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Heading to Queensland soon and looking for the best day trips from Gold Coast? We are here to help!
There are many things to do in Gold Coast. Between the theme parks, the beaches and the fantastic national parks around, you will be in for a treat!
⏱️ IN A RUSH? Here are the top 3 Day Trips from Gold Coast
1️⃣ 🌳 Lamington National Park and O’Reilly Tree Top
2️⃣ 🏞️ Mount Tamborine
In this article, you will discover the best day trips from Gold Coast including some for families, couples and backpackers!
1. Lamington National Park
🚗 Distance: 45 km – 55 minutes drive
If you are looking for a great option to explore then the Lamington National Park could be the answer.
The region is in the Southeast of Queensland and would be an option to consider when it comes to day trips from Gold Coast.
It is known for its section of ancient Gondwana rainforests and is home to the rare Albert’s Lyrebird.
If you are a family that loves to be close to nature, or a couple that loves hiking and exploring new trails, the Lamington National Park is the place to go.
Not only is there vast rainforest, but you also have caves to find and explore and waterfalls. No matter what time of the year you go, the Lamington National Park will deliver with splendour and beauty.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you have a car, you can easily drive to Lamington National Park and explore on your own.
Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour from Gold Coast which includes both Lamington and Mount Tamborine. It includes pick up from various hotels on the Gold Coast.
2. Brisbane
🚗 Distance: 80 km – 1h drive
It would impossible to talk about day trips from Gold Coast without mentioning the capital of Queensland.
Brisbane is a beautiful and lively city that you must discover while you are in Queensland. It’s a great day trip for people who want to go shopping and enjoy some urban experiences.
Here are a few things you should do in Brisbane:
- Climbing Story Bridge. This is the second most famous bridge in Australia (after Sydney’s Harbour Bridge). The views from there are fantastic and although you can enjoy them as a pedestrian, it’s well worth climbing the bridge. See prices here.
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Located on Alice Street, the botanical gardens are like a little Oasis in the city. You can walk around and discover all the species of plants.
- City walking tour. If you only have one day in Brisbane, you should join a walking tour. This will allow you to see more sights in less time. Also, you will learn plenty about the history of Brisbane. You will get to see the most famous landmarks in Brisbane such as King George Square, the Story Bridge, Eagle Street Pier and the City Hall Clock Tower. See prices here.
HOW TO GET THERE: There are 2 ways you can get from Gold Coast to Brisbane:
- By car. It’s only 1 hour drive. The drive is very easy but you may be stuck in traffic and will have to pay for carpark.
- By train. There are trains from Surfers Paradise and Varsity Lakes. They take between 25 minutes and 1h20. It’s pretty convenient as you won’t need the car during the day anyway.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary: best stops, accommodation and travel tips
3. O’Reilly’s Treetop walk
🚗 Distance: 67 km – 1h30 drive
O’Reilly is a small locality situated in the heart of the Lamington National Park. Although it could have been mentioned in the paragraph above, this attraction deserves a bit more credit!
O’Reilly is home to a famous retreat and an amazing treetop walk.
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests and is a fun day trip from Gold Coast for families.
The course is made of 9 suspension bridges, most of them being at least 15 metres above the ground.
Walking through the canopy is a magical experience for both adults and children.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you have a vehicle, you can easily drive there. It takes about 1h30. Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour that includes both O’Reilly Treetop walk and a visit of Lamington National Park.
4. Mount Tamborine
🚗 Distance: 40 km – 45 minutes drive
Mount Tamborine is the perfect place to visit no matter what the season.
The beauty of the weather is it gives four distinct seasons, and that means four possible ways to enjoy this location.
Looking for day trips from the Gold Coast means that you might want to find a place that has adventure, that gets you close to nature, and feeling good.
Tamborine Mountain is one of the most beautiful peak in Australia and you will love hiking there.
Mount Tamborine is a town that is situated in Southeast Queensland. Perfect for families and couples, as well as groups of friends to enjoy hiking and trekking.
It’s also ideal for foodies as the are many wineries around.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you are driving, it will take you 45 minutes to get there. Alternatively, you can opt for a winery day tour that includes lunch as well.
5. Springbrook National Park
🚗 Distance: 36 km – 40 minutes drive
If you are looking for spectacular views, fabulous rainforest, natural beauty with an ecological focus then Springbrook National Park is the option to consider when looking for day trips from Gold Coast.
Situated in the Gold Coast hinterland of Queensland this National park is vast across 6197 hectares. Aproximatively 100km south of Brisbane.
