Embark on a scenic road trip from Brisbane to Noosa. Explore charming food and drink stops, breathtaking views and famous beaches along the way.

Many who fly into Brisbane are on their way to the Sunshine Coast for Noosa’s long stretches of golden-sand beaches, winding canals and verdant national parks. But there’s an incredible amount to see on the way from the airport to the coast. Allow a bit of extra time in your schedule to maximise your trip and explore what the abundant region has to offer.

Instead of taking the direct coastal route on the Sunshine Motorway, travel via the hinterland route on Bruce Highway. Here you'll find some of Queensland's best food and quaintest towns. 

Interstate arrivals should hire a Tesla Model Y from Avis at the Brisbane Domestic Airport – it’s a smooth and serene ride that’ll help you get into the holiday frame of mind. Renters can also use the Avis Express Exit Fastlane, which lets you self-exit the car park and hit the road quicker. You’ll also be confident to take the scenic route to Noosa with more than enough charge to spare (plus the dashboard displays both charge level and charging stops).

Day One: Landsborough to Maleny

(Distance: 93 kilometres, Estimated time: 1 hour 10 minutes)

Drive about an hour north of the airport to Landsborough, a historic town that’s a gateway to the mountainous Blackall Range and the string of charming rural towns that make up the region's vibrant community.

Head further inland towards Maleny, a postcard-perfect town with sprawling views that make it a popular weekend destination for Brisbane locals. It’s prime dairy country, so pack a cooler bag and collect some produce from Maleny Dairies and Maleny Cheese.

Have lunch at Maple 3 Cafe. Its former owner, Mark Hutchinson, was a chef for over 40 years – more than half of them at Maple 3 – and you can taste this wealth of experience in his pies (he sold the business and its prized recipes to its current owner in 2021). Grab some goods to go and take it over to Gardners Falls, a peaceful cascade and swimming spot surrounded by grassy banks and lush native forest.

Stay at the beautifully retained heritage house Maleny Lodge. This adults-only hinterland escape melds its early 1900s charm with modern opulence. Linen sheets and comfy throws upon the beds invite a sense of calm, while the magnesium outdoor pool helps refresh your skin from the humid Queensland air.

Day Two: Maleny to Noosa via Montville

Maleny to Montville (Distance: 15 kilometres  Estimated time: 14 minutes)

Just north of Maleny lies Montville, a tiny rural town which exudes charm in spades. Explore its many specialty shops and markets, including the quirky Clock Shop.

For a coffee pit stop, Little May pours a top-notch espresso.

Destination dining is also on the cards with a paddock-to-plate offering on the grounds of Flame Hill Vineyard, or French fine diner The Long Apron which shows off local produce like Maleny Buffalo and Wombeye Cheese in its degustation menu.

Montville to Noosa via Eumundi (Distance: 61 kilometres, Estimated time: 1 hour)

From Montville, follow Flaxton Drive towards sleepy Mapleton. The drive has vistas sweeping across the coastal plains and over the ocean to the east.

Continue onto Eumundi, famous for the eponymous Eumundi Markets, with more than 600 stalls selling everything from local artwork to fashion and food. It opens Saturdays and Wednesdays and is worth a return visit if you’re not in town on market day.

From here, take Eumundi Noosa Road towards Hastings Street in Noosa Heads, park up and finally get the sand under your feet at one of the area's many stretches of beach.

Noosa has ample private and public EV charging stations, including on site at some of its best hotels such as the Sofitel, so there’s no need to worry about having enough juice to make it back to Brisbane.

On the way back to Brisbane Airport, take the Sunshine Motorway (139 kilometres) to catch the final glimpses of the ocean that flicker along the drive.

Read the original article published on Broadsheet.