After soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches and exploring the endless things to do in Gold Coast, from thrilling theme parks to serene hinterland retreats, day trips from the Gold Coast invite you to discover more of Queensland’s diverse attractions. These excursions offer a glimpse into lush rainforests, quaint mountain villages, and the unique wildlife of Australia, extending your adventure beyond the city’s boundaries.
Venturing beyond the Gold Coast, you’ll find a wide array of things to do in Australia, from the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to the cultural experiences of Brisbane’s South Bank. Each journey from the Gold Coast is an opportunity to delve deeper into the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history that Australia boasts.
Choosing where to stay in the Gold Coast can greatly enhance your holiday, ensuring you’re well-placed to enjoy both the city’s bustling beachfronts and the serene beauty of its surrounding areas. The right accommodation offers the perfect balance of convenience for local exploration and accessibility for day trips, making every moment of your stay memorable.
Discover Best Day Trips from Gold Coast, Australia
1. Byron Bay, New South Wales
Byron Bay, known for its surfing beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant arts scene, is a must-visit destination. The Cape Byron Lighthouse and the hippie charm of the town are key attractions.
Distance: Approximately 90 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Cape Byron Lighthouse, surfing beaches, vibrant arts scene
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Cape Byron Lighthouse: Free
- Yoga Classes: $15-$20
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation and activities)
Scenic Spots: Cape Byron, Wategos Beach, Byron Bay Hinterland
Travel Tip: Visit the Byron Bay Farmers Market for local produce and artisan goods, and try a yoga class in this wellness-centric town.
2. Brisbane, New South Wales
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. South Bank’s cultural precinct, the Brisbane River, and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary are highlights.
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: South Bank, Brisbane River, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: $30
- River Cruise: $15
Budget: Approximately $50-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Mt. Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Travel Tip: Take a river cruise for a unique perspective of the city, and explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt. Coot-tha.
3. Lamington National Park, New South Wales
Lamington National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests, is known for its ancient trees, birdlife, and extensive walking tracks. The Tree Top Walkway and the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat are popular spots.
Distance: Approximately 85 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Tree Top Walkway, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, ancient rainforests
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- National Park Entrance: Free
- Guided Walk: $20
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation and activities)
Scenic Spots: O’Reilly’s Canopy Walk, Moran’s Falls, Green Mountains
Travel Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars for birdwatching, and don’t miss the chance to feed the local parrots at O’Reilly’s.
4. Mount Tamborine, Queensland
Mount Tamborine in the Scenic Rim offers lush rainforests, charming craft shops, and wineries. The Skywalk, waterfalls, and the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens are key draws.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: Around 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, Gallery Walk, local wineries
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Skywalk: $20
- Botanic Gardens: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and activities)
Scenic Spots: Curtis Falls, Cedar Creek Falls, Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
Travel Tip: Visit the Tamborine Mountain Distillery for unique liqueurs and spirits, and stroll through the Gallery Walk for local arts and crafts.
5. Springbrook National Park, Queensland
Springbrook National Park, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, includes features like the Natural Bridge, waterfalls, and lookouts. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests and offers excellent hiking opportunities.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Natural Bridge, waterfalls, lookouts
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- National Park Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Natural Bridge, Best of All Lookout, Purling Brook Falls
Travel Tip: Check out the Natural Bridge at night to see the glow worms, and bring a jacket as it can get chilly in the rainforest.
6. Moreton Island, Queensland
Moreton Island, known for its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the Tangalooma Wrecks, offers activities like snorkeling, sandboarding, and dolphin feeding.
Distance: Approximately 75 km to Brisbane, then a 2-hour ferry ride
Travel Time: 1 hour by car to Brisbane, plus 2 hours by ferry
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Ferry
Main Attractions: Tangalooma Wrecks, snorkeling, sandboarding, dolphin feeding
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Ferry Ride: $50
- Snorkeling: $20-$40
Budget: Approximately $100-$150 (including transportation, ferry, and activities)
Scenic Spots: Tangalooma Wrecks, Cape Moreton, Blue Lagoon
Travel Tip: Try hand-feeding wild dolphins at the Tangalooma Island Resort, and don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear.
7. Noosa, Queensland
Noosa, a resort area on the Sunshine Coast, is famed for its surf spots, stylish boutiques, and the Noosa National Park. The park’s coastal trails offer chances to spot koalas in the wild.
Distance: Approximately 180 km
Travel Time: About 2.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Noosa National Park, surf spots, boutiques
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- National Park Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately $40-$70 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Sunshine Beach, Hell’s Gates, Noosa Main Beach
Travel Tip: Take a walk along the Noosa Heads coastal track for stunning ocean views, and relax at one of the many beachside cafes.
8. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Queensland
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a chance to interact with native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles. The sanctuary is also involved in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 20-30 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Native Australian wildlife, free-flight bird show, koala cuddling
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Wildlife Sanctuary Entry: $40
- Koala Photo: $25
Budget: Approximately $50-$80 (including transportation and entrance fees)
Scenic Spots: Currumbin Valley, Sanctuary Grounds, Koala Habitat
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the free-flight bird show and the opportunity to cuddle a koala for a memorable photo.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Gold Coast, Australia
What are the best day trips from the Gold Coast?
Top day trips from the Gold Coast include exploring the natural beauty of Springbrook National Park, visiting the theme parks like Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld, taking a trip to Byron Bay for its beaches and lighthouse, and experiencing the rural charm of the Tamborine Mountain.
Is a visit to Springbrook National Park worth it?
Absolutely! Springbrook National Park offers stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, and panoramic lookouts. The Natural Bridge and the Best Of All Lookouts are must-visit spots for nature lovers.
Can I take a day trip to Brisbane from the Gold Coast?
Yes, Brisbane is easily accessible from the Gold Coast for a day trip. The capital city of Queensland offers a range of attractions such as the South Bank Parklands, Brisbane River cruises, and the cultural precinct at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.
Are there any wildlife experiences near the Gold Coast?
Yes, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers close encounters with Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles. It’s an ideal spot for animal lovers of all ages.
What activities can I enjoy in Byron Bay?
Byron Bay is renowned for its surfing beaches, coastal walking trails, and the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. The town also has a vibrant arts and music scene, with plenty of shops, cafes, and galleries to explore.
Is there a wine region accessible for a day trip from the Gold Coast?
The Scenic Rim, including Mount Tamborine, is known for its boutique wineries and distilleries. A day trip here offers the chance to sample local wines, cheeses, and other gourmet products amidst beautiful scenery.
Can I explore Lamington National Park in a day?
Yes, Lamington National Park’s rainforests, ancient trees, and spectacular views can be explored on a day trip. The park’s extensive walking tracks, such as the Tree Top Walkway, offer a great way to experience its natural beauty.
Are there guided tours available to explore the hinterland?
Numerous guided tours are available to explore the Gold Coast hinterland, including rainforest walks, waterfall tours, and wildlife spotting. These tours provide insights into the area’s unique flora and fauna, making for an educational and adventurous day out.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/gold-coast-l842?activity_type=dayTrip
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