coastline to drive along, though you’re never on it long – there are too many things to look out for once you detour off the drive and into sand tracks through coastal forest.

Couple swimming at Lake McKenzie K'gari — The pristine waters of Lake McKenzie call for a swim. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Everyone knows Lake McKenzie. It’s the electric blue of a Bora Bora lagoon, minus the over-water bungalows. There’s also the nearby Wabby Creek, offering unrivalled solitude and 70-metre-high sand dunes. The Wabby Point Champagne Pools on Seventy-Five Mile Beach are non-negotiable. Frothing up bubbles, hence ‘champagne’, and warm water surrounded and protected by rock formations, it exudes total zen.

Lake McKenzie Aerial View — The electric blue of Lake McKenzie is irresistible. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

You needn’t rough it during this stretch of the Great Beach Drive. The four-star Kingfisher Bay Resort on K’gari’s west coast is a popular choice and looks across an inland waterway. Though you could camp instead – Inskip Point offers a sensational beach campsite.

Stop 3: Hervey Bay

Take a car ferry from K’gari across to the chilled-out seaside town of Hervey Bay as your journey along the Great Beach Drive winds down to a close. Hervey Bay is famed for its humpback whale sightings, so investigate your chances once you’re there and don’t forget that whale-watching season runs from July to October.

Whale Cruise Hervey Bay — In search of whales in Hervey Bay. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

You can also drive the empty roads between there and the quirky outpost of Tin Can Bay. It follows the Great Sandy Strait and there are sheltered bays and white sandy beaches all along the way. There are also dolphins and if you’re lucky, you might see a dugong.

Whale in Hervey Bay — Hervey Bay is one of the best places in Australia to spot whales. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours

Not overly thrilled about working with maps, or don’t own a 4WD? Take a backseat, literally, by booking a 4WD tour led by an experienced guide to help you discover even more of the Great Beach Drive.

Driving Great Beach Drive — Join a tour and leave the driving to someone else. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

An action-packed eight-hour tour crammed with highlights is on offer from Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours , which picks guests up from their accommodation in Noosa. There’s also a half-day tour departing Rainbow Beach with Surf & Sand Safaris , while K’gari Fraser Island Adventures offers multi-day 4WD tours with pick-up from both Noosa and Rainbow Beach, and Fraser Experience Tours offers several one-day tours, too.

Soak up arts and culture just 15 minutes from Noosa at the world-famous Eumundi Markets.

A market’s a market, right? Wrong. I massively undershot my first visit to Eumundi Markets back in 2022, planning a zippy hour-or-so dip out of Noosa before a lunch booking on bustling Hastings Street. From the moment I saw the market’s ginormous car park, I regretted giving it so little time.

Attracting more than 1.2 million visitors annually, the Eumundi Markets is wildly expansive with live performances, homewares, arts and crafts, ridiculously good condiments, mouth-watering food, and most of all, beautiful community spirit that flows from deeply connected townsfolk. It trickles over several streets and is so popular that it’s staged bi-weekly. Where on earth to start? Let me lead you.

History of the Eumundi Markets

a signage welcoming shoppers at Eumundi Markets — Eumundi Markets is a staple visit for any Queensland road trip. (Image: Mark Fitz/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Learning the Eumundi Markets’ backstory helped me appreciate the distinct madness so much more. Back in 1979, Christa Barton and her friend Gail Perry-Somers opened the first Eumundi Market on a Saturday morning with just three stalls and eight visitors. Back then, it was in the Country Women’s Association Hall on Memorial Drive, and the idea was to create a space that brought artisans and farmers closer together. On their first day, the duo made a turnover of $30, which is probably what I spend on snacks alone whenever I visit the Eumundi Markets these days.

By 2000, their big idea had blossomed to 350 stalls, and the Eumundi Markets was a staple visit for any Queensland road trip within the Sunshine Coast vicinity. People came from all over the country to visit what is now the largest art and craft market in Australia. In 2002, Eumundi Markets expanded its Saturday operations by adding Wednesday opening hours to the mix. More than 40 years since its inception, the market is always busy, so there’s no strategic time to beat the crowds (Wednesday’s smaller selection of stalls still packs a punch). But I do think the Saturday mid-morning throng — any time from 9am — is the toughest time to find a proximity car park so factor that in mind.

What to expect

a family visiting Eumundi Markets — Peruse over 350 stalls selling artisan items. (Image: Krista Eppelstun/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Firstly, there are several entrances and sections, so if you’re toting young bubs, bring the pram as it’s a leg day (plus, you can store ample spoils in the bottom). When my kids were toddlers, they ran amok through the Eumundi Markets’ grassy fields and playgrounds, so they were relieved to take a load off and jump in and out of their wheels as we pushed on. What are we persuing, specifically? Arts and crafts, tick, (but unique and intricate, uncommon creations, not just crocheted teapot cosies and tie-dyed halter dresses), fashion and jewellery, tick. Candles cut into the shape of battered fish and crinkle-cut chips? Another tick.

Run by Eumundi and wider Sunshine Coast locals, each stall showcases personal creations crafted from locally produced materials and ingredients. These guys are mindful of their impact on their lush surroundings so I’m often incidentally exploring organic and environmentally sustainable temptations, too. Grab one of the markets’ branded tote bags for smarter shopping and a souvenir — they’re made from natural unbleached calico and serve as quite the humble brag when you’re back home.

