It’s amazing to walk on the wheels. Freedom, the view goes through the windows and you can… keep moving forward. This is the first stop of our Queensland caravan adventure – about 800 km away Gold Coast Until Rainbow Beach and Back – I can’t wait to see the surprises of this road.
Planning your trip?
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Hotel, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover
rent: Discover the car
RVS: RV Republic
Transfer: Welcome to pick up
SIM card: simulation
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The rig for this trip is a kind of beauty: a powerful jeep with 4WD capabilities, dragging a full pop band. Before I set out, I make sure I know how to go with the van, check all the connections and practice reversals. Basic skills worth mentioning when you are a beginner on a large trip.
If you are setting up your own trip, don’t underestimate the difference between some quality accessories some caravans can make. From those strong awnings in popular Queensland afternoons to extra storage solutions and comfortable camp chairs, the right gear turns a good trip into a great one.
First stop: ESK – Country gemstones on the mountain
From Gold Coastwe drove about 142 kilometers northwest to the small town of ESK. Located in Brisbane The valley and backed by the dramatic slopes of Mount Glen Rock, it is one of those towns that immediately feel welcome. There is history here – Captain Patrick Logan explored the area in 1830 – but there is also a quiet town charm that will slow you down and breathe a little deeper.
As you roll, you will notice how mountains are protected around town and how life seems less tolerated here. As you drive by, locals wave while the streets still have the feeling of an old country.
Where I live
We’re in ESK Caravan Parkright on the street. This is one of the rare attractions that caters to everyone. The family has their own pool, adults have an adult-only shelter pool, and the camp kitchen is the kind you can spend happily throughout the afternoon (they even have a pizza oven). There were birds eating at night (although we did stumble on some Lorikeets by chance), spotless showers and laundry facilities, no nasty codes or tokens.
Dean, who worked there, deserves a medal of patience. He guided me to try to reverse the camper trailer for the first time, without judgment. If you are not familiar with caravans, someone like Dean is gold.
Where to eat in ESK
We made lunch Nash Gallery and Cafe. Located in Old Queensland, it offers hearty country dining, as well as gluten-free and vegan options. My Moroccan pie and salad and the soft patty was fresh and full of flavor.
Dinner is caravan style: simple daals are made on gas stoves and eaten when the evening breeze rolls. The top of the popular type is surprisingly spacious – a large bed, air conditioning, storage for several days, no toilet (more space, less cleaning – won the victory in my book). The showers in the caravan park are spacious, hot and even heated on the floor.
The next morning breakfast was a new favorite: drizzle with maple syrup and finished with a little sea salt. Try it. You can thank me later.
Things to do in ESK
- Brisbane Valley Railway Trail – This 160-km trail follows a scenic countryside along an ancient railway line. You can solve the whole thing or do a part. We rode from ESK for a short time and loved the combination of farmland, forests and heritage railway stations.
- Strolling on the street – Browse antiques, pick up local fruits, drink coffee, and chat with locals. ESK’s pace of life is its greatest charm.
- Lake Weiwen – This huge lake is only 10 minutes away and is perfect for picnics, kayaking and bird watching. This is a peaceful place to spend a lazy afternoon.
On the road to the gym
The next morning was our first suitable packaging. With the stopwatch in our hands, we managed to get from the coffee for 23 minutes and 17 seconds to prepare to roll. The first try was pretty good.
We stopped outside the ESK for a quick rig inspection, put water on top and grabbed the classic Australian pie for the road. These small sites are part of the fun of caravan traveling – you are not just driving pass Place, you are meeting them.
If you have time, the scenery between ESK and Gympie can take you through Sunshine Coast Hindu – Think of rolling hills, rainforest pockets and rural towns with great bakeries.
Gympie – The Golden Town of Queensland
stadium Located about 170 kilometers north of Brisbane On the Mary River. In 1867, prospector James Nash won gold here, literally found 70 ounces and triggered a gold rush that saved Queensland from bankruptcy. The town’s name comes from the Gympie-Gympie Ting Tree, which gives you a nice hint of early life here.
Today, Gympie blends its gold rush heritage with an active regional hub atmosphere. The historic Mary Street area is lined with restored buildings, boutiques and many good coffee attractions.
Where to eat in the gymnasium
The first stop is Farmers and the Sun’s Coffee House. Think fresh salads, cold pressed juices, and a variety of options for a gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free diet, as well as hearty meat dishes. My salad is crisp and colorful, which is exactly what you need on your journey in the morning.
Explore the history of Gympie
I’ve driven Gympie Gold Excavation and History Museum I’ve been on the way to Rainbow Beach many times, but this time we finally stopped. The museum is sprawling – the old miner’s cabin, the blacksmith’s shed, and shows the tools, photos and personal stories of the Gold Rush era. Walking through the old house, reminding us how far we have walked. It’s really frustrating to think about the life that is built here with very little life.
If you have kids (or like old machinery), steam engines, working pumps, and old-fashioned vehicles are fascinating. The volunteers are also full of stories, adding that you can’t get the extra connection layer from the information board alone.
Next stop: Tinke Bay
From Gympie to Gympie, it is about 40 minutes’ drive to Tin Can Bay, which is famous for its wild dolphin feeding in Norman Point and its calm, sheltered waters. It’s also a great place to fish, bike and enjoy fresh seafood directly from the trawler. But this is the story of the next itinerary.
Currently, Jeep and Caravan prove to be the perfect combination of exploring Queensland’s back roads and smaller towns – otherwise you might be bypassing the highway. From ESK’s mountain views to Gympie’s gold rush story, this first stop sets the tone for road trips, just like the destination.
Internal tips for this route:
- Newbie caravans welcome – Even if you’ve never dragged it before, ESK and Gympie are a great starting destination. Wide roads, relaxing caravan park access and many friendly locals willing to help.
- Plan your meals – The camp kitchen at the caravan park is great, but the mix of simple caravan and local cafe parking works best.
- Break the drive – There are lots of bakeries, farm stalls and scenic lookouts between each site. Make the most of them.
- Don’t worry – This route is short enough that you can take a little time, but long enough like a real adventure.
author: Matthew Turk
Matt is a BrisbaneBased on adventurers and content creators are passionate about growth, fitness, creativity, and travel. Matt loves to make dynamic content that is inspired and entertaining.
