Road Trip
By Sarah Bristow
Think all there is to the Gold Coast lies in the glitz and glamour of Surfers Paradise? Here lies proof that the coastal stretch on the southern end of Queensland has plenty of hidden gems and natural wonders that expand beyond the region’s famed beaches and population of meter maids. The best way to explore the collection of surf towns and surrounding hinterland is by car - this Gold Coast road trip showcases the best of the bunch.
It’s time to hit the road.
Experience a taste of the Gold Coast’s burgeoning food scene with a visit to beautiful Burleigh Heads. The start of the Southern Gold Coast, this thriving beachside community is well-regarded for its many boutiques and eateries which line popular James Street. While you’re here take a stroll along the beachfront, meandering your way up over the hill to the idyllic Burleigh Heads National Park where you can join a guided walk led by local Indigenous group Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Make for a memorable lunch on the sand at Burleigh Pavilion. Sitting just metres from the shoreline, this colourful favourite offers casual drinks and dining in spades, with fine diner The Tropic on hand for when you fancy a little more indulgence. Post-meal, join the locals for sunset on neighbouring Burleigh Hill where there's no shortage of overflowing eskys and picnic baskets to be found.
Photo by @miamimarketta
Coincide the arrival of dusk with a trip to family favourite Miami Marketta. The street food hotspot is home to a laneway dining experience like no other, with 25 vendors of varying nationalities all in one space, accompanied by live music aplenty. The pop-up is held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm till late. Once your belly is full from feasting, make way for your home for the night on the beachfront Bujerum Apartments and Boardwalk Resort will do the trick.
Fuel yourself for the day ahead at Social Brew in Burleigh. Creative brunches and quality coffee made with specialty beans are the focus of this James Street institution. Post-brunch, make way for heritage-listed zoological garden Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Gaze at the impressive array of animals which call the venue home, alongside some wild lorikeet feeding, free flight bird shows and Aboriginal performances.
Rainbow Bay Surf Club
Spend your afternoon checking out the surf at famous swell spot Snapper Rocks in Coolangatta, home to a number of international surf events. It’s a non-negotiable on any Gold Coast road trip to drop in to the neighbouring Rainbow Bay Surf Club for a beer and a bite to eat on the deck. Or find slightly more sophisticated fare at local cafe Stable Coffee and Kitchen sitting in the Cornerstones precinct in Currumbin.
Binna Burra Lodge
Hit the bitumen and wind your way into the luscious Gold Coast Hinterland, nestled in the Scenic Rim. Following the track it’s 800 metres above sea level, amidst the canopy that you’ll greet your home for the night, Binna Burra Lodge.
Kick back and relax in one of the award-winning apartment-style Sky Lodges, or get back in touch with nature with an evening in the Rainforest Campsite complete with Safari Tents.
Natural Bridge
Grab your hiking shoes and your water bottle for a meander from Lamington through Springbrook National Park. Among the many bushwalks available to enjoy, the most popular is arguably the loop walk which strolls past beloved landmark the Natural Bridge, a basalt bridge and cavern formed by the force of an ancient cascade and surrounded by hoop pines, living relics of the Jurassic Age, formed 180 million years ago.
Mountview Alpaca Farm
Take a scenic drive into the depths of Lamington National Park, which has earnt itself a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list as a part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.. Spend a leisurely afternoon taste-testing the creations of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, indulging in the opportunity to enjoy a pre-organised picnic in the vines, among the friendly local population of alpacas.
Morans Falls
O’Reilly’s isn’t just a haven for wine lovers. But the whole family will find themselves in awe of the natural wonders and amenities offered by the Rainforest Retreat - take in the views of the region from the treetop walk, not forgetting to stop by the thunderous cascade of Morans Falls before you tuck in for the night in one of the collection of architecturally designed villas perched on the hillside.
Rise with the sun to greet the day from new heights with a hot air balloon ride. Departing from Canungra you’ll be treated to a Champagne breakfast while you take a gander at the surrounding Gold Coast from above. On landing, satisfy those caffeine cravings with a visit to Tamborine Coffee Plantation in the nearby Scenic Rim, a cafe, roastery and coffee plantation in one. Not enough adventure for one day? Fly through the trees with a few hours spent at high ropes adrenaline park Treetop Challenge, or stroll above the canopy on the Rainforest Skywalk.
Take it easy this afternoon with a foray through the region’s best producers - you can nibble on cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery, or sip on the liqueurs of Tamborine Mountain Distillery among more. It’s not all eating and drinking though - indulge your inner art critic with an exploration of the resident art galleries which are scattered across the village.
Photo by @sokhamarky
En route back to the bright lights of the Gold Coast, make a pit stop to watch the sunset at Robert Sowter Park, sometimes known as Hang Gliders Lookout. As its name suggests, this space is a popular launch site for high flyers, but ground-bound visitors will be just as enamoured with the views.