Day Trips & Excursions: Gold Coast

Mount Tamborine

Approximately a 1-hour drive west into the Gold Coast Hinterland. It has cooler temperatures and a peaceful atmosphere.

Exploration with a rental car offers flexibility to visit various points of interest. Several tour operators also lead guided day trips from the Gold Coast, often with wine tasting.

Highlights

Charming "Gallery Walk" with art galleries and local produce.
Wineries, a distillery, and a brewpub for tastings.
Rainforest walks to waterfalls like Curtis Falls.
Unique Glow Worm Caves for native glow worm viewing.

Nearby Destinations

These destinations are close enough for a rewarding visit from the Gold Coast.

Byron Bay New South Wales

Approximately a 1.5-hour drive south of the Gold Coast, across the state border. A full day works to experience Byron Bay.

Getting There & Time

A rental car offers the most flexibility.
Long-distance bus services and organized tours operate.
A full day covers the town and lighthouse walk.

Brisbane

Queensland's capital city, approximately a 1-hour drive north of the Gold Coast. A full day uncovers Brisbane highlights.

Sights & Access

South Bank Parklands.
Queensland Cultural Centre (GOMA, Museum).
Queen Street Mall for shopping.

Transportation Considerations

Rental Car Freedom

Explore at your own pace.
Reach secluded places not served by public transport.
Flexibility for spontaneous stops.
Ideal for hinterland excursions.

Public Transport & Traffic

Efficient train service from Gold Coast to Brisbane.
Bus services connect major hubs.
Traffic is heavy during peak hours on the M1 motorway.
Limited public transport to national parks.

Quick Facts: Day Trips

Mount Tamborine Time:Half to full day
Byron Bay Time:Full day trip
Brisbane Time:Full day trip
Hinterland Access:Car or guided tour

Moreton/Straddie Access:Ferry from Brisbane area
Nimbin Location:South-west NSW
Sunshine Coast Stay:3-5 days recommended
Fraser Island Stay:2-4 days recommended

Planning Ahead

When planning day trips, especially to the hinterland, renting a car offers freedom for exploration and access to places without public transport. For island trips, consider day tours for convenience. Find day trips on GetYourGuide here.

Natural Escapes

The Gold Coast's proximity to World Heritage-listed rainforests offers excellent natural excursions.

Springbrook National Park

Part of the Gondwana Rainforest, featuring waterfalls (Purling Brook, Twin Falls), ancient trees, lookouts, and the Natural Bridge glow worm colony.

Lamington National Park

Known for extensive rainforest walking trails, numerous waterfalls, tree-top walks, and diverse birdlife.

Moreton / North Stradbroke Island

Pristine sandy islands with clear waters, ideal for sandboarding, snorkeling around shipwrecks, and whale watching.

Springbrook Transportation

A rental car is essential for independent exploration. Guided tours from the Gold Coast often focus on the Natural Bridge glow worm experience.

Park Highlights

Best of All Lookout views.
Purling Brook Falls and Twin Falls.
Natural Bridge for glow worms after dark.

Lamington Access

A rental car is recommended for full flexibility. Some tour operators run day trips, especially to O'Reilly's.

Park Sections

Green Mountains (O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat).
Binna Burra section with extensive trails.
Diverse birdlife and waterfalls.

Multi-Day Extensions

Sunshine Coast:Relaxed coastal vibe, Noosa Heads

Fraser Island (K'gari):Largest sand island, World Heritage-listed

Sydney / Melbourne:Accessible by direct flights

Sunshine Coast duration:3-5 days for exploration

K'gari duration:2-4 days for immersion

City extensions:3-5 days per city

Explore Nature's Best

To truly appreciate the rainforests, allocate a full day for each national park.
Consider an overnight stay at Lamington National Park for a immersion.
Island trips to Moreton or North Stradbroke are best with a day tour or overnight stay.
A rental car is highly recommended for hinterland access.
Flights link the Gold Coast to major Australian cities.

Cultural Excursions & Extensions

Beyond the Gold Coast, discover unique towns and expand your journey.

Nimbin New South Wales

Approximately a 2-hour drive south-west of the Gold Coast. A town with a distinct bohemian atmosphere.

Access & Considerations

A rental car is the most practical way to reach Nimbin.
Alternative bus tours operate from Byron Bay or Gold Coast.
Laws regarding cannabis differ; exercise caution and respect regulations.

Sunshine Coast Extension

North of Brisbane, offering a different coastal vibe with Noosa Heads, Glass House Mountains, and Australia Zoo.

Travel & Experience

Easily accessible by car via the M1 motorway from Brisbane.
Train/bus services are available.
Allow 3-5 days for effective exploration.

Fraser Island K'gari Extension

World Heritage-listed, the largest sand island globally, featuring unique freshwater lakes and ancient rainforests.

Access & Wonders

Accessed by ferry from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.
Ancient rainforests growing in sand.
Dingoes are native to the island.

Sydney / Melbourne Extension

Australia's two largest cities are within easy reach by direct flights from Gold Coast or Brisbane Airports.

City Experiences

Iconic landmarks await.
World-class dining and cultural attractions.
Frequent direct flights link cities.

Extend Your Adventure

These extensions complement a Gold Coast visit with diverse experiences.

Hinterland Journeys

Explore rainforests and charming towns with scenic drives.

Island Escapes

Discover pristine sand islands for unique outdoor activities.

City Breaks

Combine beach relaxation with urban exploration.

Beyond the Gold Coast

These extended travel options add depth to your Australian journey, connecting you to more of Queensland's natural wonders and iconic cities.

Multi-Day Extensions Summary

Extended Travel Connections

1

Sunshine Coast

A relaxed coastal area north of Brisbane, known for Noosa Heads and the Glass House Mountains.

2

Fraser Island K'gari

The world's largest sand island, a World Heritage site with unique lakes and rainforests.

3

Sydney / Melbourne

Major Australian cities accessible by direct flights, featuring iconic landmarks and cultural vibrancy.

Route Suggestion: North

Combine Gold Coast with Brisbane.
Continue north to the Sunshine Coast (3-5 days).
From the Sunshine Coast, access Hervey Bay/Rainbow Beach for K'gari (2-4 days).
K'gari offers unparalleled natural wonders.
The Sunshine Coast brings a relaxed pace and natural beauty.
Brisbane cultural experiences await.

Route Suggestion: City Break

Fly from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) or Brisbane Airport (BNE).
Direct flights connect to Sydney or Melbourne.
Combine a beach holiday with a city break.
Sydney offers iconic landmarks.
Melbourne presents world-class dining.
A city extension can last 3-5 days.

Planning Day Trips

Car Rental

A rental car provides freedom to explore at your own pace and reach places not served by public transport.

Guided Tours

Many tour operators offer guided day trips, especially for destinations like Mount Tamborine and Natural Bridge.

Public Transport

Efficient train services connect the Gold Coast to Brisbane's city center.

Seamless Travel

Connecting from the Gold Coast to other regions of Australia is straightforward, whether by car, train, or flight. Plan your extended journey to suit your interests and time.

Day Trips & Excursions