If you are looking for adventure, or happen to be a walking enthusiast then this is the right place for you.
Rich in the scenery, wildlife, and with a general census of an ecological approach this place is definitely worthy of a visit.
The most famous natural landmark in Springbrook National Park is the natural bridge. It’s a unique rock formation featuring both a cave and a waterfall. You can easily get there on foot. There is a short walk. You can also opt for a longer hike if you want to.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you have your own vehicle, you can easily drive to the national park.
Otherwise, you can opt for a day tour from Gold Coast. It includes transport and afternoon tea. You will be visiting various waterfalls and the natural bridge.
6. Byron Bay
🚗 Distance: 94 km – 1h15 drive
Fancy heading to NSW for a day? Then Byron Bay will be the perfect destination!
Byron is one of the most famous small towns in Australia. It’s known for its relaxed and hippie vibe as well as being an excellent surfing spot.
There are many things you can do in Byron Bay including:
- Walk along Main Beach
- Surfing. If you have your own board, make sure to bring it. You can also rent one from a local shop or take a private lesson. See prices here.
- Walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Snorkelling at Julian Rocks Reserve. See prices here.
- Eat delicious food in the local cafes and restaurants
- Shopping and buying unique clothing pieces in the local shops.
HOW TO GET THERE: The easiest way is to drive to Byron Bay. Parking is not quite cheap but if you’re willing to walk a few minutes, you can park a bit further out of town to save money.
7. Moreton Island
🚗 Distance: 92 km
Just off the coast of Southeastern Queensland, you will find Moreton Island. It is a protected sand island, well-known for sand dunes and beautiful beaches.
If you are looking for family day trips from Gold coast, Moreton Island could be the one.
On the west side of the island, there is a coral which is the perfect dive site for any budding scuba diver.
Tropical fish nestle around the sunken ship ruins which are called the Tangalooma Wrecks.
There is also a dolphin feeding spot nearby if you prefer to watch for nature on dry land.
HOW TO GET THERE: Technically speaking, you can drive and take the ferry to Moreton Island however it takes a long time from Gold Coast.
To make the best of your day, you should opt for a day tour from Gold Coast. It leaves quite early but it’s worth it. You will be going to Moreton Island, discover the shipwreck, sand dunes and even go kayaking. It’s very good fun.
8. Currumbin Valley
🚗 Distance: 30 km – 35 minutes drive
The Currumbin Valley is a rural location that has been described as Aladdin’s cave of adventure.
Getting to the Currumbin Valley is quite a journey, so it could be worth adding it as a location to see when looking at road trips from Gold coast.
Along the main route to the Currumbin Valley, you will pass eco villages, fruit stalls, and homesteads, making it a very scenic route.
Once you get to the location you will find that it is the perfect place for couples and families. You can enjoy the Currumbin Rock Pools for a swim. There is a lot to see and do here.
If you are travelling with kids, you may also want to consider visiting the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. See prices.
It’s located in the seaside town of Currumbin but can be done on the same day.
HOW TO GET THERE: You’ll definitely need a car to go to Currumbin Valley. It’s an easy and short drive.
Unfortunately, it’s not somewhere you can easily reach with public transport.
9. Dreamworld
🚗 Distance: 27 km – 25 minutes drive
If you are an adrenaline junkie or just love the thrill of rides, then Dreamworld has got to be on your destination list for day trips from Gold Coast.
It is Australia’s largest theme park with over 40 attractions for you to enjoy. You could go here as a couple, as part of a group of friends, or enjoy it as a family.
Not only is it a spectacular theme park but it also has a zoo. It will take you less than 30 minutes to get there, but it is well with spending the day and enjoying all of the rides.
If you love theme parks, this is a must do in Gold Coast.
10. Warner Bros Movie World
🚗 Distance: 20 km – 20 minutes drive
Another option for the thrill-seeker would be Warner Bros Movie World. A theme park with a theme, so perfect for anybody who is a fan of some of the Warner Bros films.
Not only will you experience the rides but you can also watch the live events, meet and greet the characters, and experience the theme park in all its glory.
If you have been looking for family day trips from Gold Coast then this should be added to the list.
TICKETS: There are many theme parks in Gold Coast and if you are staying for a few days, you will probably visit more than one.
If that’s your case, you should consider these tickets:
They all include unlimited entries to Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild.
