Are you looking for some day trip ideas from the Gold Coast? Although a hotspot of fun and entertainment in itself, sometimes it is exciting to hit the road and check out some of the nearby attractions that you wouldn’t usually get to. From hidden rock pools to mountain ranges, natural wonders and spectacular scenic drives, below are some of our favourite day trip ideas from the Gold Coast.
Springbrook National Park
Although the Gold Coast’s glittering coastal beaches are one of the main attractions, a day trip to nearby Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland will have you thinking you were in another world. Covering an area of 6725 hectares, the park is set on a high plateau and is covered with subtropical and temperate rainforest, open eucalypt forest, and montane health.
A day trip here can be filled with discovering the many shimmering waterfalls, diverse flora and wide range of beautiful and rare wildlife. By far, the main attraction for anyone visiting the national park is the Springbrook Natural Bridge, a stunning natural arched cave with a waterfall cascading through a hole in the top. If you are still there as the sun goes down, you might even see some of the glow worms that live there light up at night.
Tamborine Mountain
It may only be a short 45 minute drive north-west of the Gold Coast, but there is so much to see and do at Tamborine Mountain that you may want to plan an early start. The mountain is filled with rainforest walks and tracks, alive with bird song and the scatterings of the diverse range of wildlife that call this haven home.
There are rock pools to swim in, wide-open picnic grounds to spread out on, lookouts and vistas to discover, and even a glow worm cave to immerse yourself in. The main street is also well worth finishing your day on, as it overflows with cafes and small stores selling handmade craft shops, art, vintage finds, and sweet delights to take home as a memory.
Mount Barney National Park
Nestled in the scenic rim and less than two hours’ drive west of the Gold Coast centre is the magnificent Mt Barney. It is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area; the mountain is full of towering peaks, picturesque creeks and waterholes, beautiful waterfalls and adventurous tracks and trails. Popular with families who love to get outdoors and get active, Mount Barney Creek is probably the best place to start your day trip to the area. Spring-fed all year round, the creek is the perfect spot to swim, kayak, or canoe, and if you are very patient and determined, you may even spot a local platypus feeding.
Mountview Alpaca Farm
Oh, there is something truly magical about an alpaca. Cheerful, playful and with eyelashes to die for, these gentle creatures make everything seem so much better when you are in their presence. If you are looking for your alpaca fix and keen for a day trip to find them, then a visit to the Mountview Alpaca Farm is definitely what you need.
Situated just outside the picturesque country town on Canungra in the Scenic Rim region, once staff have helped you find an alpaca that’s personality suits your family, you can walk them, feed them and just love them as much as possible for the day! (This is a nice stop over if you are headed up to Mt O’Reillys).
Toowoomba
Just over 2 hours drive west of the Gold Coast lies the quaint country town of Toowoomba. The perfect day trip destination for families looking to wind down and take in some laid-back atmosphere, it is one of the best places to spend quality time with your family. Affectionately known as the ‘Garden City, ‘ it comes alive in September each year for the ‘Carnival of the Flowers.’ If you are visiting outside of this month you are still spoilt for choice with things to do, with museums, gardens, and parks a plenty.
If you have any train-lovers in the family this may also be the perfect destination, with the heritage-listed Spring Bluff Railway Station, railway museums and live steamers all found here too.
Byron Bay
Image Credit: National Parks NSW
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard of the famed Byron Bay. Only a short one-hour drive south from the Gold Coast, this coastal town has taken the laidback vibe to a new level. Filled with trendy eateries, surf-loving locals and its infamous lighthouse, a day trip here is a bucket list type experience, but can get very busy over school holidays.
Enjoy wandering the many handmade craft, art, and clothing stores, lazing by the beach, and enjoying the mouth-watering range of healthy food options on offer. Take a walk up to the lighthouse for breathtaking views (and to spot some whales), and try to find time to visit The Pass, Byron Bay’s most popular surf beach.
Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt
If you live on the Gold Coast and are chasing a snow-filled fix, then a day trip to Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt in the chilly month of July may just gift you this. Known to be one of the closest spots to experience this, if the weather isn’t being kind, there is always their annual Snowflakes in Stanthorpe festival to help you celebrate the cool climate.
If it’s not the cold you are chasing, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the region, with farms, vineyards, mazes, national parks, a famous Christmas shop and even a castle to discover!
Lamington National Park
MAGE CREDIT: Destination Gold Coast
Home to more bird, frog, snake and marsupial species than anywhere else in Australia, the wildlife spotting opportunities at Lamington National Park make a day trip visit here a must-do! Covering over 20,000 hectares of rainforest, the national park is home to over 200 cascading waterfalls, 160km of walking trails, crystal clear creeks, and too many breathtaking views to count.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the tranquil surrounds or visit the Mountain Cafe and Gift Shop for a drink, some sweets and some treats before you leave.
Tropical Fruit World
Located in the Tweed region, a day trip to Tropical Fruit World will give you so much more than just a few hour admiring exotic fruit. There is the macadamia plantation safari tractor train to ride, animals to feed at the Fauna Park exhibit, ducks and birds to admire on the Wildlife Boat Cruise, mini golf and playgrounds to enjoy on ‘The Island’, and, of course, some incredible tropical fruit to taste!
You can BYO snacks and picnic if you like, or visit the Plantation Pavillion café and gift shop to find some new treats to buy.
Stradbroke Island
If you are keen to explore some new surf beaches in a truly magical location, visiting the closest island to the Gold Coast is a fantastic day trip idea for you. It may not be the quickest spot to get to – taking approximately 2.5 hours driving and on ferry to reach North Stradbroke Island, but the day you will then fill while there will be memorable and worth it.
There are incredible surf beaches to discover, but the island is also home to some other pretty spectacular attractions. Lookouts, lakes, fishing, wildlife spotting, walks, and watersports are just some of the fun ways you can create a fun day here with your kids. You can leave your car in Cleveland and use their regular bus service to see the island.
Brisbane
It would be remiss of us not to mention one of the most fabulous day trips you can do from the Gold Coast, and that would involve a visit to our very own Brisbane! Whether it is nature-filled parklands, adventurous mountain hikes, bridge climbs, family-friendly eateries, museums, galleries, heritage-listed buildings, or river riding that interests you the most, our wonderful city has it all.
Kingscliff and Cabarita
Image Credit: Visit NSW
Kingscliff and Cabarita are two of the most beautiful seaside villages in Australia. They are only a 40km round trip from Coolangatta, making them ideal day trips if you want to escape and unwind.
For more ideas of things to do while on the Gold Coast you might also enjoy the following:
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