Queensland is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway—in addition to its bountiful sunshine, golden sand and pristine beaches, Queensland is also home to numerous lush subtropical rainforests, charming country towns and thriving wine regions which provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway on the road.
If you’re planning on hiring a motorhome for a romantic getaway in QLD and want to know the best way to do it, we’ve got you covered! Jump to:
Planning a romantic getaway in QLD: FAQs
What/where are the best romantic getaway ideas in QLD?
There are plenty of places in QLD that are ideal for a romantic getaway—from coastal destinations like Noosa and Palm Cove, to tranquil rainforests of the beautiful Daintree, the options are endless. Check out our romantic getaway QLD itineraries below for some great romance-filled destination ideas!
Is it possible to have romantic getaways in QLD on a budget?
Of course it is! Queensland is known for its booming tourism industry which caters to all types of travellers. Depending on your budget, you should be able to find a range of budget accommodation/parking options and plenty of free or affordable romantic activity opportunities in most locations.
What are some good activity ideas for our romantic getaway in QLD?
While it really depends on the individual, things like taking a stroll down a waterfront boardwalk, drinks or dinner at a waterfront restaurant, wine tasting at a cellar door or a sunset boat cruise are always sure-fire winners. We’ve included plenty of romantic activity ideas in the itineraries below so make sure you take a look!
Motorhome Itineraries for your Romantic Getaway QLD
We’ve developed a few itineraries with some great destination and activity ideas to help you plan the perfect romantic getaway in QLD.
Whether you only have a week or you have a little more time up your sleeve, there’s an itinerary to suit. Each itinerary can be comfortably driven within the allocated time, and we’ve also included a bit of breathing room if you want to stop and explore a location a little longer—that is the best bit about a motorhome getway after all!
Each itinerary has also been developed with flexibility in mind. Keeping driving time to a minimum, if you decide you want to stay an extra night in a particular location you can simply skip a stop and drive straight through to the next destination. Any of these itineraries can also be driven in the opposite direction.
At each location we’ve also incorporated a few suggestions of attractions and activities you can do along the way to up the romance-factor and show your other half some extra appreciation.
Short Getaway Itinerary (7 days)
Brisbane – Noosa – Hervey Bay – Childers – Kingaroy – Brisbane
Days 1 & 2: Brisbane – Noosa (Est. drive time = 2 hours)
Why you’ll love it: A laid-back coastal vibe with an upmarket feel, with endless shopping and dining options to choose from.
What to do:
- Enjoy a leisurely sunset stroll along the Noosa Heads coastal boardwalk.
- Treat your partner to a well-deserved massage right on the Noosa Main Beach foreshore with the relaxing sound of waves crashing in the background from a highly qualified therapist from Massage and Wellbeing. It doesn’t get much better than that!
- Experience the best of waterfront fine dining at Sails Restaurant on Hastings Street. With delectable seasonal menu options served up by executive chef Paul Leete, an extensive selection of wines and beverages, and 180° views of Laguna Bay, what more could you want!
Credit: Massage and Wellbeing & Sails Restaurant
Where to stay: Noosa Caravan Park in Tewantin is within easy reach of Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach and offer powered caravan sites from $44 per night. Palm trees dotted throughout the grounds create the tropical feel which you’ll enjoy while taking a dip in the immaculately presented swimming pool.
Days 3 & 4: Noosa Heads – Hervey Bay (Est. drive time = 2.5 hours)
Why you’ll love it: With 14 kilometres of golden sandy beaches and pristine waters which are sheltered by nearby Fraser Island, Hervey Bay offers a subtropical feel without the intense climate you’d encounter further up north.
What to do:
- If you’re in Hervey Bay between July and November, make sure you book in a whale watching cruise to witness the majesty of the thousands of humpback whales that migrate through the region each year. Whale Watching Hervey Bay offers a range of whale watching cruises and packages departing daily from Hervey Bay.
- Stroll down the Esplanade and the historic Urangan Pier which stretches almost one kilometre out to sea!
- Explore the natural wonder that is Fraser Island. The largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island is home to some incredibly diverse landscapes including both sand dunes and rainforest. The best way to sample the island is by organising a day tour with a company like Fraser Tours, who offer a range of tour and package options departing daily from Hervey Bay.
