Queensland road trip: My caravan journey through Esk & Gympie

There’s something magical about hitting the road in your home-on-wheels. The freedom, the views rolling past the window, the feeling that you can just… keep going. This was the first leg of our Queensland caravan adventure – about 800 kilometres from the Gold Coast up to Rainbow Beach and back – and I couldn’t wait to see what surprises the road had in store.

Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify

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The rig for this trip was a beauty: a powerful Jeep with 4WD capability, towing a fully-equipped pop-top caravan. Before setting off, I made sure I knew how to hitch the van, check all the connections, and practice reversing. Basic skills that are worth their weight in gold when you’re new to caravanning.

If you’re planning your own adventure, don’t underestimate how much the little things can transform the journey. A few quality accessories for your caravan, like a sturdy awning to escape those blazing Queensland afternoons, clever storage hacks, or super-comfy camp chairs, can make life on the road feel effortless. Pair that with reliable heating for your caravan or RV and suddenly those chilly nights turn into cosy, star-filled evenings.

First stop: Esk – A country gem in the hills

From the Gold Coast, we headed northwest about 142 kilometres to the little town of Esk. Nestled in the Brisbane Valley and backed by the dramatic slopes of Mount Glen Rock, it’s one of those towns that instantly feels welcoming. There’s history here – Captain Patrick Logan explored the area in 1830 – but there’s also a quiet, small-town charm that makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper.

As you roll in, you’ll notice how the mountains wrap protectively around the town, and how life here seems unhurried. It’s the sort of place where locals wave as you drive past, and the main street still has that old-country feel.

Where I stayed

We set up at Esk Caravan Park, right off the main street. It’s one of those rare spots that caters to everyone. Families get their own pool, adults have an adults-only sanctuary pool, and the camp kitchens are the kind you could happily spend all afternoon in (they even have pizza ovens). There’s bird feeding in the evenings (although we did manage to spook a few lorikeets by accident), spotless showers and laundry facilities, and no annoying codes or tokens.

Dean, who works there, deserves a medal for his patience. He guided me through my first attempt at reversing the camper trailer without a hint of judgment. If you’re new to caravanning, people like Dean are gold.

Where to eat in Esk

For lunch, we hit Nash Gallery and Cafe. Set inside a gorgeous old Queenslander, it serves hearty country meals alongside gluten-free and vegan options. My Moroccan patties with salad and relish were fresh, filling, and full of flavour.

Dinner was caravan-style: simple daal made on the gas cooktop, eaten while the evening breeze rolled through. The pop-top was surprisingly roomy – a big bed, air conditioning, storage for days, and no toilet (more space, less cleaning – a win in my books). The caravan park’s showers were roomy, hot, and even had heated floors.

Breakfast the next morning was a new favourite: crumpets drizzled with maple syrup and finished with a pinch of sea salt. Try it. You can thank me later.

Things to do in Esk

• Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – This 160+ km trail follows an old railway line through scenic countryside. You can tackle the whole thing or just do a section. We cycled a short stretch from Esk and loved the mix of farmland, forest, and heritage railway stations.
• Wander the main street – Browse antiques, pick up local fruit, grab a coffee, and chat with locals. Esk’s pace of life is its biggest charm.
• Lake Wivenhoe – Just 10 minutes from town, this huge lake is perfect for picnics, kayaking, and birdwatching. It’s a peaceful spot to spend a lazy afternoon.

On the road to Gympie

The next morning was our first proper pack-down. Stopwatch in hand, we managed to go from coffee in hand to ready to roll in 23 minutes and 17 seconds. Not bad for a first attempt.

We stopped just outside of Esk for a quick rig check, topped up water, and grabbed a classic Aussie pie for the road. These little stops are part of the joy of caravan travel – you’re not just driving through places, you’re meeting them.

If you’ve got time, the scenic route between Esk and Gympie can take you through the Sunshine Coast hinterland – think rolling hills, rainforest pockets, and country towns with excellent bakeries.

Gympie – Queensland’s gold town

Gympie is situated approximately 170 kilometres north of Brisbane on the Mary River. In 1867, prospector James Nash struck gold here, literally finding 70 ounces and triggering a gold rush that saved Queensland from bankruptcy. The town’s name comes from the Gympie-Gympie stinging tree, which gives you a good hint at how tough early life here was.

Today, Gympie blends its gold rush heritage with a lively regional centre vibe. The historic Mary Street precinct is lined with restored buildings, boutique shops, and plenty of good coffee spots.

Where to eat in Gympie

First stop was Cafe By Farmer & Sun. Think fresh salads, cold-pressed juices, and a variety of options for gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free diets, alongside hearty meat dishes. My salad was crisp, colourful, and exactly what I needed after a morning on the road.

Exploring Gympie’s history

I’ve driven past the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum plenty of times on the way to Rainbow Beach, but this time we finally stopped. The museum is sprawling – old miners’ cottages, blacksmith sheds, and displays packed with tools, photographs, and personal stories from the gold rush era. Walking through the old homes was a reminder of just how far we’ve come. It’s humbling to think about the lives built here with so little.

If you’ve got kids in tow (or just like old machinery), the steam engines, working pumps, and vintage vehicles are fascinating. The volunteers are also full of stories, adding that extra layer of connection you can’t get from the information boards alone.

Next stop: Tin Can Bay

From Gympie, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Tin Can Bay – famous for its wild dolphin feeding at Norman Point and its calm, sheltered waters. It’s also a fantastic spot for fishing, cycling, and enjoying fresh seafood straight from the trawlers. But that’s a story for the next leg of the trip.

For now, the Jeep and caravan were proving to be the perfect combination for exploring Queensland’s backroads and smaller towns – places you might otherwise bypass on the highway. From Esk’s mountain views to Gympie’s gold rush stories, this first leg set the tone for a road trip that’s as much about the journey as the destination.

Insider tips for this route:

• Caravan newbies welcome – Even if you’ve never towed before, Esk and Gympie are great starter destinations. Wide roads, easy access to caravan parks, and plenty of friendly locals willing to help.
• Plan your meals – Caravan parks have excellent camp kitchens, but a mix of simple caravan meals and local cafe stops works best.
• Break up your drive – There are plenty of bakeries, farm stalls, and scenic lookouts between each stop. Make the most of them.
• Don’t rush – This route is short enough that you can take your time, but long enough to feel like a real adventure.

This post is brought to you by Carac; however, all advice and insight remain objective and genuine. Thanks, Carac, for the support in allowing us to keep doing what we love! 

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