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Queensland | Brisbane to Bald Rock National Park Road Trip Itinerary

Trail along the Queensland and New South Wales border to discover some of the most lush and rewarding landscapes of Australia on this road trip itinerary.

Day 1:  Brisbane to Lake Moogerah

Distance: 100 km
Drive time: 1.5 hours

Pick up your Apollo campervan in Brisbane, stock up on groceries and road trip snacks, then point the van towards the Scenic Rim. As you leave the city behind, the road opens up to rolling hills, farm paddocks and glimpses of the peaks that ring the region.

Things to do in Mudgee

• Lake time: Once you reach Lake Moogerah, stretch your legs with a stroll along the shoreline or simply park up and enjoy the views. The lake is popular for fishing, kayaking and water sports, but it’s equally good for doing very little with a camp chair and a cuppa.

• Short walks: If you arrive early and conditions are suitable, detour to a nearby lookout or short walk in Moogerah Peaks or Mt French to get those big Scenic Rim vistas.

• Sunset by the water: The colours over the lake at sunset are worth hanging around for – a first-night “wow” without much effort.

Where to stay

Lake Moogerah Caravan Park: Lakeside powered and unpowered sites with basic amenities and direct water access. Ideal for campervans and motorhomes, and a very gentle first night under the stars.

Day 2: Lake Moogerah to Stanthorpe via the Falls Drive

Distance: 230 km (with side trips)
Drive time: 3.5–4 hours total, broken up with stops

Today you’ll swap lake views for waterfalls and high-country granite as you make your way towards the Granite Belt.

Things to do

• Falls Drive & Queen Mary Falls: Follow the scenic Falls Drive towards Killarney, stopping at lookouts and picnic spots along the way. The hero is Queen Mary Falls – an easy, roughly 2 km circuit walking track takes you to both the top and base of the waterfall, with plenty of photo stops. Grab a coffee or snack from the nearby café if it’s open.

• Picnic lunch: Use the day-use area at Queen Mary Falls or another Falls Drive stop for a simple lunch in the fresh air.

• Granite Belt arrival: Continue on towards Stanthorpe, rolling into Queensland’s cool-climate Granite Belt by afternoon. Expect vineyards, apple orchards and big winter skies if you’re travelling in the cooler months.

Where to stay

Base yourself around Stanthorpe for the next two nights, so you don’t have to move the camper every day.

Stanthorpe Holiday Park (or similar Granite Belt caravan park): Powered sites, amenities, camp kitchens and a relaxed country setting, all within an easy drive of town and nearby wineries.

Optional stop:

• Killarney township: A quick leg-stretch stop after the Falls Drive, a chance to grab fuel, a cold drink or a bakery treat before you continue south.

Day 3: Bald Rock National Park & Granite Country

Distance: 140–160 km return (depending on side trips)
Drive time: 2–2.5 hours total, spread across the day

Today is your big granite and national park day, crossing the border into NSW for Bald Rock, with the option to add Girraween National Park on the way back.

On the way

Granite Belt wineries & farm gates: If your legs have done enough for the day but you still have some afternoon left, pick one or two local wineries, cideries or farm shops to visit. Nominate a sober driver and keep it relaxed; think tastings, cheese plates and local produce with beautiful views.

Things to do

• Bald Rock National Park: Drive across the border towards Bald Rock, home to one of the largest exposed granite domes in the southern hemisphere. Choose from the summit routes (check current signage – usually the steeper direct route and the gentler Bungoona track) and allow a couple of hours to walk and enjoy the views.

• Summit views: From the top, you’ll look out over a patchwork of forest, farms and boulder fields; it’s a genuine “worth the climb” moment.

• Picnic at Bald Rock: Use the day-use area near the carpark for a simple picnic lunch. There are basic facilities, but you’ll want to bring your own water and food.

(Note: Pets are not allowed in Bald Rock National Park (or Girraween), so if you’re travelling with a dog, you’ll need to arrange pet care and consider alternative walks outside the park boundaries.)

Girraween National Park (optional): On your way back to Stanthorpe, detour into Girraween on the Queensland side of the border.

• Short walks to Granite Arch or Bald Rock Creek are great if you’re a bit walked out from Bald Rock but still want to see the boulders and balancing rocks.

• Longer tracks like The Pyramid or Castle Rock are brilliant if you’re feeling energetic and the weather is playing nice.

Where To Stay

Return to your Stanthorpe base for a second night.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 4: Stanthorpe to Brisbane

Distance: 220 km
Drive time: 3 hours (plus breaks)

Time to loop back to Brisbane, with a couple of easy options to break up the drive.

Things to do

• Morning in Stanthorpe: Start with a café breakfast in town or a last walk along Quart Pot Creek if you feel like one more stretch before you hit the highway.

• Warwick or Aratula stop: Use Warwick or Aratula as your coffee and fuel break – both make simple, convenient mid-journey pauses as you cross back over the range.

• Return your Apollo campervan: Roll back into Brisbane, return the camper at the Apollo branch, and swap dusty hiking shoes for city shoes.

If you’ve got a spare night after handing back the keys, you can wind down in Brisbane itself – think South Bank, river walks and a good meal – without worrying about parking a motorhome in the CBD.

FAQs and quick answers

1. How many days do I need for a Brisbane to Bald Rock road trip?
   Four days and three nights is a comfortable loop with time for Lake Moogerah, the Falls Drive, Bald Rock and a taste of the Granite Belt. Add a night if you want more winery time or extra hikes.

2. Do I need a 4WD for a Brisbane to Bald Rock itinerary?
   No. The main route is suitable for a 2WD campervan or motorhome in normal conditions, although you should always check road conditions and national park alerts before you leave, especially after heavy rain.

3. When’s the best time to visit Bald Rock and the Granite Belt?
   Autumn and spring usually offer clear days and comfortable hiking temperatures. Winter brings cold nights (and the odd frosty morning), but also crisp, blue sky days that are perfect for walking.

4. Are dogs allowed on this trip?
   Dogs are welcome at some caravan parks around Lake Moogerah and Stanthorpe, but they’re not allowed in Bald Rock or Girraween National Parks. If you’re travelling with a pet, plan dog-friendly alternatives or pet care for your main hiking day.

5. Is this suitable for first-time campervanners?
   Yes. Driving days are short, there are established holiday parks with powered sites, and most activities are easy walks and scenic drives. Just take your time on the country roads and follow local safety advice in the parks.

Ready to plan your Brisbane to Bald Rock campervan escape?

In just a few days, you can go from city streets to lakeside sunsets, waterfall picnics and granite summits, with easy driving days and plenty of time out of the van.

Hire an Apollo campervan in Brisbane, book your powered sites at Lake Moogerah and Stanthorpe, then check the latest park alerts for Bald Rock and Girraween so you know which tracks are open. After that, it’s as simple as packing a warm layer, comfy walking shoes and your camera – and letting the Scenic Rim and Granite Belt do the rest.