Credit: Whale Watching Hervey Bay & Fraser Island Tours
Where to stay: Pier Caravan Park in Urangan is a great spot to stay, with easy access to the beach and Urangan Pier. They offer both slab and grassed sites and a range of great facilities including a swimming pool. Make sure you check out their Hot Deals before booking to see if you can snag yourself a bargain rate!
Day 5: Hervey Bay – Childers (Est. drive time = 45 mins)
Why you’ll love it: Loaded with architecture and attractions that are reminiscent of a bygone era, the charm of this historic town presents a pleasing contrast to the coastal beauty you’ve just experienced in Noosa and Hervey Bay.
What to do:
- Do the Childers Heritage Walk (you can pick up a map from the Visitor Information Centre) to take in some of the 23 heritage-listed buildings in the town.
- Drop into the Old Pharmacy Museum to experience what a pharmacy was like in the last century.
- Stop by the Hill of Promise Winery and Cellar Door for a FREE wine tasting! Their wines are produced on-site, are free of additives and preservatives, vegan-friendly and most importantly, they’re delicious!
Credit: Queensland.org & Mango Hill Cottages Childer
Where to stay: Childers Tourist Park & Camp is only a short drive from the town centre and is set amongst some beautiful bushland. It’s spacious, quiet and relaxing and equipped with all the amenities you’d expect to find. Contact Childers Tourist Park for information about rates.
Day 6: Childers – Kingaroy (Est. drive time = 2.5 hours)
Why you’ll love it: While largely surrounded by farmland (primarily renowned for growing peanuts), Kingaroy’s low-humidity also positions it ideally as a boutique wine region and gourmet destination that is continually growing in popularity.
What to do:
- Sample the local wines over a woodfired pizza at Kingsley Grove Estate on Stuart Valley Drive. From Semillon to Sangiovese, there’s sure to be a drop to suit every taste!
- Pick up a bag of peanuts in a range of unique flavours from The Peanut Van on the corner of Kingaroy and Baron Streets.
- Do some stargazing at the Kingaroy Observatory and become better acquainted with the Milky Way stars, the various constellations, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies on show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Credit: ABC & Kingaroy Observatory
Where to stay: The Kingaroy Holiday Park on Walter Road is ideally set up for motorhome travellers, with a range of sites to suit different sized campers and RVs, gas bottle swaps and refills, ice, dump point and laundry. Visit their website to make a booking.
Day 7: Kingaroy – Brisbane (Est. drive time = 3 hours)
Head back to our Brisbane branch via the A3 and A17, which will take you through the Benarkin State Forest and past Lake Wivenhoe.
Recommended Hires
For those trying a road trip for the first time, a campervan is the way to go. Two of these options both have cooking facilities along with a combined shower and toilet.
Option 1: Jayco 2 + 1 Escape
If you want to travel light and still enjoy the benefits of a motorhome, but on a smaller scale, then the Jayco Escape campervan is for you.
The Jayco 2 + 1 Escape comes with a well equipped kitchen and comfortably sleeps 2 adults. View more about the Jayco 2 + 1 Escape.
Option 2: Jayco 2 + 1 Berth Wanderer
It’s the best of both worlds. The self-contained Jayco 2 + 1 Berth Wanderer accommodates up to two adults, and has all the features of a motorhome (including shower, toilet and air conditioning) in an economical package.
View more about the Jayco 2+1 Berth Wanderer.
Medium Getaway Itinerary (10 days)
Cairns – Port Douglas – Cape Tribulation – Mossman – Atherton – Cairns
Days 1-3: Cairns – Port Douglas (Est. drive time = A little over 1 hour)
Why you’ll love it: With its prime position nestled perfectly between the reef and the rainforest, Port Douglas is known for its sun-drenched beaches, buzzing foodie scene and indulgent day spas which make it a favourite among honeymooners.
What to do:
- Enjoy a truly memorable candle-lit dining experience set amongst the trees at Flames of the Forest. They also host Aboriginal Cultural Experience nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays where you’ll become acquainted with the history and culture of the local Kuku Yalanji people.
- Book your other-half in for a pamper session at Niramaya Villas and Spa. Their menu of facials, massages, body treatments and packages are second to none.
- While it may not be your traditional idea of ‘romantic’, if you’re looking up the excitement factor, head to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures where you can get up close and personal with these fearsome creatures.
