Get your daily dose of vitamin sea as you explore the coastline of the Southern Great Barrier Reef from sunrise to sunset with this 8-day itinerary.
Ready to hit the road? From sunrise strolls to turtle encounters and reef explorations, this Southern Great Barrier Reef Road Trip across Bundaberg and Gladstone delivers all the salty air and ocean bliss your soul craves.
Kick off your beach-hopping adventure in the tranquil seaside town of Woodgate Beach, located a 40-minute drive south-east of Bundaberg. With 16km of white sands, calm waters, and resident kangaroos, Woodgate Beach is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Explore the untouched beauty of Theodolite Creek by kayak or SUP, keep an eye out for dolphins and whales in winter, and venture into Burrum Coast National Park for sand-covered adventures and hidden 4WD tracks.
Where to stay? Overlooking Woodgate Beach NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park is the perfect location to sit back and enjoy a laid-back escape.
Where the Elliott River meets the sea, hidden coastal gem Elliott Heads, offers both surf and calm waters. Soak in the beauty of its white sands, volcanic rock pools, and nearby snorkelling spots before rounding out your day exploring more of the Coral Coast.
Just a 10min drive north of Elliott Heads is Bargara, the heart of the Coral Coast’s pristine coastline, lined with cafes, boutiques, and stunning beaches like Kellys, Archies, and Neilson’s. Walk or cycle the Turtle Trail to Mon Repos, where the world-famous Mon Repos Turtle Encounter awaits. This ranger-guided experience, available from November to March, offers a once-in-a-lifetime look at nesting and hatching turtles. Bargara is also just a 10min drive from your launch pad to the Southern Great Barrier Reef with Lady Musgrave Experience, where you can snorkel alongside curious turtles and majestic manta rays on a day trip or overnight experience.
Where to stay? Choose to set up camp at Elliott Heads Holiday Park or settle into your new home away from home at Turtle Sands, overlooking Mon Repos Beach.
Head north to the breathtaking town of Agnes Water and 1770 where more pristine beaches, epic sunrises and sunsets, and unique adventures like the 1770 LARC! Tour
awaits. Take in picturesque ocean views from the 1770 Headland and Lookout or enjoy the serenity of an uncrowded stretch of sand while meeting the locals.
Where to stay? Overlooking Anges Beach, NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation option from beach houses to safari tents and spacious sits to park up the van.
Travel through Eurimbula National Park, home to diverse wildlife and stunning coastal scenery before stopping in at the charming fishing village of Turkey Beach. Known for its incredible crabbing spots and local beach shack vibes – you’ll find some locals lurking around by the shore who you can get some hot tips from before dropping a line.
Once you’ve immersed yourself in the good vibes, continue north to Tannum Sands for even more relaxed beach-town fun.
Nestled along the stunning Gladstone coastline, Tannum Sands and Boyne Island offer the perfect escape. With warm temperatures year-round, it’s a haven for water lovers—think stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, and windsurfing. The lush foreshore and nearly 20km of the Turtleway Bikeway connect scenic picnic spots, playgrounds, and fitness stations. Where the forest meets the sea, relax beneath shady trees and soak up this coastal gem, just 20 minutes from Gladstone.
Where to stay? Discovery Parks Tannum Sands
Wrap up your trip in Gladstone, a deepwater harbour city with coastal charm. Wander the East Shores Precinct, explore Auckland Point Lookout, and stroll the Gladstone Marina gardens. For the ultimate finale, book a trip to Heron Island to extend your reef adventure.
Download the full guide here, and follow the trail for more things to see and do along this Sea and Sand Hopper Road Trip.