Road Trip
By Danielle Reckless
It’s time to hit the road and explore those quiet corners of Queensland you’ve always meant to see, but never quite made the time.
From the glistening coastline to the cool hinterland hills, to wine country and rolling countryside, this South East Queensland road trip takes in the very best of our southern Sunshine State.
Pack your appetite, camera and sense of adventure. This is a journey you’ll relive constantly, and want to repeat over and over again.
Think the Gold Coast starts and ends with the energy of Surfers Paradise? Over the past few years, Burleigh Heads has really come into its own, stealing a lot of the limelight from its northern neighbour. It’s equal parts laid-back coastal charm and trendy dining destination.
If you’re looking for big beach views, they don’t come bigger than at Burleigh Head National Park, where you’ll get the best look at the surfers, city skyline, and plenty of humpback whales each winter. Do as the locals do, and grab a coffee from Nook Espresso for your walk over the headland. Take the coastal track and you’ll end up at Tallebudgera Creek, one of the best not-so-secret-anymore beaches down south. After a dip, head back to Burleigh via the upper track and soak up the views from Tumgun Lookout.
For something truly special, experience the national park through the stories of its traditional custodians with Jellurgal.
Rick Shores and Burleigh go hand in hand. The Moreton Bay Bug rolls are the stuff of legend, and come sunset, if you’ve got a table with the beach view your feet are practically in the sand while you dine. It’s as much a local-loved restaurant as a bucket-list worthy travel favourite, so make your reservation well in advance.
If you’ve got gas in the tank afterwards, head upstairs to Burleigh Paviion, catch the rest of the sunset from Burleigh Hill or make your way to one of these other local bars or eateries.
Overnight: Stay close to the action tonight in Burleigh Heads. Bujerum Apartments and 2nd Avenue Beachside Apartments are great options, close to the beach for a morning walk before you set off on the next adventure.
Photo by @canungravalleyvineyards
Today you’ll leave the beach behind for the cool hills of the Gold Coast Hinterland. But before you do, grab breakfast at community favourite café, Commune.
Roll your windows down and let the country air fill the car; it’s only 45 minutes’ drive to today’s first stop: Canungra Valley Vineyards. Wander the vineyard grounds, order a picnic basket, taste your way through locally produced wines, and meet the friendly alpacas. If you’re craving a coffee afterwards, the quaint village of Canungra bustles with cafes and galleries.
Fuelled up, hit the road for nearby Lamington National Park. Part of the world heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest area, the 320kms of walking tracks wind their way through forests that have stood since the dinosaurs stood here too, leading their way to spectacular lookouts and waterfalls.
There’s plenty of hikes to take this afternoon, depending on what time you arrive at the O’Reilly’s base. Climb into the forest canopy on the Tree Top Walk (800m), wander to the Wishing Tree (2.4km), or lace up your boots and head to Moran Falls (4km). The track descends 140 metres through a sub-tropical rainforest of booyongs, figs and brush box to Morans Falls Lookout. If you have half a day, the walk to Elabana Falls (7.6km) is a must-do. Prefer to learn as you walk? Sign up for a private guided walk with an experienced and knowledgeable O’Reilly’s guide.
Overnight: Wind down at historic O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat; the Lost World Spa is the perfect recovery after a few hours on the trails. Or, stay anywhere on this list.
Photo by @swaller4
It’s time to head deeper into Queensland Country. Buckle up and make your way to Stanthorpe via Killarney’s vibrant rolling hills. It’s a four hour drive today, but you’ll still probably clock more glasses raised than miles on the odometer once you arrive in the Granite Belt.
Stretch your legs en route with a stop at Queen Mary Falls; taking in the views from the lookout and then descend on the walking track to meet the pools below.
Bring your appetite because you’ve arrived in Queensland’s home of farm to table dining. You could easily spend a long weekend tasting your way around the region’s restaurants, markets, farm stores and wineries, but for now just wet your whistle with the highlights reel.
Hightail it to Hidden Creek Winery for a private tasting session and a late lunch by the vineyards, then spend the afternoon hopping between Granite Belt cellar doors. When you’re ready for dinner, look to The Barrelroom Restaurant at Ballandean Estate (the oldest operating winery in the area) or newcomer Essen in Stanthorpe.
Overnight: Cosy up by the fireplace and sink into a bottle of red you picked up earlier in your own luxury glamping tent at Alure, or one of these quirky spots.
Photo by @mal_c_mesmereyz
From Granite Belt wineries to granite monoliths, discover the dry forest and natural rock formations of Girraween National Park, where curious shapes have been carved out over millions of years. Take it easy and check out the Granite Arch, follow the trail to Castle Rock and The Sphinx, or scramble up to The Pyramid for sweeping views of the park.
Cool off at the Bald Rock Creek camping area and devour a spread of gourmet goodies you’ve collected along from (here’s the local secrets for the perfect platter).
Photo by @spicerspeaklodge
It’s time to point the GPS north, and journey two hours to a hidden mountain gem: Spicers Peak Lodge.
Relaxation comes easy here, set on 8,000 acres of Australian bushland that borders World Heritage Listed national park. The afternoon is yours to take in the views, wander the property via walking trails, take a scenic helicopter flight or indulge in a treatment at Spa Anise. Toast to sunset on the lodge deck, and save room for dinner at The Peak restaurant, where the locally-sourced menu changes daily.
Overnight: Fall asleep in a Spa Lodge Suite at Spicers Peak Lodge after a few hours of stargazing.
Photo by @katiejonesimages
It’ll be tough to drag yourself away from one of Australia’s finest mountain retreats, which is why your final day on the road is packed with sights and tastes. It’s a three hour drive back to the coast from here, but take the scenic route; your stomach will thank you later.
The colours of the Scenic Rim are unlike anything you’ve seen; as you drive through verdant countryside dotted with rugged mountains, serene lakes and flavourful farm stands. One of the best views can be had a Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm, where you can also have your pick of wines at the cellar door or a long lunch of French-country inspired dishes prepared by chef Daniel Groneberg. And if you’re up for exploring more of the food scene, follow this gourmet guide.
Photo by @tripthink
Drive a little further and you’ll climb the mountain to Queensland’s cutest village; Tamborine. From its main street lined with cafes and cuckoo clock shops (a must visit), this destination boasts national park wonders that’ll make you hit the walking trail, and wonderful wine lists that’ll plant you back in another vineyard.
Soak it up as long as the sun’s shining, then, as dusk falls, have one final sunset wine on the mountain before you return back to the coast; where the adventure first began.