Credit: Niramaya Villas and Spas
Where to stay: The Tropic Breeze Caravan Park is only a one minute walk to Four Mile Beach and the Port Douglas town centre, has a swimming pool and all the facilities you would expect. Powered sites are available from $48 per night for two people.
Days 4-5: Port Douglas – Cape Tribulation (Est. drive time = Just under 2 hours)
Why you’ll love it: If the thought of escaping the hustle and bustle to a remote picturesque location sounds nice, Cape Tribulation is sure to hit the mark.
What to do:
- Book an afternoon ride along the beach with Cape Trib Horse Rides. Throughout the 2 hour ride you’ll get the best of both worlds, getting to explore both the lush rainforest and golden sands of Myall Beach.
- Enjoy a meal at Whet, a fully self-sustained off-grid restaurant in the heart of Cape Tribulation. From their fire-lit outdoor deck you’ll be able to sample a range of local seafood and produce—and you can even take a taste home with you with their range of sauces available for purchase.
- Take in the views, smells and sounds along the 6.4km Marrja, Kulki and Dubuji Boardwalks
Photo Credit: Cape Trib Horse Rides & Alltrials
Where to stay: Cape Tribulation Camping offers powered motorhome-friendly shady grassed sites. The Sand Bar Cafe within the camping grounds is also a great place to relax over a drink or grab a takeaway pizza.
Days 6-7: Cape Tribulation – Mossman (Est. drive time = Around 1.5 hours)
Why you’ll love it: Aside from being a charming little Aussie town, you’re also within easy reach of the Daintree’s famous Mossman Gorge with its lush rainforest and tranquil watering holes.
What to do:
- Book a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk and tour of Mossman Gorge where you can take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the place while hearing the stories and legends from long ago.
- Sample some ‘wines with a difference’ at the Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery on Shannonvale Road. If varieties made from mango, lime, passionfruit, ginger and jaboticaba don’t pique your interest, we don’t know what will!
- Head to the Janbal Gallery on Johnston Road to browse a range of artworks from local indigenous artists, or even better, book in for an art class or painting workshop to sharpen up your artistic skills.
Credit: Cairns Tourist Information & Pinterest
Where to stay: On the doorstep of the Mossman Gorge, the Mossman Caravan Park has all the basic amenities you’ll need and you’ll be able to make the most of the Mossman Pool while you’re there. Powered sites are available for $40 per night.
Days 8-9: Mossman – Atherton (Est. drive time = Around 1.5 hours if you take the inland road or a little over 2 hours by the coastal road)
Why you’ll love it: Home to a diverse range of landscapes including rainforest, wetlands and savanna, few places are as exciting to explore as the Atherton Tablelands.
What to do:
- One of the most well-known attractions in Atherton is Crystal Caves, where you can explore 300 square metres of tunnels and grottos while you discover a range of natural crystals and fossils.
- Grab a meal at the historic Barron Valley Hotel. Built in the 1880’s, this pre-war hotel has become part of the cultural landscape of Atherton and a favourite among both locals and travellers.
- Pick up a souvenir that you’ll treasure forever at the Rainforest Gems Gallery in Tolga. Featuring a range of handcrafted jewellery, glass, pottery and artwork produced by local artisans, you’re sure to fall in love with something that is truly unique.
Credit: Crystal Caves & Rainforest Gems Gallery
Where to stay: You can book a grassed powered caravan site at the Atherton Travellers Park in close proximity to the town centre for $30 per night for two people. With an in-ground swimming pool, undercover gas BBQ and neat and tidy presentation, it’s sure to please.
Day 10: Atherton – Cairns (Est. drive time = Around 1.5 hours)
The drive back to our Cairns branch is an easy one that should only take around one and a half hours, so why not stop and check out the Cathedral Fig Tree on Danbulla Road or enjoy a pit-stop lunch at Gordonvale on your way through.
Recommended Hire:
For those wanting a bit more space, electric lift up bed plus en suite with shower and toilet, we recommend the Voyager Deluxe motorhome. Perfect for two adventure-seeking adults that enjoy life’s little luxuries. The Jayco 2 Berth Voyager Deluxe motorhome offers a comfortable home on wheels for up to 2 people, with access to the interior of the motorhome from the driver’s cabin.
View more about the Jayco 2 Berth Voyager Deluxe.
