Day Trips from Gold Coast
Looking for some ideas on day trips from the Gold Coast? From picture-perfect hiking experiences and island adventures to glowworm caves, we’ve listed our favourite day trips from the Gold Coast — all less than three hours away.
- Tambourine Mountain
- Springbrook National Park
- Scenic Rim Food and Wine
- Nimbin
- Stradbroke Island
- Moreton Island
- Lamington National Park
- Lady Elliot Island
1. Tamborine Mountain
Photo by Chris Fuller on Unsplash
Distance from Gold Coast: 45 minutes drive
Tamborine Mountain is one of the most beautiful peaks in Australia that many enjoy hiking and trekking all year round. The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is probably the best – and easiest way to get your head around just how beautiful Mount Tamborine is.
Pack a camera, put on your best activewear and grab your walking shoes! The Tamborine Mountain join-in walking tour brings you to the best spots in the national park and the experienced guide will help point out the huge variety of wildlife, flora and fauna that you can spot along the way.
Apart from the national park, you’ll also stop by a local working coffee plantation where you can learn the secrets to a perfect brew and also stop by a family owned gin distillery for a behind the scenes tour and taste session!
Inclusive Of
- English-speaking guide
- Live commentary on board
- Round-trip transfers to and from your hotel
- Lunch with a glass of wine, beer, or juice
- Coffee plantation tour and glass of freshly brewed coffee
- Distillery tour and tasting
- National park fees
If you’re not into hiking and trekking, how about a full day of winery hopping! Visit 4 award-winning wineries and Tamborine Mountain's famous distillery where you’ll get to savour some of the region’s best varieties of wine, snack on cheese platters all while enjoying the scenic views.
One thing you can’t miss is going on a Glow Worm Tour in the evening. Unique to the Australian east coast, the magical experience of seeing these little creatures light up the trees is one you’ll never forget. Opt for the evening glow worm tour where a guide will take you through the rainforest at night for a fuss-free experience.
2. Springbrook National Park
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Distance from Gold Coast: 40 Minutes drive
Springbrook National Park offers an abundance of beautiful rainforests, natural bridges and plenty of wildlife. Visit the stunning waterfall at the Arch and go inside a basalt cave to capture the beautiful scenery of cascading waters through its roof before ending your day on a blissful note with Canyon Lookout’s panoramic views of the Twin Falls and Rainbow Falls.
3. Scenic Rim Food and Wine
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Distance from Gold Coast: 1 hr45 minutes drive
The best combination of country charm and nature, Scenic Rim is a must when venturing out of Gold Coast. We recommend joining a food and wine tour to meet local farmers and producers. Your pit stops include a unique camel farm experience where you get to taste camel dairy gelato , visiting a landmark pub for craft beers (and more) before heading to the scenic Moogerah Dam.
P.S. While crossing the dam wall look out for turtles floating around below!
4. Stradbroke Island
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Distance from Gold Coast: 2 hours
Paddle across the blue waters of Gold Coast to arrive at Stradbroke Island, a haven for snorkelers! This untouched and car-free island is the perfect way to disconnect from the bustle for a day.
P.S. if you’re kayaking in May-Nov, you might even spot some migratory whales.
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Get ready to spot stingrays, turtles and dolphins alongside hundreds of subtropical fish on your journey underwater at Wavebreak Island.
5. Moreton Island
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Distance from Gold Coast: 2 hr30 minutes
Well known for sand dunes and beautiful beaches, Moreton Island is a fun day out of the city for everyone. The best way to explore the island is with transparent kayaks! Venture into the Tangalooma Ship Wrecks where you’ll see turtles, dolphins and a huge variety of tropical fish. After you are done with the water, make sure you sand toboggan on this beautiful sand island. We hear that you can go as fast as 40km/hr!
6. Lamington National Park
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Distance from Gold Coast:50 minutes
The UNESCO-listed Lamington National Park offers plenty of tracks, ranging from beginner-level to expert. Along the way, you’ll get to take in the sight of ancient plants and diverse birdlife. Follow the track to Chalahn Falls for the best picture spots!
Hop onto a day tour of Lamington National Park where you’ll get to check out spots like the Stinson plane crash, feed wild birds and visit a vineyard all in a day.
7. Lady Elliot Island
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Known for it’s large population of Manta Rays and turtles, Lady Elliot Island is a haven for all snorkelers and dive enthusiasts and famed for its sustainability efforts. The glittering white beaches are made entirely of crushed corals and the island is a sanctuary to over 1200 species of marine life.
Take a scenic flight from the Gold Coast and be in awe at the aerial views of South Stradbroke Island, North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island, Fraser Island, and more on your way there. If you’re not comfortable with snorkeling, there’s also a glass bottom boat for you to comfortably look at the crystal clear waters.
We recommend going between May and Septermber as the manta rays congregate in larger numbers then.
Other Gold Coast Must-dos
Warner Bros Movie World
Credit: @flyingthenest
Distance from Gold Coast: 20 minutes
Looking to trade the Gold Coast’s laid-back charm for something more thrilling? A trip to Warner Brothers Movie World is just what the doctor ordered. Kids will love meeting their fave characters, from Superman to Bugs Bunny and enjoy the adrenaline-pumping rides.
Thrillseekers must ride the DC Rivals Hypercoaster, the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest and fastest coaster!
Dreamworld
Distance from Gold Coast:25 minutes
Rides, slides, and wildlife. Dreamworld has it all! If you want the best of both worlds, this is the place for you. Animal lovers will love exploring Tiger Island and feeding animals at Dreamworld Corroboree. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers will enjoy riding the Tail Spin and The Gold Coaster. Between all the shows and attractions, there won’t be a dull moment!
P.S. Don’t forget to catch the Rock’ n’ Roll Show on Main Street every day at 2:10 p.m.
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