11. Canungra Valley
🚗 Distance: 32 km – 35 minutes drive
If you have been hoping to find one of the best day trips from Gold Coast then heading to the Canungra Valley to indulge in some of the famous wineries and cellar-door tastings should be close to the top of your list.
A short distance of only 32km from the Gold Coast you can be sipping on the boutique wines before you know it.
An excellent location for a day trip that would certainly suit the adults who want to relax and unwind on their trip away.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you have your own vehicle, you can easily drive there. It takes about half-an-hour from Gold Coast.
The other option is to opt for a day tour from Gold Coast. You will top at Canungra Vineyard for a tasting and also visit Lamington National Park.
12. South Stradbroke Island
The South Stradbroke Island is a small island that lies within Moreton Bay.
It is south of Brisbane. It is known as “South Straddie” by the locals and is a hidden gem so it is perfect if you are looking for unusual Gold Coast day trips.
It is the perfect location for people who love to surf, or perhaps enjoy things like bush trekking.
For anyone who likes to be close to nature, the island is full of wildlife. It is an 1800-hectare conservation park.
The island also lends itself well to hiking, rock climbing and even ocean fishing. Plenty to see and do.
HOW TO GET THERE: It’s not the easiest place to access but you can get there by private boat, water taxi, jet ski or kayak.
13. Sea World
🚗 Distance: 9 km – 15 minutes drive
If you have an interest in marine life, then look no further than Seaworld.
There are many Sea World attractions across the world, but if you were looking for family day trips from Gold Coast then you are in luck.
Sea World is a dedicated marine mammal park, oceanarium and also theme park all in one. There is something for everyone here.
The great thing about it is that there is a real focus around conservation, where they specialise in helping injured, sick or orphaned marine wildlife.
It is only a short distance away as well so it is the ideal trip to take, especially if you have younger children.
HOW TO GET TICKETS: You can buy tickets on their official website or opt for a pass that includes several theme parks. The passes include unlimited entries to Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. Here are the ones available:
14. Nimbin
🚗 Distance: 107 km – 1h40 drive
If you are looking for self drive day trips from Gold Coast then Nimbin could be the idea to consider.
Heading south and entering New South Wales you will find the quaint village of Nimbin in the Northern Rivers region.
This is perfect for anyone that is wanting to reconnect with their hippie vibe. The village is a cool collected place with an alternative lifestyle and is certainly one to experience if you get the chance to.
It will also suit people who want to be close with nature and wildlife as there is surrounding rainforest as well.
HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get to Nimbin is by car. It’s between 1h30 and 2h drive from Gold Coast.
15. Scenic Rim
🚗 Distance: 115 km – 1h45 drive
Scenic Rim is a location where natural beauty meets country charm, a place where there are smiles and many things to do.
The region is a great potential option as being one of the best day trips from Gold Coast and is likely to suit couples, families, and groups of friends.
The Scenic Rim is a region of great abundance.
From iconic Tamborine Mountain to beautiful Lake Moogerah, rugged Mount Barney to welcoming Boonah.
There are picturesque villages and towns, farms and adventure parks, as well as historic national parks.
There is something for everyone here.
HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get to the Scenic Rim region is by car. It will give you more flexibility to explore.
Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour from Gold Coast.
16. North Stradbroke Island
🚗 Distance: 100 km
We have already mentioned the beauty of “South Straddie” now it is time to share North Stradbroke Island.
The island lies within Moreton Bay and is a great day trip from Gold Coast if you are happy to set foot on a boat or water ferry to get you across.
It is the perfect location for a spot of whale watching or exploring the local wildlife that has made a home there.
The North Gorge walk is one of the most popular locations on the island and is a must-see.
Perfect for anyone who is looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities, it is quiet and peaceful. The perfect place to relax.
HOW TO GET THERE: You will need a private boat or a taxi boat to get to the island. Alternatively, you can also rent a jet ski to get there. This is heaps of fun and a great way to explore the area.
17. Murwillumbah
🚗 Distance: 60 km – 55 minutes drive
Last of all, if you are hoping to find more locations when looking for road trips from Gold Coast then going across into New South Wales you will find Murwillumbah.
It is a town that is in the far North East of New South Wales, in Tweed Shire. Sitting on the Tweed River, and on the foot of the McPherson Hills in the Tweed Volcano Valley, it is just on the Queensland border.
Making it a great option if you are wanting to explore further afield.
Covered in farmland and rainforest it is a great place for anybody looking for a peaceful escape. Ideal for families or couples with plenty to do.
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