Long Getaway Itinerary (14 days)
Cairns – Palm Cove – Townsville – Airlie Beach – Mackay – Yeppoon – Bundaberg – Caloundra – Brisbane
Days 1-2: Cairns – Palm Cove (Est. drive time = A little over 1 hour)
Why you’ll love it: If ‘romantic’ is the theme for your getaway, making Palm Cove your first destination is a smart move. With its palm-lined waterfront, this tropical village by the sea screams romance through-and-through.
What to do:
- On the drive up to Palm Cove, stop in Smithfield for a while to take in breathtaking views of the world’s oldest rainforest by taking a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
- Enjoy a bit of ‘barefoot luxury’ by dining at Nu Nu on the Palm Cove waterfront. The Modern Australian menu features dishes like chilli salt pork ribs, ginger fried chicken wings and bbq reef fish that won’t be forgotten quickly.
- Start the day with a gentle sunrise paddle on a stand-up paddle board or kayak. Pacific Watersports can get you set up with all the hire gear you’ll need.
Where to stay: You won’t find a better location than the NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park, situated on the waterfront near Palm Cove Jetty. Their powered grass caravan sites start from $41 per night.
Days: 3-4: Palm Cove – Townsville (Est. drive time = 4.5 hours)
Why you’ll love it: Aside from its undeniable natural beauty, Townsville is a thriving coastal city with plenty of eateries and shopping on offer.
What to do:
- Check out Cotters Market (which runs every Sunday between 8am and 1pm). If you’re lucky, they may even be hosting a pop-up food truck event while you’re there. Check their website for details.
- Head out for dinner followed by a show by the Full Throttle Theatre Company at The Old Courthouse Theatre.
- Take a day trip to Magnetic Island to take in the secluded tropical beaches and rugged scenery. Magnetic Island Tours can help you get there—whether you want a fully guided comprehensive tour or you want to spend a couple of hours there, they have a few package options to suit.
Where to stay: The BIG4 Rowes Bay Beachfront Holiday Park is a great pick, situated right on the foreshore with views out to Magnetic Island. With a swimming pool, BBQs, half-court tennis and basketball and free WiFi, your stay will include ‘all the trimmings’. Check their rates or make a booking through their website.
Days 5-6: Townsville – Airlie Beach (Est. drive time = A little over 3 hours)
Why you’ll love it: In the heart of the Whitsundays, you can take in the great barrier reef without the same expensive prices you’d be up for if you were staying on one of the islands.
What to do:
- For the epitome of romance, nothing can compete with a scenic flight over Heart Reef in Hardy Lagoon. The iconic heart-shaped coral formation is renowned as a popular ‘proposal’ destination that can only be viewed from the air. GSL Aviation provides the most comprehensive scenic flight in the Whitsundays, where you’ll be able to take in Heart Reef in all its glory. Scenic flights are by appointment, departing from the Whitsunday Coast Airport in Gunyarra.
- A reef cruise is a must for every visitor to Airlie, but if you want to up the romance-ante, book a sunset cruise with Sailing Whitsundays where you can take in the sights aboard the Providence V tall ship with a glass of bubbles in hand and some nibbles to devour.
Where to stay: You’ll find most of the tourist parks in Jubilee Pocket, a short drive from Airlie Beach. Island Gateway Holiday Park offers competitive rates with grassed and concrete slab powered caravan sites, great park facilities including a swimming pool, BBQ areas and modern amenities.
Days 7-8: Airlie Beach – Mackay (Est. drive time = 2 hours)
Why you’ll love it: With its beautiful coastal setting at the mouth of the Pioneer River, it’s hard not to fall in love with the laid-back vibe of Mackay.
What to do:
- Catch the sunrise at Cape Hillsborough beach while getting acquainted with the group of wallabies that frequent the shoreline in search of some yummy tucker. You can book a free sunrise tour with the wallabies tour through Mackay Region Tourism
- Try out scuba diving with a twist—instead of heading to the ocean, why not give rainforest scuba diving at Finch Hatton Gorge a go! Rainforest Scuba’s award-winning rainforest scuba tours in crystal clear freshwater is home to a bale of turtles and resident platypus Penelope and Latisha.
- Enjoy a pub meal with breath-taking ocean views at local-favourite, the Eimeo Pacific Hotel. Serving up a range of pub classics, the waterfront deck is the perfect place to relax over a meal and a drink while soaking in the warm weather and sunshine.