Additionally, the Eumundi Markets sets up drinking stations to fill reuseable bottles and there are eco-emphasised products on sale including Bee Eco Essential Wraps to keep food fresh and Conscious Path ’s natural skincare. Desperate for a new ‘do? Where’s Cazz? is on hand for appointment-free haircuts and once you’re done, make your way over to Jenny Phelan (exclusive to Saturday) for a tarot card reading, or Wendy Sugars for a spot of foot reflexology.

Top Eumundi Markets stalls to visit

The best Eumundi Markets food

coffee at Eumundi Markets — Get your morning coffee fix at the Flying West van.

Although Eumundi Markets is best-known as a hunting ground for artisanal arts and crafts, I am all about the smorgasbord of international food up for grabs. Spanning bagels, tapas, Dutch poffertjes, bratwurst, samosas, those addictive curly fries on sticks, donuts, tarts, Japanese pancakes, kombucha, laksa, woodfire pizza, and so much more, it’s a buffet without the hefty price tag. I love the Flying West van for my morning coffee fix. My first taste of this killer Noosa roaster was savoured at the Eumundi Markets in 2022 and subsequently had me sniffing out its Doonan cafe the moment I took off.

The Chilli Tribe at Eumundi Markets — Visit The Chilli Tribe for its award-winning blends.

Right nearby, loaded donuts from Motha Trucka provide the perfect AM accompaniment when their mobile operation rocks up on Saturday. Hot sauce enthusiasts need to visit The Chilli Tribe for its award-winning blends, while blistered, cinnamon-dusted Portuguese tarts at Lisboa Caffe , around the corner from the chilli kings, are another must-devour. Fat Wren Farm is the place to stock up on locally made chutney and jams, and Bezel’s Bagels draws crowds first thing and past lunch for its self-proclaimed ‘life-changing’ creations.

Bezel's Bagels at Eumundi Markets — Bestseller Bezel’s Bagels at Eumundi Markets. (Image: Supplied)

The best Eumundi Markets shopping

dog toys on display at Conscious Pet Co. — Plastic-free pet toys at Conscious Pet Co. (Image: Supplied)

When it’s time for retail therapy, my kids and I love exploring whatever My Soap Original ’s been working on. There’s always classic Aussie treats like cheesecakes and soft serves to utterly delight children and dial up nostalgia among grown-ups. Jaded Painted is another great spot as cheese boards and catchall trays are decorated with subtle, beautifully finished artwork.

an artwork by Rachael Curry at Eumundi Markets — Stunning wildlife art by Rachael Curry.

Rachael Curry Art is one of my favourite artists on display as her stunning takes on local flora and fauna look as lifelike as photographs, while Conscious Pet Co. is a winner for plastic-free pet toys, Bushblocks literally nails recycled timber island benches, and Merrie Tomkins is a must-explore for coastal-inspired ceramics.

How to get to the Eumundi Markets and where to park

a busy day at Eumundi Markets — The Eumundi Markets is just a short drive from Hastings Street. (Image: Mark Fitz/Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Eumundi Markets is only a 15-minute drive from Noosa’s Hastings Street, making for an easy day trip away from the beach. If you’re coming from Brisbane, it’s a 90-minute road trip. Now, my hot tip when it comes to parking: you’ll find a spot quickly if you venture into the main market parking on the corner of Albert and Napier roads, no question. However, you’ll save a flat rate of $9 if you can score something on the surrounding streets. Two-hour spots are hard to come by but stalk the ones right opposite the main car park and it’ll be worth it because they’re steps away from the entrance.

How much time should you expect to stay?

two women buying fresh fruits at Eumundi Markets — Sip on fresh fruit juice while shopping for produce. (Image: Jesse Lindemann/Tourism and Events Queensland)

It depends on how much parking you’ve locked down. If you’ve got a full morning to play with, you can easily fill it with stall wandering from 7:30am. Alternatively, dropping into the markets for a coffee and treats is a common Saturday morning ritual among locals before turning to other weekend plans. Bottom line: there’s always more to explore at this place, even if you’ve been before.

Are there any Eumundi Markets events?

lap slide guitarist Pat Tierney at Eumundi Markets — Catch the soulful performance of lap slide guitarist Pat Tierney.

Sure are, and it’s one of my favourite bits about this Sunshine Coast hot spot. The Eumundi Markets team loves its local musicians and entertainers, so you’ll find multiple performers scattered around stalls. Occasionally, you’ll even find a one-time-only act that pushes groups to swarm. Local regulars include musician Renny Field , lap slide guitarist Pat Tierney , acoustic folk singer-songwriter Lucy Mills and more. I was lucky enough to catch Frank & Louis , a brother band from the Sunshine Coast, when I last visited and the two youngsters captivated the crowd with soulful renditions of original tunes and covers. Unearthing local talent is undoubtedly one of Eumundi Markets’ distinct drawcards. In terms of staged events, there are a few special occasions throughout the year. Santa is guaranteed to visit during December, and you’ll typically find a massive egg hunt plus loads of egg-cellent activities over the Easter holiday period.

Eumundi Markets opening times

shopping at Eumundi Markets — The mix of stalls has something for everyone. (Image: Mark Fitz/Tourism and Events Queensland)

The markets are open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30am until 2pm, all year round — even when it rains.

Eumundi Markets address

The Eumundi Markets is found at 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, but make sure you explore the surrounding streets as smaller markets offering equally fascinating arts and crafts are found at Eumundi Square, 1-7 Albert Street, and The Pavilion Eumundi, 79 Memorial Drive.

A guide to the Great Beach Drive – one of Earth’s longest beach drives