Take the Brisbane to Hervey Bay back roads challenge

Turn your road trip into a back roads adventure and get under the skin of the South Burnett and Fraser Coast regions with a drive from Brisbane to Hervey Bay – the long way!

The challenge on this trip is to avoid the M1 Highway and revel in the slower scenic route. Start the way you mean to continue by leaving Brisbane via scenic Samford and Mount Mee. As you drive past green pastured cow dotted hills on winding mountain roads, don't forget to look back to catch some spectacular city glimpses.

Be brazen at Woodford

Make your first coffee stop at Woodford's Braisen Hussy Café. Despite the name, you'll find friendly service here and plenty of plants to brighten up your home. For lovers of military heritage, Woodford's 42 tonnes Australian Army Leopard Tank is an impressive sight. It's located opposite the Visitor Information Centre and the whimsical Windows of Woodford water tower. Its window like art panels show what it's like to live around Woodford.

Just a 13 km highway detour will see you enjoying wine and cheese pairing at Woongooroo Estate Winery. Owner Phil Close has put an unusual twist on traditional wine matches. He demonstrates how three locally produced slices of cheese can be paired with both dry and sweet Woongooroo Estate wines. Phil also says it's politically correct to talk about legs and tears at his tasting because these are wine terms.

Walk down the back of the winery to meet Bono, Jethro, Grace and Carolyn, who are some of the llamas who live here. They like to meet visitors and take them for a stroll around the property (or is it the other way round?)

Find a yowie at Kilcoy

Head back to the D'Aguilar Highway towards Kilcoy to meet another local that's much more mysterious.

The last sighting of the Kilcoy Yowie was in 1979, but that hasn't stopped locals erecting a statue of a three-metre-tall, brown hair-covered creature in Yowie Park. Top off this stop with a yowie burger at BP Kilcoy. (Note – no yowies have been harmed in the creation of this burger).

Blackbutt has the best bakery

You might be tempted on this Brisbane to Hervey Bay route to drive straight through the small town of Blackbutt, but that would be a big mistake.

Not only is this town the birthplace of tennis great Roy Emerson, but your taste buds will never forgive missing the Blackbutt Bakery. Owner Roberta Anson regularly wins gold and silver medals for her pies. Still, it’s the jaw-dropping range of slices and sweet treats that will see you load up your car with take-home goodies. Think everything from salted caramel melting moments and peppermint crisp fudge slice to whisky infused pork rib pies. All made with real butter, on the premises.

More than peanuts at Kingaroy

On your way into Kingaroy, stop at Kingsley Grove Vineyard and Winery at Goodger. Even if you’re not ready for a glass of wine, do try their wine ice cream. Winemaker Simon Berry heard about wine ice cream while living in New York, but it wasn't until he took the winery over from his parents that the dream became a reality. The four flavours - Dark Chocolate & Fat Fox Port, Shiraz & Raisin, Merlot & Vanilla Bean and Verdelho & Lemon Sorbet, are made by Lick! Ice Cream and only available at the winery. Their weekend menu includes a range of pizzas, and there's also a wide selection of local products from pork floss and kabana to honey and rocky road.

Peanuts have long been synonymous with Kingaroy, and The Peanut Van is the place to sample them. You'll find the van in Kingaroy Street every day; it's been there for 50 years, selling a range of plain and flavoured peanuts (the perfect road trip snack).

Kingaroy's rolling hills around make a perfect overnight stopping point, especially when the unexpected panoramic Booie Range view is revealed from Hillview Cottages. They’re the sort of scenes that make you sigh and head for a comfortable chair to watch the sunset. In the morning you'll rise with the birds just to see the dawn light sweep across the hills.

There are three cottages at Hillview, including one in a converted church – all self-contained with spas and air conditioning. The only thing you'll regret about a stay here is that it wasn't longer.

Although grapes were first planted in this region in the 1850s, it's been a slow burn for South Burnett. It's now one of the fastest developing wine regions in Queensland with over 20 vineyards enjoying the fertile red soil, cool nights and warm summer days.

On the road to Goomeri

Head north through more wine country towards Goomeri, passing Barambah Wines and the Clovely Estate cellar door.

Owned by the Prendergast family, Dusty Hill Winery edges onto Lake Barambah just near Moffatdale.

It's an impressive sight as you drive into the large estate surrounded by vineyards to what looks like a small village. Along with the cellar door are a Prendergasts Irish Tavern and The Chef & Winemakers Pantry that stocks an excellent range of local produce.

The tavern draws on the family's Irish heritage and is a chance to sit before a fire, drink craft beer or stout and get those Irish feels.

Margaretha Prendergast started off the family's local business and now runs The Goomeri Bakery & Coffee Shop. Here you'll find a wide selection of French pastries and bread along with some delicious pies to pick up for dinner.

You won't miss the bakery, as it's just across the road from the impressive town clock. Built in 1939 as a memorial, it has the words 'Lest We Forget' instead of numbers on the clock face. Goomeri Emporium, with its extensive stock of country and western wear and saddlery, is a fascinating browse.

Maryborough is the heritage city

As you drive from Goomeri towards Maryborough, take a look at the small town of Kilkivan along the way. This is where gold was first discovered in Queensland in 1852.

Take Reilly Road and prepare for a stop at Woolooga to explore the wonders of CC's Kitchen. This roadside shop sells fresh vegetables from the farm along with an extensive range of chutneys, pickles and preserves. It's a must for rosella fans.

Although Maryborough is just a 30-minute drive from the beachside delights of Hervey Bay, a overnight stop here reveals an amazing depth of history.

Stay at McNevins Maryborough Motel, where the classic motel-style rooms are spacious and comfortable. The onsite café/restaurant is a good choice for both dinner and breakfast.

There's plenty to explore in Maryborough with a Mural Trail, the fantastic Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum and the Walk with the Anzacs Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial.

You can explore Maryborough's surprising connection with Mary Poppin's author P.J. Travers at Story Bank and delve into colonial history with a walk through the Bond Store. You don't have to look hard to see the city's colourful history as a thriving port and the location where around 22,000 free settlers first stood on Australian soil.

Whale watching at Hervey Bay

Edging the Great Sandy Strait, the relaxed coastal centre of Hervey Bay is one of Australia's whale watching capitals. Designated as the first Whale Heritage Site in the world in October 2019, Hervey Bay takes full advantage of its seaside location. It’s the sort of place you can eat your café breakfast on the beachfront while watching dolphins frolic in the shallows.

Pacific Whale Foundation Eco Adventures Australia runs fast boat tours with three hours of whale-watching that offers an affordable experience. It also supports whale research.

Double up on your water experiences with a Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours Milbi Sunset Cruise. As you tuck into fresh local prawns and canapes accompanied by a flute of champagne, a Butchulla guide explains local ways and stories. When the sun sets over the long Urangan Pier, the boat heads back to the marina to the sounds of a didgeridoo.

Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa is located near Urangan Pier and offers stunning water views from the front apartments. Walk outside to the Esplanade and discover a wide range of eating options and the cutest homewares clothing shop, Luxe Hervey Bay.

Which route?

Travelling straight up the M1 from Brisbane to Hervey Bay takes about three and a half hours.  Taking the inland route will expand your journey to three fun-filled days or more.  It’s an easy choice.

Feature image | Eat Drink and Be Kerry