Where to stay: While there are several caravan parks in the town centre, it’s worth taking a look at the Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park. Only a short drive north of Mackay, you’ll be able to enjoy having an absolute beachfront location and lagoon-style swimming pool. They’re also perfectly equipped for motorhomes with gas refills, ice, laundry facilities and dump point.
Days 8-9: Mackay – Yeppoon (Est. drive time = 4 hours)
Why you’ll love it: Yeppoon offers the ultimate laid-back lifestyle with the reef, with plenty of beaches and islands within easy reach.
What to do:
- Do a day trip to Great Keppel Island and waste the day away swimming, snorkelling with turtles and strolling along the secluded beaches of this pristine subtropical island. Keppel Explorer conducts tours daily departing from Yeppoon, but book in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.
- Experience the wonder of the spectacular limestone Capricorn Caves. Located about half an hour out of Yeppoon, take a standard cave tour, give abseiling a go, test your limits with an adventurer tour, or book in for the night tour to up the romance-factor. Find out about the various tour options on the Capricorn Caves website.
Where to stay: Beachside Holiday Caravan Park boasts an absolute waterfront location with direct beach access and views to Great Keppel Island, with powered sites on either concrete slab or eco mat starting from $37 per night during off-peak.
Day 10-11: Yeppoon – Bundaberg (Est. drive time = 4 hours)
Why you’ll love it: Situated on the banks of the Burnett River, Bundaberg possesses an old-world charm with that undeniable ‘Queensland vibe’.
What to do:
- It’s rude to go to Bundaberg and not pay a visit to the place the town is most well-known for—the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Take a tour of the distillery, explore the rum museum or even learn how to blend your own rum!
- Pick strawberries at Tinaberries farm, before enjoying one of their signature fresh fruit ice creams made on-site with their own home-grown strawberries.
- Enjoy an expertly mixed cocktail (or two) at Bert’s Restaurant on Bourbong St. They also serve up a delicious menu of shared plates, hand-stretched pizzas, charcuterie and sweets which you’ll struggle to say no to!
Where to stay: The riverside setting of AAOK Riverdale Caravan Park is hard to beat. With shady sites, laundry facilities and free gas BBQ’s, it’s a great spot to simply sit back, relax and take in the atmosphere.
Days 12-13: Bundaberg – Caloundra (Est. drive time = 3.5 hours)
Why you’ll love it: A beautiful coastal town with a relaxed community vibe. Whether you want to go boating, fishing or jet skiing, or you’d prefer to simply laze around and soak in the sun, Caloundra caters to every type of traveller.
What to do:
- Head to the Caloundra Street Fair Market. Open every Sunday from 8am to 1pm, you can browse through more than 120 stalls set along Bulcock Beach which features tasty food, artisan products and various live performances. If you’re in town on the last Friday of the month, spend ‘date night’ at the Caloundra Twilight Market where you can enjoy a similar range of stalls as the sun goes down.
- Enjoy a delicious traditionally-made gelati or sorbet from Milano Gelateria on Bulcock Street while you slowly stroll the Bulcock Beach boardwalk.
- Pop your skates on and reminisce back to the days when you were young and carefree at the Caloundra Rollerdome. They also hold special events from time-to-time so visit their website before you go to see what’s on.
Where to stay: BIG4 Caloundra is ideally located on the waters edge near the Pumicestone Passage next to Bulcock Beach. They can accommodate any sized motorhome and provide all the facilities and amenities you could need. They also offer some great holiday deals which are worth taking a look at.
Day 14: Caloundra – Brisbane (Est. drive time = 1.5 hours)
The drive back to our Brisbane branch should only take around 1.5 hours, so why not stop for lunch and a look around Caboolture on your way through.
Recommended Hire
For those that want to travel in style with elite comfort for extended travel. When life on the road calls for the very best in creature comforts. The Jayco Conquest Royale is the way to go, with premium features including a slide-out island, queen-size bed and spacious ensuite.
For more information about the Jayco Conquest Royale, click here.
With branch locations in both Brisbane and Cairns, Let’s Go Motorhomes makes it easy to plan your romantic motorhome getaway in QLD. With great service and competitive prices, get started by viewing our range of Jayco motorhomes for hire or by requesting a motorhome hire quote.